CHAP. I. Of the necessitie and excellencie of the Ministerie and the Word preached .

WHen the World by wisedome knew 1. Cor. 1. 21. not God in the wisedome of God , it pleased God to appoint a weake The necessitie of Preaching and Preachers . meanes , in carnall iudgement , euen the foolishnesse of preaching to saue his elect : And heerein ordinarily God will shew his power to saue all that shall be saued . It was from the beginning Preaching and Prophecying , before the fall and after . In Paradise God taught Adam and Eue both Law Genes. 2. 6. 17. and Gospell , Genes. 3. 15. Before the floud , Enoch , Iude vers. 14. Noah 1. Pet. 3. 19. After the floud , to Moses , Abraham , Genes. 20. 7. and 18. 19. Isaac and Iacob , Ioseph , Psal. 105. 22. From Moses , Ieremie saith , the Lord Ier. 7. 25. ceased not to send his seruants the Prophets . And S. Iames witnesseth that Moses had his ordinarie teachers , continued to his daies , Act. 15. 21. The Apostle S. Paul tels vs , that as Christ sent out his Apostles , and gaue them a charge at his Ascension , with a promise , Matt. 28. 18. 19. So he gaue gifts for the Ministerie and Preaching of the Word vnto the worlds end , Ephes. 4. 12. Esai 66. 21. Ier. 33. 21. without the which the people perish , Prouerb . 29. 18. How can people call on him in whom they haue not beleeued ? How can they beleeue of whom they haue not heard ? and how can they heare without a Preacher ? It is therefore verie necessary , and those which should preach the same . For this cause , by the holy spirit the Ministers of the Gospel are called Light , Salt , Sauiours , Seers , Chariots of Israel , & Horsemen thereof , Pastours , Planters , Waterers , Builders , and Stewards , Watchmen , Soldiers , Nurses , and such like ; comparing them to such things , and callings , as are most common , and also needfull to necessarie vses : that the necessity of them heereby may be considered of , both for the Church and Common-wealth . For that is true by experience , that men thorough the preaching of the Word conscionably , are brought to more euen ciuill humanitie , than , by the lawes of man , which may bridle somewhat : But it is the Word onely which worketh conscience to God , true obedience to men , Christian loue and pietie : Yea the Word can worke such humiliation and subiection ( for it is the power of God ) and that to be voluntarilie , as it appeareth in the King of Nineuie , his Nobles and people , as no power of man can worke and bring them vnto . Therfore should this , if men haue no better grace , euen in policie be accounted necessarie , and by Princes be vpholden and maintained . Why should not therefore men couet to be in this calling euen for publike good ? which is not onely profitable , and The Ministerie is an honorable calling . necessarie , but also withall a very honorable function , and a woorthie worke , 1. Tim. 5. 1. which both God himselfe and the woorthiest men that euer liued tooke vpon them . To passe ouer other ; Salomon that most wise king , and for regall magnificencie and power had not his peere : y●t intituled himselfe the Preacher . Our Sauiour Christ did chuse to honour this calling , and performed in his person , the office of a Preacher amongst men on earth , in all mens sight : but refused to be a Iudge , or to be made a King : though he ordained both and is truely both . Dauid a woorthy warriour , and a valiant champion , yea a royall King , disdained not to be a Prophet of God vnto the people ; yea and once Priest-like to dance cheerely before the Arke of God in a white garment . Esaias is held to be of the blood royal , & yet a Prophet & Teacher in Iudah , without disparagement . This is not to be vnderstood , as spoken of honest men , but of the vnconscionable in their callings .

Some of our States and Gentrie , with prophane Esau contemne as he did this calling for a messe of pottage , worldly pompe , pleasure , and profit ; wish their children any thing , worldly Lawyers , fraudulent Merchants , killing Physicians , bloody Captaines , idle loose liuers , swearing ruffians , walkers on Shooters-hill , & coursers on Salisburies plaines , to maintaine their riot , rather than ( as they call them ) Priests . And yet this state is magnified of God and man .

The Lord requireth that his Ministers be receiued with double honour . To whom doth euer Christ say , but to them : He that heareth you heareth me , and him that sent me . He that despiseth you , despiseth me and my father also .

Hath not God set them out with honorable titles , & calleth th● Ministers of God , Tit. 1. 1. Workers together with God , 2. Cor. 6. 1. Ambassadors of Christ Iesus ? 2. Cor. 5. 19. Elders ? Act. 5. 20. 1. Tim. 6. Ouerseers ? Tit. 1. Fathers , Men of God ; Friends of God ; Disposers of the secrets of Gods holie ones ? Psal. 89. 19. and 106. 16. Prophets , Angels ? All titles of reuerence , honor , and preheminence .

Why then should any disdaine ( ô yee sonnes of Nobles ) to take this calling vpon you , or any of you to be male content , who haue alreadie entred hereunto , because the proud & wicked despise you ? Heare I pray you ( yee Heralds of the euerliuing God ) may it possiblie seeme a small thing to be 2. Cor. 2. 15. & 10. 5. a separated people vnto God himselfe from the multitude of men ? to be the sweet sauour of Christ in all that are saued and them that perish ? to cast downe the imagination of man , and euerie high thought against God ? to bring it captiue to the obedience of Christ ?

Is it a small matter to meddle with the Secrets of God , to saue soules , to open and shut the kingdome of heauen , for and against whomsoeuer ?

Many other callings are , as on the earth , so for the earth or earthly matters . But this concerneth the soule and heauenly things .

This calling in euery part thereof enforceth vpon a man heauenly Meditations , which none els doth properly .

When a Minister speakes truely Gods Word , he may speake freely to all : And all must heare him , as if God spake , with reuerence : els , it will be easier for Sodome and Lib. 1. de ratione concionandi . Gomorrha in the day of iudgement than for that person or people , Math. 10. 14. 15. Sires ipsas , saith Erasmus , iustâ pensemus trutin● , nullus est rex tam magnificus , quatenus rex est , quin sit infra dignitatem , non dicam Episcopi , sed dicam Pastoris , quatenus est Pastor . And lest it might seeme a paradox , hee prooueth it by comparing the matter and the scope of either calling with other : Honor & sublimitas Episcopalis ( saith S. Ambrose in Pastorali ) nullis poterit comparationibu● adaequari . Si Regum fulgori compares & principum diademati , longe erit inferior comparatio , quâm si plumb● metallum ad auri fulgorem compares . And againe a little after in the same booke he saith ; Nihil in seculo hoc excellentius sacerdotibus , nihil sublimius Episcopis reperiri potest . Where lest the former should be taken as onely spoken of such as are Bishops , he in this latter place , speakes of Priests , and of them , before Bishops : but all this must be vnderstood of good Bishops and Priests , els I dare say , Nihil in hoc seculo pestilentius Episcopis & Sacerdotibus impijs , quales sunt papales , qui ventrem pro Deo habent , qui gloriam sibi adulatione , opibus , honore , vaniloquentia acquirere student , qui terrestria sapiunt , qui per auaritiam si●●titijs verbis auditores suos nundinantur ; qui similes animalibus ratione expertibus , voluptatem in quotidianis ponunt delitijs : qui animum habent rapinis exercitatum , & habendi coaceruandique beneficia & honores cupiditate inexplebilem , quibus tenebrarum caligo sempiterna reseruatur . But for such as be faithfull is reserued a crown of glorie ; and by sauing of soules , they shall in heauen shine as the starres for euer and euer .

We thus see the necessitie of this calling , the honour thereof ; and how highly it is magnified by God himselfe , and good men .

There is no cause why amongst vs that are called Christians , it should be esteemed so contemptible a calling : which also the very heathen , who neuer knew the true God , so much reuerenced .

It is recorded , that amongst the Athenians no King was created before he had taken orders , and was made a Priest .

The Egyptians are said , of Philosophers to chuse their Priests , and of their Priests Kings .

Vziah a mightie King in Iudah , who though he offended in presumption , yet his act declared his high esteeme of the Priests office , and that it was not so base in his eies as now the Ministerie of Christ is amongst many of vs . An office more meet for the mightiest person of the best education and noblest birth , than for the basest of the people & lowest sort , vpon whom for the most part it is cast ; because the wisemen of the world , men of might , & the noble , hold it derogatorie to their dignities , the Word it selfe too simple a subiect for their deepe conceits and reach in policies . But this is the Lords doing ; that the foolish things of the world might confound the wise ; weake things , mightie ; 1. Cor. ● . vile things and despised ( so is Gods choise ) to bring to naught things that are : that all may be said to be of him , and he haue the more glorie , who is heerein to be praised for euer .

Amen .

CHAP. II. Of the lawfull entrance of a Minister into the Ministerie , and also into his charge and place .

WE see it is no disgrace for any to be a Minister of the Gospell , and is a calling woorthie of any qualified in the excellentest maner ; yet is not euerie one woorthie of it , not fit for it : but such as are called and sent of God , being furnished with gifts in some measure to be able to discharge the office of a Teacher , and also stirred vp with a godly affection to desire the same .

Thus being sent of God , the Church by examination A Minister must be sent of God , and called of the Church . must , or they to whom the authoritie of the Church is committed ▪ trie thee and approouing thee by finding thee endued with such gifts as is necessarie for a Minister , must call and institute one lawfully presented to a Pastorall charge to take care ouer the flocke . Wee may not take it vpon vs before we be called : if any runne before the Lord call , as many doe for profit , ease , and honour , we may condemne Luk. 24. Act. 1. ourselues for haste , and goe without expectation of good speed . God appoints none but he prepareth them before , and giueth them gifts to performe their dutie . Considera ( saith S. Ierom ) Sacerdotum esse officium de lege interrogantibus Ierome on Haggai . respondere : Si Sacerdos est , sciat legem domini ; si ignorat ▪ ipse se arguit non esse Sacerdotem domini . So as an vnfit man , ignorant and vaine , may be mans Minister , but none of Christs messenger .

Againe , if we rush in without authoritie of the Church , it is presumption , contempt of Superioritie , breach of order , the nurse of confusion , the mother of schisme , and bane of Churches peace : Begin well , and better hope there is to end well . First let vs take our warrant , and then proceed in commission , and aime at a right end . Let true zeale mooue thee for Gods glorie , the aduancing of Christs kingdome , to conuert sinners , and to build the bodie of Christ , to open the eies of the blinde , and to turne them from darknesse to light , from Sathan vnto God , to the edifying of the bodie of Christ , and ouerthrow of the power of darknesse . Begin Causes moouing to the Ministerie . not for profit , for feare of pouertie , nor for ease , because thou art loth to labour , neither for honour to be had in estimation . The chiefe ends , let them be first in thine intention ; Seeke God and not thy selfe , lest with Iudas thou Eph. 4. 11. 12. finde thine owne desire , comming for the bagge , and so lose Gods blessing . There is a proper end of euery thing . The Lord shewes why he hath appointed Pastors for his Church : if we intend any other thing sinisterly , seeking by it , which it in Gods appointment aimeth not at , it is to abuse hypocritically holie things by a deceitfull heart ; as Iesabell did a fast for Naboths vineyard ; but such hearts shew themselues actiuely thorow idlenesse , conetousnesse , or proud aspiring afterwards .

When God hath furnished , and the Church approoued , The Ministers gifts must fit his place . then as Gods gifts come freely , so purchase not at anie hand a place by Symonie : Neither chuse it after thy appetite for the best Benefice , but after thy gifts , as thou maist most profit a people .

A man may bee a fit Minister of Christ , yet not meet for euery Congregation ; few so qualified : a milde and a soft spirit to a meeke companie ; a lowe voice to a little auditorie , els some few heare , and the rest must stand & gaze : an vndauntable minde to stubborne persons ; Duris nodis durus exhibeatur cuneus ; a loud voice to a great assembly , to a more learned Church a better Clerke ; and one of lesse vnderstanding to a ruder sort : Ioine like vnto like , that Pastor and flocke may fit together , for their best good .

The congregation reapes small benefit where the Preachers gifts fit not for the place : Therefore as wee must haue conscience to enter into the Ministerie rightly ; so must we be verie respectiue to settle our selues with a people conueniently , for our best comfort and their more edification .

CHAP. III. Of the Ministers wise and godly proceeding in his Pastorall charge to teach his people .

A Minister placed ouer a Congregation , so as is said , is A Minister must feed his flocke . there appointed of God , and there must settle himselfe to abide , vnlesse he be lawfully called from thence , or necessitie compell him to depart .

And that flocke must he foorthwith begin to feed , and not onely desire the fleece : wages are due to the worke : the painfull labourer should reape the profit ; and not the idle loiterer .

To feed aright its necessarie , to weigh what estate they How to feede aright and profitably diuers sorts of people . stand in , and to consider their conditions .

A Counseller must know the case to giue sound aduice ; The Physitian his Patient , to administer a wholsome potion : And he that will profit a people , must skilfully discerne his auditorie .

I. If ignorant and indocible , prepare them to receiue the Ignorant and indocible . Word , and winne them from their owne waies , pretended customes , superstitious vses ; from supposed good intents , examples of blindly-led forefathers ; from the good liking of Popish religion , as the best , vpon carnall reason and worldly commodities ; from dislike of the truth now taught them ; and from a conceit of imagination in them , that they are in case happie enough ; and such like impediments , as rubbish to be remooued : to lay a foundation by reasoning Act. 17. 2. 3. 17. Act. 2. 36. with them , and forciblie conuincing them of sinne : so that they may be pricked in their hearts , and shew the necessitie of preaching vnto them .

If they heereupon be touched and become docible , then Act. 17. 30. 31. deliuer the doctrine of the Gospell more generally at the first , and as they amend , more particularly .

If they abide obstinate , and will not receiue the Word , after some sufficient time of triall , they deserue to be left , Matth. 10. 14. Prou. 9. 8. Matth. 7. 6. Act. 19. 8. 9. & 17. 33.

II. If ignorant , and willing to be taught , they must be Ignorant and willing . first Catechized and taught the grounds and principles of Religion , the Creed , the Lords praier , the ten Commandements , and the doctrine of the Sacraments : with this milke they must be fedde , or els neuer looke that they 1. Cor. 3. 1. Heb. 5. 13. Ioh. 16. 12. 1. Pet. 3. 21. Luc. 1. 4. shall be able to receiue strong meat ; they cannot vnderstand nor iudge of interpretations without it .

All Arts haue their principles which must be learned , so hath Diuinitie .

Experience shewes how that little profit comes by preaching That people must be Catechised : and the manner how . where Catechising is neglected . Many there are who teach twise or three times in a weeke : and yet see lesse fruit of many yeeres labour by not Catechising withall , than some reape in one yeere , who performe both together .

This maner of Catechising is to be performed by propounding questions , and the people answering to them : this plaine and simple kinde is the best , and will bring the most profit , though it seeme childish , and be to many tedious .

Children ( as all are without knowledge , yea babes at first ) must be dealt with as children . Many teach the Catechisme , but it s after a discoursing maner , which also experience declareth , that it nothing benefits at all the ruder sort , of which kind are most in countrie Congregations .

Such as will 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rightly must 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that is , audire , as well as erudire : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , is audio and erudio , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , one Catechised is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , resonans : In Schooles , masters shal neuer profit scholers , that heares not them , as well as to giue lectures .

Let the people then learne the Catechisme word for word , and answer to euery question : Interrupt not beginners with interpretations , neither goe further with any than he can well say : after come to the meaning , and inquire an answer still of them , how they vnderstand this or that in one question , and so in an other ; but goe not beyond their conceits ; state somewhat for an answer , but not too long : if one know not , aske another ; if any but stammer at it , helpe him , and encourage him by commending his willingnesse : if none can answer a question , shew it thy selfe plainly , how they might haue conceiued it : and then aske it some one againe , and praise him that vnderstands it , and answers after thy telling of him .

Note the varietie of wittes , and as they be , so deale with them ; take a word or a piece of an answer from one , when you may expect much from another : teach with cheerefull countenance , familiarly , and louingly .

The forward commend openly , speake to them also in priuate heartily , to Capt●re beneuolentiam : hardly will anie learne of those they hate . Be free of speech to answer at any mans asking , and gladly take occasion to shew a will readie alwaies to teach . Be familiar , but beware of contempt : neuer permit any to laugh at others wants : that will vtterlie discourage them from comming : Make much of the meanest , the best esteeme of as is meete , to make the rest aemulous : But the wilfull obstinate rebuke as they deserue , lest their example make the inclinable , carelesse , and the better sort , lesse dutifull .

Thus through Gods goodnesse thou maiest profit by Catechising : draw them to it also without compulsion ; but if thou beest proud and cannot stoupe to their capacitie , or impatient to heare an ignorant answer , or disdainfull to be familiar ; few will come to thee willingly , and none but by force ; and these will profit little by thee . Experience hath beene my Schoole-master , and taught me these things , and I finde great fruit , to my comfort .

Suspect that we bee wanting in our dutie , when none profit by our paines : happely our hearts seeke not vnfeignedly what we seeme to professe ; we teach vsually of course , but endeuour not to saue our people , of conscience .

III. If they haue beene a people taught , and hauing Taught but vnsanctified . 2. Cor 7. 8. knowledge , but without shew of sanctification ; the doctrine of the Law must be vrged vpon them , with legall threats to bring them to a feeling of sinne ; and note some speciall sinne whereof they bee guiltie , and vrge the euill of that sinne , and wrath of God therefore vpon them , to make Act 8. 22. them sorie , that at length they may repent thereof , and bring true repentance for one , and it will cause a hatred of all : when they are humbled , preach consolation .

IV. If they know and beleeue , liuing religiously in a A beleeuing an●●●●onable ▪ 〈◊〉 . ● . Thes. 1. 5. & 41. Act. 11. 23. holy conuersation , they must be encouraged , commended , and entreated to continue with encrease , daily deliuering the Law without the curse , as a rule of obedience , not to condemnation ; and prouoke them by the sweet promises of the Gospel , to beleeue and practise vnto the end .

V. If they be declining , or already fallen backe , whether Backsliding . Gal. 1. &c. Esa. 1. &c. 1. Cor. in doctrine or maners , recall them backe , and labour to recouer them ; by conuincing the errors , correcting the vices , and by shewing their future miseries by relapse , and their happinesse by a timely returne againe .

VI. If the people be mixt of all , as our Congregations A mixt Congregation . are , they must be dealt withall euerie way , as in the former particulars hath beene declared .

Informe the ignorant , confirme such as haue vnderstanding , reclaime the vitious , encourage the vertuous , convince the erroneous , strengthen the weake , recouer againe the backslider , resolue those that doubt , feede with milke and strong meat continually , in season and out of season : 2. Tim. 4. 1. 2. when thou thy selfe art loth to labour , and the people list not to heare ; when pleasures withdraw , wordly cares carrie away ; much labour before seeming mispent , and little hope of after profit : yea euen in persecution , then cease not . Remember Ezec. 3. Act. 20. that thou hast a flocke to feed , and their blood to answer for : weigh with compassion their miserie , consider thy glorie and reward in winning of soules ; and that it is God that will fully recompence , when the people despise thee , and regard thee nothing .

But yet in performing thy office , bee euer so desirous to It is not good to preach without prepararation . speake , as neuerthelesse thou come not to discharge the publike dutie vnprepared . The best wit readiest to conceiue , the firmest memorie to retaine ; nor the volublest tongue to vtter ( excellent gifts but much abused to idlenesse and vaine glorie ) may not exempt a man from studying , reading , writing sometime , meditation and continuall praier . The men of God indued with gifts extraordinarie , were diligent searchers of the Scriptures . The Sauiour and chief Prophet exhorts the Teachers in Ierusalem hereunto , Ioh. 5. S. Paul bindes Timothie vnto it , 1. Tim. 4. 13. S. Peter plainly shewes it to be the practise of the Prophets , 1. Pet. 1. 10. It seemeth that Ieremie read the Psalmes , Ierem. 10. Ps. 79. 6. Daniel perused Ieremie . It is certaine , S. Paul had his books Dan. 9. 2. and parchments , not to write in , but to read on , if Caluin 2. Tim. 4. 13. may be credited ; and Peter wee may see looked into Pauls Epistles , 2. Pet. 3. 16.

It is not beseeming the weightinesse of the worke , nor reuerence The vanitie of Preaching extempore . of the place , to runne suddenly to stand vp in the roome of God : A rash attempt in so high mysteries breeds but contempts : A desire to shew a mans extemporall facultie , declareth a mans indiscretion and folly . Who will , that is wise , speake before Princes or Princelie Peeres , of Princes affaires openly with leuitie ? of matters of great importance suddenly ? Who will , that respects bloud , giue sentence of life & death rashly ? The Minister in Christs chaire speakes of Christ , before God & his Angels ; the matter is the secrets of the kingdome ; the precious treasures of heauen , by him are opened and set to sale : He is setting before his hearers life & death , heauen and hell ; and is pronouncing the sentence of saluation o● damnation vpon them : Sudden conceits of the minde not digested , must needs be rawly deliuered : often little to the purpose , and eftsoones as farre from the matter as he from serious meditations . And the world is full of carpers , all are not conscionable hearers ; by rash & headdie powring out of some thing vnawares , thou maiest giue an occasion to the euill disposed , either of contempt or raising of contention . Men of this disposition labour for pra●●e , who either play the worldlings all the weeke , or delight in their pleasures , and yet of a sudden can giue men a sermon . But they often lose that they looke for of the wise and iudicious hearers . Holie things are not to bee handled hastily , that we may not cast pearles to swine . Maintenance is allowed , time is allotted ; and suddenly we need not , vnlesse we will , vndertake such a worke without preparation . This leuitie in preaching makes a light conceit of Preaching , though not the often preaching done seriouslie by studie and foreset iudgement .

Preaching should not be a labour of the lippes , or talke of the toong from a light imagination : but a serious meditation of the heart in grounded knowledge by much study and illumination of the spirit .

So to preach will preuent light account of thy words , it will moone the hearers to reuerence , bring more credite to Gods ordinance , worke more effectually , yea pierce more deepely , as spoken with authoritie ; when words carrie weight of reasons and religion , and are deliuered with knowledge conscionablie .

CHAP. IV. Of Prayer before the Sermon .

THe Minister and man of God well prepared , the godly order of Diuine Seruice so called , as it is by the Church appointed , without giuing of offence obserued ; and as the custome is , after a Psalme sung ; then maiest Neh. 8. 7. thou ascend vp into the Pulpit , fitly placed for the benefit Luk. 4. of all , or most , that thou maiest behold all , and they may haue their eies fastened vpon thee .

Begin with Praier before thou read the text , after the Begin with Praier . August . lib. 4. cap. 1. de doct. Christiana . Eph. 6. 19. Ioh. 16. custome of ancient Fathers , as S. Augustine testifieth , and as religious reuerence bindeth vs .

Praier must bee the Proeme ; it is the Lord that both giues wisedome to vnderstand , and words of vtterance : it is the spirit that strengtheneth their hearts in speaking , that guides them in the trueth , calles things to their remembrance , & makes them able Ministers of the Gospell . The Matth. 10. 2. Cor. 3. 5. 6. Luk. 24. Act. 1. Act. 2. 47. & 13. 48. 2. Cor. 3. 6. Deut. 29. 4. Esai 63. 17. What is required in a Minister to be able to pray well . Disciples might not goe out before they had receiued the spirit ; neither may wee goe vp and speake without it . It is not by the instrument that men are conuerted ; neither in the words lieth the power to saue : But it is the Lords blessing thereupon , who thereby addeth to the Church such as are ordained to be saued . Paul plants , Appollo waters , but God giues the increase ; els is al in vaine , though woonders were shewed from heauen with the preaching of the Word .

Heere for the Minister to doe his worke , Faith is required ; to goe to the throne of grace boldly , the seeling of wants and need of Gods blessing , to pray ardently : a loue and commiseration of his hearers , to crie to God compassionately : and a consideration of Gods glorious Maiestie there present , to speake vnto him reuerently . It must bee with vnderstanding and affection ; the matter well digested into order , and vttered in few words briefly .

It is not conuenient to be long in Praier vsually , except Long and tedious Praiers not commendable . vpon extraordinarie occasion sometime : Remember that one may more easily continue praying with deuotion ; than others hearing in silence , can religiously giue an assent with good attention .

Halfe houre Praiers are too tedious , vsuall with some men , which is their indiscretion ; wearisome to all , liked of none , but such as vse them , who seeme to striue to win God by words , or to waste time . It may bee thought that such weigh not other mens weaknesse , or that Praier is not held feruent , that is not stretched out to such a length ; when experience shewes to euerie mans feeling , that feruencie of spirit in Praier is not so during ; but euen in a short space is interrupted with wauering thoughts and by ▪ fantasies : the edge of godlie feruencie of affection is soone blunted . Let euery one in praying consider what he is in hearing , and so measure his time ; as also by the liking or dislike of the Christianly disposed , whose mindes must in these things be our measure .

The voice must be audible , continued with one sound , Of the voice in Praier . the words vttered deliberatelie , not huddled vp in a hastie maner too irreuerently .

The gesture is with bended knees ; with the eies and Gesture . 2. Chro. 6. 13. A set forme of Praier in the beginning . hands lifted vp towards heauen .

It is not amisse ( except vpon some not common occasion ) to obserue in the beginning one set forme of Praier , as many godly men doe . In our Praier wee are the peoples mouth vnto God , and therefore such as in the Pulpit pray for themselues in the singular number , as thus ; I pray thee open my mouth , &c. doe therein breake off the course of their publike function , and make it a priuate action , vntuneable without concord to the rest , as a iarring string .