Certain discourses, viz. of Babylon (Rev. 18. 4.) being the present See of Rome…

I shall only put this to consideration, whether that mans heart may be accounted most spiritual, which can be daily enlarged, and his affections lifted up in the use of the same words, or which cannot without the help of a variety, like those weak stomachs, or distempered in their health, that cannot relish one dish twice, but must at each meal, have the inventions of men employed to give them various; nay, in danger of losing their stomach, if they hear of them before they come suddenly before them; Now in this I would not be understood, to discourage any persons in exercising ⟨p. 313⟩themselves this way, and striving to perfection in this gift, which I do much commend; only as those that learn to swim, have help at first of some supporters, but afterward come to swim without them. Children at first have their Copies, their paper ruled, their hands held, but in time do it of themselves, and so there is an expectation, that you that are of ability should grow in knowledge and utterance this way: but for the weaker sort, is it not better they should use a staff then slip, and are not the Major part of this kind, like men with weak sights, needing the help of Spectacles. To whom, by denying them a set Form, are we not injurious accordingly, Though those we call weak, may possibly, by their fervency, ⟨p. 314⟩and ardency of affection be said of, as Saint Paul of himself; when I am weak, then am I strong, and Gods strength perfected in their weakness.

I shall onely put this to consideration, whether that mans heart may be accounted most spiritual, which can be daily enlarged, and his affections lifted up in the use of the same words, or which cannot without the help of a variety, like those weak stomacks, or distempered in their health, that cannot relish one dish twice, but must at each meale, have the inventions of men imployed to give them various; nay, in danger of losing their stomack, if they hear of them before they come suddenly before them; Now in this I would not be understood, to discourage any persons in exercising ⟨p. 313⟩themselves this way, and striving to perfection in this gift, which I do much commend; only as those that learn to swim, have help at first of some supporters, but afterward come to swim without them. Children at first have their Copies, their paper ruled, their hands held, but in time do it of themselves, and so there is an expectation, that you that are of ability should grow in knowledge and utterance this way: but for the weaker sort, is it not better they should use a staffe then slip, and are not the Major part of this kind, like men with weak sights, needing the help of Spectacles. To whom, by denying them a set Form, are we not injurious accordingly, Though those we call weak, may possibly, by their fervency,