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the_o infallible_a mean_n to_o obtain_v all_o our_o best_a wish_n the_o impetrative_a part_n of_o prayer_n or_o the_o virtue_n it_o have_v of_o obtain_v from_o god_n infallible_o what_o ever_o we_o ask_v for_o ourselves_o that_o we_o can_v be_v sure_o be_v our_o true_a good_a be_v perhaps_o as_o great_a a_o incentive_a to_o exercise_v it_o as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o doctrine_n no_o less_o comfortable_a than_o strange_a we_o ought_v then_o to_o unriddle_v it_o and_o make_v it_o out_o and_o first_o we_o must_v remark_n that_o we_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a that_o any_o external_n thing_n be_v good_a for_o we_o be_v it_o riches_n honour_n pleasure_n health_n friend_n etc._n etc._n for_o to_o many_o all_o these_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o damnation_n as_o they_o have_v of_o salvation_n to_o other_o nay_o some_o be_v of_o that_o genius_n and_o so_o circumstance_v that_o nothing_o but_o extreme_a misery_n in_o this_o world_n can_v keep_v they_o 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be_v set_v upon_o he_o who_o be_v our_o last_o end_n we_o take_v our_o aim_n more_o steady_o at_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o attain_v he_o 2_o i'faith_o which_o we_o suppose_v to_o go_v before_o prayer_n tell_v we_o all_o come_v from_o he_o it_o heighten_v our_o soul_n and_o consequent_o fancy_n far_o above_o that_o pitch_n to_o which_o natural_a and_o unelevated_a thought_n can_v have_v raise_v they_o 3_o faith_n tell_v we_o also_o he_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o virtue_n the_o very_a approach_n to_o he_o by_o prayer_n and_o beg_v it_o of_o he_o be_v the_o draw_v it_o into_o our_o selus_fw-la from_o his_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o all_o good_n 4_o i'faith_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n which_o be_v make_v according_a to_o
of_o devotion_n by_o j._n s._n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1678._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o countess_z of_o kinnoul_n madam_n it_o be_v the_o press_a desire_n of_o your_o pious_a heart_n which_o inspire_v i_o with_o a_o will_v to_o satisfy_v your_o christian_a enquiry_n what_o true_a devotion_n be_v and_o to_o write_v this_o piece_n a_o laudable_a ambition_n to_o dress_v up_o your_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o it_o may_v look_v beautiful_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o heaven_n make_v you_o strain_v towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o but_o your_o acute_a understanding_n do_v not_o so_o easy_o find_v out_o its_o certain_a idea_n nor_o discover_v clear_o what_o be_v its_o proper_a nature_n you_o be_v too_o wise_a to_o think_v it_o consist_v in_o light_a bigottery_n and_o those_o affection_n which_o be_v build_v up_o from_o solid_a truth_n be_v apt_a to_o seem_v too_o learned_a and_o too_o rigid_a for_o that_o flexible_a and_o soul-melting_a disposition_n manly_a thought_n 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be_v steady_a and_o fervent_a his_o deportment_n noble_a and_o affable_a his_o calm_a reason_n fix_v by_o christian_a principle_n be_v never_o shake_v or_o move_v from_o its_o just_a level_n by_o the_o whirlwind_n of_o passion_n which_o toss_v the_o generality_n and_o shipwreck_n such_o vast_a multitude_n his_o disregard_n of_o the_o world_n be_v admirable_a or_o rather_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o for_o one_o of_o his_o rank_n his_o just_a regard_n of_o it_o esteem_v it_o and_o behave_v himself_o as_o if_o he_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v what_o true_o it_o be_v a_o stage_n so_o to_o act_v our_o respective_a part_n on_o as_o to_o please_v the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o his_o glorious_a court_n our_o spectator_n none_o of_o its_o gay_a folly_n affect_v he_o no_o bribe_n either_o of_o honour_n profit_n or_o pleasure_n have_v ever_o the_o power_n to_o warp_v he_o nor_o have_v dulness_n the_o least_o share_n in_o this_o unmoved_a temper_n of_o his_o mind_n his_o wit_n be_v pierce_v and_o want_v nothing_o but_o the_o ramble_a part_n of_o it_o which_o shoot_v bolt_n at_o rover_n nor_o be_v his_o judgement_n less_o solid_a though_o he_o have_v not_o the_o vanity_n to_o blaze_v either_o or_o discover_v they_o without_o precise_a necessity_n and_o i_o can_v speak_v by_o experience_n not_o very_o many_o even_o of_o those_o who_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o knowledge_n understand_v better_o either_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v virtuous_a i_o mean_v the_o proportion_n the_o mean_n have_v to_o the_o end_n grace_n to_o glory_n or_o a_o well-led_n life_n here_o to_o the_o attainment_n of_o eternal_a bliss_n hereafter_o no_o wonder_n then_o he_o close_v so_o pious_a a_o race_n with_o so_o happy_a a_o end_n and_o look_v upon_o death_n as_o the_o treshold_n to_o heaven_n may_v we_o not_o say_v madam_n that_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n as_o from_o some_o luminary_n place_v in_o a_o high_a sphere_n send_v down_o their_o influence_n upon_o yourself_o prompt_v you_o powerful_o with_o like_a step_n to_o follow_v such_o a_o leader_n whoever_o consider_v the_o strict_a severity_n of_o your_o widdow-state_n the_o total_a application_n of_o your_o mind_n to_o devotion_n and_o your_o earnest_n strain_v towards_o heaven_n with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o your_o soul_n will_v discern_v you_o proceed_v as_o if_o you_o make_v account_v the_o better_a half_n of_o yourself_o be_v there_o already_o but_o i_o must_v remember_v madam_n you_o be_v yet_o alive_a and_o in_o that_o circumstance_n just_a praise_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v esteem_v flattery_n the_o rest_n i_o owe_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o your_o dear_a lord_n and_o to_o my_o own_o duty_n not_o to_o let_v so_o great_a a_o example_n of_o exact_a virtue_n in_o a_o person_n of_o so_o high_a a_o rank_n especial_o cloud_v by_o his_o own_o sober_a modesty_n and_o silent_a humility_n be_v lose_v to_o we_o for_o want_v of_o propose_v it_o to_o the_o world_n to_o return_v then_o to_o my_o matter_n your_o ladyship_n may_v i_o say_v have_v find_v a_o live_a character_n of_o devotion_n near_a hand_n and_o have_v save_v i_o all_o this_o labour_n and_o you_o already_o see_v all_o be_v virtuous_a all_o be_v saintly_o throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n but_o it_o be_v the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o what_o devotion_n be_v as_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o you_o aim_v at_o for_o you_o have_v observe_v that_o many_o be_v hold_v virtuous_a and_o good_a person_n who_o be_v not_o esteem_v devout_a and_o that_o this_o word_n devotion_n have_v something_o in_o its_o notion_n particular_o excellent_a not_o find_v in_o the_o other_o this_o excellency_n your_o ladyship_n aspire_v to_o and_o therefore_o you_o wise_o desire_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o gain_v a_o clear_a discernment_n of_o what_o it_o be_v and_o in_o what_o it_o consist_v as_o single_v from_o other_o common_a consideration_n belong_v to_o goodness_n which_o often_o run_v mix_v with_o it_o hence_o i_o become_v oblige_v both_o to_o decipher_v devotion_n and_o dissect_v she_o and_o not_o only_o so_o to_o delineate_v her_o nature_n that_o it_o may_v be_v particular_o know_v but_o by_o divide_v she_o into_o her_o several_a kind_n and_o treat_v at_o large_a of_o her_o chief_a act_n prayer_n to_o acquaint_v you_o more_o perfect_o with_o her_o composition_n in_o a_o word_n you_o have_v here_o at_o once_o my_o obedience_n and_o your_o own_o duty_n and_o that_o it_o may_v benefit_v your_o soul_n towards_o its_o improvement_n in_o know_v virtue_n shall_v be_v the_o daily_a prayer_n of_o madam_n your_o ladyship_n be_v most_o devote_v and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n i._o s._n the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n though_o this_o treatise_n bear_v the_o title_n of_o devotion_n yet_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v expect_v it_o shall_v be_v either_o make_v up_o of_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n or_o be_v as_o easy_a as_o prayer_n use_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v i_o have_v already_o declare_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o write_v it_o be_v to_o settle_v exact_o the_o nature_n and_o notion_n of_o devotion_n which_o kind_n of_o discourse_n have_v for_o their_o subject_n the_o groundwork_n of_o the_o matter_n they_o treat_v of_o can_v possible_o lie_v so_o open_a to_o a_o common_a view_n as_o those_o that_o concern_v the_o superstructure_n build_v upon_o they_o yet_o i_o hope_v there_o will_v be_v little_o find_v here_o which_o may_v not_o be_v easy_o render_v intelligible_a to_o any_o attentive_a reader_n who_o will_v think_v those_o knowledge_n which_o advance_v his_o soul_n worth_a the_o pain_n of_o a_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o purchase_v they_o i_o be_o sure_a none_o of_o it_o be_v disproportion_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o that_o noble_a personage_n for_o who_o as_o a_o private_a paper_n i_o first_o write_v it_o if_o all_o reader_n be_v not_o such_o i_o hearty_o wish_v they_o be_v and_o endeavour_v as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v they_o shall_v be_v so_o by_o yield_v to_o the_o solicitation_n of_o friend_n to_o expose_v this_o treatise_n to_o be_v print_v no_o small_a kindness_n from_o i_o consider_v the_o common_a apprehension_n that_o a_o resolution_n be_v already_o take_v and_o fix_v by_o some_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o all_o i_o have_v write_v or_o shall_v write_v i_o beseech_v god_n to_o send_v they_o more_o charity_n and_o i_o patience_n it_o may_v be_v ask_v why_o such_o high_a subject_n shall_v be_v write_v in_o english_a i_o answer_v because_o very_o many_o who_o understand_v not_o latin_a may_v be_v capable_a of_o comprehend_v good_a sense_n and_o concern_v too_o to_o receive_v thorow-information_n in_o such_o subject_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v any_o thing_n here_o unintelligible_a by_o the_o
alter_v a_o course_n direct_v by_o our_o best_a and_o clear_a reason_n for_o the_o suggestion_n of_o disorder_a fancy_n but_o if_o once_o those_o temptation_n can_v deceive_v a_o soul_n into_o these_o erroneous_a conceit_n first_o that_o all_o her_o prayer_n be_v fruitless_a and_o then_o harmful_a as_o be_v in_o her_o apprehension_n a_o kind_n of_o perpetual_a fault_n and_o such_o as_o she_o can_v mend_v for_o she_o find_v by_o experience_n she_o can_v do_v no_o better_o with_o all_o endeavour_n she_o can_v use_v she_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o leave_v it_o quite_o off_o and_o think_v it_o better_o not_o to_o pray_v at_o all_o than_o to_o continue_v to_o do_v ill_a and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a temption_n in_o the_o world_n both_o because_o it_o come_v mask_v in_o the_o vizard_n of_o virtue_n and_o so_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v with_o well-meaning_a soul_n which_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o it_o as_o also_o because_o devotion_n be_v the_o best_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o practice_v all_o christian_a duty_n and_o particular_o prayer_n which_o include_v in_o itself_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n it_o follow_v that_o a_o soul_n which_o thus_o abandon_v herself_o to_o sloth_n must_v needs_o languish_v away_o into_o a_o spiritual_a consumption_n and_o pine_o decay_v in_o those_o christian_a virtue_n which_o give_v life_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o without_o which_o the_o outward_a practice_n of_o other_o be_v but_o false_a appearance_n spring_v from_o material_a habit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o ghost_n of_o true_a virtue_n §_o 4._o another_o weapon_n of_o great_a use_n in_o this_o kind_n of_o fight_n be_v this_o consideration_n that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a we_o merit_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n or_o serve_v and_o please_v he_o by_o continue_v our_o prayer_n when_o we_o be_v seize_v with_o this_o dryness_n and_o dulness_n and_o assault_v with_o distraction_n whereas_o we_o can_v be_v so_o certain_a of_o this_o when_o our_o prayer_n be_v accompany_v with_o satisfaction_n and_o delight_n the_o content_a take_v in_o sensible_a feel_n be_v so_o inbred_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n essential_a to_o a_o soul_n according_a to_o her_o inferior_a part_n or_o as_o she_o be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o body_n and_o this_o natural_a propension_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o delight_n so_o heighten_v in_o we_o by_o original_a corruption_n which_o still_o draw_v we_o from_o spirituality_n to_o sense_n that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o adhere_v and_o cling_v to_o whatever_o be_v thus_o agreeable_a and_o this_o even_a in_o prayer_n itself_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o because_o nature_n so_o subtle_o seek_v its_o own_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a when_o this_o sensible_a pleasingness_n accompany_v our_o prayer_n to_o discern_v whether_o we_o be_v not_o serve_v ourselves_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v serve_v god_n at_o least_o it_o often_o happen_v in_o this_o case_n of_o sensible_a delight_n that_o our_o easiness_n and_o promptness_n to_o apply_v ourselves_o frequent_o to_o act_n of_o prayer_n spring_v in_o part_n from_o our_o love_n of_o this_o pleasure_n which_o be_v a_o great_a alloy_n to_o the_o spirituality_n of_o devotion_n and_o to_o some_o degree_n taint_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o intention_n whence_o all_o spiritual_a master_n use_n to_o take_v great_a care_n that_o those_o soul_n who_o find_v sweetness_n in_o their_o prayer_n be_v not_o attach_v to_o it_o lest_o they_o fall_v into_o spiritual_a gluttony_n and_o depress_v the_o mind_n to_o sensible_a object_n by_o those_o very_a mean_n which_o shall_v raise_v it_o above_o they_o §_o 5_o now_o all_o this_o danger_n be_v secure_o avoid_v when_o our_o prayer_n be_v disgustful_a for_o however_o they_o seem_v to_o we_o sapless_a and_o dry_a yet_o we_o be_v sure_o the_o desire_n of_o please_v our_o inferior_a part_n or_o comply_v with_o our_o corrupt_a inclination_n have_v not_o any_o the_o least_o share_n in_o what_o we_o do_v but_o that_o the_o prayer_n and_o intention_n which_o as_o be_v say_v necessary_o go_v along_o with_o it_o in_o the_o superior_a part_n which_o only_o be_v spiritual_a remain_v altogether_o pure_a and_o untainted_a let_v then_o the_o soul_n which_o find_v little_a gust_n in_o prayer_n continue_v in_o the_o posture_n and_o circumstance_n of_o pray_v especial_o if_o the_o prayer_n be_v obligatory_a and_o in_o the_o material_a exercise_n of_o it_o at_o least_o vocal_o if_o she_o can_v do_v no_o more_o two_o comfort_n will_v ensue_v hence_o one_o that_o the_o merit_n of_o such_o prayer_n be_v secure_a every_o act_n of_o bear_v up_o against_o this_o dryness_n and_o the_o sloth_n to_o which_o it_o tempt_v be_v manifest_o a_o adhesion_n or_o cling_v to_o god_n with_o the_o superior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o other_o be_v that_o the_o gain_v make_v by_o such_o continuance_n though_o it_o seem_v small_a come_v in_o clear_a there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v defalkt_v from_o its_o purity_n by_o the_o mixture_n of_o any_o motive_n spring_v from_o matter_n or_o body_n whereas_o general_o in_o good_a action_n perform_v by_o the_o middle_a sort_n of_o christian_n there_o go_v so_o much_o out_o to_o the_o inferior_a part_n that_o be_v to_o fancy_n and_o appetite_n that_o when_o the_o chaff_n come_v to_o be_v winnow_v from_o the_o pure_a corn_n there_o remain_v not_o so_o many_o grain_n of_o spirit_n as_o some_o apprehend_v it_o be_v very_o well_o if_o they_o escape_v with_o the_o abatement_n of_o half_a and_o after_o all_o the_o harvest_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n do_v but_o only_o seem_v small_a for_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v otherwise_o since_o of_o necessity_n the_o habit_n of_o adhere_v to_o god_n must_v be_v get_v by_o a_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o act_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n which_o faithful_o continue_v to_o struggle_v against_o the_o difficulty_n of_o prayer_n can_v fail_v at_o last_o to_o come_v to_o a_o facility_n of_o it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o be_v value_v and_o endeavour_v by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o alloy_n from_o the_o inferior_a part_n be_v manifest_o wrought_v out_o by_o the_o strength_n and_o predominancy_n of_o the_o superior_a §_o 6._o there_o be_v yet_o another_o comfort_n in_o this_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n which_o be_v that_o the_o not_o desert_v our_o devotion_n for_o want_n of_o sensible_a content_n but_o go_v steady_o on_o whatever_o we_o feel_v be_v a_o evident_a testimony_n or_o argument_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o she_o be_v as_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o since_o she_o can_v act_v this_o to_o please_v nature_n to_o who_o grain_n it_o lie_v so_o cross_a it_o must_v of_o necessity_n proceed_v from_o a_o motive_n above_o nature_n that_o be_v a_o firm_a will_n and_o hearty_a desire_n to_o please_v god_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o must_v needs_o increase_v hope_n and_o if_o it_o be_v well_o lay_v to_o heart_n will_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o dryness_n and_o the_o scruple_n apt_a to_o ensue_v upon_o it_o produce_v that_o fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v call_v spiritual_a joy_n and_o such_o a_o solid_a peace_n of_o mind_n as_o the_o world_n can_v give_v §_o 7._o a_o soul_n which_o need_v more_o help_n in_o this_o kind_n may_v make_v use_n of_o some_o preparation_n to_o prayer_n such_o as_o may_v be_v most_o efficacious_a to_o fix_v her_o attention_n and_o keep_v her_o fancy_n from_o wander_a to_o which_o purpose_n she_o may_v a_o little_a reflect_v upon_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o and_o remember_v that_o happiness_n or_o misery_n and_o this_o for_o all_o eternity_n depend_v upon_o the_o disposition_n which_o she_o carry_v with_o she_o out_o of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o disposition_n on_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o procure_v it_o that_o so_o much_o time_n be_v allot_v to_o every_o one_o to_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n as_o every_o one_o life_n and_o no_o more_o and_o that_o this_o time_n misspend_v can_v never_o be_v recall_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o life_n be_v only_o to_o fit_v we_o to_o pray_v well_o and_o if_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n be_v fruitless_a our_o whole_a life_n be_v fruitless_a and_o irrecoverable_o lose_v that_o we_o can_v be_v dispose_v for_o heaven_n without_o time_n and_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n be_v that_o wherein_o alone_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v this_o disposition_n shall_v be_v wrought_v wherefore_o if_o this_o time_n be_v lose_v at_o what_o other_o time_n can_v we_o hope_v to_o do_v that_o which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v we_o be_v miserable_a and_o yet_o can_v be_v do_v but_o at_o some_o time_n etc._n etc._n these_o and_o the_o like_a reflection_n such_o as_o we_o find_v most_o apt_a to_o work_v upon_o we_o may_v contribute_v much_o to_o the_o well_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
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