Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

r 54 of private prayer in the, familie, and alone. both our felves and others. But we may not fo fing as that neither we our felves can attend to the mat - ter,nor they which heare us undertlandwhat is faid. That both unanimitie and uniformitie may be ufed, it is fit that there fhould be fet forms of publick prayer : for then may the people belt joyn their confent and defire of heart when they know before- hand the very form ofthe requefl. Indeed to that which they underfland they may at the end ofthe prayer fay, Amen; but when they know before- hand what fhall be asked,there may be a better con- currence between the prayer of their heart and the fpeech of the minifter who is the mouth. Private prayer is either the prayer of a familie, or offome one. To the former doth the promife of Chrift alto appertein; When two or three are ga- thered together in my name, there am I in the middei of them, Matth. i 8. ao. And it is fo much to be pre- ferred before the other as it feemeth to draw nearer to publick prayer: And therefore it is the duty of an houfhoulder to call his familie together and to pray with them. The prayer of fome one man is properly called private: For privi with the ancient LatinifFs is the fame with finguli. That which properly is re- quired in this prayer is this , that it be private : as that we be not heard to pray of any man. This is done either when we are alone and ordinarily, or in the fight of others upon occafions offered. If when we are alone; we muff neither be heard nor feen of any,but obey the commandment of Chrift, Matth. 6.6. When thou prayeft enter into thy chamber; and when Of private prayer.