the_o soul_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v that_o whereon_o the_o life_n and_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v depend_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o either_o that_o christian_n who_o be_v diligent_a in_o prayer_n shall_v be_v weak_a in_o grace_n or_o that_o grace_n shall_v abound_v where_o there_o be_v neglect_n of_o prayer_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o account_v diligence_n in_o prayer_n or_o how_o often_o ought_v a_o christian_a to_o perform_v this_o duty_n the_o answer_n we_o have_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o namely_o thessalonian_o 5.17_o pray_v without_o cease_v and_o ephesian_n 6.18_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n with_o all_o perseverance_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n at_o all_o time_n and_o luke_n 18.1_o he_o tell_v they_o a_o parable_n to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o shall_v pray_v always_o and_o never_o be_v weary_v this_o general_a commandment_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o restrain_v pray_v at_o all_o season_n upon_o all_o occasion_n think_v not_o this_o exercise_n to_o be_v needless_a unprofitable_a or_o unseasonable_a at_o any_o time_n in_o the_o night_n or_o in_o the_o day_n in_o the_o morning_n or_o at_o noon_n in_o the_o town_n or_o in_o the_o field_n in_o business_n or_o in_o leisure_n thus_o have_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n live_v and_o thus_o they_o have_v pass_v on_o their_o day_n in_o continual_a invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n thus_o do_v paul_n 1._o thes._n 3.10_o night_n and_o day_n without_o measure_n i_o pray_v etc._n etc._n and_o david_n psal._n 55.18_o in_o the_o evening_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o at_o noon_n day_n i_o will_v meditate_v i_o will_v make_v a_o noise_n in_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n and_o we_o read_v of_o daniel_n dan._n 6.10_o that_o it_o be_v his_o custom_n to_o pray_v unto_o god_n thrice_o every_o day_n out_o of_o the_o which_o precept_n and_o example_n we_o may_v easy_o gather_v how_o much_o time_n and_o care_n ought_v to_o be_v allot_v and_o bestow_v upon_o this_o exercise_n and_o that_o it_o be_v continual_o to_o be_v perform_v for_o it_o be_v not_o with_o our_o soul_n in_o this_o respect_n as_o it_o be_v with_o our_o body_n the_o which_o may_v easy_o surfeit_v of_o meat_n or_o of_o exercise_n for_o that_o they_o be_v of_o mean_a strength_n can_v not_o bear_v much_o of_o either_o but_o be_v soon_o overcharge_v and_o hurt_v whereas_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o any_o pitch_n or_o set_v limit_n either_o of_o holiness_n but_o be_v to_o grow_v on_o further_a even_o when_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o high_a or_o of_o the_o mean_n by_o the_o which_o it_o be_v attain_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v exceed_v in_o this_o behalf_n unless_o perhaps_o we_o as_o very_o few_o do_v fall_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o heresy_n which_o give_v all_o the_o time_n of_o a_o man_n life_n to_o prayer_n and_o none_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o life_n in_o follow_v the_o work_n of_o our_o calling_n the_o which_o be_v in_o no_o case_n to_o be_v admit_v and_o therefore_o that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o be_v require_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o this_o behalf_n and_o what_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o right_n diet_v of_o the_o soul_n we_o will_v consider_v this_o point_n more_o at_o large_a and_o in_o particular_a in_o this_o manner_n as_o bodilye_o so_o also_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a the_o one_o be_v to_o be_v use_v daily_o the_o other_o at_o some_o time_n only_o as_o occasion_n require_v for_o as_o sometime_o the_o body_n require_v long_a and_o vehement_a exercise_n the_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v in_o ordinary_a diet_n for_o that_o it_o will_v soon_o dry_v up_o and_o consume_v the_o body_n so_o it_o be_v sometime_o needful_a that_o a_o christian_n use_n extraordinary_a prayer_n and_o that_o for_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o this_o exercise_n he_o lay_v aside_o for_o a_o time_n all_o other_o duty_n care_n and_o incumberance_n whatsoever_o the_o which_o he_o may_v not_o do_v ordinary_o as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v 1._o cor._n 7._o that_o when_o as_o it_o be_v so_o needful_a in_o any_o respect_n as_o for_o the_o avoid_n or_o remove_v of_o any_o great_a afffliction_n or_o heavy_a judgement_n which_o he_o have_v by_o his_o sin_n pull_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o some_o needful_a grace_n or_o temporal_a blessing_n he_o may_v omit_v for_o a_o season_n the_o duty_n of_o marriage_n and_o give_v himself_o whole_o to_o prayer_n but_o ordinary_a prayer_n may_v stand_v with_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n neither_o hinder_v they_o nor_o yet_o be_v hinder_v by_o they_o so_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v both_o serve_v god_n by_o prayer_n and_o also_o do_v whatsoever_o his_o calling_n although_o it_o be_v laborious_a and_o troublesome_a do_v require_v this_o ordinary_a prayer_n be_v perform_v after_o two_o sort_n either_o at_o set_n and_o certain_a time_n or_o else_o upon_o occasion_n as_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n with_o man_n to_o eat_v drink_n and_o exercise_v themselves_o both_o at_o time_n appoint_v for_o these_o purpose_n and_o also_o as_o diverse_a occasion_n do_v offer_v themselves_o so_o a_o christian_n be_v to_o pray_v as_o the_o apostle_n will_v timothy_n to_o prâ—ach_v both_o in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n at_o set_a time_n &_o of_o a_o sudden_a set_a prayer_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o full_a and_o ample_a manner_n the_o other_o kind_n which_o we_o will_v call_v sudden_a prayer_n brief_o in_o few_o word_n even_o as_o we_o know_v and_o see_v that_o man_n at_o their_o set_a meal_n take_v a_o great_a quantity_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_v than_o they_o do_v at_o other_o time_n for_o why_o set_v prayer_n must_v have_v in_o it_o all_o the_o part_n or_o kind_n of_o prayer_n as_o the_o apostle_n write_v ephe._n 6._o pray_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o wit_n confession_n of_o sin_n commit_v deprecation_n of_o judgement_n present_a or_o imminent_a require_v of_o grace_n needful_a thanksgiving_n for_o benefit_n receyve_v intercession_n for_o other_o set_a prayer_n must_v consist_v of_o all_o these_o part_n yea_o which_o be_v more_o the_o particular_a at_o least_o the_o chief_a sin_n judgement_n grace_n blessing_n benefit_n person_n ought_v to_o be_v rehearse_v and_o mention_v whereof_o it_o come_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n contain_v in_o it_o so_o many_o diverse_a matter_n can_v be_v contain_v in_o a_o few_o word_n or_o utter_v in_o a_o short_a time_n whereas_o sudden_a prayer_n conceyve_v upon_o some_o particular_a occasion_n and_o have_v but_o one_o matter_n may_v be_v dispatch_v in_o one_o word_n sect._n 10._o the_o use_n of_o set_a prayer_n be_v manifest_a for_o they_o be_v many_o even_o as_o many_o as_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n all_o which_o be_v supply_v by_o mean_n of_o it_o but_o wherefore_o then_o serve_v sudden_a prayer_n sure_o for_o sudden_a use_n happen_v beside_o a_o man_n expectation_n and_o necessary_o require_v this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o when_o a_o christian_a commit_v any_o sin_n in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n straightway_o he_o desire_v god_n to_o pardon_v his_o sin_n likewise_o when_o he_o receive_v any_o blessing_n from_o god_n he_o give_v thanks_o without_o any_o delay_n and_o likewise_o in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o prayer_n as_o we_o know_v that_o the_o church_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n have_v general_o take_v up_o this_o custom_n of_o pray_v at_o the_o take_n of_o meat_n the_o which_o of_o temporal_a blessing_n be_v most_o needful_a &_o most_o often_o receive_v this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v perform_v at_o any_o time_n and_o in_o any_o place_n for_o of_o it_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1._o tim._n 2.8_o i_o will_v that_o the_o man_n pray_v in_o every_o place_n lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n yea_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o other_o affair_n whatsoever_o &_o in_o the_o company_n of_o other_o but_o for_o set_v prayer_n choice_n must_v be_v make_v of_o a_o secret_a place_n &_o of_o such_o a_o time_n wherein_o we_o be_v free_v &_o as_o it_o be_v loose_v from_o all_o other_o business_n that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v our_o mind_n &_o affection_n whole_o set_v upon_o it_o mat._n 6.6_o when_o thou_o praie_v enter_v into_o thy_o chamber_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v shut_v thy_o door_n pray_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o secret_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o account_v some_o part_n of_o the_o night_n the_o fit_a season_n for_o this_o work_n because_o than_o we_o be_v free_v from_o all_o other_o duty_n belong_v either_o to_o our_o calling_n or_o to_o our_o brethren_n and_o so_o may_v without_o be_v interrupt_v
edifycation_n for_o if_o the_o heathen_a who_o have_v no_o spiritual_a eye_n wherewith_o to_o see_v can_v observe_v the_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o these_o creature_n as_o we_o be_v teach_v rom._n 1._o how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o spiritual_a man_n find_v in_o this_o field_n plentiful_a food_n for_o the_o feed_n of_o the_o soul_n sect._n 8._o the_o last_o field_n wherein_o this_o spiritual_a food_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v grow_v and_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v be_v the_o action_n of_o god_n for_o as_o in_o the_o creation_n so_o also_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o world_n god_n be_v to_o be_v see_v and_o seek_v as_o in_o the_o one_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o other_o his_o providence_n justice_n and_o mercy_n do_v manifest_o appear_v or_o rather_o clear_o shine_v his_o providence_n by_o the_o which_o all_o thing_n all_o the_o action_n and_o faculty_n of_o all_o creature_n be_v dispose_v order_v direct_v restrain_v uphold_v as_o that_o they_o all_o several_o and_o joint_o tend_v to_o those_o end_n for_o the_o which_o he_o appoint_v they_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v bring_v to_o pass_v as_o namely_o first_o principal_o and_o general_o the_o set_v forth_o of_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v the_o last_o end_n both_o of_o the_o creation_n and_o also_o of_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o second_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o justice_n upon_o the_o reprobate_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o of_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a his_o justice_n appear_v in_o that_o he_o recompense_v every_o one_o according_a unto_o his_o do_n and_o that_o without_o favour_n or_o respect_n of_o person_n lay_v fearful_a judgement_n even_o upon_o his_o elect_a for_o their_o sin_n and_o reward_v the_o good_a deed_n of_o the_o reprobate_n with_o temporal_a blessing_n but_o most_o of_o all_o he_o do_v daily_o pour_v forth_o the_o treasure_n of_o his_o goodness_n love_n &_o mercy_n towards_o his_o faithful_a servant_n in_o preserve_v they_o from_o all_o evil_a and_o in_o provide_v for_o they_o whatsoever_o be_v needful_a these_o thing_n may_v profitable_o and_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o age_n and_o story_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o age_n and_o time_n wherein_o we_o ourselves_o live_v for_o that_o we_o give_v great_a credence_n &_o be_v more_o affect_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o behold_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v note_v ourselves_o know_v the_o person_n in_o who_o they_o befall_v and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o say_a action_n then_o with_o those_o which_o we_o have_v at_o the_o second_o hand_n by_o the_o report_n of_o other_o and_o which_o in_o all_o respect_n be_v strange_a and_o unknown_a unto_o us._n thus_o the_o prophet_n david_n mention_v psal._n 37.25_o one_o of_o his_o own_o observation_n the_o which_o he_o have_v be_v all_o his_o life_n time_n even_o a_o whole_a age_n in_o gather_v of_o the_o gracious_a providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o servant_n say_v i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o now_o i_o be_o old_a yet_o do_v i_o never_o see_v the_o righteous_a forsake_a or_o his_o seed_n beg_v their_o bread_n of_o these_o observation_n concern_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n bestow_v on_o the_o righteous_a and_o his_o fearful_a plague_n pour_v on_o the_o wicked_a the_o book_n of_o job_n and_o of_o the_o psalm_n be_v full_a yea_o it_o be_v in_o many_o place_n make_v a_o sign_n of_o godliness_n to_o mark_v the_o do_n of_o god_n as_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o be_v of_o a_o ungodly_a man_n as_o eccl._n 2.14_o the_o wise_a man_n have_v his_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n but_o the_o fool_n walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o es._n 57.1_o the_o just_a man_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v come_v and_o no_o man_n regard_v that_o be_v carnal_a man_n who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o god_n deal_n nor_o exercise_v in_o mark_v they_o know_v not_o this_o that_o the_o untimely_a death_n of_o righteous_a man_n be_v a_o forerunner_n of_o some_o grievous_a plague_n which_o god_n be_v to_o bring_v upon_o that_o city_n or_o country_n where_o they_o dwell_v and_o more_o especial_o we_o be_v careful_o to_o observe_v those_o action_n of_o god_n which_o concern_v ourselves_o as_o namely_o how_o he_o have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n provide_v for_o we_o all_o thing_n needful_a even_o in_o our_o great_a want_n when_o as_o all_o man_n do_v forsake_v we_o how_o he_o have_v preserve_v we_o from_o great_a danger_n how_o he_o have_v chastise_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n how_o he_o have_v hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o grant_v our_o request_n how_o he_o have_v comfort_v we_o in_o our_o affliction_n how_o he_o have_v reward_v all_o our_o good_a work_n &_o godly_a endeavour_n how_o he_o have_v assist_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o time_n of_o tentation_n how_o he_o have_v sometime_o let_v we_o remain_v in_o sin_n irrepentance_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n &_o at_o other_o time_n have_v give_v we_o soft_a heart_n melt_v at_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n as_o wax_v before_o the_o fire_n &_o send_v forth_o river_n of_o the_o tear_n of_o true_a repentance_n how_o he_o have_v plague_v for_o our_o sin_n or_o bless_v for_o our_o sake_n our_o friend_n acquaintance_n wife_n child_n kinsfolk_n and_o servant_n how_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o his_o will_n and_o truth_n unto_o we_o and_o in_o short_a how_o he_o have_v in_o every_o respect_n deal_v with_o we_o since_o we_o first_o know_v or_o serve_v he_o sect._n 9_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o right_a manner_n of_o feed_v the_o soul_n with_o the_o heavenly_a manna_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n creature_n and_o action_n of_o god_n beside_o the_o which_o there_o be_v require_v in_o the_o right_a nourishment_n of_o it_o spiritual_a exercise_n for_o it_o fare_v with_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o body_n the_o which_o although_o it_o be_v feed_v to_o the_o full_a and_o daily_o fill_v with_o meat_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v preserve_v much_o less_o increase_v in_o health_n strength_n and_o vigour_n unless_o it_o be_v exercise_v that_o so_o the_o meat_n receive_v into_o the_o belly_n may_v be_v draw_v and_o fasten_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o body_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o nourish_v but_o soon_o pass_v away_o without_o any_o profit_n so_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o spiritual_a health_n and_o strength_n exercise_n be_v no_o less_o needful_a than_o food_n the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v plain_o in_o many_o who_o although_o they_o feed_v their_o soul_n with_o all_o be_v and_o diligence_n be_v continual_o conversant_a in_o study_v hear_v read_v meditate_v and_o regard_v the_o word_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o nourish_v by_o this_o food_n because_o they_o do_v not_o join_v exercise_n unto_o it_o this_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o spiritual_a grace_n or_o the_o performance_n of_o christian_a duty_n belong_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v of_o diverse_a kind_n as_o there_o be_v many_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o of_o christian_a duty_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a kind_n of_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v prayer_n or_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n both_o public_a &_o also_o private_a by_o the_o right_a use_n whereof_o we_o shall_v feel_v all_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o be_v stir_v up_o in_o we_o yea_o confirm_v and_o increase_v yea_o all_o drowsiness_n and_o heaviness_n of_o soul_n to_o be_v shake_v off_o as_o will_v easy_o appear_v by_o consideder_v the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o for_o the_o more_o that_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n and_o the_o multitude_n and_o heinousness_n of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v paint_v they_o out_o in_o their_o natural_a shape_n and_o in_o lively_a colour_n the_o more_o we_o loath_a and_o abhor_v they_o the_o often_o and_o more_o serious_o that_o we_o consider_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n either_o present_a or_o which_o be_v like_a enough_o to_o be_v short_o pour_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o also_o the_o benefit_n temporal_a and_o spiritual_a receive_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o more_o we_o increase_v in_o fear_n and_o love_n and_o all_o dutiful_a thankfulness_n towards_o he_o and_o therefore_o whosoever_o desire_v to_o preserve_v his_o soul_n in_o health_n and_o strength_n must_v have_v special_a regard_n to_o this_o that_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o daily_a &_o continual_a use_n of_o prayer_n the_o necessity_n and_o efficacy_n whereof_o be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o may_v true_o be_v call_v
or_o any_o way_n hinder_v set_v ourselves_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n as_o we_o read_v psal._n 119.61_o even_o at_o midnight_n will_v i_o rise_v to_o praise_v thou_o and_o to_o think_v of_o all_o thy_o judgement_n or_o at_o the_o least_o to_o sequester_v ourselves_o in_o the_o day_n time_n from_o the_o company_n of_o other_o as_o we_o read_v gen._n 24.63_o that_o isaac_n in_o the_o evening_n do_v walk_v forth_o into_o the_o field_n to_o meditate_v and_o pray_v and_o mat._n 14.23_o that_o christ_n when_o his_o time_n of_o prayer_n be_v come_v send_v the_o multitude_n away_o and_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n alone_o to_o pray_v and_o be_v there_o alone_o as_o also_o mark_v 1.35_o that_o very_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n before_o day_n he_o go_v into_o a_o desert_n or_o solitary_a place_n and_o there_o pray_v but_o as_o for_o sudden_a prayer_n he_o do_v often_o perform_v that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o other_o affair_n and_o in_o the_o company_n of_o other_o even_o of_o the_o whole_a multitude_n thus_o he_o pray_v john_n 11.41_o upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o be_v about_o to_o work_v in_o raise_v lazarus_n from_o death_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o what_o with_o extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a what_o with_o set_v and_o sudden_a prayer_n the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o continual_a exercise_n of_o pray_v to_o the_o daily_o and_o diligent_a performance_n whereof_o he_o whosoever_o desire_v to_o have_v his_o soul_n in_o good_a estate_n be_v to_o look_v careful_o lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n he_o be_v draw_v away_o and_o become_v negligent_a in_o this_o behalf_n as_o we_o see_v it_o often_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o christian_n do_v so_o entangle_v and_o even_o overwhelm_v themselves_o with_o worldly_a care_n and_o affair_n that_o they_o can_v scarce_o spare_v any_o time_n either_o for_o extraordinary_a or_o for_o ordinary_a either_o for_o set_v or_o for_o sudden_a prayer_n yea_o if_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a hindrance_n yet_o the_o slothfulness_n of_o the_o flesh_n unwilling_a of_o itself_o to_o take_v pain_n in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v a_o sufficient_a hindrance_n and_o make_v many_o cold_a negligent_a yea_o &_o at_o length_n altogether_o careless_a of_o this_o duty_n as_o we_o read_v mar._n 14.37_o that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n when_o as_o they_o have_v this_o duty_n impose_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o drowsy_a sluggishness_n hinder_v from_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o the_o which_o so_o far_o prevail_v with_o they_o that_o they_o can_v not_o get_v the_o upper_a hand_n of_o it_o no_o not_o when_o they_o be_v sharp_o reprove_v by_o christ_n &_o stir_v up_o to_o prayer_n for_o so_o he_o say_v peter_n sleep_v thou_o can_v thou_o not_o watch_v one_o hour_n watch_z and_o pray_v lest_o you_o fall_v into_o temptation_n the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a and_o therefore_o christ_n speak_v of_o pray_v luc._n 8.1_o add_v this_o caveat_n that_o they_o shall_v pray_v and_o not_o be_v weary_v with_o it_o so_o that_o we_o be_v forewarn_v by_o christ_n be_v to_o take_v heed_n lest_o that_o by_o these_o or_o any_o other_o mean_n we_o be_v either_o altogether_o hinder_v or_o make_v negligent_a in_o this_o exercise_n wherein_o as_o have_v often_o be_v say_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v consist_v as_o no_o doubt_n we_o shall_v if_o we_o consider_v and_o weigh_v the_o unspeakable_a fruit_n and_o comfort_n arise_v of_o it_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v less_o irksome_a or_o more_o pleasant_a to_o a_o christian_a soul_n then_o to_o have_v daily_a company_n conversation_n conference_n and_o talk_n with_o god_n his_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n his_o protector_n and_o mediator_n his_o lord_n and_o his_o god_n the_o fountain_n and_o full_a treasure_n of_o all_o blessing_n the_o giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n what_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o careful_o perform_v then_o that_o which_o procure_v pardon_n for_o all_o sin_n which_o remoove_v all_o evil_n which_o supply_v all_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a want_n which_o increase_v all_o grace_n and_o preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o sound_n and_o perfect_a health_n even_o as_o bodily_a exercise_n do_v the_o body_n and_o therefore_o as_o man_n feel_v their_o body_n any_o way_n heavy_a distemper_a and_o out_o of_o course_n straightway_o they_o fly_v to_o this_o remedy_n of_o exercise_n not_o doubt_v but_o that_o it_o will_v soon_o put_v it_o away_o so_o whensoever_o we_o feel_v ourselves_o prone_a to_o sin_n and_o untoward_a and_o sluggish_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n if_o we_o give_v ourselves_o to_o this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n &_o stretch_v out_o the_o joint_n of_o our_o soul_n before_o god_n we_o shall_v no_o doubt_n feel_v a_o great_a change_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o that_o now_o they_o be_v light_n and_o able_a to_o lift_v up_o themselves_o to_o heaven_n sect._n 11._o thus_o we_o see_v what_o singular_a force_n and_o virtue_n in_o preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n have_v and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o the_o extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n who_o according_a to_o his_o gracious_a promise_n grant_v whatsoever_o his_o child_n ask_v by_o prayer_n according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n prayer_n be_v as_o profitable_a for_o the_o body_n as_o for_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o procure_v temporal_a blessing_n as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a grace_n but_o also_o by_o a_o proper_a virtue_n inherent_a in_o itself_o for_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o the_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n in_o pour_v his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n into_o their_o heart_n who_o ask_v it_o by_o hearty_a prayer_n the_o very_a action_n of_o prayer_n do_v although_o not_o merit_n yet_o both_o confirm_v and_o increase_v grace_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v not_o of_o force_n for_o temporal_a blessing_n for_o no_o man_n can_v by_o pray_v enrich_v himself_o only_a it_o procure_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o so_o bring_v riches_n but_o as_o for_o spiritual_a grace_n it_o work_v not_o the_o beginning_n but_o the_o continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o they_o not_o only_o from_o god_n but_o also_o by_o itself_o as_o have_v be_v note_v before_o and_o will_v more_o plain_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o follow_v for_o first_o for_o prayer_n in_o general_a whosoever_o give_v himself_o to_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o it_o he_o do_v of_o necessity_n daily_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o his_o spiritual_a state_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n appertain_v unto_o it_o the_o which_o can_v but_o work_v in_o he_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n for_o as_o the_o careless_a neglect_n and_o forgetfulness_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n come_v from_o a_o greedy_a seek_n and_o a_o sensual_a enjoy_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n bring_v a_o daily_a decrease_n so_o the_o serious_a and_o continual_a meditation_n of_o they_o bring_v increase_v of_o grace_n the_o which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v watchfulness_n as_o the_o contrary_a neglect_n be_v drowsy_a sleep_a and_o therefore_o these_o two_o be_v usual_o join_v together_o watch_z and_o pray_v as_o mar._n 13.33_o look_v watch_n and_o pray_v and_o math._n 26.41_o watch_n and_o pray_v lest_o you_o fall_v into_o temptation_n that_o be_v give_v yourselves_o to_o prayer_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o your_o own_o estate_n such_o as_o use_v to_o be_v not_o in_o drowsy_a head_n but_o in_o man_n give_v to_o much_o wake_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v you_o may_v be_v strong_a in_o grace_n and_o so_o enable_v to_o resist_v the_o force_n of_o sin_n this_o appear_v more_o evident_o in_o the_o particular_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v make_v a_o full_a and_o plain_a confession_n of_o his_o sin_n before_o god_n desire_v he_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o christ_n to_o pardon_v they_o promise_v and_o vow_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o will_v never_o again_o so_o displease_v and_o so_o dishonour_v he_o and_o not_o be_v make_v even_o by_o this_o confession_n far_o off_o from_o commit_v of_o sin_n and_o if_o we_o suppose_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o strong_a in_o he_o and_o do_v so_o much_o prevail_v that_o notwithstanding_o his_o diligent_a pray_v he_o still_o fall_v into_o sin_n yet_o that_o will_v stand_v true_a which_o we_o affirm_v to_o wit_n that_o diligent_a prayer_n and_o the_o commit_n of_o sin_n will_v not_o stand_v other_o for_o if_o prayer_n can_v make_v he_o cease_v from_o sin_v yet_o his_o sin_v will_v make_v he_o leave_v off_o pray_v and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o open_v his_o mouth_n to_o god_n or_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n to_o
life_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o bare_a and_o naked_a profession_n or_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o deed_n and_o action_n when_o as_o every_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n lurk_v inward_o in_o the_o heart_n send_v forth_o fruit_n in_o life_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o it_o for_o as_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o our_o body_n both_o in_o the_o whole_a and_o also_o in_o the_o several_a part_n and_o member_n of_o they_o that_o the_o more_o they_o be_v exercise_v the_o more_o they_o be_v both_o confirm_v in_o strength_n and_o augment_v in_o quantity_n and_o contrarilie_o the_o more_o they_o cease_v from_o perform_v their_o natural_a function_n the_o less_o able_a they_o be_v to_o perform_v they_o yea_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v littlâ—_n and_o weak_a even_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o grace_n whereof_o as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o put_v in_o practice_n in_o the_o do_n of_o of_o good_a work_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o christian_a duty_n so_o they_o do_v either_o increase_n or_o decay_v for_o example_n a_o christian_n be_v diligent_a in_o practise_v the_o duty_n of_o love_n towards_o his_o brethren_n he_o impart_v his_o good_n and_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o relieve_n of_o their_o necessity_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o their_o want_n this_o christian_a by_o this_o mean_n increase_v love_n in_o his_o own_o soul_n by_o give_v he_o become_v more_o liberal_a by_o show_v mercy_n on_o the_o distress_a more_o pitiful_a the_o more_o he_o give_v to_o his_o brethren_n of_o his_o temporal_a good_n the_o more_o he_o get_v to_o himself_o of_o spiritual_a love_n the_o more_o we_o suffer_v affliction_n the_o more_o we_o learn_v patience_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o five_o to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o eight_o verse_n that_o he_o learned_a patience_n by_o his_o suffering_n and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o fifthe_o to_o the_o roman_n that_o affliction_n work_v patience_n the_o more_o the_o body_n be_v tame_v and_o keep_v under_o by_o fast_v &_o such_o other_o mean_n the_o more_o the_o soul_n be_v strengthen_v and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o all_o other_o grace_n foâ—_n by_o practiâ—e_n they_o be_v keep_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o want_n of_o practice_n they_o be_v diminish_v and_o lose_v whereby_o it_o appear_v how_o necessary_a good_a work_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o as_o they_o take_v their_o be_v from_o inward_a grace_n so_o they_o give_v back_o again_o unto_o they_o strength_n and_o increase_v thus_o christ_n mat._n 7._o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a builder_n make_v the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n even_o that_o without_o the_o which_o it_o can_v stand_v and_o continue_v but_o will_v decay_v by_o little_a and_o little_a and_o at_o length_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n in_o like_a manner_n paul_n 1._o tim._n 6.17_o make_v good_a work_n the_o foundation_n of_o godliness_n although_o in_o truth_n and_o in_o proper_a speech_n it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o and_o jam._n 1.22_o be_v you_o not_o only_a hearer_n but_o also_o doer_n of_o the_o law_n otherwise_o you_o deceyve_v yourselves_o for_o that_o all_o your_o religion_n will_v soon_o vanish_v away_o and_o come_v to_o nought_o for_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v lose_v by_o idleness_n as_o they_o be_v strengthen_v by_o use_n and_o labour_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o good_a work_n howsoever_o little_o esteem_v by_o many_o and_o seldom_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o life_n of_o any_o have_v a_o necessary_a and_o notable_a use_n in_o this_o spiritual_a diet._n and_o sure_o whosoever_o consider_v the_o life_n and_o profession_n of_o many_o christian_n yea_o even_o of_o those_o of_o who_o we_o be_v to_o think_v no_o otherwise_o but_o that_o they_o be_v true_o endue_v with_o faith_n how_o fruitless_a and_o altogether_o barren_a of_o good_a work_n they_o be_v need_v not_o marvel_v why_o most_o man_n either_o decrease_n or_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n in_o godliness_n but_o may_v easy_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v lose_v for_o want_n of_o use_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_a duty_n for_o now_o a_o day_n christians_n be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a pleasure_n content_v themselves_o with_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o christian_a duty_n which_o belong_v to_o god_n as_o be_v prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n lead_v a_o unblameable_a life_n but_o as_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o cost_n the_o impair_n of_o our_o worldly_a state_n and_o diminish_v of_o our_o earthly_a pleasure_n these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v among_o man_n but_o clean_o lay_v aside_o as_o thing_n of_o no_o necessity_n nor_o of_o any_o great_a use_n in_o regard_n of_o salvation_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o the_o more_o they_o be_v neglect_v the_o more_o the_o grace_n from_o the_o which_o they_o shall_v proceed_v be_v diminish_v for_o as_o good_a child_n be_v to_o their_o parent_n so_o good_a work_n be_v to_o inward_a grace_n they_o cherish_v and_o maintain_v they_o as_o they_o come_v from_o they_o and_o so_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o both_o as_o cause_n and_o as_o effect_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o good_a work_n we_o will_v brief_o consider_v in_o how_o many_o other_o respect_v they_o be_v good_a and_o needful_a sect._n 15._o the_o first_o motive_n and_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o good_a work_n be_v the_o set_v forth_o of_o god_n glory_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n weâ—_n be_v both_o create_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o recreated_a in_o regeneration_n 1_o cor._n 6.20_o you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n therefore_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o be_v go_n for_o that_o god_n be_v great_o glorify_v by_o our_o good_a work_n we_o know_v both_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o common_a reason_n mat._n 5.16_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o see_v your_o work_n may_v glorify_v your_o father_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o joh._n 15.8_o herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n and_o become_v my_o disciple_n and_o 1._o pet._n 2.12_o have_v your_o conversation_n honest_a among_o thâ—_n gentile_n that_o they_o behold_v your_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o visitation_n yea_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n itself_o for_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v be_v not_o evil_a or_o unjust_a or_o any_o approver_n of_o evil_a but_o of_o purity_n justice_n uprightness_n and_o goodness_n again_o by_o obey_v god_n commandment_n we_o show_v and_o profess_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o we_o acknowledge_v love_n and_o fear_v he_o that_o we_o believe_v his_o word_n promise_n and_o threaten_n that_o we_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o whereas_o by_o neglect_v those_o christian_a duty_n which_o god_n require_v we_o show_v indeed_o whatsoever_o we_o profess_v in_o word_n that_o we_o make_v small_a reckon_n of_o he_o or_o of_o his_o word_n second_o we_o ought_v to_o abound_v in_o all_o good_a work_n that_o so_o we_o may_v give_v both_o to_o other_o and_o also_o to_o get_v to_o our_o own_o conscience_n many_o argument_n and_o pledge_n of_o true_a regeneration_n the_o which_o can_v be_v know_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o shall_v we_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o say_v that_o good_a work_n be_v some_o cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o be_v in_o part_n the_o matter_n of_o our_o justification_n it_o be_v not_o good_a or_o lawful_a to_o speak_v or_o lie_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n or_o to_o persuade_v good_a work_n by_o a_o untruth_n yet_o thus_o much_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o look_v what_o be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o renew_a holiness_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n so_o much_o may_v and_o must_v be_v grant_v to_o good_a work_n which_o be_v a_o part_n thereof_o to_o wit_n the_o holiness_n of_o the_o outward_a action_n for_o holiness_n be_v exercise_v by_o good_a work_n especial_o by_o those_o which_o be_v most_o costly_a and_o troublesome_a unto_o us._n for_o whosoever_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o his_o temporal_a commodity_n he_o do_v it_o in_o all_o likelihood_n in_o some_o spiritual_a respect_n and_o for_o conscience_n