coufound_v in_o that_o mighty_a abyss_n of_o what_o be_v past_a but_o the_o moment_n thou_o give_v to_o thy_o god_n be_v put_v in_o reserve_n thou_o will_v find_v they_o they_o will_v come_v before_o thou_o at_o the_o great_a judgement_n they_o will_v be_v put_v to_o thy_o account_n and_o for_o some_o moment_n of_o devotion_n thou_o shall_v receive_v eternal_a glory_n do_v not_o therefore_o hang_v in_o suspense_n any_o long_o o_o my_o soul_n delay_v no_o more_o to_o renounce_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o all_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o age_n for_o to_o follow_v thy_o god_n only_o in_o he_o be_v the_o well_o of_o life_n in_o his_o light_n thou_o shall_v see_v light_a thou_o shall_v be_v fat_v with_o the_o fat_a of_o his_o house_n and_o quench_v thy_o thirst_n in_o the_o flood_n of_o his_o pleasure_n in_o thy_o old_a age_n thou_o shall_v not_o regret_n the_o loss_n of_o thy_o youth_n thy_o day_n shall_v not_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o thou_o to_o condemn_v thou_o when_o thou_o shall_v be_v old_a and_o on_o the_o brink_n of_o death_n the_o thought_n of_o thy_o god_n shall_v not_o put_v thou_o into_o a_o affright_n thou_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o judge_n who_o come_v to_o demand_v a_o account_n of_o so_o many_o year_n consume_v in_o vain_a pleasure_n but_o a_o deliverer_n who_o will_v come_v to_o break_v thy_o iron_n and_o as_o a_o rewarder_n bring_v day_n of_o refreshment_n instead_o of_o painful_a and_o dolorous_a year_n which_o the_o world_n will_v make_v thou_o pass_v through_o prayer_n o_o most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a lord_n thou_o guide_v of_o my_o youth_n thou_o light_v to_o the_o blind_a thou_o instructor_n of_o the_o ignorant_a who_o enlightene_v the_o simple_a bring_v back_o those_o that_o have_v wander_v into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o perfect_a praise_n out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o babe_n and_o suckling_n teach_v i_o thy_o way_n and_o draw_v i_o out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o the_o world_n make_v haste_n that_o i_o may_v do_v so_o too_o leave_v i_o not_o any_o long_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o sin_n by_o the_o effusion_n of_o thy_o grace_n into_o my_o soul_n make_v my_o heart_n to_o desire_v thou_o that_o in_o desire_v thou_o it_o may_v seek_v thou_o and_o in_o seek_v thou_o it_o may_v find_v thou_o in_o find_v thou_o it_o may_v love_v thou_o and_o in_o love_v thou_o it_o may_v find_v in_o that_o love_n a_o sovereign_a joy_n it_o be_v now_o too_o long_o a_o time_n i_o have_v consume_v myself_o in_o my_o vain_a desire_n i_o will_v go_v to_o thou_o but_o i_o find_v not_o strength_n to_o vanquish_v those_o habit_n wherein_o i_o be_o engage_v by_o custom_n come_v therefore_o and_o tear_v i_o o_o my_o god_n out_o of_o the_o arm_n of_o voluptuousness_n suffer_v not_o these_o delay_n of_o i_o and_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v yet_o a_o little_a while_n stay_v a_o little_a long_o draw_v i_o by_o thy_o powerful_a word_n and_o say_v unto_o i_o awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v arise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o christ_n shall_v give_v thou_o light_n if_o word_n be_v not_o efficacious_a enough_o to_o raise_v i_o up_o touch_v the_o bier_n strike_v the_o body_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v bury_v it_o sleep_v in_o its_o tomb_n or_o rather_o it_o be_v dead_a bodily_a pleasure_n have_v overwhelm_v or_o slay_v it_o smite_v therefore_o the_o body_n that_o the_o soul_n may_v awake_v for_o it_o be_v better_a that_o i_o enter_v into_o life_n have_v but_o one_o eye_n than_o have_v two_o eye_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell-fire_n it_o be_v better_a that_o my_o flesh_n here_o below_o suffer_v some_o pain_n and_o that_o my_o soul_n one_o day_n taste_v those_o infinite_a pleasure_n which_o thou_o prepare_v for_o it_o on_o high_a i_o abide_v in_o sodom_n and_o i_o love_v my_o abode_n thou_o send_v thy_o angel_n to_o draw_v i_o thence_o thy_o word_n and_o thy_o mnister_n to_o make_v i_o depart_v before_o the_o terrible_a day_n come_v in_o which_o thou_o will_v tumble_v down_o torrent_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n upon_o this_o wicked_a world_n but_o i_o ever_o find_v pretext_n to_o delay_v lay_v hold_v then_o of_o my_o hand_n and_o draw_v i_o out_o by_o the_o force_n of_o thy_o grace_n that_o i_o perish_v not_o among_o the_o wicked_a show_v i_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o holy_a hill_n that_o i_o may_v save_v myself_o and_o thence_o without_o danger_n behold_v the_o deluge_n of_o corruption_n which_o overspread_v the_o country_n and_o the_o torrent_n of_o thy_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n which_o sudden_o and_o amazing_o overwhelm_v the_o world_n alas_o if_o it_o will_v please_v thou_o o_o my_o god_n to_o make_v i_o taste_v the_o speritual_a delight_n of_o thy_o love_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o earthly_a pleasure_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o linger_v so_o long_o to_o seek_v thou_o for_o i_o most_o ardent_o wish_v after_o happiness_n if_o therefore_o i_o know_v that_o my_o beatitude_n lie_v in_o thou_o i_o shall_v fly_v to_o find_v in_o thou_o that_o happiness_n which_o i_o seek_v o_o lord_n since_o pleasure_n be_v the_o only_a loadstone_n capable_a of_o draw_v my_o soul_n make_v i_o taste_v a_o little_a of_o that_o joy_n which_o i_o ought_v to_o find_v in_o thou_o make_v i_o to_o feel_v thy_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o without_o delay_n i_o may_v run_v after_o thou_o and_o consecrate_v myself_o to_o thy_o service_n walk_v in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n and_o set_v my_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o that_o when_o christ_n who_o be_v my_o life_n and_o pleasure_n shall_v appear_v i_o may_v also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n part_n iv_o of_o help_n towards_o devotion_n chap._n i._n the_o first_o general_n advice_n be_v to_o will_v desire_n and_o ask_v devotion_n we_o have_v see_v from_o how_o many_o source_n indevotion_n spring_v let_v we_o now_o try_v to_o vanquish_v those_o difficulty_n by_o some_o advice_n that_o may_v lead_v we_o to_o devotion_n those_o advice_n i_o will_v give_v here_o be_v either_o general_a or_o particular_a but_o before_o i_o pass_v further_o we_o be_v to_o presuppose_v that_o he_o who_o we_o will_v make_v devout_a must_v have_v a_o mind_n himself_o to_o become_v so_o he_o that_o have_v not_o this_o disposition_n will_v very_o unprofitable_o pass_v far_o how_o many_o indevout_a person_n have_v we_o in_o the_o world_n that_o do_v not_o desire_v devotion_n for_o themselves_o and_o contemn_v it_o in_o other_o of_o this_o sort_n we_o find_v some_o that_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o they_o have_v a_o religion_n i_o be_o it_o may_v be_v say_v one_o as_o religious_a as_o another_o though_o i_o laugh_v at_o devotion_n and_o devout_a person_n if_o they_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v most_o assure_o they_o cheat_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o these_o people_n be_v real_o profane_a other_o there_o be_v that_o esteem_n devotion_n in_o another_o and_o yet_o like_o it_o not_o for_o themselves_o it_o do_v not_o fit_a right_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n which_o they_o make_v their_o idol_n they_o approve_v the_o better_a side_n they_o admire_v it_o but_o they_o fancy_n as_o to_o their_o own_o particular_a they_o may_v be_v save_v with_o less_o trouble_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o these_o be_v better_o than_o the_o former_a yet_o they_o be_v a_o little_a near_o to_o the_o disposition_n we_o seek_v after_o but_o still_o alas_o in_o how_o bad_a a_o condition_n be_v their_o conscience_n they_o be_v in_o this_o worse_a than_o the_o former_a that_o they_o sin_n against_o their_o own_o sentiment_n they_o know_v their_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o do_v too_o much_o provide_v they_o be_v save_v it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a importance_n how_o what_o a_o thought_n be_v this_o be_v not_o paradise_n worth_a the_o purchase_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o some_o tear_n some_o prayer_n some_o hour_n of_o humiliation_n and_o how_o can_v we_o imagine_v we_o can_v obtain_v heaven_n by_o the_o less_o since_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o hard_a task_n to_o arrive_v thither_o by_o the_o great_a if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v do_v you_o believe_v you_o backward_o and_o lukewarm_a soul_n that_o a_o true_o devout_a person_n have_v too_o much_o righteousness_n to_o open_a to_o himself_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n do_v not_o you_o know_v that_o all_o the_o world_n praise_v that_o say_v of_o st._n austin_n woe_n to_o the_o most_o praiseworthy_a life_n if_o it_o be_v examine_v without_o mercy_n and_o what_o the_o psalmist_n say_v if_o thou_o shall_v mark_v iniquity_n o_o lord_n who_o shall_v stand_v i_o
be_v to_o choose_v a_o life_n that_o hold_v the_o middle_a betwixt_o these_o two_o extreme_n but_o at_o least_o it_o be_v without_o controversy_n that_o solitude_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a at_o hour_n destine_v to_o devotion_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o do_v any_o prejudice_n to_o holy_a assembly_n or_o public_a devotion_n they_o have_v their_o use_n for_o devotion_n and_o under_o pretext_n of_o pray_v in_o our_o closet_n we_o be_v never_o to_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o so_o necessary_a a_o aid_n to_o piety_n true_a it_o be_v every_o where_o else_o our_o sense_n be_v enemy_n to_o self-recollection_n but_o there_o both_o the_o sense_n and_o imagination_n favour_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o devout_a soul_n the_o look_v upon_o church_n which_o be_v god_n house_n the_o presence_n of_o angel_n who_o assist_v in_o those_o place_n the_o society_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o soul_n that_o join_v their_o vow_n as_o well_o as_o their_o voice_n together_o the_o word_n of_o god_n resound_v in_o our_o ear_n the_o prayer_n that_o be_v unite_v and_o be_v conceive_v by_o many_o heart_n make_v up_o but_o one_o vow_n all_o these_o thing_n extreme_o help_v the_o soul_n to_o make_v its_o elevation_n and_o serve_v very_o much_o to_o banish_v worldly_a idea_n to_o make_v holy_a one_o succeed_v in_o their_o stead_n nay_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a too_o but_o that_o among_o such_o a_o crowd_n we_o may_v conserve_v solitude_n itself_o a_o soul_n true_o devout_a in_o such_o place_n be_v so_o collect_v into_o its_o self_n that_o all_o the_o object_n which_o may_v do_v it_o a_o injury_n can_v find_v it_o the_o faithful_a person_n be_v in_o the_o closet_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o leave_v no_o door_n open_v but_o for_o god_n word_n and_o for_o thing_n able_a to_o instill_v piety_n but_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v against_o the_o vain_a object_n that_o be_v too_o often_o to_o be_v see_v in_o such_o place_n there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a solitude_n as_o well_o as_o a_o corporeal_a say_v st._n bernard_n and_o that_o be_v only_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o throng_n which_o be_v exempt_a from_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a thought_n but_o it_o be_v a_o horrible_a profaneness_n to_o have_v endeavour_n disposition_n in_o the_o church_n to_o have_v there_o a_o heart_n open_a to_o all_o vainity_n to_o go_v thither_o to_o see_v and_o to_o be_v see_v to_o hear_v to_o get_v matter_n to_o play_v upon_o and_o to_o catch_v at_o syllable_n and_o word_n how_o great_a a_o account_n will_v these_o people_n have_v to_o make_v it_o be_v enough_o sure_a to_o have_v offend_v man_n and_o god_n himself_o all_o the_o day_n in_o the_o week_n there_o need_v no_o come_n on_o the_o sunday_n to_o declare_v war_n against_o he_o in_o his_o face_n i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v here_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o we_o shall_v act_v in_o religious_a assembly_n because_o i_o design_v here_o only_o to_o give_v rule_n for_o closet-devotion_n meditation_n where_o shall_v i_o find_v a_o happy_a solitude_n that_o may_v be_v to_o i_o a_o assure_a sanctuary_n against_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o my_o soul_n if_o i_o go_v from_o the_o world_n i_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o i_o if_o i_o enter_v into_o my_o closet_n i_o be_o follow_v by_o a_o crowd_n of_o fleshly_a thought_n that_o perfectute_v i_o cruel_o when_o i_o will_v save_v myself_o in_o desert_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o rock_n with_o the_o owl_n and_o cormorant_n praetor_n be_v there_o those_o gripe_a care_n that_o will_v tear_v and_o prey_n upon_o my_o entrail_n i_o shall_v be_v assail_v there_o by_o flock_n of_o bird_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o vain_a and_o light_a thought_n which_o will_v lift_v i_o up_o from_o myself_o to_o throw_v i_o into_o the_o world_n what_o must_v i_o do_v to_o remedy_v this_o great_a evil_n thou_o know_v the_o remedy_n o_o lord_n i_o do_v not_o know_v it_o do_v thou_o teach_v i_o here_o below_o there_o be_v no_o heaven_n that_o can_v shelter_v and_o shroud_v i_o from_o these_o tempest_n no_o charm_n that_o can_v lay_v these_o devil_n and_o conjure_v down_o these_o phantom_n of_o my_o imagination_n i_o must_v make_v i_o a_o new_a heart_n for_o this_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o world_n fault_n as_o my_o own_o it_o be_v not_o because_o it_o pursue_v i_o but_o for_o that_o i_o have_v place_v it_o within_o i_o and_z which_o way_n soever_o i_o go_v i_o carry_v it_o with_o i_o if_o my_o heart_n be_v pure_a and_o clean_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o city_n and_o the_o great_a assembly_n i_o shall_v find_v solitude_n my_o soul_n be_v draw_v up_o into_o itself_o will_v be_v environ_v on_o all_o side_n with_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n as_o with_o a_o rampart_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o godliness_n will_v keep_v the_o avenue_n they_o will_v be_v a_o good_a guard_n and_o will_v drive_v all_o object_n away_o which_o may_v come_v to_o interrupt_v i_o so_o as_o i_o shall_v be_v always_o in_o a_o place_n of_o safety_n prayer_n o_o bless_a lord_n create_v in_o i_o a_o clean_a heart_n purify_v it_o from_o the_o vain_a image_n of_o the_o world_n which_o sin_n and_o satan_n have_v engrave_v in_o my_o soul_n that_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o thy_o good_a spirit_n and_o love_n i_o may_v find_v that_o sanctuary_n against_o myself_o which_o i_o seek_v every_o where_o but_o find_v not_o where_o but_o why_o o_o my_o god_n shall_v not_o thy_o grace_n while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v sufficient_a to_o deaden_a all_o its_o motion_n why_o shall_v i_o have_v always_o these_o amalekite_n and_o moabite_n round_o about_o i_o while_o i_o march_v and_o advance_v towards_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n and_o the_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o why_o have_v we_o not_o here_o below_o those_o river_n of_o grace_n and_o why_o can_v i_o have_v a_o flood_n and_o sea_n to_o wash_v my_o entrail_n and_o cleanse_v they_o from_o these_o miserable_a impurity_n it_o be_v thy_o will_n o_o god_n that_o my_o temptation_n be_v always_o near_o i_o and_o the_o philistine_n be_v always_o upon_o i_o that_o i_o may_v watch_v and_o not_o sleep_v on_o the_o lap_n of_o dalila_n it_o be_v thy_o will_n that_o i_o have_v evermore_o a_o thorn_n in_o my_o flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v i_o lest_o i_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n o_o my_o saviour_n command_v that_o the_o least_o temptation_n as_o not_o seize_v upon_o i_o which_o be_v not_o common_a to_o man_n give_v i_o a_o happy_a success_n in_o all_o my_o temptation_n and_o strength_n to_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v they_o it_o be_v true_a thy_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o let_v it_o not_o fail_v i_o then_o let_v it_o work_v its_o work_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o infirmity_n let_v it_o disperse_v my_o different_a thought_n let_v it_o calm_v the_o agitation_n of_o my_o soul_n let_v it_o make_v i_o to_o find_v a_o sanctuary_n where_o be_v far_o from_o noise_n passion_n and_o affection_n i_o may_v consecrate_v to_o thou_o my_o watch_n my_o word_n and_o my_o thought_n where_o i_o may_v be_v able_a to_o sing_v thy_o praise_n eternal_o and_o celebrate_v thy_o divine_a majesty_n chap._n viii_o the_o three_o particular_a direction_n to_o help_v devotion_n meditation_n and_o prayer_n the_o soul_n come_v into_o the_o world_n at_o least_o as_o ill_o instruct_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o grace_n as_o in_o those_o of_o nature_n it_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v a_o plain_a unscrol_v table_n and_o a_o ignorant_a which_o have_v need_n to_o be_v inform_v in_o every_o thing_n very_o easy_o it_o acquire_v the_o knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o conduct_n of_o life_n because_o those_o direction_n pass_v to_o it_o through_o the_o sense_n and_o these_o object_n be_v of_o its_o own_o size_n but_o it_o have_v need_v of_o the_o great_a endeavour_n to_o attain_v those_o notice_n which_o regard_v the_o spiritual_a life_n since_o those_o object_n be_v disproportionate_a to_o its_o strength_n and_o yet_o those_o enowledge_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o practise_v the_o virtue_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o devotion_n this_o last_o virtue_n be_v make_v up_o of_o love_n and_o zeal_n but_o we_o have_v not_o they_o but_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o i_o know_v not_o of_o what_o nature_n those_o ignorant_a devotion_n can_v be_v which_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o light_n and_o be_v not_o guide_v but_o by_o the_o sense_n these_o be_v it_o may_v be_v rather_o weakness_n of_o constitution_n than_o effect_n of_o grace_n the_o devotion_n of_o ignorant_a people_n be_v almost_o ever_o gross_a and_o superstitious_a they_o be_v ordinary_o fix_v to_o sensible_a object_n
have_v draw_v out_o all_o my_o misery_n from_o the_o bottom_n where_o it_o lay_v hide_v to_o present_v it_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o my_o heart_n there_o arise_v a_o great_a tempest_n which_o be_v follow_v by_o a_o great_a shower_n of_o tear_n this_o weep_a do_v not_o always_o come_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v sometime_o cause_v by_o a_o jar_a diversity_n of_o thought_n and_o a_o confusion_n of_o good_a emotion_n which_o cast_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o sort_n of_o disorder_n but_o which_o be_v much_o better_a than_o the_o great_a calm_a meditation_n how_o be_v it_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o man_n be_v as_o holy_a as_o they_o be_v eloquent_a and_o know_v pourtraict_n they_o make_v but_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o original_n i_o see_v plain_o that_o the_o character_n of_o true_a devotion_n be_v curious_a and_o ravish_a but_o alas_o the_o more_o i_o enter_v into_o this_o meditation_n the_o more_o do_v i_o continue_v confuse_v when_o i_o consider_v what_o i_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o be_v devout_a and_o i_o examine_v what_o i_o myself_o be_o i_o find_v that_o i_o be_o nothing_o or_o that_o i_o be_o not_o just_a what_o i_o shall_v be_v i_o do_v not_o find_v in_o myself_o those_o ardent_a desire_n to_o be_v with_o my_o god_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o he_o by_o holy_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n my_o soul_n languish_v but_o it_o be_v not_o after_o the_o house_n of_o my_o god_n nor_o after_o the_o solitude_n of_o my_o cabinet_n it_o languish_v for_o it_o be_v feeble_a and_o weak_a in_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o piety_n i_o do_v violence_n to_o my_o own_o heart_n in_o draw_v it_o out_o of_o the_o clutch_n of_o the_o world_n to_o put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n i_o enter_v into_o my_o closet_n to_o do_v my_o exercise_n of_o piety_n rather_o to_o acquit_v myself_o of_o a_o duty_n which_o i_o have_v impose_v on_o myself_o than_o to_o follow_v my_o own_o inclination_n where_o be_v that_o joy_n which_o i_o ought_v to_o taste_v in_o the_o act_n of_o my_o devotion_n where_o be_v that_o be_v unbound_v from_o the_o world_n renounce_v of_o all_o carnal_a thought_n where_o be_v that_o fervour_n and_o alacrity_n the_o ecstasy_n the_o flame_n the_o illumination_n of_o that_o heavenly_a fire_n whereof_o i_o be_o a_o read_v the_o description_n all_o be_v dead_a in_o i_o if_o i_o will_v quit_v the_o world_n to_o enter_v into_o my_o closet_n i_o carry_v it_o still_o along_o with_o i_o in_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o my_o soul_n i_o feel_v a_o monstrous_a weight_n and_o dulness_n which_o arrest_v all_o my_o elevation_n and_o make_v i_o tumble_v down_o back_o again_o to_o the_o earth_n my_o jerting_n up_o be_v feeble_a and_o of_o a_o short_a durance_n they_o hardly_o go_v half_a way_n to_o heaven_n prayer_n have_v pity_n on_o my_o sad_a estate_n my_o father_n and_o my_o god_n draw_v i_o and_o i_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o why_o shall_v i_o remain_v in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n thou_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n that_o carry_v heal_v in_o thy_o wing_n raise_v i_o up_o and_o quicken_v i_o let_v the_o east_n from_o on_o high_a visit_v i_o with_o the_o bowel_n of_o his_o mercy_n let_v my_o heart_n burn_v within_o i_o whilst_o i_o read_v thy_o scripture_n and_o hear_v thy_o word_n let_v my_o prayer_n be_v ardent_a and_o my_o piety_n constant_o sustain_v by_o the_o force_n and_o flame_n of_o thy_o grace_n and_o love_a kindness_n and_o thou_o my_o soul_n do_v not_o attend_v this_o love_a kindness_n with_o arm_n across_o go_v meet_v it_o call_v and_o say_v come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o o_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n awaken_v my_o heart_n awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o christ_n shall_v give_v thou_o life_n chase_v away_o sloth_n let_v it_o no_o long_o lie_v in_o the_o bed_n of_o security_n banish_v all_o coldness_n rid_v thyself_o of_o that_o burdensome_a weight_n that_o oppress_v thou_o take_v the_o wing_n of_o a_o eagle_n and_o to_o heaven_n fly_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o thy_o saviour_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v sweet_n which_o thou_o have_v never_o yet_o taste_v never_o see_v never_o hear_v of_o and_o which_o never_o enter_v into_o thy_o imagination_n to_o conceive_v chap._n iii_o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o devotion_n who_o can_v doubt_v on_o it_o and_o be_v it_o not_o sufficient_a bare_o to_o know_v and_o to_o describe_v it_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o it_o devotion_n be_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o very_a life_n of_o piety_n it_o be_v that_o which_o set_v a_o price_n and_o value_n upon_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o faithful_a soul_n a_o due_a preparation_n be_v necessary_a to_o every_o thing_n a_o orator_n who_o be_v to_o speak_v in_o public_a first_o amass_v his_o matter_n together_o and_o then_o assay_v to_o put_v it_o into_o a_o good_a form_n a_o soldier_n be_v to_o fight_v prepare_v his_o army_n and_o rouze_v his_o courage_n he_o that_o go_v to_o a_o marriage_n put_v on_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o why_o then_o do_v we_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o present_v ourselves_o before_o god_n in_o prayer_n in_o read_v or_o in_o hear_v his_o word_n in_o implore_v his_o assistance_n or_o render_v he_o action_n of_o gratitude_n without_o have_v the_o holy_a disposition_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n that_o be_v before_o he_o of_o so_o great_a price_n we_o do_v ever_o that_o thing_n well_o which_o we_o do_v hearty_o but_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v no_o party_n in_o the_o business_n it_o avail_v nothing_o the_o soldier_n who_o carry_v not_o his_o heart_n along_o with_o he_o turn_v his_o back_n in_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n and_o the_o orator_n who_o heart_n be_v not_o touch_v with_o what_o he_o say_v will_v never_o touch_v that_o of_o other_o if_o without_o the_o heart_n we_o can_v perform_v the_o work_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o of_o the_o hand_n how_o shall_v the_o work_n of_o the_o heart_n itself_o be_v do_v without_o the_o heart_n this_o be_v what_o i_o call_v the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n a_o lute_n can_v it_o be_v play_v upon_o unless_o it_o be_v string_v and_o tune_v can_v a_o bow_n shoot_v unless_o it_o be_v bend_v the_o heart_n be_v a_o instrument_n and_o a_o lute_n the_o sound_n whereof_o charm_n the_o ear_n of_o the_o almighty_a but_o it_o must_v be_v string_v with_o all_o its_o virtue_n as_o with_o string_n and_o devotion_n must_v be_v to_o it_o a_o kind_n of_o soul_n that_o make_v every_o thing_n else_o to_o act_v prayer_n be_v a_o arrow_n that_o fly_v to_o the_o heaven_n but_o devotion_n only_o give_v it_o both_o strength_n and_o feather_n prayer_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n and_o a_o offering_n of_o the_o heart_n we_o must_v not_o therefore_o present_a common_a riches_n to_o god_n without_o preparation_n and_o choice_n and_o the_o passover-lamb_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o flock_n four_o day_n before_o its_o immolation_n let_v not_o the_o sinner_n then_o offer_v to_o god_n dirty_a and_o soil_v prayer_n but_o pure_a and_o devout_a one_o let_v he_o separate_v his_o heart_n from_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o folly_n of_o his_o vain_a thought_n if_o he_o will_v be_v well-pleasing_a to_o god_n without_o devotion_n the_o soul_n be_v dead_a the_o heart_n be_v but_o in_o its_o body_n as_o in_o its_o grave_a what_o rashness_n then_o to_o lay_v a_o dead_a and_o corrupt_a beast_n upon_o the_o altar_n of_o god_n will_v not_o god_n say_v i_o hate_v your_o oblation_n the_o peace-offering_n of_o your_o fat_a beast_n and_o the_o perfume_n of_o your_o incense_n i_o can_v away_o with_o they_o devotion_n be_v a_o fire_n without_o which_o our_o sacrifice_n can_v not_o be_v consume_v it_o be_v a_o fire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o emanation_n of_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v what_o must_v lift_v up_o the_o smoke_n of_o our_o incense_n to_o heay'n_v assure_v thyself_o thou_o christian_a soul_n that_o thy_o offering_n be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n and_o that_o the_o flame_n of_o devotion_n be_v alone_o capable_a of_o pierce_v those_o cloud_n thicken_v by_o iniquity_n that_o separate_v we_o from_o god_n the_o matter_n that_o make_v thunderbolt_n so_o massy_a and_o heavy_a will_v not_o always_o be_v mount_v in_o the_o middle_a region_n of_o the_o air_n from_o whence_o we_o see_v they_o hurl_v down_o upon_o the_o earth_n be_v it_o not_o carry_v upon_o the_o wing_n of_o some_o inflame_a exhalation_n in_o like_a manner_n our_o earthly_a prayer_n as_o well_o as_o our_o heart_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o mount_v the_o sky_n do_v not_o the_o flame_n of_o devotion_n lift_v they_o up_o so_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o put_v our_o
heart_n into_o a_o good_a condition_n to_o hope_v a_o good_a success_n of_o its_o worship_n though_o never_o so_o much_o prepare_v it_o can_v be_v too_o good_a for_o he_o to_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o present_v it_o it_o will_v be_v a_o acceptable_a thing_n to_o be_v receive_v in_o this_o estate_n and_o what_o on_o the_o contrary_n can_v we_o expect_v in_o present_v to_o he_o a_o indevout_a soul_n but_o a_o shameful_a and_o sad_a refusal_n god_n do_v not_o hear_v our_o prayer_n unless_o the_o heart_n be_v dispose_v to_o make_v they_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v say_v our_o lord_n but_o seek_v with_o zeal_n otherwise_o you_o shall_v not_o find_v god_n say_v once_o i_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v i_o not_o but_o this_o do_v not_o happen_v every_o day_n this_o be_v but_o one_o of_o those_o singular_a event_n whereby_o general_a rule_n be_v not_o establish_v but_o the_o law_n in_o common_a bear_n ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v lay_v hold_n on_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o thou_o shall_v obtain_v it_o to_o what_o be_v not_o devotion_n useful_a it_o be_v of_o use_n in_o all_o place_n all_o time_n and_o all_o thing_n as_o well_o in_o the_o closet_n as_o the_o church_n thereby_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n pronounce_v by_o man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v true_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o dry_a and_o chap_a earth_n do_v the_o rain_n hereby_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n touch_v we_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n love_n inflame_v we_o his_o promise_n comfort_v we_o his_o threaten_n terrify_v we_o and_o his_o consolation_n have_v their_o efficacy_n upon_o we_o without_o this_o the_o word_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o two-edged_a sword_n recoil_v and_o turn_v its_o edge_n on_o the_o hardness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o without_o this_o we_o join_v the_o sin_n of_o insensibility_n to_o that_o of_o impenitence_n by_o this_o we_o look_v upon_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n with_o veneration_n the_o preacher_n as_o the_o ambassador_n of_o the_o gospel_n his_o word_n as_o the_o voice_n of_o heaven_n the_o faithful_a as_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o troop_n of_o angel_n that_o always_o rejoice_v in_o his_o presence_n the_o sacrament_n as_o precious_a vessel_n the_o appearance_n whereof_o be_v contemptible_a but_o which_o do_v contain_v the_o treasure_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n it_o be_v devotion_n that_o make_v our_o closet_n to_o become_v little_a church_n whether_o the_o divinity_n descend_v and_o upon_o which_o it_o extend_v its_o wing_n like_o the_o cherubim_v over_o the_o mercy-seat_n where_o god_n speak_v to_o our_o heart_n as_o we_o speak_v to_o his_o ear_n where_o he_o make_v we_o understand_v his_o oracle_n and_o taste_v his_o consolation_n where_o he_o say_v to_o we_o in_o a_o still_o small_a voice_n my_o son_n or_o my_o daughter_n be_v of_o good_a cheer_n arise_v thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o oh_o how_o bless_a be_v the_o faithful_a soul_n that_o god_n honour_n with_o such_o sacred_a entertainment_n now_o he_o do_v never_o do_v this_o but_o when_o call_v upon_o if_o not_o force_v by_o a_o ardent_a devotion_n these_o desire_n of_o devotion_n may_v be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o spouse_n whereof_o it_o be_v say_v turn_v away_o thy_o eye_n from_o i_o for_o they_o have_v overcome_v i_o far_o be_v from_o hence_o those_o profane_a wretch_n that_o know_v not_o the_o use_n of_o devotion_n they_o say_v that_o valour_n be_v the_o rampart_n of_o estate_n and_o the_o tutelary_a angel_n of_o the_o public_a and_o of_o private_n that_o liberality_n sweeten_v the_o misfortune_n of_o the_o miserable_a that_o justice_n be_v the_o nurse_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o ligament_n of_o society_n that_o temperance_n cause_v tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o health_n of_o body_n but_o say_v they_o devotion_n it_o be_v alone_a that_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o render_v the_o mind_n weak_a and_o effeminate_a and_o to_o depress_v the_o spirit_n do_v not_o call_v so_o universal_a a_o virtue_n unprofitable_a without_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v mere_a shadow_n for_o he_o that_o have_v not_o a_o habit_n of_o devotion_n do_v not_o refer_v all_o his_o virtue_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v a_o bad_a good_a man_n do_v not_o call_v that_o a_o useless_a virtue_n which_o appease_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v away_o the_o tempest_n fly_v over_o state_n a_o virtue_n which_o have_v draw_v sodom_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n have_v there_o be_v find_v there_o but_o ten_o devout_a person_n like_o abraham_n who_o will_v have_v devout_o with_o he_o intercede_v for_o it_o a_o virtue_n which_o save_v the_o church_n so_o often_o from_o shipwreck_n a_o virtue_n which_o in_o the_o conscience_n raise_v up_o and_o establish_v a_o profound_a peace_n and_o a_o divine_a light_n do_v not_o faith_n that_o it_o soften_v the_o mind_n see_v it_o confirm_v the_o courage_n make_v man_n run_v to_o death_n as_o to_o a_o feast_n make_v they_o to_o despise_v peril_n and_o in_o its_o occasion_n mannage_n nothing_o wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v not_o concern_v meditation_n see_fw-la one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o my_o lukewarmness_n and_o one_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o my_o soul_n be_v little_a devout_a the_o necessity_n of_o devotion_n it_o comprehend_v not_o whereas_o it_o know_v that_o food_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o conservation_n of_o its_o bodily_a life_n it_o desire_v nourishment_n with_o a_o great_a ardour_n and_o search_v after_o it_o with_o a_o marvellous_a diligence_n but_o negligent_a it_o be_v in_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o serve_v to_o nourish_v piety_n and_o the_o flame_n of_o devotion_n since_o it_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v of_o any_o great_a use_n thou_o se_v o_o my_o soul_n some_o who_o save_o themselves_o with_o a_o languish_a piety_n and_o go_v to_o heaven_n at_o a_o very_a slow_a pace_n thou_o persuade_v thyself_o that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v more_o rigorous_a to_o thou_o and_o that_o there_o will_v not_o be_v more_o exact_v from_o thou_o than_o from_o other_o but_o alas_o what_o a_o error_n and_o fallacy_n be_v there_o in_o this_o reason_n such_o a_o one_o as_o thou_o believe_v to_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v a_o march_v towards_o hell_n there_o be_v such_o a_o way_n that_o seem_v right_a to_o man_n the_o end_n of_o which_o nevertheless_o be_v death_n these_o chill_a devotion_n wherewith_o people_n believe_v god_n be_v well_o pay_v be_v oftentimes_o very_o fruitless_a they_o may_v think_v it_o fine_a one_o day_n to_o say_v we_o have_v pray_v to_o thou_o we_o have_v invoke_v thy_o name_n we_o have_v serve_v thou_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o answer_v i_o do_v not_o know_v who_o you_o be_v go_v far_o from_o i_o you_o that_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v cast_v you_o up_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n prayer_n my_o god_n conduct_v my_o soul_n in_o the_o sure_a path_n i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o sound_v thy_o mercy_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v how_o far_o the_o severity_n of_o thy_o juctice_n will_v carry_v itself_o and_o no_o further_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o thou_o will_v pardon_v so_o many_o people_n that_o serve_v thou_o with_o so_o little_a zeal_n and_o so_o much_o indevotion_n that_o which_o i_o know_v be_v that_o they_o be_v unworthy_a of_o thy_o clemency_n anâ—_n that_o they_o can_v be_v save_v unless_o they_o sincere_o repent_v of_o have_v serve_v thou_o with_o so_o much_o indifference_n let_v the_o candle_n of_o my_o soul_n thâ—_n holy_a spirit_n which_o have_v enlighten_v thy_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o the_o faithful_a at_o all_o time_n inspire_v i_o with_o such_o frankincense_n of_o devotion_n as_o with_o which_o i_o know_v that_o one_o may_v be_v save_v and_o without_o which_o i_o know_v not_o if_o one_o caâ—_n be_v save_v kindle_v my_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o altar_n where_o a_o eternal_a fire_n may_v burn_v in_o which_o all_o my_o sacrifice_n may_v be_v consume_v and_o which_o may_v make_v all_o my_o prayer_n as_o thâ—_n perfume_v of_o incense_n to_o mount_v up_o in_o thy_o presence_n chap._n iu._n that_o devotion_n be_v extreme_o rare_a and_o neglect_v here_o be_v a_o exception_n to_o the_o general_a rule_n that_o thing_n rare_a be_v esteem_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n more_o rare_a than_o devotion_n and_o nothing_o more_o neglect_v herein_o man_n do_v not_o sin_n through_o ignorance_n they_o know_v very_o well_o what_o we_o have_v say_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n that_o without_o these_o devout_a disposition_n or_o prayer_n they_o can_v please_v god_n nevertheless_o one_o can_v express_v the_o horrible_a negligence_n with_o which_o they_o perform_v this_o pious_a duty_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o
whereas_o in_o religion_n all_o be_v divine_a and_o intellectual_a the_o object_n of_o their_o worship_n be_v most_o a_o agnus_n dei_fw-la a_o relic_n or_o a_o image_n and_o god_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o our_o devotion_n have_v scarce_o any_o share_n in_o their_o veneration_n i_o do_v require_v our_o christian_a to_o be_v learn_v and_o that_o he_o have_v prey_v either_o into_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n or_o also_o into_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o grace_n by_o a_o over-exact_a and_o curious_a research_n i_o hold_v that_o that_o be_v more_o disadvantageous_a than_o prositable_a to_o devotion_n but_o the_o devout_a soul_n must_v be_v spiritual_a enough_o to_o lift_v itself_o up_o above_o the_o sense_n by_o meditation_n meditation_n be_v a_o excellent_a operation_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o penetrate_v the_o outside_n of_o object_n and_o sound_v they_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n it_o be_v a_o reflect_a action_n that_o roll_v its_o subject_n upon_o the_o heart_n till_o it_o make_v deep_a impression_n it_o be_v a_o happy_a prospect_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n every_o moment_n discover_v more_o and_o more_o wonder_n in_o that_o which_o it_o be_v about_o but_o these_o discovery_n be_v not_o nice_a speculation_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o other_o they_o be_v particular_a sentiment_n and_o application_n which_o the_o soul_n make_v and_o which_o be_v only_o for_o it_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o this_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o devotion_n for_o this_o do_v not_o embrace_v its_o subject_n but_o proportionable_o as_o meditation_n make_v it_o to_o enter_v therein_o devotion_n be_v a_o agitation_n of_o a_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a soul_n whereby_o we_o be_v lift_v up_o to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o sovereign_a good_a and_o therefore_o the_o more_o devotion_n apply_v we_o to_o this_o great_a object_n and_o let_v we_o see_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o goodness_n the_o more_o ardent_a do_v devotion_n become_v so_o that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a subject_n of_o our_o contemplation_n god_n be_v good_a either_o in_o himself_o or_o in_o respect_n have_v to_o we_o in_o himself_o because_o he_o be_v great_a majestic_a bounteous_a merciful_a if_o we_o do_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o these_o divine_a virtue_n nevertheless_o god_n will_v not_o cease_v to_o possess_v they_o and_o consequent_o he_o will_v be_v infinite_o amiable_a we_o can_v think_v too_o often_o on_o these_o attribute_n of_o god_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o efficacious_a mean_n which_o david_n use_v to_o awaken_v his_o drowsy_a devotion_n awake_v o_o my_o tongue_n say_v he_o and_o thereupon_o he_o sing_v god_n almighty_n power_n in_o his_o work_n his_o majesty_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o heaven_n his_o justice_n in_o his_o judgement_n his_o wisdom_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n his_o mercy_n towards_o man._n but_o because_o interest_n have_v so_o great_a a_o sway_n with_o we_o we_o be_v to_o join_v to_o this_o consideration_n that-of-god_n benefit_n to_o descend_v into_o the_o abysses_n of_o his_o love_n and_o to_o consider_v he_o in_o jesus_n christ_n reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o himself_o we_o must_v essay_n to_o dive_v if_o possible_a it_o be_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o mercy_n which_o be_v find_v every_o where_n and_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n above_o all_o we_o can_v fix_v ourselves_o too_o much_o upon_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n we_o shall_v see_v there_o a_o thousand_o object_n able_a to_o mollify_v our_o soul_n fince_n god_n love_n to_o mankind_n appear_v there_o in_o all_o it_o be_v extension_n from_o general_a consideration_n it_o be_v good_a to_o come_v to_o particular_a application_n we_o ought_v to_o conceive_v how_o much_o we_o stand_v indebt_v to_o god_n for_o free_v we_o from_o so_o many_o misery_n to_o raise_v we_o up_o to_o such_o glorious_a hope_n in_o short_a and_o to_o speak_v all_o in_o a_o word_n the_o object_n of_o our_o meditation_n be_v as_o vast_a as_o god_n nature_n and_o grace_n altogether_o for_o there_o be_v no_o flower_n in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o may_v gather_v honey_n from_o they_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v therefore_o that_o we_o can_v drain_v a_o subject_a of_o so_o great_a a_o bigness_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v then_o our_o meditation_n be_v frequent_o so_o dry_a and_o our_o recollection_n so_o barren_a it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o seed_n but_o from_o the_o bad_a ground_n whence_o come_v it_o say_v a_o ancient_a father_n that_o our_o mind_n be_v find_v destitute_a of_o good_a thought_n as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o well-pleasing_a to_o god_n wherewith_o we_o can_v entertain_v ourselves_o this_o come_v not_o say_v he_o but_o from_o a_o carelessness_n of_o spirit_n for_o the_o subject_n be_v inexhaustible_a and_o if_o the_o eye_n can_v reach_v the_o end_n of_o wonder_n to_o be_v see_v much_o less_o can_v the_o mind_n attain_v it_o in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v conceive_v if_o the_o eye_n cease_v to_o see_v the_o light_n when_o it_o be_v day_n it_o be_v not_o for_o that_o the_o light_n be_v extinguish_v but_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o dissipation_n of_o the_o sight_n if_o you_o pierce_v and_o open_v a_o field_n in_o all_o â—arts_n with_o a_o ploughshare_n it_o will_v render_v you_o a_o abundant_a harvest_n otherwise_o it_o will_v continue_v barren_a and_o even_o if_o you_o penetrate_v very_o deep_o you_o may_v find_v spring_n of_o live_a water_n in_o like_a manner_n if_o you_o open_v this_o great_a subject_n to_o wit_n god_n and_o his_o work_n by_o profound_a and_o frequent_a meditation_n there_o will_v proceed_v from_o thence_o source_n of_o consolation_n and_o instruction_n last_o make_v no_o difficulty_n to_o repass_v oft_o upon_o the_o same_o subject_n for_o to_o make_v it_o familiar_a to_o you_o our_o soul_n be_v depend_v upon_o the_o body_n during_o the_o time_n we_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o the_o most_o spiritual_a idea_n be_v form_v in_o we_o by_o bodily_a motion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v high_o useful_a to_o let_v the_o thought_n of_o thing_n divine_a pass_n and_o repass_v frequent_o in_o ourselves_o to_o the_o intent_n we_o may_v give_v a_o inclination_n to_o the_o animal_n spirit_n which_o may_v carry_v they_o that_o aways_o and_o at_o length_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o will_v go_v natural_o in_o that_o road_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o without_o design_n and_o before_o we_o be_v aware_a we_o shall_v think_v on_o good_a thing_n i_o shall_v say_v one_o word_n more_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o those_o mind_n which_o be_v not_o capable_a either_o of_o a_o pierce_a infight_n or_o a_o strong_a application_n and_o that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v grieve_v if_o they_o do_v not_o find_v themselves_o forcible_a enough_o to_o drive_v on_o their_o reason_n so_o far_o and_o if_o conception_n fail_v they_o provide_v this_o come_v not_o from_o any_o coldness_n some_o short_a but_o frequent_a meditation_n whereby_o a_o faithful_a person_n of_o the_o mean_a sort_n do_v often_o apply_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o author_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o god_n benefit_n may_v serve_v instead_o of_o long_a reflection_n when_o one_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o they_o to_o help_v devotion_n we_o be_v without_o doubt_n to_o call_v in_o the_o read_n of_o good_a book_n for_o we_o must_v not_o imagine_v we_o can_v draw_v all_o from_o our_o own_o well_o and_o among_o those_o book_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v as_o much_o above_o all_o other_o as_o god_n be_v above_o man_n and_o the_o sun_n above_o the_o star_n of_o the_o six_o magnitude_n this_o be_v that_o word_n which_o be_v as_o powerful_a and_o pierce_a as_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n this_o be_v that_o fire_n which_o can_v warm_v our_o entrail_n and_o make_v we_o say_v do_v not_o our_o heart_n burn_v within_o we_o one_o only_a passage_n in_o st._n paul_n let_v we_o walk_v honest_o as_o in_o the_o day_n not_o in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n not_o in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n not_o in_o strife_n and_o envy_v but_o put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v the_o conversion_n of_o st._n austin_n in_o every_o page_n of_o this_o book_n we_o shall_v find_v god_n benefit_n and_o his_o excellent_a promise_n so_o proper_a to_o awaken_v devotion_n we_o shall_v find_v there_o many_o example_n of_o heavenly_a meditation_n fit_a to_o lift_v up_o the_o soul_n and_o guide_v we_o in_o our_o own_o especial_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n be_v a_o inestimable_a treasure_n for_o devout_a soul_n and_o if_o we_o can_v prize_v it_o and_o say_v of_o it_o beyond_o what_o the_o ancient_n do_v we_o can_v never_o say_v enough_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o this_o treasure_n be_v lay_v up_o entire_o in_o our_o memory_n
a_o hundred_o other_o lesson_n but_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o compare_v with_o the_o knowledge_n to_o be_v have_v from_o the_o read_n of_o that_o other_o book_n which_o god_n have_v dictate_v to_o his_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n it_o be_v there_o thou_o may_v see_v the_o abyss_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n the_o infinity_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o mercy_n without_o engage_v thyself_o very_o deep_o in_o these_o abysses_n what_o fruit_n can_v thou_o not_o reap_v from_o the_o death_n of_o my_o saviour_n and_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o cross_n thou_o will_v learn_v there_o how_o thou_o be_v to_o love_n for_o that_o be_v the_o school_n of_o love_n thou_o will_v view_v thy_o divine_a saviour_n eat_v up_o with_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n house_n burn_v with_o the_o flame_n of_o charity_n he_o so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o death_n for_o the_o world_n and_o that_o to_o a_o shameful_a cruel_a and_o torment_a death_n even_o that_o of_o the_o cross_n he_o expose_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o arrow_n of_o god_n wrath_n he_o suck_v the_o venom_n and_o undergo_v the_o weight_n of_o his_o indignation_n and_o for_o who_o for_o his_o enemy_n it_o be_v thus_o o_o my_o soul_n thou_o must_v love_v this_o be_v but_o a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o the_o thing_n thou_o may_v learn_v in_o that_o heavenly_a book_n prayer_n but_o o_o lord_n i_o read_v in_o vain_a i_o meditate_v without_o success_n o_o my_o sun_n infuse_v thy_o ray_n into_o my_o heart_n open_v my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n make_v thy_o word_n to_o be_v in_o i_o like_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v of_o my_o soul_n my_o joint_n and_o marrow_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n sanctify_v i_o by_o thy_o truth_n let_v my_o heart_n burn_v within_o i_o when_o thou_o speak_v and_o declare_v to_o i_o the_o scripture_n let_v i_o receive_v thy_o word_n with_o a_o thirsty_a soul_n and_o let_v it_o become_v unto_o i_o a_o spring_n of_o live_a water_n bubble_v up_o to_o eternal_a life_n that_o i_o may_v be_v conduct_v by_o the_o river_n of_o thy_o grace_n to_o the_o ocean_n of_o glory_n chap._n ix_o the_o four_o particular_a help_n to_o devotion_n the_o use_n of_o prayer_n i_o do_v not_o design_n here_o to_o make_v any_o commendation_n of_o prayer_n nor_o to_o display_v all_o its_o uses_n which_o both_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n have_v do_v very_o ample_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sure_a mean_n to_o purify_v the_o soul_n since_o there_o be_v no_o action_n whereby_o we_o approach_v near_o to_o god_n no_o time_n wherein_o he_o communicate_v himself_o more_o to_o we_o he_o have_v be_v very_o often_o observe_v to_o give_v his_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n in_o prayer_n in_o pray_v st_n peter_n fall_v into_o a_o ecstasy_n paul_n be_v ravish_v to_o the_o three_o heaven_n cornelius_n in_o his_o prayer_n receive_v the_o vision_n of_o a_o angel_n monica_n st_n augustine_n mother_n after_o her_o prayer_n and_o tear_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o her_o son_n have_v in_o her_o dream_n that_o excellent_a revelation_n of_o his_o conversion_n a_o angel_n tell_v she_o afflict_v not_o thyself_o thy_o son_n be_v with_o thou_o as_o god_n be_v the_o sun_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o jet_v his_o beam_n perpendicular_o into_o our_o heart_n he_o must_v necessary_o clarify_v and_o heat_v they_o he_o disperse_v the_o vapour_n of_o the_o inferior_a part_n and_o draw_v his_o own_o image_n there_o now_o this_o communication_n of_o the_o ray_n of_o grace_n be_v never_o make_v more_o than_o in_o prayer_n i_o shall_v not_o stay_v to_o examine_v any_o further_a the_o condition_n with_o which_o prayer_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o be_v devout_a it_o be_v already_o show_v enough_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v attentive_a persevere_v and_o ardent_a i_o shall_v only_o give_v here_o two_o advice_n the_o one_o to_o avoid_v weariness_n the_o other_o to_o avoid_v distraction_n first_o i_o say_v that_o few_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o long_a prayer_n for_o to_o render_v a_o prayer_n perfect_o devout_a there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o extreme_a contention_n of_o mind_n a_o extraordinary_a elevation_n and_o a_o entire_a loosen_a one_o self_n from_o the_o world_n now_o these_o action_n do_v a_o kind_n of_o violence_n to_o the_o soul_n which_o natural_o tend_v to_o a_o release_n of_o itself_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v of_o any_o long_a continuance_n if_o we_o give_v no_o relaxation_n to_o the_o heart_n it_o take_v it_o and_o ramble_n some_o where_o or_o other_o in_o spite_n of_o our_o tooth_n so_o as_o i_o will_v have_v the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n to_o be_v long_o though_o divide_v into_o little_a space_n of_o time_n that_o they_o have_v many_o part_n and_o each_o of_o they_o be_v short_a devotion_n be_v compose_v of_o three_o principal_a act_n reading_n meditation_n and_o prayer_n each_o of_o these_o need_v not_o be_v do_v present_o so_o as_o to_o follow_v one_o another_o but_o they_o may_v be_v mingle_v for_o we_o must_v allow_v some_o grain_n to_o the_o soul_n weakness_n and_o we_o must_v keep_v it_o from_o disgust_n by_o variety_n a_o little_a read_n may_v be_v the_o first_o degree_n of_o its_o elevation_n a_o little_a meditation_n on_o that_o read_n will_v lift_v it_o a_o degree_n high_o and_o after_o the_o read_n and_o meditation_n a_o short_a prayer_n will_v lead_v it_o to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o forget_v the_o world_n after_o which_o it_o will_v return_v whole_o new_a to_o read_v and_o meditation_n in_o the_o same_o order_n in_o prayer_n it_o will_v fly_v through_o the_o air_n by_o the_o force_n of_o its_o own_o wing_n and_o at_o its_o return_n to_o read_v it_o will_v do_v like_o those_o bird_n that_o weary_a with_o fly_v come_v to_o repose_v themselves_o not_o on_o the_o earth_n but_o some_o very_a high_a tree_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n so_o our_o devout_a soul_n will_v come_v to_o rest_v itself_o not_o by_o fall_v on_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o will_v never_o set_v foot_n there_o nor_o permit_v the_o mind_n to_o return_v to_o the_o world_n but_o it_o will_v continue_v elevate_v upon_o the_o prop_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n ur_fw-la and_o aaron_n will_v sustain_v it_o lift_v up_o towards_o the_o heaven_n and_o from_o thence_o take_v its_o flight_n it_o will_v by_o little_a and_o little_o rise_v upon_o the_o wing_n of_o meditation_n until_o it_o return_v by_o prayer_n whither_o it_o be_v first_o lift_v up_o this_o method_n undoubted_o will_v give_v it_o time_n to_o renew_v its_o strength_n it_o can_v hold_v out_o long_o if_o its_o course_n be_v push_v on_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o its_o vigour_n but_o by_o take_v breath_n and_o march_v fair_o on_o from_o time_n to_o time_n it_o will_v make_v a_o very_a great_a advance_v in_o a_o day_n the_o other_o direction_n i_o will_v give_v regard_v those_o who_o have_v not_o be_v busy_v about_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v less_o proper_a for_o the_o great_a elevation_n these_o people_n ordinary_o make_v their_o devotion_n in_o prayer_n pronounce_v by_o heart_n from_o which_o way_n distraction_n be_v almost_o inseparable_a these_o i_o will_v counsel_v to_o endeavour_v to_o untie_v themselves_o from_o word_n and_o hold_v only_o to_o the_o sense_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o in_o their_o family-prayer_n they_o shall_v dispense_v themselves_o from_o their_o form_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o all_o the_o world_n have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o form_v their_o thought_n and_o put_v they_o into_o a_o order_n which_o may_v edify_v the_o public_a but_o for_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o closet_n they_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v make_v by_o heart_n than_o by_o the_o tongue_n when_o the_o imagination_n do_v not_o make_v some_o endeavour_n for_o the_o production_n of_o its_o thought_n and_o the_o choice_n of_o its_o word_n in_o follow_v the_o beat_a road_n which_o it_o fear_v not_o to_o 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