be_v mere_o by_o a_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o her_o own_o act_n or_o by_o the_o interposition_n of_o the_o understanding_n which_o clear_o see_v that_o such_o or_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v press_n and_o prevail_v upon_o the_o will_v to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o do_v they_o these_o way_n be_v both_o efficacious_a but_o the_o late_a the_o more_o natural_a and_o less_o changeable_a for_o the_o will_n according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o understanding_n and_o indeed_o in_o some_o sense_n can_v be_v lead_v otherwise_o there_o be_v some_o co-operation_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o that_o first_o act_n of_o the_o will_n the_o repetition_n of_o which_o afterward_o produce_v the_o habit._n for_o unless_o the_o action_n have_v first_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v do_v at_o all_o but_o if_o the_o understanding_n contribute_v but_o little_a it_o be_v more_o chance_n and_o luck_n than_o reason_n that_o the_o action_n hap_v to_o be_v good_a which_o be_v not_o connatural_a our_o nature_n require_v a_o rational_a proceed_n in_o all_o thing_n again_o it_o be_v also_o less_o last_v for_o as_o use_n produce_v disuse_n will_v lose_v it_o and_o shall_v the_o understanding_n as_o not_o be_v first_o settle_v itself_o it_o well_o may_v come_v to_o cross_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o will_n by_o contrary_a judgement_n or_o even_a doubt_n the_o will_n will_v waver_v and_o act_v faint_o first_o and_o after_o perhaps_o not_o at_o all_o but_o a_o will_n produce_v by_o the_o understanding_n clear_o see_v and_o conceit_v practical_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o out_o of_o that_o sight_n move_v and_o indeed_o become_v the_o will_n to_o do_v it_o can_v be_v change_v till_o the_o understanding_n change_n and_o if_o the_o understanding_n be_v determine_v by_o truth_n and_o that_o truth_n clear_o see_v the_o understanding_n can_v change_v because_o truth_n can_v never_o turn_v into_o not-truth_n i_o say_v clear_o see_v for_o passion_n dim_v or_o blind_v and_o so_o come_v in_o sin_n §_o 2._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o in_o one_o way_n the_o soul_n work_v upon_o the_o body_n in_o the_o other_o the_o body_n work_v upon_o the_o soul_n where_o the_o habit_n be_v produce_v by_o repeat_v act_n it_o be_v cause_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o body_n who_o spirit_n and_o organ_n be_v fit_v by_o constant_a use_n and_o ready_o concur_v to_o such_o action_n carry_v the_o soul_n along_o with_o they_o in_o the_o other_o way_n the_o action_n begin_v from_o the_o soul_n by_o who_o predominance_n over_o the_o body_n those_o spirit_n and_o organ_n be_v fit_v and_o concur_v with_o readiness_n and_o ease_n to_o her_o direction_n yet_o both_o arrive_v at_o the_o same_o end_v a_o fit_a disposition_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n §_o 3._o notwithstanding_o since_o effect_n must_v needs_o partake_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o cause_n though_o true_a devotion_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o both_o way_n yet_o this_o effect_n can_v but_o have_v consequence_n and_o operation_n as_o different_a as_o the_o cause_n be_v which_o produce_v it_o the_o devotion_n cause_v by_o knowledge_n be_v proper_a for_o more_o refine_a soul_n such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o and_o judge_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o guide_v their_o action_n by_o their_o judgement_n the_o other_o for_o temper_n less_o rational_a and_o who_o not_o able_a to_o go_v alone_o require_v to_o be_v lead_v the_o former_a can_v only_o be_v lose_v by_o a_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o cultivate_v those_o principle_n which_o cause_v it_o and_o which_o be_v not_o soon_o nor_o easy_o pluck_v up_o where_o once_o they_o have_v take_v deep_a root_n the_o other_o perish_v both_o soon_o and_o more_o easy_o by_o bare_a disuse_a of_o the_o material_a action_n by_o which_o it_o be_v produce_v and_o indeed_o they_o who_o have_v only_a custom_n from_o whence_o they_o can_v derive_v their_o devotion_n general_o run_v great_a hazard_n of_o a_o total_a decay_n in_o virtue_n upon_o any_o considerable_a neglect_n of_o their_o customary_a exercise_n §_o 4._o yet_o in_o some_o respect_n this_o material_a way_n be_v less_o subject_a to_o involuntary_a distraction_n in_o prayer_n than_o the_o other_o because_o this_o way_n of_o prayer_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n confused_z and_o a_o elevation_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o god_n in_o common_a as_o it_o be_v without_o distinct_a application_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o particular_a motive_n which_o shall_v advance_v she_o to_o new_a degree_n of_o fervency_n it_o cost_v she_o by_o consequence_n little_a labour_n and_o oblige_v she_o not_o out_o of_o weariness_n to_o divert_v to_o new_a object_n again_o this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n have_v little_a or_o no_o height_n of_o spirituality_n but_o be_v suitable_a to_o fancy_n find_v in_o the_o brain_n proper_a species_n agreeable_a to_o the_o thought_n he_o have_v who_o pray_v whereas_o the_o other_o strain_v after_o object_n pure_o spiritual_a of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o proper_a species_n have_v by_o consequence_n less_o ground_n in_o nature_n to_o fix_v the_o attention_n §_o 5._o in_o some_o respect_n too_o the_o spiritual_a way_n have_v the_o advantage_n in_o this_o point_n of_o distraction_n for_o the_o distinct_a consideration_n to_o which_o the_o soul_n apply_v herself_o be_v apt_a from_o their_o be_v distinct_a to_o fix_v the_o attention_n because_o they_o afford_v she_o a_o particular_a entertainment_n to_o which_o she_o may_v attend_v as_o for_o weariness_n when_o she_o find_v that_o prevail_v and_o render_v her_o unfit_a to_o continue_v her_o prayer_n long_o she_o leau_v it_o off_o for_o the_o present_a to_o resume_v it_o when_o she_o be_v better_a dispose_v and_o when_o some_o use_n have_v provide_v she_o of_o spirit_n fit_a for_o her_o purpose_n she_o will_v seldom_o have_v cause_n to_o break_v off_o for_o weariness_n but_o may_v pray_v with_o ease_n as_o long_o as_o be_v necessary_a or_o useful_a §_o 6._o hitherto_o we_o have_v discourse_v of_o these_o two_o kind_n of_o devotion_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n if_o we_o upon_o look_v they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o subject_a we_o shall_v find_v those_o of_o the_o material_a way_n general_o great_a valuer_n of_o external_n act_n they_o place_v all_o spiritual_a goodness_n in_o frequent_v they_o think_v they_o saint_n who_o be_v addict_v to_o long_a prayer_n and_o assiduous_o repair_v to_o church_n and_o sacrament_n proceed_v too_o often_o to_o censure_v those_o as_o little_o less_o than_o void_a of_o all_o goodness_n who_o they_o observe_v not_o to_o be_v still_o as_o their_o bead_n or_o the_o like_a and_o this_o proceed_v not_o from_o defect_n in_o devotion_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o seldom_o happen_v but_o where_o it_o be_v strong_a and_o much_o value_v but_o from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o person_n who_o have_v it_o and_o who_o be_v neither_o use_v nor_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n comprehend_v not_o how_o he_o can_v be_v devout_a who_o do_v not_o do_v those_o action_n continual_o which_o by_o experience_n he_o find_v useful_a and_o necessary_a to_o devotion_n in_o himself_o those_o of_o the_o other_o way_n place_v all_o their_o treasure_n in_o interior_a disposition_n and_o for_o outward_a action_n choose_v they_o by_o judgement_n and_o practice_n so_o many_o and_o such_o as_o they_o find_v useful_a to_o the_o inward_a affection_n they_o think_v person_n more_o or_o less_o saint_n as_o their_o soul_n possess_v more_o or_o less_o of_o those_o true_a spiritual_a riches_n and_o hence_o value_n and_o endeavour_v so_o to_o improve_v their_o mind_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o be_v the_o connatural_a mean_n to_o produce_v good_a affection_n which_o the_o other_o fancy_v not_o but_o rather_o condemn_v as_o a_o hindrance_n to_o devotion_n because_o they_o perceive_v no_o efficacy_n nor_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o themselves_o §_o 7._o the_o former_a place_v much_o of_o their_o devotion_n in_o performance_n of_o the_o external_n act_n as_o go_v often_o to_o confession_n communion_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o general_o altogether_o so_o solicitous_a of_o due_a preparation_n or_o at_o least_o aim_v not_o by_o their_o preparation_n to_o work_v their_o soul_n into_o a_o disposition_n fit_a to_o advance_v in_o true_a virtue_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o interior_n by_o a_o connatural_a efficacy_n of_o the_o action_n upon_o such_o a_o disposition_n but_o follow_v faith_n unexplicate_v by_o true_a theology_n expect_v the_o fruit_n from_o a_o supernatural_a operation_n of_o grace_n beyond_o their_o comprehension_n fix_v to_o and_o accompany_v the_o action_n the_o late_a apprehend_v the_o benefit_n to_o be_v expect_v from_o those_o action_n depend_v after_o a_o connatural_a way_n upon_o the_o disposition_n with_o which_o they_o
devotion_n be_v a_o disposition_n of_o the_o will._n for_o since_o no_o power_n act_v but_o as_o it_o be_v apply_v devotion_n who_o nature_n it_o be_v to_o apply_v both_o the_o understanding_n and_o all_o other_o power_n to_o christian_a action_n must_v needs_o belong_v proper_o to_o that_o power_n which_o in_o man_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o action_n that_o be_v to_o the_o will._n §_o 4._o second_o that_o this_o state_n of_o devotion_n be_v a_o constant_a bent_n and_o readiness_n to_o perform_v the_o best_a action_n on_o the_o best_a manner_n be_v by_o consequence_n the_o best_a state_n the_o will_n can_v possible_o have_v in_o this_o world_n and_o next_o to_o the_o necessary_a and_o continual_a conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n which_o the_o bless_a have_v in_o heaven_n §_o 5._o three_o that_o this_o promptness_n to_o put_v both_o the_o understanding_n in_o act_n as_o to_o prayer_n and_o the_o other_o power_n as_o to_o act_n of_o virtue_n as_o it_o be_v a_o disposition_n of_o the_o will_n so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o in_o the_o will_v alone_o and_o not_o in_o the_o act_n either_o of_o the_o understanding_n itself_o much_o less_o of_o the_o fancy_n or_o of_o any_o other_o of_o those_o power_n which_o devotion_n be_v to_o set_v a_o work_n whence_o follow_v clear_o that_o though_o there_o happen_v never_o so_o much_o difficulty_n to_o elevate_v the_o mind_n actual_o or_o rather_o sensible_o to_o god_n never_o so_o many_o impediment_n nay_o even_o incapacity_n to_o act_v feel_o or_o tender_o yet_o as_o long_o as_o the_o will_n on_o her_o part_n preserve_v her_o self_n prompt_v to_o do_v all_o these_o and_o can_v true_o say_v with_o king_n david_n paratum_fw-la cor_fw-la meum_fw-la deus_fw-la paratum_fw-la cor_fw-la meum_fw-la my_o heart_n be_v ready_a o_o my_o god_n my_o heart_n be_v ready_a there_o happen_v no_o loss_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o diminution_n of_o interior_a solid_a devotion_n the_o fancy_n without_o who_o co-operation_n the_o understanding_n in_o this_o state_n can_v act_v may_v be_v restiff_n and_o backward_o the_o inferior_a faculty_n lame_a and_o clog_v whether_o through_o impotency_n or_o ill_a circumstance_n but_o a_o pious_a soul_n ought_v not_o in_o the_o least_o be_v discourage_v at_o these_o accident_n to_o which_o in_o the_o dependence_n the_o soul_n have_v now_o upon_o the_o body_n we_o be_v not_o man_n if_o we_o be_v not_o subject_a nor_o think_v herself_o a_o jot_n worse_o for_o devotion_n as_o be_v say_v be_v only_o in_o the_o will_n and_o the_o will_n be_v not_o at_o all_o the_o worse_o dispose_v because_o the_o faculty_n with_o which_o she_o will_v work_v be_v indispose_v and_o can_v obey_v she_o no_o more_o than_o the_o hand_n be_v lame_a because_o the_o pen_n be_v bad_a and_o will_v not_o write_v §_o 6._o four_o that_o a_o soul_n which_o have_v a_o ready_a will_n to_o pray_v can_v never_o fail_v though_o the_o fancy_n be_v never_o so_o dull_a or_o out_o of_o order_n to_o please_v god_n by_o pray_v or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o have_v the_o merit_n of_o prayer_n for_o all_o merit_n or_o action_n that_o please_v god_n proceed_v proper_o from_o the_o will_n whence_o a_o devout_a that_o be_v a_o hearty_a and_o ready_a intention_n which_o be_v the_o best_a act_n of_o the_o will_n must_v needs_o be_v in_o a_o high_a and_o special_a manner_n meritorious_a or_o rewardable_a nay_o more_o a_o devout_a soul_n intend_v and_o endeavour_v to_o pray_v and_o stand_v bend_v that_o way_n that_o be_v keep_v that_o intention_n unaltered_a and_o prosecute_a her_o endeavour_n as_o well_o as_o she_o can_v actual_o be_v in_o prayer_n or_o true_o pray_v interior_o though_o for_o want_v of_o the_o compliance_n of_o the_o fancy_n or_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o only_o in_o act_n of_o prayer_n be_v sensible_a she_o do_v not_o experience_n it_o even_o while_o she_o have_v it_o but_o rather_o suspect_v the_o contrary_a unless_o reflex_n thought_n and_o raise_v above_o matter_n preserve_v she_o from_o be_v mistake_v yet_o the_o thing_n be_v clear_a both_o by_o reason_n and_o when_o by_o reflection_n we_o observe_v what_o pass_v experience_v too_o for_o prayer_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o elevation_n or_o application_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o god_n and_o there_o can_v need_v no_o more_o to_o apply_v the_o understanding_n interior_o to_o object_n already_o within_o she_o but_o the_o will_v to_o do_v so_o now_o suppose_v as_o the_o case_n do_v the_o will_n apply_v as_o far_o as_o she_o can_v the_o understanding_n of_o necessity_n the_o understanding_n must_v be_v apply_v interior_o that_o be_v prayer_n be_v actual_o exercise_v again_o however_o outward_a object_n strike_v the_o sense_n or_o inward_a fancy_n irregular_o stir_v up_o and_o flutter_v in_o a_o perpetual_a motion_n cause_n in_o a_o manner_n continual_a distraction_n yet_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o soul_n when_o by_o reflection_n it_o come_v to_o perceive_v they_o reject_v those_o distraction_n and_o reapply_v itself_o after_o that_o seem_a dull_a manner_n which_o the_o understanding_n un-assisted_n with_o serviceable_a fancy_n can_v practice_v to_o what_o it_o be_v employ_v about_o before_o nay_o there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o distraction_n in_o prayer_n nothing_o for_o those_o word_n to_o signify_v in_o case_n the_o understanding_n have_v not_o be_v act_v about_o some_o other_o object_n before_o and_o attend_v to_o it_o the_o be_v divert_v from_o which_o and_o attend_v to_o a_o new_a object_n we_o call_v distraction_n and_o this_o former_a object_n can_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o object_n of_o prayer_n god_n §_o 7._o a_o parallel_n instance_n to_o this_o case_n be_v that_o of_o saint_n paul_n speak_v of_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n nam_fw-la si_fw-la orem_fw-la linguâ_fw-la spiritus_fw-la meus_fw-la orat_fw-la mens_fw-la autem_fw-la mea_fw-la sine_fw-la fructuest_n for_o if_o i_o pray_v with_o my_o tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o understanding_n be_v without_o fruit_n that_o be_v he_o reap_v not_o the_o benefit_n of_o stir_v up_o the_o mind_n by_o new_a motive_n or_o discourse_n which_o those_o prayer_n distinct_o and_o perfect_o understand_v and_o penetrate_v be_v apt_a to_o suggest_v yet_o still_o his_o spirit_n or_o superior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o common_a and_o confuse_o elevate_v to_o god_n still_o spiritus_fw-la or_o at_o the_o spirit_n true_o pray_v so_o in_o our_o case_n in_o this_o dull_a state_n of_o pray_v when_o the_o fancy_n play_v not_o nor_o co-operate_v as_o be_v fit_a the_o understanding_n advance_v not_o in_o gain_v those_o sight_n which_o by_o extension_n of_o former_a knowledge_n into_o new_a conclusion_n through_o attentive_a discourse_v of_o its_o object_n it_o may_v have_v attain_v but_o still_o the_o superior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v by_o the_o will_v fix_v to_o something_o which_o be_v not_o temporal_a all_o such_o thought_n suggest_v by_o the_o disorder_v of_o the_o fancy_n be_v hold_v distraction_n she_o be_v then_o true_o apply_v to_o her_o eternal_a good_a and_o true_o pray_v all_o the_o while_n till_o intention_n alter_v all_o she_o frank_o and_o unconcerned_o relinquish_v the_o circumstance_n proper_a for_o prayer_n and_o apply_v herself_o to_o new_a object_n without_o scruple_n or_o struggle_v any_o long_a to_o keep_v out_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o which_o before_o she_o avoid_v or_o repine_v at_o as_o distraction_n but_o now_o admit_v and_o pursue_v voluntary_o as_o her_o business_n duty_n or_o end_n sect_n ii_o of_o sloth_n §_o 1._o i_o hope_v the_o nature_n of_o devotion_n in_o common_a may_v sufficient_o be_v understand_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v but_o yet_o because_o contrary_n help_v exceed_o to_o illustrate_v one_o another_o i_o will_v make_v some_o short_a reflection_n upon_o its_o opposite_a sloth_n this_o vice_n be_v a_o certain_a lumpishness_n and_o unweildiness_n in_o the_o soul_n through_o which_o she_o yield_v herself_o to_o be_v sway_v downward_o by_o the_o weight_n of_o original_a sin_n incline_v she_o to_o temporal_a object_n and_o so_o render_v her_o un-active_a and_o unable_a without_o difficulty_n to_o apply_v and_o raise_v herself_o to_o such_o thought_n and_o action_n as_o dispose_v she_o for_o heaven_n i_o say_v in_o the_o soul_n for_o in_o she_o alone_o virtue_n and_o vice_n proper_o take_v and_o as_o they_o import_v merit_n and_o demerit_n be_v lodge_v the_o indisposition_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o fancy_n and_o other_o matterial_a power_n belong_v to_o the_o body_n and_o be_v not_o vice_n though_o they_o dispose_v and_o incline_v to_o it_o and_o if_o care_n be_v not_o take_v will_v cause_v it_o again_o by_o these_o word_n in_o the_o soul_n i_o mean_v in_o that_o power_n which_o we_o call_v will_n or_o in_o the_o soul_n as_o she_o be_v will._n for_o philosophy_n which_o indeed_o be_v
nothing_o but_o true_a deliberate_a or_o reflect_a reason_n teach_v that_o contrary_n belong_v still_o to_o the_o same_o subject_a and_o therefore_o devotion_n be_v a_o affection_n of_o the_o will_n sloth_n must_v needs_o be_v so_o too_o and_o beside_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o intellectual_a vice_n be_v defect_n of_o the_o understanding-power_n that_o be_v error_n or_o ignorance_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o its_o perfection_n be_v knowledge_n of_o truth_n but_o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o show_n that_o sloth_n shall_v formal_o consist_v in_o ignorance_n or_o error_n or_o devotion_n in_o knowledge_n since_o they_o who_o have_v much_o knowledge_n may_v withal_o be_v very_o slothful_a and_o those_o who_o have_v very_o little_a may_v be_v very_o devout_a very_o ready_a and_o very_o constant_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n to_o their_o power_n §_o 2._o hence_o follow_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o former_a doctrine_n that_o as_o long_o as_o the_o intention_n to_o pray_v persevere_v sincere_a there_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n of_o sloth_n nor_o ground_n of_o scruple_n of_o not_o have_v pray_v as_o one_o ought_v for_o so_o long_o the_o will_n be_v not_o faulty_a and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o moral_a defect_n nor_o sin_n at_o all_o in_o a_o prayer_n no_o better_o perform_v but_o all_o the_o imperfection_n in_o it_o spring_v either_o from_o nature_n or_o circumstance_n indispose_v the_o fancy_n or_o perhaps_o from_o want_n of_o skill_n or_o information_n in_o the_o understanding_n power_n how_o to_o go_v about_o one_o prayer_n which_o be_v so_o far_o a_o fault_n as_o there_o be_v negligence_n in_o the_o will_v to_o use_v due_a mean_n to_o attain_v so_o requisite_a a_o knowledge_n wherefore_o in_o case_n any_o one_o doubt_n whether_o he_o have_v behave_v himself_o negligent_o careless_o or_o distract_o in_o his_o prayer_n he_o must_v consider_v well_o whether_o he_o intend_v that_o carelessness_n or_o those_o distraction_n for_o if_o he_o do_v not_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o happen_v beside_o his_o intention_n and_o so_o be_v no_o moral_a fault_n §_o 3._o but_o yet_o this_o word_n intention_n be_v equivoral_a and_o may_v be_v mistake_v there_o be_v who_o think_v they_o do_v great_a matter_n if_o for_o example_n they_o make_v as_o they_o call_v it_o a_o intention_n in_o the_o morning_n of_o spend_v the_o follow_a day_n in_o virtue_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n when_o perhaps_o they_o never_o think_v of_o god_n or_o virtue_n after_o this_o be_v but_o deceit_n and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o better_o to_o use_v the_o formality_n of_o make_v a_o act_n fancy_v to_o be_v a_o intention_n of_o pray_v before_o prayer_n and_o then_o spend_v the_o time_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o free_a and_o unchecked_a entertainment_n of_o distractive_a suggestion_n §_o 4._o to_o understand_v the_o business_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o every_o action_n have_v a_o final_a as_o well_o as_o a_o efficient_a or_o material_a and_o formal_a cause_n and_o that_o a_o man_n can_v no_o more_o act_n without_o a_o why_o then_o a_o what._n this_o end_n when_o we_o know_v what_o we_o do_v be_v foresee_v and_o the_o actor_n mean_v or_o intend_v it_o so_o that_o the_o intention_n be_v weave_v into_o the_o action_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o part_n of_o it_o as_o if_o i_o go_v down_o or_o up_o stair_n i_o intend_v to_o be_v at_o the_o bottom_n or_o top_n nor_o can_v it_o happen_v otherwise_o if_o the_o action_n be_v rational_a and_o accompany_v with_o knowledge_n and_o if_o any_o action_n be_v do_v otherwise_o as_o when_o people_n walk_v or_o do_v other_o thing_n in_o their_o sleep_n or_o with_o a_o perfect_a inadvertence_n it_o be_v not_o count_v a_o human_a action_n in_o this_o sense_n as_o no_o action_n can_v be_v without_o a_o intention_n no_o more_o then_o without_o a_o end_n so_o neither_o can_v the_o intention_n be_v without_o the_o action_n for_o it_o be_v as_o i_o say_v before_o a_o kind_n of_o part_n of_o it_o and_o we_o shall_v laugh_v at_o he_o who_o will_v persuade_v we_o he_o have_v a_o actual_a intention_n of_o be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o stair_n yet_o voluntary_o stay_v at_o the_o top_n but_o as_o the_o understanding_n see_v thing_n to_o come_v as_o well_o as_o past_a and_o present_a it_o may_v see_v what_o be_v like_a to_o follow_v from_o a_o action_n before_o the_o action_n itself_o and_o from_o that_o sight_n resolve_v or_o reject_v it_o and_o may_v resolve_v for_o the_o future_a as_o well_o as_o present_v time_n and_o so_o intend_v before_o she_o act_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n intention_n may_v be_v both_o before_o and_o without_o action_n which_o before_o it_o come_v to_o be_v execute_v the_o intention_n may_v possible_o change_v intention_n be_v take_v in_o this_o notion_n by_o those_o who_o amuse_v themselves_o with_o make_v artificial_a intention_n before_o hand_n for_o plain_o they_o intend_v for_o the_o future_a and_o when_o the_o time_n come_v do_v nothing_o oftentime_o of_o what_o they_o intend_v and_o remain_v delude_v now_o i_o understand_v intention_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n that_o be_v for_o such_o a_o intention_n as_o accompany_v the_o action_n and_o needs_o no_o formal_a endeavour_n on_o our_o part_n to_o make_v it_o since_o nature_n will_v join_v it_o to_o the_o action_n though_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v never_o so_o much_o the_o contrary_n for_o it_o be_v altogether_o as_o idle_a to_o imagine_v he_o who_o know_v what_o he_o do_v can_v have_v a_o not-intention_n to_o go_v down_o stair_n who_o actual_o go_v down_o as_o that_o he_o have_v one_o i_o mean_v for_o the_o present_a who_o stay_v above_o wherefore_o since_o this_o kind_n of_o intention_n can_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o action_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o who_o thus_o intend_v to_o pray_v true_o pray_v though_o never_o so_o many_o distractive_a thought_n interrupt_v and_o confound_v his_o action_n neither_o be_v they_o unless_o he_o voluntary_o admit_v and_o mean_v to_o think_v of_o such_o thing_n proper_o action_n of_o he_o but_o rather_o passion_n or_o suffering_n for_o as_o the_o eye_n can_v choose_v but_o see_v what_o be_v represent_v to_o it_o nor_o hinder_v itself_o from_o transmit_v to_o the_o soul_n what_o it_o see_v nor_o the_o soul_n from_o perceive_v what_o be_v transmit_v so_o neither_o can_v the_o soul_n hinder_v herself_o from_o receive_v the_o impression_n make_v by_o the_o inward_a stroke_n of_o flutter_a fancy_n nor_o those_o impression_n from_o have_v their_o effect_n but_o be_v in_o both_o case_n more_o passive_a than_o active_a and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o do_v any_o thing_n as_o have_v something_o do_v upon_o she_o sect_n 3._o remedy_n against_o sloth_n §_o 1._o to_o return_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n all_z that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o this_o dryness_n and_o disgustfulness_n in_o prayer_n cause_v by_o the_o not_o comply_v of_o the_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o superior_a be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o disposition_n and_o indeed_o temptation_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o sloth_n §_o 2._o by_o that_o tediousness_n it_o first_o tire_v then_o discourage_v and_o after_o fright_v we_o till_o at_o last_o it_o gain_v so_o much_o upon_o we_o as_o to_o make_v we_o yield_v ourselves_o over_o to_o a_o neglect_n sometime_o omission_n of_o customary_a decent_a or_o ohligatory_a prayer_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v in_o some_o proportion_n of_o our_o yield_n to_o those_o difficulty_n which_o oppose_v our_o exercise_v other_o devout_a acts._n here_o then_o it_o be_v that_o a_o devout_a christian_a soul_n must_v faithful_o fight_v god_n battle_n and_o never_o consent_n for_o want_v of_o gust_n or_o for_o feel_a disgust_n to_o omit_v her_o devotition_n §_o 3._o one_o of_o the_o best_a weapon_n she_o have_v to_o defend_v herself_o be_v upon_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v and_o more_o what_o will_v be_v say_v to_o settle_v a_o firm_a judgement_n that_o this_o state_n of_o distraction_n be_v no_o way_n faulty_a this_o judgement_n will_v be_v make_v not_o at_o the_o instant_n of_o prayer_n for_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n and_o the_o prayer_n exercise_v by_o it_o and_o so_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v have_v already_o not_o then_o to_o be_v get_v but_o at_o some_o fit_a season_n before_o hand_n when_o the_o fancy_n be_v most_o calm_a '_o and_o the_o soul_n can_v act_v with_o most_o cleerne_n and_o force_n and_o when_o it_o be_v once_o make_v let_v the_o soul_n be_v sure_a to_o act_v steady_o according_a to_o it_o and_o pray_v on_o how_o strong_o soever_o disgust_v or_o dryness_n or_o whatever_o engine_n the_o devil_n choose_v to_o employ_v may_v tempt_v she_o to_o the_o contrary_n a_o little_a resolution_n will_v compass_v this_o assist_v with_o the_o reflection_n how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o
performance_n of_o prayer_n §_o 8._o freedom_n of_o spirit_n be_v another_o great_a help_n in_o this_o case_n distractedness_n for_o the_o most_o part_n proceed_v from_o worldly_a matter_n which_o our_o too_o great_a concern_v in_o they_o be_v perpetual_o suggest_v to_o our_o thought_n he_o that_o can_v contrive_v himself_o into_o circumstance_n which_o free_v he_o from_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o the_o world_n more_o than_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_v it_o afford_v he_o to_o gain_v heaven_n be_v in_o the_o happy_a condition_n and_o likely_a to_o find_v least_o disturbance_n in_o prayer_n he_o that_o can_v free_v himself_o from_o business_n let_v he_o free_v himself_o from_o all_o unnecessary_a concern_v for_o it_o and_o settle_v this_o judgement_n firm_o in_o his_o soul_n that_o reason_n permit_v he_o not_o to_o be_v far_o concern_v cern_v for_o worldly_a affair_n let_v their_o importance_n be_v what_o it_o will_v than_o as_o they_o depend_v on_o he_o that_o success_n be_v out_o of_o his_o power_n and_o depend_v not_o on_o he_o but_o providence_n to_o which_o he_o shall_v content_o resign_v it_o and_o must_v whether_o he_o be_v content_a or_o no_o that_o his_o part_n and_o all_o the_o share_n he_o have_v in_o any_o action_n be_v to_o use_v his_o endeavour_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o skill_n that_o when_o he_o have_v allot_v the_o time_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o this_o and_o employ_v it_o as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v he_o have_v do_v all_o he_o have_v to_o do_v or_o can_v do_v in_o these_o matter_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v concern_v no_o far_o but_o be_v now_o at_o liberty_n to_o employ_v the_o time_n allot_v for_o prayer_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n likewise_o that_o there_o be_v no_o business_n which_o take_v up_o so_o much_o time_n as_o not_o to_o leave_v sufficient_a for_o prayer_n if_o negligence_n more_o than_o business_n do_v not_o hinder_v and_o the_o like_a but_o above_o all_o let_v he_o still_o remember_v that_o whatever_o other_o business_n he_o have_v or_o can_v have_v and_o i_o do_v not_o except_v any_o not_o love_n to_o parent_n care_v of_o child_n the_o strong_a and_o most_o rational_a tie_n to_o the_o near_a and_o most_o dear_a relation_n nay_o the_o pursuit_n of_o thing_n most_o necessary_a even_o of_o livelihood_n of_o clothes_n and_o meat_n be_v of_o no_o importance_n in_o comparison_n of_o this_o if_o this_o succeed_v not_o he_o be_v undo_v and_o that_o eternal_o however_o he_o thrive_v in_o other_o and_o if_o this_o succeed_v no_o miscarriage_n in_o any_o or_o all_o the_o rest_n can_v hinder_v he_o from_o be_v eternal_o happy_a he_o that_o live_v glorious_o and_o with_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o all_o his_o desire_n be_v wretched_a if_o he_o go_v at_o last_o into_o hell_n and_o after_o his_o short_a dream_n of_o happiness_n wake_v into_o a_o horrid_a and_o never_o end_v real_a misery_n and_o he_o who_o live_v despise_v and_o scorn_v and_o die_v starve_v with_o cold_a or_o hunger_n be_v happy_a if_o he_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o find_v his_o short_a and_o now_o end_v suffering_n swallow_v up_o in_o infinite_a bliss_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n to_o amuse_v ourselves_o with_o what_o happen_v in_o this_o life_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v hereafter_o be_v a_o folly_n infinite_o more_o senseless_a than_o what_o we_o can_v fancy_v most_o ridiculous_a §_o 9_o this_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n be_v a_o disposition_n so_o high_o conducive_a to_o devotion_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v preserve_v even_o in_o the_o immediate_a mean_n to_o it_o i_o mean_v in_o our_o prayer_n and_o read_v devout_a book_n in_o case_n they_o be_v not_o obligagory_n or_o that_o after_o a_o deliberate_a consideration_n with_o the_o assistance_n and_o advice_n of_o our_o spiritual_a director_n it_o appear_v not_o that_o we_o have_v already_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o best_a and_o see_v that_o other_o be_v improper_a or_o less_o beneficial_a for_o there_o be_v many_o good_a soul_n so_o strange_o fix_v by_o a_o habituate_v custom_n of_o say_v such_o and_o such_o prayer_n that_o they_o fall_v into_o scruple_n if_o upon_o occasion_n they_o hap_v to_o omit_v or_o change_v they_o and_o yet_o let_v they_o examine_v their_o own_o thought_n to_o the_o bottom_n they_o can_v discover_v no_o reason_n or_o ground_n of_o such_o a_o scruple_n but_o the_o aukwardness_n of_o break_v a_o longinured_a custom_n and_o to_o such_o person_n it_o seem_v very_o advisable_v in_o my_o judgement_n that_o they_o omit_v they_o in_o very_o good_a occasion_n or_o with_o good_a advice_n change_v they_o that_o so_o free_v themselves_o thus_o from_o the_o tyrannous_a slavery_n of_o custom_n and_o the_o biggottery_n of_o irrational_a fear_n they_o may_v inure_v themselves_o still_o to_o follow_v right_a reason_n in_o what_o they_o do_v and_o no_o other_o motive_n of_o which_o they_o can_v give_v no_o account_n which_o be_v indeed_o to_o assert_v and_o preserve_v the_o just_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n due_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n where_o no_o contrary_a duty_n or_o obligation_n do_v restrain_v it_o §_o 10._o there_o be_v divers_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o always_o use_v the_o same_o prayer_n and_o run_v still_o in_o one_o tract_n one_o be_v because_o a_o perpetual_a custom_n hinder_v our_o attention_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o due_a penetration_n of_o the_o word_n in_o which_o chief_o consist_v the_o fruit_n or_o spiritual_a advance_v by_o prayer_n another_o be_v the_o irrational_a scruple_n as_o be_v say_v of_o leave_v off_o what_o mere_a custom_n have_v addict_v one_o to_o which_o be_v a_o fault_n or_o imperfection_n and_o so_o ought_v to_o be_v amend_v a_o three_o because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o state_n that_o our_o spirit_n shall_v be_v always_o in_o one_o humour_n or_o disposition_n and_o it_o be_v best_a that_o every_o thing_n be_v wrought_v upon_o according_a as_o it_o be_v dispose_v to_o have_v the_o effect_v produce_v in_o it_o a_o four_o and_o principal_a reason_n be_v because_o our_o soul_n every_o day_n grow_v or_o shall_v grow_v in_o spirituality_n at_o least_o at_o every_o competent_a distance_n season_n or_o stage_n of_o our_o life_n race_n she_o must_v needs_o by_o the_o very_a practice_n of_o a_o virtuous_a christian_a life_n have_v gain_v a_o considerable_a advance_v though_o perhaps_o she_o discern_v it_o not_o especial_o while_o it_o be_v grow_v and_o it_o be_v as_o irrational_a to_o think_v the_o same_o thought_n be_v apt_a to_o fit_v she_o in_o all_o state_n as_o to_o think_v that_o our_o body_n ought_v always_o to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n because_o we_o eat_v nothing_o else_o when_o we_o be_v infant_n i_o for_o my_o part_n know_v no_o one_o devotion_n suit_v all_o sort_n all_o state_n all_o time_n and_o every_o pitch_n but_o that_o which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n who_o full_o comprehend_v they_o all_o i_o mean_v the_o lord_n prayer_n §_o 11._o but_o the_o best_a help_n of_o all_o be_v a_o good_a director_n for_o as_o in_o the_o body_n the_o same_o disease_n proceed_v sometime_o from_o different_a cause_n and_o require_v different_a way_n of_o cure_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n too_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o the_o same_o indisposition_n which_o in_o some_o proceed_v from_o the_o impersection_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v cause_v by_o the_o perfection_n of_o nature_n in_o other_o a_o soul_n fit_v for_o high_a operation_n than_o these_o in_o which_o she_o be_v employ_v and_o strain_v at_o they_o by_o a_o natural_a propension_n and_o yet_o not_o reach_v they_o for_o want_v of_o instruction_n may_v fall_v into_o the_o same_o unsatisfactory_a condition_n which_o happen_v to_o other_o soul_n from_o other_o cause_n a_o good_a director_n be_v as_o necessary_a in_o such_o case_n as_o a_o good_a doctor_n where_o disease_n spring_v from_o not_o usual_a and_o not_o easy_o perceive_v cause_n however_o our_o conduct_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o wise_a as_o he_o have_v more_o wisdom_n than_o ourselves_o in_o this_o particular_a there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v to_o choose_v one_o who_o be_v true_o fit_a and_o then_o to_o treat_v free_o with_o he_o they_o be_v both_o of_o great_a importance_n but_o need_v not_o be_v far_o dilate_v sect_n iv._o of_o the_o two_o chief_a kind_n of_o devotion_n §_o 1._o because_o devotion_n be_v a_o steady_a bent_n of_o the_o will_n to_o spiritual_a operation_n and_o there_o be_v two_o way_n by_o which_o the_o will_n may_v come_v to_o this_o disposition_n those_o two_o different_a method_n make_v two_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o devotion_n for_o the_o will_n may_v be_v wrought_v to_o this_o temper_n either_o by_o a_o habit_n get_v as_o other_o habit_n
frequent_a use_n of_o they_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o careless_a indifference_n in_o perform_v they_o and_o take_v off_o our_o conceit_n of_o they_o they_o will_v become_v little_a beneficial_a and_o perhaps_o harmful_a §_o 2._o but_o these_o inconvenience_n avoid_v these_o devotee_n be_v to_o be_v advise_v to_o pray_v as_o often_o and_o as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v and_o such_o prayer_n as_o they_o please_v to_o frequent_v the_o sacrament_n the_o often_o the_o better_a so_o it_o be_v with_o serious_a preparation_n and_o such_o as_o may_v preserve_v the_o reverence_n due_a to_o they_o to_o be_v present_a at_o all_o solemnity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o where_o thing_n be_v perform_v with_o most_o majesty_n and_o becomingness_n if_o any_o extraordinary_a occasion_n of_o devotion_n happen_v as_o in_o jubilee_n and_o the_o like_a by_o all_o mean_n to_o lay_v hold_n of_o it_o often_o to_o read_v good_a book_n of_o which_o the_o affective_a be_v more_o for_o their_o purpose_n than_o the_o instructive_a and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o omit_v nothing_o proper_a to_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v the_o habit_n of_o devotion_n in_o general_n the_o conceit_n they_o frame_v in_o common_a and_o confuse_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v keep_v up_o at_o the_o height_n and_o increase_v if_o it_o may_v be_v and_o for_o particular_n because_o they_o penetrate_v not_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n nor_o consider_v which_o way_n they_o work_v it_o matter_n not_o much_o what_o they_o be_v so_o they_o be_v good_a and_o apt_a to_o move_v they_o for_o this_o reason_n and_o because_o they_o be_v through_o their_o weakness_n easy_o scandalize_v peo_fw-la ple_fw-fr shall_v in_o charity_n be_v wary_a of_o maintain_v and_o even_o discover_v contrary_a sentiment_n before_o they_o for_o these_o way_n whatever_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o the_o best_a or_o no_o be_v best_a for_o they_o and_o will_v make_v they_o saint_n if_o they_o pursue_v they_o sincere_o and_o faithful_o and_o we_o must_v beware_v nè_fw-la pereat_fw-la in_o scientiâ_fw-la tuâ_fw-la infirmus_fw-la frater_fw-la lest_o a_o weak_a brother_n perish_v by_o thy_o knowledge_n §_o 3._o the_o way_n of_o knowledge_n must_v needs_o be_v pursue_v by_o such_o mean_n as_o improve_v knowledge_n and_o he_o advance_v in_o it_o best_o who_o most_o deep_o penetrate_v into_o christian_a duty_n and_o most_o clear_o see_v their_o agreeableness_n to_o right_a reason_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v with_o such_o a_o sight_n as_o be_v mere_o speculative_a nor_o such_o a_o sight_n as_o can_v pierce_v into_o the_o mystery_n themselves_o and_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o that_o kind_n of_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o other_o truth_n who_o term_n we_o see_v connect_v for_o this_o will_v take_v away_o faith_n and_o be_v impossible_a here_o and_o only_o to_o be_v hope_v in_o the_o country_n of_o blissful_a light_n where_o we_o shall_v see_v face_n to_o face_n but_o i_o mean_v such_o a_o sight_n as_o presuppose_v faith_n and_o render_v it_o lively_a or_o operative_a which_o if_o once_o we_o can_v attain_v it_o be_v impossible_a not_o to_o be_v devout_a for_o knowledge_n of_o any_o good_a when_o it_o be_v express_a and_o lively_a become_v a_o principle_n of_o act_v for_o it_o or_o to_o obtain_v it_o that_o be_v will_n as_o by_o reflection_n we_o may_v easy_o discover_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o experience_n of_o our_o daily_a action_n §_o 4._o now_o this_o knowledge_n be_v render_v express_v and_o faith_n by_o consequence_n lively_a two_o manner_n of_o way_n by_o supernatural_a and_o by_o natural_a mean_n supernatural_a mean_n be_v either_o apt_a to_o affect_v all_o mankind_n or_o some_o few_o choose_v by_o god_n providence_n and_o design_v and_o fit_v for_o great_a end_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v miracle_n in_o general_a for_o the_o common_a course_n of_o nature_n be_v practical_o evident_a to_o all_o and_o so_o what_o ever_o evident_o cross_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v conceive_v to_o spring_v from_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n who_o can_v control_v it_o as_o he_o please_v wherefore_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n this_o evidence_n make_v it_o stick_v firm_o in_o the_o soul_n that_o god_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o it_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o astonishment_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o unusualness_n of_o the_o effect_n make_v it_o sink_v deep_a and_o both_o together_o render_v faith_n as_o to_o the_o point_n it_o testify_v exceed_v lively_a and_o prompt_a to_o action_n of_o the_o other_o sort_n be_v the_o rush_a wind_n the_o fiery_a tongue_n and_o other_o concomitant_a cause_n which_o produce_v that_o prodigious_a liveliness_n of_o faith_n and_o sublime_a height_n of_o ardent_a devotion_n in_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o they_o be_v render_v so_o strong_o and_o ready_o dispose_v for_o those_o duty_n which_o christ_n have_v order_v they_o that_o they_o cheerful_o embrace_v all_o inconvenience_n torment_n nay_o death_n itself_o to_o perform_v they_o these_o cause_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o affect_v all_o mankind_n as_o they_o do_v those_o few_o particular_o fit_v by_o long_a conversation_n with_o christ_n himself_o and_o expectation_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o promise_n he_o make_v they_o at_o his_o departure_n which_o be_v still_o work_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o raise_v they_o to_o look_v for_o some_o strange_a supernatural_a effect_n of_o it_o these_o be_v the_o two_o manner_n of_o external_n and_o more_o ordinary_a supernatural_a mean_n for_o of_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o who_o operation_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o a_o series_n of_o cause_n unknowable_a by_o we_o it_o be_v not_o my_o intention_n to_o speak_v in_o this_o discourse_n §_o 5._o natural_a and_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o make_v this_o knowledge_n express_v and_o faith_n lively_a be_v also_o twofold_a viz._n penetrate_v well_o either_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o faith_n be_v build_v that_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o authority_n which_o recommend_v it_o or_o else_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o of_o the_o action_n to_o be_v practise_v to_o the_o maxim_n of_o true_a reason_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o controversy_n to_o teach_v the_o one_o and_o scholastic_a divinity_n the_o other_o and_o it_o be_v by_o read_v and_o attentive_o consider_v the_o discourse_n make_v by_o master_n in_o both_o kind_n that_o we_o may_v attain_v the_o knowledge_n we_o desire_v in_o these_o matmatter_n only_o let_v we_o provide_v the_o author_n we_o choose_v be_v true_o solid_a for_o every_o one_o who_o write_v be_v not_o so_o and_o that_o the_o point_v we_o choose_v be_v to_o our_o purpose_n it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a always_o nor_o convenient_a that_o every_o one_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o knowledge_n shall_v read_v all_o the_o controversy_n that_o concern_v each_o point_n of_o faith_n even_o though_o they_o be_v good_a and_o solid_a much_o less_o amuse_v himself_o with_o solve_v all_o objection_n raise_v and_o raisable_v without_o end_n by_o adversary_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o peruse_v and_o understand_v one_o or_o two_o good_a book_n which_o solid_o treat_v and_o firm_o establish_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n or_o if_o leisure_n and_o opportunity_n serve_v to_o hear_v some_o oral_a discourse_n of_o that_o subject_n in_o fine_a by_o any_o way_n we_o can_v to_o weigh_v attentive_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o authority_n on_o which_o faith_n be_v build_v and_o what_o perfect_a certainty_n the_o same_o and_o less_o authority_n beget_v in_o we_o on_o other_o occasion_n this_o do_v with_o that_o care_n and_o concern_v which_o the_o thing_n require_v it_o will_v natural_o breed_v in_o a_o soul_n these_o and_o the_o like_a reflection_n §_o 6._o i_o believe_v and_o that_o with_o a_o most_o firm_a assurance_n that_o there_o be_v a_o king_n henry_n 8_o a_o william_n the_o conqueror_n a_o julius_n caesar_n and_o many_o action_n perform_v by_o they_o as_o alter_v religion_n in_o england_n conquer_a this_o nation_n gain_v many_o victory_n and_o the_o like_a the_o same_o i_o believe_v of_o less_o man_n and_o less_o universally-known_a action_n provide_v they_o be_v sufficient_o notorious_a to_o great_a multitude_n and_o by_o these_o multitude_n open_o and_o serious_o attest_v and_o without_o any_o imaginable_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n of_o fear_n or_o hope_n or_o any_o interest_n which_o may_v move_v they_o to_o lie_v in_o the_o case_n i_o find_v this_o writ_n in_o my_o heart_n in_o such_o character_n that_o i_o can_v as_o well_o doubt_v whither_o i_o be_o as_o whither_o such_o thing_n be_v i_o find_v all_o mankind_n judge_v the_o same_o and_o i_o can_v no_o more_o think_v it_o possible_a that_o humour_n or_o interest_n shall_v beget_v this_o perswaon_n
both_o and_o at_o once_o instruct_v and_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n and_o inflame_v the_o will._n i_o will_v therefore_o advise_v to_o choose_v such_o as_o contain_v solid_a christian_a doctrine_n and_o express_v it_o both_o rational_o and_o affective_o of_o this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n the_o number_n be_v not_o great_a few_o be_v fit_o qualify_v to_o compose_v they_o for_o there_o be_v requisite_a in_o the_o author_n both_o skill_n in_o true_a divinity_n to_o make_v the_o conformity_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o reason_n appear_v and_o ardent_a devotion_n he_o be_v very_o unlikely_a to_o warm_v another_o who_o be_v cold_a himself_o and_o beside_o a_o great_a mastery_n in_o language_n to_o choose_v expression_n clear_a and_o affective_a and_o both_o easy_a i_o recommend_v for_o this_o purpose_n the_o meditation_n of_o st._n augustin_n and_o the_o devotion_n of_o our_o learned_a pious_a and_o judicious_a countyman_n mr._n john_n austen_n in_o the_o way_n of_o office_n §_o 19_o the_o life_n of_o saint_n also_o be_v of_o great_a efficacy_n to_o stir_v up_o devotion_n by_o way_n of_o imitation_n and_o example_n but_o they_o will_v be_v well_o write_v that_o be_v with_o more_o care_n to_o relate_v their_o heroic_a virtue_n which_o make_v they_o saint_n and_o estimable_a and_o imitable_a by_o we_o then_o to_o huddle_n multitude_n of_o miraculous_a and_o if_o but_o flight_o attest_v incredible_a action_n which_o neither_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o sanctity_n nor_o be_v imitable_a they_o affect_v the_o vulgar_a indeed_o with_o admiration_n and_o esteem_n but_o work_v not_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o wise_a sort_n who_o only_o seek_v their_o own_o improvement_n and_o how_o they_o may_v come_v to_o virtue_n themselves_o of_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v no_o cause_n though_o they_o may_v be_v sign_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v due_o attest_v and_o accompany_v with_o the_o saint_n virtuous_a life_n they_o become_v a_o kind_n of_o testimony_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n particular_a favour_n to_o those_o who_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o his_o service_n and_o a_o encouragement_n for_o other_o to_o serve_v so_o good_a a_o master_n who_o thus_o honour_v those_o that_o honour_n he_o but_o as_o i_o say_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o attest_v lest_o the_o credulity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a embrace_v so_o many_o uncertain_a story_n for_o assure_a truth_n and_o the_o easiness_n of_o some_o pastor_n in_o permit_v they_o without_o distinction_n to_o be_v print_v do_v not_o as_o much_o or_o more_o harm_n to_o those_o without_o the_o church_n as_o good_a to_o those_o within_o she_o the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o choose_v such_o life_n as_o be_v write_v by_o author_n who_o be_v also_o saint_n themselves_o and_o withal_o learned_a and_o prudent_a and_o so_o less_o apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o false_a relation_n or_o bias_v by_o interest_n or_o affection_n such_o as_o be_v the_o life_n of_o st._n francis_n by_o st._n bonaventure_n of_o st._n hilarion_n and_o st._n paul_n the_o hermit_n by_o st._n hierom_n of_o st._n anthony_n the_o great_a by_o st._n athanasius_n and_o the_o like_a chap._n ii_o of_o the_o chief_a act_n of_o devotion_n prayer_n sect_n i._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n and_o its_o excellency_n as_o it_o include_v in_o itself_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n the_o first_o or_o principal_a act_n of_o devotion_n be_v prayer_n it_o seem_v proper_a that_o in_o a_o treatise_n of_o devotion_n i_o shall_v say_v something_o more_o particular_o of_o its_o nature_n and_o excellency_n than_o i_o have_v do_v hitherto_o and_o thence_o enkindle_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o my_o reader_n a_o great_a desire_n to_o frequent_v it_o all_o which_o i_o can_v do_v without_o hint_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o best_a manner_n how_o to_o perform_v it_o though_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o so_o short_a a_o discourse_n as_o i_o intend_v i_o shall_v much_o enlarge_v myself_o or_o descend_v to_o every_o particular_a manner_n of_o it_o §_o 2._o prayer_n then_o as_o be_v say_v be_v define_v a_o elevation_n or_o raise_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o god_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o action_n and_o every_o action_n as_o philosophy_n tell_v we_o have_v two_o term_n or_o end_n the_o one_o that_o from_o which_o the_o action_n go_v the_o other_o that_o to_o which_o it_o tend_v as_o for_o example_n the_o action_n of_o heat_n go_v from_o coldness_n and_o tend_v to_o heat_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o benefit_n of_o prayer_n must_v be_v rate_v from_o both_o these_o it_o raise_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o it_o lift_v we_o from_o earth_n its_o opposite_a or_o antarctic_a that_o be_v it_o set_v we_o above_o that_o from_o whence_o our_o misery_n spring_v and_o approach_v we_o to_o that_o where_o all_o our_o happiness_n be_v treasure_v up_o §_o 3._o some_o ancient_a heathen_n such_o as_o diogenes_n seem_v to_o have_v attain_v the_o former_a without_o the_o help_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o be_v great_a contemner_n of_o the_o world_n but_o alas_o they_o do_v but_o seem_v so_o for_o all_o their_o mock-holy-day_n pretence_n for_o have_v they_o be_v indeed_o and_o true_o raise_v above_o earth_n they_o must_v of_o force_n have_v be_v raise_v towards_o heaven_n that_o be_v they_o must_v have_v be_v addict_v to_o address_v themselves_o by_o prayer_n to_o the_o true_a god_n of_o which_o kind_n of_o devotion_n their_o earth-clogged_a mind_n be_v utter_o ignorant_a they_o be_v not_o then_o raise_v above_o their_o affection_n to_o earth_n but_o their_o whole_a pursuit_n be_v still_o the_o world_n though_o under_o a_o different_a consideration_n they_o be_v above_o it_o as_o it_o be_v able_a to_o give_v they_o riches_n and_o honourable_a title_n but_o still_o deep_o plunge_v in_o it_o as_o it_o give_v they_o esteem_n nay_o far_o more_o deep_o even_o for_o this_o regard_n that_o for_o this_o esteem'_v sake_n they_o contemn_v the_o other_o for_o they_o think_v it_o more_o honourable_a to_o seem_v to_o contemn_v riches_n and_o dignity_n then_o to_o seek_v they_o and_o therefore_o aim_v at_o a_o great_a worldly_a honour_n by_o refuse_v that_o which_o in_o their_o apprehension_n be_v a_o less_o so_o that_o the_o progress_n of_o their_o vain_a and_o proud_a soul_n be_v not_o a_o advance_v from_o earthliness_n to_o heavenliness_n but_o a_o foolish_a leave_v earthly_a riches_n and_o dignity_n to_o acquire_v a_o airy_a and_o perhaps_o a_o more_o empty_a earthly_a esteem_n and_o admiration_n nay_o they_o contemn_v the_o other_o comparative_o only_a that_o be_v will_v have_v love_v it_o and_o perhaps_o hearty_o too_o but_o that_o they_o dote_v more_o upon_o this_o as_o the_o forename_a cynic_n trample_v on_o plato_n pride_n as_o he_o call_v his_o gay_a clothes_n with_o a_o great_a pride_n perhaps_o than_o plato_n wear_v they_o of_o which_o kind_n of_o contemner_n of_o the_o world_n we_o have_v too_o many_o example_n in_o england_n among_o our_o deep_a fanatic_n with_o this_o difference_n that_o their_o pride_n be_v more_o spiritual_a that_o be_v worse_a nay_o being_n a_o corruption_n of_o right_a christianity_n the_o worst_a of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v §_o 4._o prayer_n then_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o elevate_v the_o mind_n from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n or_o rather_o this_o very_a elevation_n itself_o and_o the_o best_a or_o ready_a way_n to_o effect_v this_o or_o raise_v ourselves_o upward_o be_v fly_v it_o follow_v that_o if_o we_o pursue_v the_o metaphor_n we_o must_v say_v the_o soul_n have_v wing_n by_o which_o she_o be_v enable_v to_o take_v this_o flight_n that_o be_v her_o thought_n and_o affection_n which_o how_o swift_a they_o be_v and_o how_o far_o they_o reach_v at_o one_o view_n and_o effort_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o little_a reflection_n will_v teach_v we_o moreover_o she_o must_v move_v and_o stir_v these_o wing_n that_o be_v meditate_v and_o consider_v whence_o we_o experience_n that_o those_o who_o be_v give_v to_o run_v over_o their_o 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