in_o they_o than_o in_o myself_o which_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o do_v not_o it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o right_a nature_n or_o true_a reason_n oblige_v both_o they_o and_o i_o to_o assent_v that_o such_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o therefore_o that_o such_o a_o authority_n attest_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v deceive_v we_o wherefore_o by_o the_o same_o and_o far_o better_a reason_n i_o be_o to_o believe_v this_o vast_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n attest_v to_o i_o that_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n §_o 7._o far_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o this_o universal_a persuasion_n of_o mankind_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v divine_a be_v introduce_v i_o find_v the_o effect_n absolute_o impossible_a to_o nature_n the_o man_n who_o first_o begin_v to_o work_v it_o be_v inconsiderable_a in_o all_o respect_n of_o which_o the_o world_n take_v notice_n of_o mean_a birth_n of_o mean_a calling_n fisherman_n of_o no_o power_n no_o extraordinary_a natural_a endowment_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o primitive_a christian_a as_o there_o be_v many_o famous_a for_o part_n or_o quality_n he_o must_v first_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o man_n inferior_a to_o himself_o in_o all_o such_o kind_n of_o respect_n this_o be_v at_o a_o time_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v possess_v with_o idolatry_n that_o be_v utter_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n except_v one_o poor_a corner_n of_o it_o judea_n where_o the_o change_n begin_v and_o where_o those_o who_o remain_v unchanged_a be_v great_a enemy_n to_o the_o business_n than_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o world_n at_o this_o time_n be_v so_o far_o from_o simple_a or_o foolish_a that_o wit_n be_v rather_o at_o the_o high_a pitch_n all_o the_o learning_n of_o athens_n and_o greece_n be_v transfer_v to_o the_o roman_n and_o there_o improve_v and_o heighten_v yet_o this_o world_n by_o these_o man_n in_o such_o circumstance_n be_v prevail_v with_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o their_o long-settled_n persuasion_n in_o religion_n and_o instead_o of_o they_o to_o entertain_v and_o that_o with_o a_o most_o unshakable_a firmness_n the_o belief_n of_o mystery_n inconceivable_a such_o at_o which_o nature_n can_v not_o choose_v but_o boggle_v extreme_o and_o not_o admit_v without_o absolute_a conviction_n for_o no_o interest_n can_v move_v they_o all_o preferment_n of_o honour_n or_o trust_v or_o profit_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o oppose_v this_o new_a doctrine_n and_o to_o embrace_v it_o be_v to_o forfeit_n whatever_o they_o possess_v or_o hope_v in_o this_o kind_n nay_o to_o change_v it_o for_o poverty_n and_o contempt_n and_o torment_n and_o death_n force_v there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v for_o all_o power_n be_v in_o those_o who_o be_v against_o christianity_n and_o be_v employ_v and_o strain_v to_o suppress_v it_o in_o learning_n and_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n and_o all_o natural_a part_n they_o have_v the_o advantage_n and_o the_o thing_n propose_v to_o their_o belief_n a_o trinity_n a_o god_n make_v man_n and_o live_v in_o obscurity_n and_o die_v in_o torment_n and_o infamy_n a_o virgin-mother_n etc._n etc._n be_v inconceivable_a and_o to_o nature_n unsolvable_a riddle_n §_o 8._o he_o that_o shall_v consider_v these_o thing_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o what_o may_v occur_v as_o they_o deserve_v will_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o effect_n viz._n a_o persuasion_n of_o such_o multitude_n of_o man_n so_o qualify_v to_o believe_v such_o strange_a thing_n so_o strong_o that_o no_o hope_n or_o fear_n can_v hinder_v they_o from_o stand_v firm_o to_o they_o even_o to_o death_n can_v not_o be_v compass_v by_o natural_a cause_n and_o thence_o conclude_v with_o absolute_a certainty_n the_o doctrine_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o divine_a dictate_v by_o god_n the_o author_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o his_o power_n over_o it_o introduce_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o world_n §_o 9_o again_o among_o other_o supernatural_a mean_n miracle_n be_v one_o which_o the_o christian_a party_n unanimous_o pretend_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o be_v impossible_a have_v they_o be_v false_a they_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v discover_v and_o the_o pretender_n and_o actor_n manifest_o show_v to_o be_v a_o company_n of_o cheat_n unless_o there_o want_v wit_n or_o power_n or_o will_v in_o the_o opposite_a party_n to_o examine_v and_o detect_v they_o for_o that_o which_o we_o know_v how_o to_o do_v and_o can_v and_o will_v do_v manifest_o be_v do_v wit_n to_o detect_v they_o there_o be_v in_o abundance_n the_o world_n be_v then_o both_o acute_a and_o withal_o sceptical_a a_o quality_n too_o which_o hinder_v they_o from_o believe_v rash_o will_v there_o want_v not_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o all_o overseer_n of_o religion_n or_o priest_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n engage_v they_o against_o it_o and_o the_o civil_a policy_n be_v high_o concern_v to_o look_v to_o innovation_n and_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o religion_n in_o vogue_n and_o establish_v among_o they_o beside_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o have_v a_o will_n to_o do_v what_o they_o do_v and_o they_o do_v make_v all_o the_o opposition_n they_o can_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o want_n of_o power_n which_o till_o constantin_n time_n three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n be_v all_o whether_o secular_a or_o religious_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n and_o often_o fruitless_o employ_v to_o the_o uttermost_a both_o by_o policy_n and_o persecution_n to_o root_v it_o out_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o over-bearing_a they_o by_o noise_n for_o that_o be_v one_o kind_a of_o power_n and_o silence_v those_o who_o cry_v down_o the_o miracle_n by_o the_o loud_a clamour_n of_o great_a multitude_n who_o cry_v they_o up_o for_o though_o christianity_n have_v make_v a_o considerable_a progress_n in_o the_o world_n during_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n yet_o in_o comparison_n of_o heathen_n christian_n be_v but_o few_o and_o very_o unable_a to_o contend_v with_o they_o in_o noise_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n be_v true_a miracle_n and_o too_o evident_o such_o for_o any_o wit_n or_o power_n of_o man_n to_o show_v they_o otherwise_o and_o that_o those_o and_o the_o other_o mean_n use_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n be_v true_o above_o nature_n since_o they_o overcome_v all_o human_a and_o natural_a mean_n conspire_v and_o bend_v to_o oppose_v they_o and_o have_v they_o not_o be_v such_o the_o persuasion_n nay_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o such_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n and_o stand_v fast_o against_o such_o a_o violent_a torrent_n nay_o turn_v the_o stream_n so_o strange_o and_o prevail_v on_o such_o vast_a portion_n of_o the_o world_n to_o embrace_v christianity_n will_v be_v a_o effect_n without_o a_o cause_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o without_o a_o proportionable_a cause_n or_o a_o cause_n able_a to_o produce_v it_o wherefore_o as_o certain_a as_o it_o be_v that_o no_o effect_n can_v be_v produce_v without_o a_o cause_n and_o that_o a_o proportionable_a cause_n or_o a_o cause_n able_a to_o produce_v it_o and_o that_o be_v so_o certain_a that_o to_o deny_v it_o be_v to_o affirm_v manifest_a contradiction_n viz._n that_o a_o thing_n can_v do_v what_o it_o can_v do_v so_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o this_o first-taught_a doctrine_n be_v both_o true_o divine_a and_o right_o derive_v from_o the_o primitive_a time_n to_o we_o therefore_o i_o be_o as_o sure_a as_o i_o live_v my_o faith_n be_v true_a and_o the_o doctrine_n i_o believe_v reveal_v to_o mankind_n by_o god_n himself_o §_o 10._o hence_o a_o rationally-pious_a soul_n will_v discourse_v on_o this_o or_o the_o like_a manner_n when_o i_o certain_o know_v any_o thing_n that_o real_o and_o high_o concern_v i_o for_o example_n that_o such_o a_o precipice_n if_o i_o leap_v into_o it_o will_v certain_o kill_v i_o such_o a_o action_n will_v certain_o ruin_v my_o estate_n such_o another_o will_v secure_v it_o and_o settle_v i_o in_o plenty_n &_o content_a and_o security_n it_o be_v plain_a madness_n not_o to_o act_v according_a to_o this_o knowledge_n and_o beware_v of_o that_o precipice_n and_o avoid_v one_o action_n and_o do_v the_o other_o but_o it_o be_v infinite_o great_a madness_n not_o to_o avoid_v such_o thing_n as_o my_o faith_n with_o much_o great_a certainty_n assure_v i_o will_v bring_v upon_o i_o infinite_o great_a mischief_n and_o not_o lay_v hold_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o it_o likewise_o assure_v i_o will_v put_v i_o into_o possession_n of_o infinite_o great_a good_n no_o less_o than_o true_a and_o perfect_a and_o never_o end_v happiness_n i_o will_v therefore_o endeavour_v by_o the_o best_a and_o all_o mean_n i_o possible_o can_v to_o avoid_v sin_n correct_v my_o passion_n and_o inordinate_a
his_o own_o holy_a will_n and_o that_o prayer_n for_o virtue_n be_v such_o make_v we_o firm_o hope_n out_o petition_n will_v be_v grant_v and_o a_o hope_n thus_o raise_v render_v our_o wish_n of_o it_o far_o more_o efficacious_a as_o we_o experience_n pass_v in_o our_o selus_fw-la in_o other_o matter_n when_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o get_v they_o and_o as_o it_o be_v just_a upon_o the_o point_n of_o attain_v they_o this_o hope_n also_o fix_v and_o comfort_v our_o thought_n in_o confidence_n of_o have_v already_o gain_v some_o and_o of_o attain_v yet_o more_o by_o which_o mean_n they_o be_v keep_v up_o and_o continue_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o what_o we_o ask_v for_o and_o relapse_n not_o into_o a_o stupid_a want_n of_o expectation_n 5_o while_o out_o mind_n be_v more_o raise_v by_o prayer_n to_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n our_o will_n be_v proportionable_o raise_v to_o a_o more_o fervent_a wish_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v already_o know_v to_o be_v the_o proper_a mean_n to_o attain_v he_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o one_o who_o know_v certain_o a_o treasure_n be_v hide_v in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o be_v he_o if_o he_o will_v go_v for_o it_o be_v very_o prompt_a to_o wish_v nay_o resolute_a to_o get_v and_o use_v mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o be_v when_o our_o thought_n be_v not_o make_v lively_a by_o prayer_n the_o thought_n of_o heaven_n be_v so_o distant_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v represent_v by_o fancy_n it_o seem_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o dry_a speculation_n and_o dull_a in_o comparison_n 6_o since_o as_o be_v say_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v such_o that_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n what_o ever_o be_v to_o have_v that_o very_a thing_n in_o our_o understanding_n and_o that_o prayer_n improve_n this_o knowledge_n to_o a_o liveliness_n or_o expresness_n it_o become_v active_a to_o obtain_v it_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o it_o become_v will_n it_o follow_v that_o by_o much_o and_o lively_a think_v and_o conceit_v the_o goodness_n of_o virtue_n we_o arrive_v to_o have_v it_o in_o our_o will_n i_o mean_v we_o have_v in_o our_o will_n a_o disposition_n to_o act_n according_a to_o right_a reason_n inform_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v indeed_o we_o have_v attain_v virtue_n this_o be_v its_o very_a nature_n and_o definition_n last_o since_o as_o be_v show_v before_o by_o prayer_n the_o soul_n be_v to_o some_o degree_n inferior_a indeed_o but_o yet_o true_o deify_v or_o make_v one_o with_o god_n that_o be_v with_o he_o who_o include_v eminent_o all_o virtue_n or_o rather_o be_v those_o very_a virtue_n essential_o it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o the_o soul_n addict_v to_o prayer_n especial_o when_o she_o pray_v know_o and_o thence_o raise_v herself_o to_o love_n must_v have_v all_o virtue_n in_o she_o nay_o be_v those_o very_a virtue_n according_a as_o her_o pitch_n of_o love_n of_o god_n advance_v she_o and_o her_o present_a state_n in_o this_o life_n will_v permit_v she_o §_o 10._o from_o this_o doctrine_n we_o may_v draw_v these_o consequence_n first_o that_o though_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o temporal_a good_n always_o with_o resignation_n and_o conditional_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o add_v either_o of_o these_o caution_n when_o we_o pray_v for_o virtue_n but_o we_o may_v wish_v it_o absolute_o without_o any_o measure_n or_o stint_v since_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v always_o of_o itself_o agreeable_a to_o god_n will_v and_o our_o own_o true_a good_a in_o ask_v or_o desire_v which_o god_n goodness_n have_v limit_v no_o man._n you_o will_v say_v then_o one_o may_v wish_v as_o high_a a_o pitch_n of_o virtue_n as_o the_o great_a saint_n have_v nay_o that_o of_o our_o bless_a lady_n herself_o it_o be_v answer_v since_o the_o mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o virtue_n as_o other_o be_v to_o wish_v it_o with_o as_o pure_a a_o intention_n and_o as_o fervent_o as_o they_o do_v none_o be_v to_o wish_v the_o end_n without_o the_o proper_a mean_n to_o it_o but_o to_o labour_v all_o they_o can_v to_o put_v the_o mean_n that_o be_v to_o gain_v a_o fervent_a desire_n of_o it_o from_o god_n by_o prayer_n qualify_v according_a to_o all_o the_o particular_n abovesaid_a as_o that_o of_o those_o saint_n be_v and_o then_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v absolute_o god_n will_n both_z as_o author_n of_o nature_n and_o super-naturals_a that_o effect_n shall_v spring_v out_o of_o proper_a cause_n and_o immediate_a disposition_n nay_o we_o know_v this_o with_o a_o great_a assurance_n than_o that_o any_o effect_n of_o nature_n will_v succeed_v for_o example_n fire_n burn_v or_o rain_v wet_a for_o it_o become_v god_n goodness_n sometime_o to_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n miraculous_o for_o high_a end_n even_o when_o natural_a disposition_n be_v ready_a and_o require_v to_o produce_v natural_a effect_n but_o it_o can_v never_o consist_v with_o his_o sweet_a goodness_n to_o hinder_v those_o from_o have_v virtue_n who_o be_v immediate_o dispose_v for_o it_o whether_o those_o that_o pray_v shall_v attain_v a_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o so_o high_a a_o virtue_n as_o those_o have_v be_v another_o question_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a god_n have_v lay_v no_o command_n upon_o any_o to_o deter_v he_o from_o do_v his_o best_a to_o attain_v it_o but_o have_v propose_v saint_n to_o our_o imitation_n absolute_o and_o not_o to_o a_o degree_n only_o for_o as_o the_o say_n be_v he_o that_o aim_v at_o the_o sun_n though_o he_o be_v sure_a he_o shall_v never_o his_o his_o mark_n yet_o he_o will_v shoot_v high_a than_o he_o that_o aim_v only_o at_o a_o bush._n but_o how_o high_a step_v every_o particular_a soul_n ought_v to_o take_v at_o once_o belong_v to_o supernatural_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n of_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a office_n of_o a_o wise_a ghostly-father_n to_o determine_v it_o and_o his_o only_a care_n must_v be_v to_o be_v sure_o the_o soul_n proceed_v still_o by_o immediate_a disposition_n for_o otherwise_o the_o take_v great_a leap_v at_o once_o in_o a_o spiritual_a progress_n general_o strain_v the_o connaturality_n of_o devotion_n and_o end_n in_o indevotion_n or_o sloth_n in_o a_o word_n let_v he_o that_o pray_v be_v only_o attentive_a to_o ask_v virtue_n of_o god_n with_o as_o much_o fervency_n as_o he_o will_v and_o then_o leave_v the_o effect_n to_o he_o who_o be_v a_o faithful_a promiser_n and_o a_o full_a rewarder_n 11._o second_o since_o this_o assurance_n be_v so_o great_a let_v he_o that_o pray_v ask_v his_o true_a and_o certain_a good_a virtue_n without_o any_o waver_a or_o doubt_v but_o with_o a_o absolute_a confidence_n in_o god_n goodness_n or_o mercy_n for_o can_v we_o be_v sure_a of_o any_o thing_n than_o that_o a_o miracle_n shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o effect_n if_o we_o put_v the_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o it_o by_o prayer_n and_o this_o security_n we_o have_v of_o attain_v virtue_n if_o we_o pray_v for_o it_o fervent_o and_o as_o we_o ought_v 12._o three_o the_o same_o certainty_n be_v of_o the_o effect_n if_o one_o pray_v for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o sin_n for_o prayer_n be_v a_o hearty_a wish_n of_o what_o we_o pray_v for_o make_v fervent_a by_o those_o advantage_n we_o have_v above_o enumerate_v it_o follow_v that_o it_o mould_v as_o it_o be_v and_o frame_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o absolute_a and_o resolute_a will_n of_o forsake_v sin_n and_o warm_v it_o with_o affection_n to_o her_o true_a good_n but_o great_a care_n must_v be_v have_v of_o pray_v god_n to_o pardon_v our_o sin_n while_o yet_o our_o will_n be_v tie_v fast_o to_o the_o sinful_a object_n for_o that_o be_v to_o require_v of_o he_o to_o do_v more_o than_o miracle_n love_n of_o god_n alone_o final_o or_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o their_o heart_n be_v the_o only_a remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o love_n of_o any_o creature_n otherwise_o than_o in_o order_n to_o that_o love_n be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o as_o impossible_a as_o it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n alone_o final_o and_o a_o creature_n above_o or_o not_o in_o order_n to_o he_o both_o at_o once_o which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o direct_a contradiction_n so_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o sin_n shall_v be_v pardon_v till_o the_o inordinate_a affection_n be_v take_v from_o the_o object_n of_o it_o 13._o but_o what_o shall_v those_o poor_a sinner_n do_v who_o have_v not_o a_o will_v to_o leave_v sin_n or_o at_o least_o but_o a_o divide_a will_n as_o be_v st._n augustin_n case_n before_o his_o conversion_n which_o he_o so_o complain_o descant_v upon_o in_o his_o confession_n i_o answer_v they_o must_v still_o take_v the_o same_o method_n that_o be_v
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
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
be_v do_v be_v as_o much_o solicitous_a about_o the_o disposition_n as_o the_o action_n and_o labour_v more_o to_o perform_v they_o well_o than_o often_o unless_o their_o spiritual_a director_n judge_v they_o fit_v for_o both_o but_o always_o with_o a_o preparation_n suitable_a to_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o institute_n so_o sacred_a and_o divine_a those_o be_v altogether_o affect_v to_o many_o and_o those_o the_o most_o customary_a prayer_n often_o slubber_v they_o over_o sometime_o with_o so_o little_a application_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o become_a reverence_n in_o the_o posture_n of_o the_o body_n they_o little_a heed_n the_o sense_n as_o they_o go_v along_o and_o consider_v not_o how_o or_o how_o far_o it_o affect_v their_o soul_n and_o want_v that_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a rule_n to_o direct_v their_o choice_n if_o chance_n dispose_v not_o otherwise_o general_o make_v use_v of_o such_o as_o they_o see_v use_v by_o other_o apprehend_v some_o great_a matter_n in_o the_o very_a word_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n choose_v sometime_o latin_a prayer_n though_o they_o understand_v not_o one_o word_n of_o the_o language_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o proportion_n this_o way_n have_v to_o their_o pitch_n of_o soul_n this_o conceit_n of_o some_o great_a thing_n in_o common_a concur_v so_o well_o with_o their_o right-set_a intention_n that_o they_o pray_v very_o well_o &_o better_a than_o where_o they_o understand_v more_o and_o conceit_n less_o the_o other_o sort_n be_v know_o devout_a or_o spiritual_a who_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v omnia_fw-la dijudicant_fw-la discern_v or_o distinguish_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v themselves_o at_o liberty_n where_o god_n or_o his_o church_n have_v lay_v no_o command_n take_v for_o their_o rule_n the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o believe_v this_o good_a to_o consist_v in_o a_o right_a disposition_n they_o therefore_o choose_v such_o prayer_n and_o book_n as_o they_o find_v by_o experience_n most_o useful_a to_o this_o purpose_n and_o contain_v such_o motive_n as_o be_v most_o efficacious_a to_o raise_v their_o soul_n to_o heaven_n they_o be_v no_o way_n affect_v to_o what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o comprehend_v not_o how_o ignorance_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a curse_n of_o original_a sin_n shall_v ever_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n they_o be_v more_o for_o the_o few_o and_o well_o than_o the_o many_o and_o often_o at_o a_o venture_n they_o be_v always_o careful_a to_o accompany_v their_o prayer_n with_o a_o grave_n and_o reverend_a gesture_n and_o a_o attention_n pierce_v into_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v able_a and_o distinct_o penetrate_v the_o force_n of_o the_o word_n which_o they_o expect_v shall_v contain_v such_o a_o affective_a sense_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o wing_v their_o soul_n for_o heaven_n §_o 8._o the_o former_a too_o be_v more_o addict_v to_o corporal_n the_o late_a to_o spiritual_a work_n of_o mercy_n and_o as_o those_o fancy_n no_o great_a matter_n in_o the_o advance_n of_o truth_n suppose_v we_o have_v once_o faith_n so_o these_o see_v no_o advantage_n to_o the_o world_n in_o relieve_v any_o necessity_n incident_a to_o the_o body_n comparable_a to_o that_o of_o better_v man_n soul_n which_o they_o see_v will_v follow_v from_o the_o advance_n of_o truth_n solid_a goodness_n be_v the_o genuine_a offspring_n of_o solid_a knowledge_n §_o 9_o last_o the_o difference_n of_o these_o two_o spirit_n be_v great_a in_o relation_n to_o comportment_n and_o human_a conversation_n they_o who_o study_n it_o be_v to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o right_a reason_n the_o true_a nature_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o apply_v it_o to_o all_o their_o action_n whence_o their_o carriage_n be_v even_o their_o friendship_n steady_a their_o judgement_n stay_v and_o just_a their_o thought_n charitable_a they_o harken_v to_o proposal_n with_o calmness_n and_o indifference_n and_o believe_v without_o good_a ground_n slow_o the_o other_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o be_v humorous_a stiff_o addict_v to_o any_o opinion_n take_v up_o of_o course_n inconstant_a in_o their_o purpose_n and_o friendship_n partial_a in_o their_o verdict_n credulous_a even_o of_o toy_n and_o of_o which_o no_o solid_a ground_n appear_v if_o they_o suit_v their_o fancy_n unwilling_a to_o hear_v any_o reason_n son_n which_o cross_v the_o conceit_n they_o have_v once_o espouse_v and_o for_o want_v of_o due_o weigh_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n rash_a concluder_n censorious_a of_o every_o thing_n that_o run_v not_o just_a in_o the_o tract_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o fierce_a reprehender_n of_o what_o they_o think_v amiss_o and_o yet_o these_o imperfection_n when_o they_o happen_v hinder_v not_o a_o good_a meaning_n and_o right-set_a intention_n all_o this_o while_n they_o may_v hearty_o wish_v and_o love_n what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n will_v and_o hate_v whatever_o be_v contrary_a only_o by_o the_o shortness_n of_o their_o reason_n or_o untoward_a circumstance_n they_o be_v preoccupate_v with_o a_o wrong_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o see_v not_o what_o be_v agreeable_a and_o what_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o afford_v those_o of_o the_o other_o sort_n a_o fair_a occasion_n of_o exercise_v a_o double_a charity_n in_o bear_v with_o their_o imperfection_n and_o by_o sweet_a way_n instruct_v their_o ignorance_n §_o 10._o but_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o devout_a people_n be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n fix_v in_o a_o indivisible_a point_n as_o they_o seem_v here_o describe_v i_o fear_v there_o be_v not_o very_o many_o perfect_o of_o the_o one_o kind_n and_o hope_v there_o be_v not_o very_o many_o just_a of_o the_o other_o i_o only_o intend_v to_o describe_v the_o standard_n of_o these_o two_o spirit_n which_o be_v participate_v with_o a_o thousand_o unequal_a degree_n now_o of_o the_o one_o now_o of_o the_o other_o sort_n and_o interweave_v with_o a_o variety_n almost_o infinite_a according_a as_o natural_a genius_n instruction_n and_o other_o circumstance_n have_v allot_v their_o proportion_n §_o 11._o let_v be_v it_o our_o task_n oemulari_fw-la charismata_fw-la meliora_fw-la with_o a_o true_a christian_a ambition_n to_o aim_v at_o what_o be_v best_a and_o high_a but_o yet_o remember_v too_o that_o what_o be_v best_a in_o itself_o be_v not_o always_o best_o for_o every_o particular_a and_o resolve_v upon_o better_a advice_n than_o our_o own_o to_o pursue_v the_o unum_n necessarium_fw-la that_o way_n which_o be_v most_o expedient_a for_o our_o soul_n the_o truth_n be_v these_o method_n as_o different_a as_o they_o be_v may_v both_o be_v needful_a almost_o for_o every_o one_o few_o or_o no_o understanding_n be_v so_o sublime_a as_o not_o to_o admit_v and_o even_o need_v the_o assistance_n of_o frequent_v outward_a act_n which_o beget_v habit_n and_o few_o so_o low_a as_o may_v not_o be_v improve_v to_o contribute_v and_o that_o considerable_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o material_a way_n if_o good_a instruction_n be_v not_o want_v wherefore_o neither_o shall_v the_o intelligent_a devote_n neglect_v the_o constant_a use_n of_o outward_a act_n of_o devotion_n nor_o the_o material_a one_o to_o improve_v his_o outward_a exercise_n by_o join_v as_o much_o understanding_n to_o they_o as_o he_o can_v sect_n v._o of_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v devotion_n the_o mean_n of_o attain_v both_o sort_n of_o devotion_n be_v already_o touch_v in_o common_a but_o the_o subject_n deserve_v to_o be_v treat_v more_o particular_o in_o the_o material_a way_n because_o the_o effect_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o impression_n first_o make_v on_o the_o body_n that_o which_o import_v be_v that_o these_o impression_n be_v as_o strong_a as_o may_v be_v and_o as_o many_o for_o a_o weak_a cause_n often_o apply_v will_v produce_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o strong_a one_o such_o exercise_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v as_o strike_v the_o inward_a sense_n and_o fancy_v most_o strong_o but_o what_o ever_o they_o be_v they_o will_v become_v efficacious_a if_o they_o be_v often_o enough_o repeat_v those_o therefore_o for_o who_o this_o way_n be_v proper_a shall_v be_v exhort_v to_o be_v assiduous_a in_o the_o outward_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n whatever_o they_o be_v yet_o with_o this_o caution_n that_o the_o frequency_n prejudice_n not_o their_o efficacy_n for_o if_o they_o become_v so_o customary_a as_o to_o be_v do_v mere_o out_o of_o custom_n they_o will_v loose_v much_o of_o their_o force_n particular_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o this_o point_n about_o those_o exercise_n which_o require_v a_o extraordinary_a reverence_n and_o by_o the_o design_n of_o the_o divine_a institutor_n carry_v with_o they_o a_o awe_n and_o respect_n as_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n for_o if_o according_a to_o the_o maxim_n consueta_fw-la vilescunt_fw-la customary_a thing_n grow_v vile_a our_o too_o
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
strive_v by_o continual_a prayer_n make_v after_o that_o weak_a manner_n at_o least_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o improve_v those_o imperfect_a will_n into_o perfect_a one_o and_o groan_v under_o the_o slavery_n they_o now_o full_o experience_n at_o once_o sigh_n and_o tremble_v before_o their_o just_o offend_a god_n which_o kind_n of_o exercise_n in_o this_o case_n be_v more_o profitable_a and_o proper_a for_o they_o to_o use_v than_o love_n of_o god_n of_o which_o their_o heart_n yet_o full_a of_o filth_n be_v at_o present_a uncapable_a yet_o their_o utmost_a industry_n must_v be_v employ_v by_o faith_n and_o some_o degree_n of_o hope_n which_o be_v here_o the_o only_a actor_n to_o promote_v and_o advance_v these_o good_a motion_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n not_o yet_o within_o they_o but_o only_o move_v they_o to_o towards_o that_o grace_n by_o which_o the_o same_o holy-ghost_n enter_v into_o their_o heart_n and_o inhabit_v there_o the_o hard_a struggle_n be_v at_o first_o till_o the_o scale_n begin_v to_o turn_v which_o do_v all_o be_v easy_a to_o we_o if_o we_o pursue_v our_o victory_n but_o for_o those_o who_o be_v in_o this_o state_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o mortification_n go_v along_o with_o prayer_n to_o wean_v deter_v and_o divert_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o noxious_a gust_n she_o take_v in_o sinful_a object_n 14._o last_o we_o may_v hence_o admire_v the_o wise_a method_n and_o matchless_a bounty_n of_o our_o good_a god_n in_o allure_a we_o by_o so_o many_o motive_n to_o apply_v to_o he_o by_o prayer_n that_o so_o we_o may_v arrive_v at_o true_a happiness_n and_o give_v we_o by_o the_o very_a ask_n that_o be_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o ask_v all_o that_o be_v our_o certain_a and_o true_a good_a or_o all_o we_o can_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n hearty_o beg_v of_o he_o you_o will_v say_v it_o will_v follow_v hence_o that_o if_o one_o immediate_o ask_v heaven_n he_o shall_v have_v it_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v the_o same_o manner_n of_o fond_a petition_n but_o far_o more_o high_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o ask_v the_o virtue_n of_o our_o lady_n or_o the_o apostle_n without_o think_v of_o put_v first_o the_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o have_v it_o which_o be_v to_o press_v god_n to_o do_v a_o miracle_n for_o our_o sake_n a_o thing_n true_a humility_n &_o reverence_n the_o requisite_n to_o a_o right_o make_v prayer_n will_v scarce_o allow_v and_o so_o still_o our_o general_a principle_n remain_v firm_a to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v what_o we_o pray_v for_o when_o we_o ask_v for_o our_o true_a good_a so_o we_o ask_v as_o we_o ought_v now_o the_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o heaven_n be_v love_n of_o god_n if_o we_o pray_v for_o the_o mean_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a both_o to_o obtain_v this_o and_o heaven_n too_o which_o be_v our_o end_n by_o it_o which_o secure_v to_o we_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o prayer_n or_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o our_o wish_n though_o it_o come_v not_o to_o we_o after_o our_o own_o foolish_a manner_n but_o according_a to_o the_o method_n our_o infinite_o wise_a god_n have_v appoint_v that_o be_v that_o all_o thing_n even_o in_o super-naturals_a except_o in_o some_o few_o case_n be_v carry_v forward_o from_o connatural_a cause_n or_o disposition_n to_o proper_a effect_n which_o consequence_n of_o the_o effect_n out_o of_o their_o proper_a cause_n be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n merit_n so_o misrepresent_v by_o our_o adversary_n only_o superad_v that_o god_n have_v promise_v this_o certain_a effect_n shall_v follow_v and_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a work_n out_o of_o that_o consideration_n or_o out_o of_o a_o reliance_n on_o god_n promise_n without_o know_v perhaps_o how_o this_o promise_n be_v bring_v about_o or_o perform_v to_o we_o which_o yet_o when_o know_v by_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_v it_o must_v needs_o add_v a_o strange_a degree_n of_o comfort_n and_o a_o exceed_a courage_n to_o employ_v themselves_o in_o prayer_n whence_o may_v be_v easy_o collect_v that_o i_o only_o concern_v myself_o with_o that_o kind_n of_o impetrative_a virtue_n by_o which_o right_o make_v prayer_n obtain_v certain_o of_o god_n our_o true_a spiritual_a good_a that_o by_o show_v the_o connatural_a efficacy_n of_o it_o and_o with_o how_o necessary_a a_o consequence_n the_o attainment_n of_o virtue_n spring_v from_o it_o i_o may_v excite_v my_o reader_n to_o pursue_v that_o best_a duty_n and_o withal_o by_o the_o way_n instruct_v they_o how_o to_o perform_v it_o what_o other_o virtue_n prayer_n have_v of_o obtain_v many_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o ourselves_o and_o our_o neighbour_n by_o oblige_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n in_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n so_o to_o contrive_v and_o order_v thing_n that_o not_o one_o prayer_n of_o the_o just_a be_v leave_v unavailable_a as_o far_o as_o can_v possible_o consist_v with_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o universe_n nay_o even_o so_o far_o as_o if_o the_o prayer_n be_v make_v with_o a_o perfect_a faith_n confidence_n and_o firm_a reliance_n upon_o he_o to_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n by_o miracle_n for_o such_o a_o prayer_n sake_n of_o these_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n to_o treat_v at_o present_a it_o be_v out_o of_o my_o road_n as_o depend_v on_o principle_n which_o lie_v very_o remote_a from_o my_o present_a design_n as_o be_v say_v former_o in_o a_o like_a case_n concern_v prayer_n to_o saint_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o section_n i_o shall_v end_v this_o discourse_n with_o those_o most_o expressive_a word_n of_o st._n james_n if_o any_o one_o want_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o abundant_o and_o without_o grudge_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o but_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o doubt_v for_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n which_o be_v move_v and_o toss_v about_o by_o the_o wind._n let_v not_o then_o such_o a_o man_n think_v that_o he_o shall_v obtain_v any_o thing_n of_o our_o lord_n where_o we_o be_v to_o note_v first_o that_o by_o wisdom_n be_v not_o mean_v speculative_a knowledge_n but_o that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v our_o certain_a and_o true_a spiritual_a good_a and_o of_o which_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v the_o beginning_n as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v its_o accomplishment_n or_o perfection_n next_o he_o assure_v we_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o that_o without_o grudge_v or_o upbraid_v any_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v enough_o already_o but_o abundant_o without_o stint_n so_o they_o dispose_v themselves_o by_o prayer_n to_o receive_v it_o three_o he_o put_v the_o disposition_n to_o receive_v it_o to_o be_v a_o firm_a hope_n faith_n or_o confidence_n in_o god_n overflow_a goodness_n which_o be_v strengthen_v by_o know_v that_o what_o we_o ask_v be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o holy_a will._n last_o he_o declare_v that_o the_o want_n of_o this_o confidence_n in_o ask_v render_v our_o whole_a prayer_n ineffectual_a for_o the_o wish_n can_v be_v strong_a and_o efficacious_a to_o work_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o hearty_a and_o habitual_a love_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v hold_v beforehand_o as_o it_o ought_v that_o it_o can_v be_v have_v without_o god_n give_v it_o and_o the_o asker_n think_v that_o let_v he_o ask_v virtue_n how_o he_o will_v it_o be_v yet_o a_o obscure_a kind_n of_o mystery_n lie_v in_o god_n breast_n and_o depend_v on_o his_o mere_a will_n whether_o he_o will_v please_v to_o give_v he_o any_o virtue_n or_o no_o and_o that_o let_v he_o pray_v for_o it_o how_o he_o will_v there_o be_v yet_o no_o determinate_a or_o certain_a cause_n lay_v in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o supernatural_a providence_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o thence_o come_v to_o doubt_v whether_o he_o shall_v ever_o obtain_v any_o virtue_n or_o none_o at_o all_o which_o be_v very_o uncomfortable_a whereas_o be_v it_o know_v and_o well_o penetrate_v that_o god_n will_n be_v already_o as_o to_o that_o point_n determine_v by_o his_o wisdom_n govern_v and_o promote_a soul_n by_o prayer_n to_o virtue_n and_o by_o virtue_n to_o heaven_n as_o by_o proper_a disposition_n to_o those_o effect_n according_a to_o that_o say_v of_o the_o psalmist_n they_o shall_v rise_v from_o virtue_n to_o virtue_n till_o they_o see_v the_o god_n of_o god_n in_o zion_n also_o be_v it_o know_v and_o consider_v that_o a_o unwavering_a and_o thence_o efficacious_a prayer_n or_o wish_n strengthen_v by_o direct_v it_o to_o god_n be_v the_o proper_a disposition_n or_o mean_n effectual_o and_o necessary_o as_o we_o may_v say_v to_o gain_v virtue_n it_o will_v become_v impossible_a to_o want_v courage_n to_o ask_v it_o hearty_o and_o absolute_o impossible_a to_o waver_v or_o want_v assuredness_n in_o our_o ask_n it_o impossible_a our_o wish_n of_o it_o shall_v not_o become_v a_o efficacious_a mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o last_o impossible_a we_o shall_v not_o obtain_v what_o we_o ask_v soli_fw-la deo_fw-la gloria_fw-la finis_fw-la