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Obj. BƲt suppose he invent it himselfe, and so read it, is not that lawfull?* 1.1
Ans. It is more rediculous, then for a Son to read his desires to his Father, for his Father is ignorant of it before he heare it, or read it: But it is otherwise with God, for he accepteth of no
prayer but such as his owne Spirit dictateth, so that the very con∣cerving of a Pitition in the minde is the act of prayer, and that which is only acceptable to God, though not vocally expressed; as in Isa. 65. 24. Before they call, I will answer, &c. and whilst they are yet speaking, I will heare, with Dan 9. 23. At the beginning of thy supplication the commandement came forth; therefore as I said before, it is rediculous to think that God stands upon such curiosities, as set speech is, or printed papers read unto him, since he knoweth the minde of the Petitioner before he hath expressed himselfe; and I dare boldly affirme, that if a Christian can but from a contrite heart, say with the Publican, Lord have mercy upon me a sinner, it shall be better accepted with God, then to read the most learnedst Oration that ever was yet invented by man.
To read a prayer is redi∣culous, i•• in tended as a prayer in the act of reading.