AGain, if Christ have commanded us to use these words, in number, and order, then all such doc sinne as pray at any time, and doth not use these very words, and no other; for Christ saith, When ye pray, say, Our Father, Luk. 11. 2. which words (when ye pray) sheweth, that this Commandement is to be observed at all times; and if so, then the Apostles sinned, which prayed, and used not these words, as I have formerly in∣stanced. Again, by these words (say ye, &c.) being pressed ac∣cording to the letter, might seeme to exclude all prayer in the Spirit alone, that is, without words, or distinct voyce, which is lawfull, and oftentimes used by the people of God, as we may read, Exo. 14. 25. Neh. 2. 4. 1 Sam. 1. 13. Rom. 8. 26, 27.
Again, the heads of that prayer is generall, so that no man can apply them aright without some speciall relation or application to his or their particular estate, and condition; Christ therefore prescribed that forme of prayer, that it should be a rule, and patterne to make our prayers and supplications by, and hath not commanded to use, or promiseth to accept of such Prayers, as are framed by mans invention, but only such as proceed from the Spirit.
Now in regard the Booke of Common Prayer hath been the* 1.1 chiefe cause of the difference, betwixt them who terme them∣selves Protestants, or rather Prelatticants and us, who terme our selves Christians, I am the more induced to treat of it at large, hoping that the Lord wil so eluminate their understanding, that they wil duly, and seriously consider of their opinions, and re∣nounce their errours, which the Lord in mercy grant.