CHAPTER 1. Against usurping privie meetings , for exercising ministeriall dueties , pretending mutuall edification : as also of night meetings .

Question MAY we not at all times , and in all places convocat people for mutuall edification , not seeking libertie of their Pastours , as did the apostles and disciples ?

Answ. Not only men not called to preach , but also Pastours and Preachers may not doe it . 2. The apostles and disciples might lawfully preach publickly & privatly in all places , without usurpation , for none other had the ministerial charge but themselves . 3. Preachers law fully called by men first teaching true doctrine , and afterwards they turne apostats or hereticks ; thereby they losse the right of a lawfull calling , for GOD sendeth none to teach errors and heresies , and men have no warrand of GOD to call them . These apostats and hereticks are become usurpers of the places whereunto they were called , and therefore sound teachers may convocat privie meetings in these paroches without their warrand , and without usurpation . But it is usurpation to do so in the paroches of sound teachers . 4. Paul forbad Timothie to lay hands upon any suddenly and that hee should not be partakers of their sins , 1 Tim. 5.22 . Women may not speak publictly , 1 Cor. 14. They may teach younger women privatly , Tit. 2.3 . and they who admit men untryed , unqualified , and without imposition of hands , are partakers of all their sins , he resies and abuses , which they bring into GODS church . 5. The apostles themselves might not preach in any place uncalled . The Lord forbad them to go to the Gentiles , and to the cities of Samaria , and bade them go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel , Mat. 10. But after his resurrection he sent them to all nations , Mat. 28. Paul ( Act. 20 ) biddeth Pastours take heed , not to other mens flocks , but over which the holy Ghost made them overseers . The Spirit suffered not Paul and Timothie to preach in Bithynia and Asia , but in Macedonia , Act. 16.6 . Many pretend private meetings , but they plead for publict meetings under this name .

Quest. How are they publict ?

Ans. In respect of persons , place , and manner of exercise . 1. The persons are not of one familie only , nor two or three of sundrie families , meeting occasionally , but oftimes many families , and persons of diverse families towns and parishes , &c. their number exceeding sundrie parishes . 2. The place though it be a chamber , or house ordained for private uses , yet they make them publict houses , appointing them for ordinarie publict meetings and publict exercises : Churches are for no other respects made publict houses . 3. The exercises are publictin their usage : for they doe not every two and two , or two and three , or three and three confer privatly together , but one speaketh to all the rest , and oftimes many speake one after another : So these meetings are more publict then ours , where only one or two speak publictly .

Quest. Can the privie meetings of two or three usurpe the ministeriall charge ? Ans. Two or three may usurp over the dignitie and office of kings , as really as two or three thousand , though the usupation of a greater number be more notable . If they appoint one of their number continually , or every one their time about to be king over the rest , prescribing and executing lawes , and receiving royall honour and obedience from the rest , not being deputed by the lawfull king to that effect , it is usurpatition . Paul , Rom. 13. saith , There is no power but that which is ordeined of God : yet without usurpation we may admonish and counsell one another to do all civile dueties . Such usurpation may be in every jurisdiction of princes , rulers and magistrats , &c. So in the ecclesiasticall jurisdiction , if two or three establish an ordinarie custome of preaching , and of doing ministeriall dueties , whether one alone , or every one their time about do the charge ; they not being deputed , nor warranted by the ordinarie pastor , it is usurpation . In a well ordered citie the citizens suffer none to encroach upon their callings , liberties , and priviledges : much lesse should such abuses be tollerat in a well ordered church . 2. Pastors may preach both privatly and publictly in their own parishes . If in their infirmitie , absence , or lawfull distractions , they imploy others in their places , it is a lawfull calling . 3. Men may teach their own families , it is warranted by GOD , though like Abrahams familie , 318. souls dwell together . 4. All other meetings should be occasionall , not hindering familie worship , not ordinarie publict worship , nor the dueties of servants to their masters , of children to their parents , and wives to their husbands .

Quest. What meetings are occasionall ?

Answ. Such as are not of set purpose appointed for ordinarie ministeriall exercises , but when by the providence of GOD men meet for other occasions , either civile or ecclesiasticall , as 1. when two or three together take occasion of the publict preachings in the Sabboth , to repeat the things they have heard : 2. They may edifie one another going together unto churches . 3. Within the churches , before the publict exercises begin , and between preachings , and when they are ended 4. At the preaching men may stir up one another unto attendance by example and exhortation : 5. Returning home they may use conference . 6. Walking or sitting in the fields . 7. Meeting two or three together at markets or publict places . 8. Eating or drinking together . 9. In buying or selling together their speaches and purposes should savour of holinesse , and of a godly conversation , and of a good conscience . 10 Labouring together in a calling , and in all honest exercises 11. Going to wars together , 12. In doubtsome matters enquire at their pastors , or other learned men , 13. At publict catechising men may learne , hearing the answers , also the preachers should cause some rehearse conceived and set formes of prayer , that others may learn to pray , and schoolmasters should do so to their disciples 14. And by missive letters , as the Saints did edifie one another in the primitive church . 15. And sailing together . 16. Ryding or travelling on journeyes . 17. Meeting at burials . 18. At extraordinarie feasts . 19. At familie worship catechise them , teach them to pray , interpret obscure passages of Scriptures , take an account what they have heard at publict preachings . If any occasionally come in , he may hear these exercises . 20. Visiting the sick , the father lesse , the prisoner , the afflicted . 21. Visiting friends and acquaintance . 22. By a godly life & conversation , good example edifieth dayly .

Quest. Do not the Scriptures warrand us to meet ordinarly , for ministeriall exercises and mutuall edification , as Hebr. 3.12 Exhort one another , while it is called to day . Heb. 10.25 . Let us consider one another , not forsaking the assembling of our selves together , as the manner of some is , exhorting one another , &c Pet. 4.10 . As every man hath received , even so minister the same one to another . 1 Thess. 5.14 . Warne them that are unruly , comfort the feeble minded , support the weak . Coloss. 3.16 . Let the Word of GOD dwell in you richly , in all wisdome , teaching and admonishing one another .

Answ. 1. Such places perswade mutuall edification , which may sufficiently be done at the foresaid occasions : but no scripturs do warrand the usurping meetings : GODS word rather terrifieth from such usurpation and boldnesse , as is seene in Vzza , smitten to death for touching the ark , and king Vzzia smitten with leprosie for offering incense . The earth swallowed up Korab and his companie , which were Levits , for seeking the Priesthood , Numb . 16. The sons of Scaeva were wounded by one possessed with a devill , for usurping the apostolick charge : these offices were good , but the persons were not called . Moses sent of GOD to Pharao , fearing his own weaknesse , desired the LORD to send another : But now men , neither sent of GOD , nor fearing their weaknesse , usurp the charges of others . 2. In Hebr. 10.25 . the apostle forbidding to forsake the assembires , speaketh not of usurping meetings-but of meetings where the apostles and preachers lawfully called were present , wherein the people exhorted one another to observe and practise such things as were preached ; and the People asked resolutions of their doubts from the Preachers : As , What shall we doe to bee saved ? Are they many that shall be saved ? How often shall I forgive my brother , unto seven times ? What shall bee the signes of thy coming , and of the end of the world Declare unto us this parable , &c. Math. 18. and 24. Act. 2. &c. yea of times men did forsake the assemblies where Christ preached .

Qu. God giveth not men talents to be hid up , but to be usefull to others . Ergo men should assemble for exercising their gifts .

Answ. 1. Doubtlesse Korab , and the foresaid usurpers had gifts which they could make use of , but they had not a calling a. Men wanting a particular calling , may sufficiently use all their gifts in their generall calling , and Christian conversation , at such occasions as are forementioned . 3. Because some can govern a kingdome , shall they therefore take to themselves royall jurisdiction and government . 4. Gifts are not hid up , if men be willing to use them , as GOD offereth occasion : if no occasion be offered , thy readie and willing intension excuseth thee : thy gifts are not idle , if thou gaine thine own soul by them .

Quest. The gifts of every member should redound to the whole mysticall bodie of Christ , Therefore wee should convocat many to be partakers of our gifts .

Answ. A hurt finger disquieteth the whole bodie : if it bee cured the whole bodie is eased ; so he that doeth good by one member of CHRIST , doth it to all : yea CHRIST este emeth it done to himselfe .

Quest. Should wee not edifie mutually , seeing it is said in Zacharie , 8.21 . The inhabitants of one citic shall go to another , saying , Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord of Hostes , and I will goe also , &c.

Answ. Are these either private or usurping meetings , when they go openly to worship in the temple , as GODS people did yearly at the three great feasts : So do the people of sundrie townes in diverse kingdomes go together into one church . 2. Is mutuall edification hindered , when thou art forbidden to doe it in an usurping way , having lawfull occasion beside : you may thus say , Wee hinder you to live , because we forbid you to live on roberie and thift , having sufficient lawfull meanes beside .

Of night Meetings .

Quest. MAY wee not meet for mutuall edification in the night time , seeing the Apostles practised it . Act. 12. When Peter came to the house of Marie , and Act. 20. Paul preached untill midnight .

Answ. Vsurping meetings are neither lawfull day nor might . 2. In time of persecution , and when Gods church was not in a setled estate , the Apostles and Disciples might lawfully meet privily and publictly , both day and night , without usurpation , for none had the charges but themselves . At that time it was extraordinarie that people heard any preaching at all ; therefore they spent both the day and the night in hearing , not knowing of the like occasion againe . Paul preached never so long at Troas before nor after , and hee departed on the morrow . The people conveened occasionally at the house of Marie , because of the present persecution , to exhort one another unto courage and constancie , and to pray for the deliverance of Peter , and other persecuted Saints . 3. You have dayly occasions of publict preaching , Varitas non quierit angulos , the Truth and the Professors thereof seek not to bee imployed in corners and secret places , if they can finde commodious publict places , though persecution may chasse them unto secret places : But you affect secret places , when you haue suficient publict , it bewrayeth that your novations agree not with the truth .

Quest. What offenses are effected by the usurping privìe meetings ?

Ans. They have no warrand of God , but the charge of ordinarie publict and privie meetings , for religious exercises are committed to ordinarie Pastors , and familie exercise to the Masters of families , or their deputees . The Lord said , Math. 10. That which I tell you secretly , proclaime you on thee hous tops . Many things are more lawfully done in persecution , and apostacie , and in the beginning of a church , then afterwards in time of peace and libertie . 2. They bewray some unwarranded exercises , and though the exercises be lawfull in themselves , yet this secret usage of them in time of libertie shameth them , as if they were works of darknesse : the enemies of the truth have a fit occasion so to judge of them , and to slander the profession . 3. The fruits of privat meetings , which they call mutuall edification , are not greater knowledge of Gods word , and more devotion , and holinesse of life , then all these who are content of the lawfull ordinarie meetings , but they are greater ostentation of these things , and the contempt of such as follow not their courses ; the contempt of sundrie religious exercises , allowed by God in his word as set formes of prayer privat prayer in the pulpet , and in publict places , &c. They spread abroad erroneous novations , people forsake their own pastours , who preach against these novations , leaving their churches almost emptie , and they follow other preachers who countenance their errors ; they so disgrace the Ministrie , that their travels can do little or no good to their own flocks . 4. Thus they disgrace the ordinarie publict meetings , as if they were but ciphers , and unprofitable for edification ; thereby they cause a schisme , but they are called schismaticks who refuse to be schismaticks . 5. They skar pagans and hereticks from conversion , who think that they meet for some lewdnesse and filthinesse , which they dare not do openly . 6. Hereticks at such meetings ( the Gospel having libertie ) wont to spread abroad their heresies ; who could censure them ? for none knew what they taught , untill that so many were infected , that their errours could be no longer kept secret , and then they professed them openly . 7. The papists in Scotland did meet privatly for idolatrous worship , whereby they made way for the power of prelars that they began to obtrud their traditions publictly . 8. Though the brasen serpent was a divine ordinance , yet when they became a mean of dishonouring God , and of spirituall hurt to the people it was destroyed : So though privie meetings were tolerable in time of apostasie , yet when they now bring forth such bitter fruits , they should be abolished . 9. The Patriark , themselves were priests , untill that the Leviticall order was established , but afterwards king Uzzia was punished for offering incense . Bezaleel & A holiab might touch the ark , and look into it , when they were making the vessels of the tabernacle , but after the consecration of these things they might not touch them , nor look into the ark no more then Uzza and the Bethshemits . So it is usurpation to use such meetings , when a lawfull publict order is established .

Quest. If the generall assemblie est ablish such meetings , can they be hurtfull ?

Ans. If the kings and people of Israel had established a libertie , that the people might choose rulers and judges over the whole kingdome , whensoever they pleased , neverthelesse that they had kings . If much treason and usurpation was committed when the king only rules , much more should be committed by the multitude of rulers : So when the publict ministrie is so contemned , before the establishing of such meetings , much more should it bee after all should be in confusion ; neither civile nor spirituall rulers should keep people in order . 2. If a Lord send for some unruly servants to do some service , they come to him passing through their neighbours standing corn , though many plain passages bee besides : if any reprove them for treading the corn , they accuse the reprovers as enemies to their Lord , & to his service , because they are forbidden to go to him in an unlawfull & backward way and they prove that their Lord bad them come that way only , because he bad them come to him : So the defenders of privie meetings accuse their brethren as enemies to mutuall edification , because they forbid them to do it in an usurping way , having sufficient lawfull occasons beside : they prove that they should doe that dutie in an usurping way , only because Gods word biddeth them do that duetie . 3. Salomon sayeth , Thoverb . 9 Stollan waters are sweet , and bread eaten in secret is pleasant : So secret meetings a stollen worship , unwarranted novations , and usurped exercises are so sweet to some , that they confesse , that when they are wearied with labours in the day , yet they spend a long time in the night at these meetings , without sleeping , which they can not do at the ordinarie publict exercises of Gods worship in the day time . Naturally all men are inclined to obey humane traditions , more strictly than Gods ordinances . One preaching at the privie meetings is sweeter then many in a lawfull ordinarie way , and many come together for privie prayers , who abhor the ordinarie publict prayers : So papists keep the festivall dayes of Saints more solemnly then the Lords Sabboths . 4. Some make this habilitie of night-waking an argument to prove the lawfulnesse of privie meetings , and night-meetings : But it may as well prove the lawfulnesse of theft and of whoordome , which are done in the night by men who watch for that end ; And papists who watch in the Canonicall hours of the night , shall as soone prove that poprie is lawfull .

Qu. Should not familie worship also be reiected , because men meet privily thereat ?

Answ. Not , for 1. it is Commanded of God , Deut. 4.9 , 10. & Deut. 11.18 , 19. Psal. 74. from 1. to 8. the usurping meetings have no such warrand , and therefore can not look for such a blessing . 2. Families professe their meetings before all men ; they hinder none to come and try their exercises ; but none come to the usurping meetings , untill they be tryed to be of their opinion .

Quest. Doth not Gods Word warrand all privie meetings , for religious exercises , saying Be instant in season , and out of season , 2 Tim. 4.2 .

Answ. 1. That warrandeth not people of civile Callings to preach , nor that Timothie should leave his own kirk at Ephesus and encroach on other mens charges : He must teach in season , and out of season , that is , at ordinarie and extraordinarie occasions , only where he is called . 2. The apostles might not teach in Bithynia and Asia , Act. 16.6 , 7. nor among the gentiles , untill they were called after the Lords resurrection , Mat. 10.6 . & 28.9

Quest. Is it not more comely thus to meet for edification , then to meet ordinarly for excessive drinking , and idle conference , as some Preachers have done ?

Ans. 1. Both are unlawfull and excessive : the one exceedeth the limits both of their Christian calling , and of their particular lawfull calling over other mens charges ; the other exceedeth the necessarie and lawfull use of Gods benefits . 2. Thus Josephus surnamed Justus , who was not chosen with Mathias to be an apostle , and the sons of Scaeva might say , It is more comely to be an apostle than to betray Christ as Judas did ; his offence could not warrand them to doe that charge , neither can the offence of Preachers justifie such usurpation . Because the sons of Eli abused their callings , should Uzza and king Uzzia there fore doe the office of the priests . 3. Women may not speake publictly : but if men would preach , let their gifts first be tryed , and let themselves receive imposition of hands by the Ministrie .

Quest. May not two or three meet for private prayers ordinarly ?

Ans. One person alone , or one familie alone may pray privatly and ordinarly , Gods word warrandeth both ; and if any come into the familie occasionally , he may pray and use familie exercise with them , the Christian calling warrandeth it : But persons of sundrie families may not meet ordinarly for that end ; It is usurpation , because the publict Preacher or Reader only should convocat persons of diverse families for divine service , or in their absence they should depute another ; seeing the charge is theirs , nothing should be done of that kinde without their concurrance . When there is no publict Ministers , by reason of apostasie and persecution , the people then without usurpation may provide for themselves : and likewise when people dwell far distant from Churches . If a Pastour want a Reader , he himself should do the office , or cause one do it with advise of his people .

CHAP. II. Some forbide fathers of families to interpret any passages of GODS word to their domesticks .

Quest. SHould the fathers of families interpret any Scriptures to their domesticks ? Shall not their ignorance breed error and heresies , making a false glosse on Gods word ?

Ans. They should teach them , making a true glosse , & to that effect they should frequently hear preachings , read and confer with others , and enquire of their Pastors the meaning of doubtsome Scriptures ; but some idle pastors labour not to understand the Scripture , and would discharge this exercise , because they can not resolve such doubts . 2. Their sympathie with the papists bringeth the same arguments , for hiding the light of Gods truth : for the papists say , that laiks should not read the Scriptures , least their ignorance Breed error and heresies . 3. Heresies were never bred , but by the ignorance of publict preachers . The opinions of private men were never so much regarded that men would follow them , to strengthen their heresies . 4. Paul speaketh of a Church in the house of Nymphas , Col. 4.15 . and in the house of Aquila and priscilla , Rom. 16.5 . Could these be kirks without interpretation of the word . 5. Many by frequent catechising and teaching their domesticks , became learned publict teachers , Qui docet indoctos , &c. 6. The neglect of such holy exercises rather breedeth hereticall opinions both in private and publict persons . 7. Iudge not before the time ? publict Preachers are not censurand condemned , untill their herefies be known , so should private men be used ; and though some were guiltie , yet the exercise it self is lawfull and profitable to such as use it well . Should planting of vines , and publict preaching be discharged , because Noab and Lot were drunk with wine , and Arrius turned an heretick ? 8. Hirelings , like papists , would have people ignorant , least too much knowledge make them take notise of the ignorance , errors , and lewdnesse of their teachers , they are not like Paul , who wished that Agrippa , and all that heard him , were like him in all things , except his bonds . Act. 26. and Moses , Numb. 11. wished that all the people were prophets . 9. By these exercises publict preachings are better understood , which faithfull Pastours should desire . 10. He that careth not for his familie in temporall things , is worse then an in fidell : if hee neglect spirituall things he is no better .

Quest. Who calleth private men thus to teach their families ?

Answ. GOD in his word , as Deut. 4.9 , 10. and Deut. 11 18 , 19. they are commanded to teach them , sitting in the house , walking in the way , lying down and rising up . The Psal. 78. from 1. to 8. biddeth men teach their children in all ages the testimonies and works of GOD. Where are they written , if not in his word ? How can they teach them , if they show not their meaning ? This command is not ceremoniall but morall . The fift command willeth both parents and children to do their dueties : Naturall parents should also be spirituall parents , in bringing up their children in nurture , and in the fear of the LORD . How can children fear GOD , without the knowledge of his word , see Ephes. 6.4 . 2. When Paul desired aged women to teach younger women Christian dueties , hee made not humane philosophie the ground of their instructions , but GODS word , saying , That Gods word bee not blasphemed Tit. 2.5 . Of the dueties of familie exercise see the preceeding chapter , in the answers to the fourth question .

CHAP. III. They forbid all set formes of prayer .

Q. WHat is a conceived form , and what is a set form of prayer ?

Answ. All set formes are first conceived , being formed according to his conception that prayeth ; then if any ordein them to be used again , how often so ever , 1 , 2.3 . dayly , &c. so far are they set formes , because they are set & appointed for a more frequent use , 2. When Christ in garden prayed thrise , using the same words . Matth. 26. at the first expression it was a conceived prayer , but afterwards a set form , which he set and ordeined to be said againe at two diverse times . 3. If people concur , using the words of him that conceiveth , it is a set forme to them , for they conceive it not , their concurrance is a second expression of the prayer , it is first expressed by the conceiver .

Quest. Do none pray nor wrestle with God by the Spirit , but in a conceived forme ?

Answ. GOD commanded the high priests to blesse the people in a set form , Numb. 6.24 . Is not GODS Spirit the inditer of all GODS word ? 2. When the Israelites in the wildernesse began any journey , at the taking up of the ark Moses said , Arise O Lord , and let thine enemies bec scattered : and when the ark rested , hee said , Return O LORD , to the thousands of Israel , Numb . 10. Our LORD in the garden said thrise a set form : and albeit the Euangelists differ in repeating the words of his prayer , because they only pointed at the matter thereof : yet Mark at his second , and Matthew at his third prayer , affirm that he said the same words ; and on the Crosse His complaint was words of the psalme 22.1 . My God , my God , why bast thou forsaken me ? and His last prayer on the Crosse was words of the psalme 31.5 . Into thy hands I commit my Spirit . Hee had never a greater presence of the Spirit , nor a greater wrestling with GOD against the sense of his wrath ; against Satan , death , hell , and all the power of darknesse , which he overcame by the same Spirit , who never left him in his greatest agonie . 4. Paul in the beginning of ten Epistles , said , Grace be unto you and peace from God the Father , and from the Lord Jesus Christ , they say he might well do it , writing to sundrie people : Thus they yeeld that some way he might have the Spirit , using a set form ; but he wrot two epistles to the Corinths , and two to the Thessalonians , using this salutation , and two to Timothie , using another salutation . 5. In psal. 57.1 . are the words , Be mercifull to me , twise repeated . In psal. 68.1 . the foresaid words of Moses are repeated . In psal. 80. is a set forme thrise repeated , viz Turn us again , O Lord , and cause thy face to shine , and we shall be saved , this is insert among conceived prayers . In psal. 136. which was dayly sung in the temple , 1 Chron. 16.41 . is a set form of praise 26. times repeated , viz for his mercie endureth for ever . They who reject set forms of prayer , use often this set form of praise in meeter , which is but a paraphrase of the text , 20 the set forms of prayer are paraphrases of the LORDS prayer . 6. Christ who best understood the Spirit of prayer , heard and accepted the devotion of the people , crying , Hosanna , or , Save now , I beseech thee , taken out of the psal. 118.25 . which the Hebrews affirm was yearly , said at the feast of tabernacles : and Mathew 21. showeth , that they often repeated the words , both before they came to the temple and also within it . The pharisies in their hypocrisie were offended thereat , but Christ defended and commended it . 7. The last prayer in the Scripture is a set form praying for the coming of Christ , Revel. 22.17 , 20. The Spirit and the Bride say , Corns , that is , the Spirit spe●keth in the church , viz. the regenerat , teaching her to say , Come : And John biddeth them that hear this prophesie , say , Come , and John himself prayeth in the full sentence , saying , Come Lord Jesus . 8. Set formes oftimes seeme to have more of the work of the Spirit then conceived forms , for after their first conception , other godly men , moved by the same Spirit revise them ; they reteine the materiall , and cancell the superfluous , and they alter and supplee words needfull : Thogh Gods Spirit inable men to pray , yet He suffereth humane frailtie to bee seene in their prayers , to humble them , he giveth no perfection of graces in this life , conceived prayers are not so well tryed , though some boast much of them in contempt of set formes .

Quest. Are any so infirme , that they have need of set formes , more than of conceived formes ?

Answ. Negligent pastours never try it , neither know they that many people never understand , nor can imitate conceived formes , because themselves , and others whom they take notise of can conceive , they think that all men can conceive . But these following among others have more need of set formes , then of conceived formes : 1. Some weak Christians of a honest life , and of good age , could never remember all the Lords prayer , as their Pastours affirme , who diligently taught them : If they cannot remember a few words often repeated , much lesse varietie of words never twise repeated . 2. Others learned the Lords prayer , but cold do no further . 3 Some learned also set formes , by frequent hearing of them , but could never conceive . 4. Some using set formes a long time , in end became able to conceive once in the day , and they also used dayly a set form for the weaker sort . 5. Some children could pray nothing at all , untill they had used set formes , but afterwards they conceived . 6. Some by a distempered brain can not conceive when the disease rageth , but at other times they conceive ; few congregations want some of these , if they have not all . 7. It is a very eloquent and powerfull prayer with God , if a humble heart groan under the burden of sin , with faith and fervent desires of mercie and sanctification , though they can scarslie expresse three words , without these all varietie of words and conceptions is but babling . Moses at the red sea , and Anna at the house of the Lord in Shilo , prayed in the spirit of prayer , not uttering one word : He is a blinde judge that measures inward grace by outward eloquence . 8. If there were but one of those weak ones in a congregation , a faithfull Pastor should use set formes , to teach them to pray for their private use : they are cruell and mercilesse sheepheards who neglect the weak ones in a mater so needfull for salvation . 9. And when they are helped , with a better conscience they may conceive for the stronger sort .

Quest. When I use set formes , men esteeme basely of my preaching , & account me unlearned , if I expresse not varietie of meditations .

Answ. But when you conceive in the prayers following , they will change their thoughts . 2. For your estimation should you suffer the weak ones to perish , not teaching them to be acquainted with God by prayer . 3. The disciple is nor above his master ; the Lord and his apostles used set formes , not fearing contempt , you should do the like .

Quest. When the Lord taught his disciples to pray , he said not Vse these words , but , Pray after this manner .

Ans. The Evangelists write both to be after the Lords meaning . for Math 6. saith , Pray in this manner : Luke 11. saith , When you pray , say , Our Father which art in Heaven , &c. The speech of Matthew who did first write the Gospel , can not be the interpretation of the speech of Luke , who had not as yet written it ; for the custome of the Scripture showeth , and the order of nature requireth , that the interpretation should bee given after the obscure words , but not before them . 2. If the LORDS prayer conteine things needfull for us , we may use the same words , to expresse the same things , which CHRIST the wisdome of the Father used : If it signifie not things needfull , it were a fools sacrifice to pray after the manner thereof , seeking things needlesse . 3. Therefore modest Christians more wisely do conclude their own prayers with it , acknowledging thereby it to be more perfect and significative , than any prayer conceived by sinfull man . 4. Some call it hard and obscure , Preachers should explaine obscure Scriptures , chiefly which are dayly in use . If thou think it obscure , thou canst not form a prayer like it , nor imitat the thing thou knowest not : neverthelesse use this prayer , for the Lord unto whom nothing is obscure , knew that it meant things needfull for thee , and pray the Lord to hear thee after his own meaning in it . 5. Some strain out a gnat , and swallow a cable , abhorring all set forms of prayer , and yet after Divine service they say the blessing in a set forme .

Quest. It is not mentioned in Scripture , that the apostles said the Lords prayer , Ergo we should not say it .

Answ. Charitie should perswade us that they obeyed the Lords commandment in using it , seeing no Scripture saith the contrate : Many of the apostles had they never faith and repentance , nor the love of GOD , and honoured they never their parents , because particular mention of these things are not in Scripture .

Qu. Is it not a tautologie to conclude our prayers with the Lords prayer , seeing we have prayed for the same thing alreadie

Ans. A tautologie is a needlesse repetition of the same words or mater , but when we repeat the same things , to show the vehemencie of our desires , it is not needlesse . 2. A conceived prayer repeateth oftimes the same mater though it change the words . 3 To this effect , the Lord in Math. 6. after the Lords prayer , taught us to say the word Amen , which summarly includeth in it the whole prayer . 4. Every repetition includeth in it self a new complaint , as if you would say , I am not sufficiently sensible , nor conforted in the assurance that my former words were accepted , therefore I pray again for the same things No man hath power and authoritie from GOD , to abrogate or despise any form which GODS word approveth .

Quest. If we use set formes , we should only use the Lords prayer , for no other forme is enjoined to us .

Answ. The apostles also used other set forms , and so do we : they spake by the Spirit in using them also .

Quest. In Numb. 6. the Lord said , Thus shalt thou blesse , that is , in this manner : Hee said not , Vse the same words . Ergo the Priests used not a set form of blessing .

If thus import the same sense , then it is a set form of sense : why may not the same sense have the same words ? seeing the words are a manner of speaking , as the sense is a manner of signification : no words can better expresse the same sense , then the words that Gods Spirit hath dited . 3. The text showeth that the priests should have used the same words : for the Lord saith , Thus shalt thou blesse , saying , The Lord blesse thee , they are bidden say , The Lord blesse thee , this is the manner how they shall blesse . 4. Albeit the priests had used only conceived words , yet the despisers of set formes blesse only in a set forme .

Quest. What call you stinted prayers ? Are they lawfull ?

Ans. Both prayers and divine praise are stinted , when men willingly reject the ful libertie of using them which GOD hath granted . GOD in his word hath given us alike warrand and libertie , to use both conceived and set forms of prayer , hee that rejecteth any of the two , stinteth to himself the form which he useth , and restraineth the libertie which GODS Spirit hath granted in rejecting the other form . The papists in their service book have stinted set formes : others stint unto themselves conceived forms ; though they alter the words , yet they stint the form : but we stint neither the form nor the words , because , 1. we use both the forms : 2. we sometimes change the formes , a set form into a conceived form , or we use diversitie of set forms in the same purpose , and so we stint not the words of a set form . 3. At the end of a conceived prayer wee sometimes say a set form , as the LORDS prayer , or the blessing , & sometimes we conceive words at the end of a set form . 4. Sometimes we mixe words of a set forme among conceived words .

Quest. Do not many through envie complaine that we absteine from set forms , because themselves want eloquence .

Ans It is as true in some who want it , as it is true in others who have it , that they despise such as want it . 2. But it is not true in many both private and publict persons , who have as much eloquence as you have , and yet they use set forms , not onely to countenance the lawfull practise of Christ , his prophets and apostles , but also , because GODS Spirit worketh by it , and warrandeth it in his word , as he doth conceived formes .

Quest. Should not all men conceive at all times , for Gods word proveth that all men can conceive , as Ioel 2.18 . I will poure out my Spirit upon all flesh , and Zacharie 12. I will poure out upon the house of David , and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication .

Answ. Thus you prove that both private and publict persons can conceive , which we deny not of some ; but negligent pastours know not that others can never conceive , nor yet understand mens conceptions , they know not pastorall dueties , who know not this both of young and aged persons . 2. But you make a false glesse on these texts , as if the pouring out of the Spirit in Joel , were only a giving of the gift of conceiving prayers . Peter Act. 2. interprets it to be the extraordinarie gifts of the Spirit , given unto GODS servants in a greater measure then was usuall , as diversities of tongues , prophesies , visions , working of miracles , &c. and also the ordinarie gifts , as faith hope , charitie , humilie , temperance , &c. were given more largely : and you interpret the Spirit of grace and supplication in Zacharie , to be only the gift of conceiving prayers , as if Christ , his prophets and apostles wanted the spirit of grace and supplication , when they used set forms .

Quest. Are not conceived formes of greater dignitie , and therefore wee should not use set formes ?

Answ. Doth GOD abolish the Moon and Stars , because the Sun is of greater dignitie ? Shall a man cut off his little finger , because the other fingers are stronger ? Shall the Sacraments bee neglected , because the Word edifieth more ? 2. The two forms of prayer are of equall dignitie in these respects , viz. they have one author , the holy SPIRIT , who dyted them in his Word : they are both in one language ; they both signifie alike excellent and spirituall things , & both alike able to stir up our devotion , otherwise the LORD would not have used set formes in his greatest extremitie : it is out corruption that hindereth us to make such use of them : Eloquence and varietie of words are much admired by Pagans , and naturall men , like Agrippa , who was almost perswaded to be a Christian , and yet was void of sanctification . Our corruption doth still dote too much upon the same , though we be Christians , so that we contemn the other form which Christ and his Saints made use of . 3. All the prerogative of a conceived form , is , that it expresseth mo meditations than a set form ; but it neither maketh our prayer more acceptable unto GOD , neither can it expresse more excellent things . The examples foresaid of Christ and his Saints do show that GOD accepteth the one as well as the other ; and if he make a difference , it is his custome oftimes to respect more of the things which the world esteeme least of : so CHRIST in his greatest extremitie choosed a set form , as was said before , see the rest in the next chapter .