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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
ground_n believe_v faith_n reason_n 4,345 5 5.9961 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59239 Of devotion By J. S. Sergeant, John, 1622-1707. 1678 (1678) Wing S2585A; ESTC R220098 48,774 178

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frequent_a use_n of_o they_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o careless_a indifference_n in_o perform_v they_o and_o take_v off_o our_o conceit_n of_o they_o they_o will_v become_v little_a beneficial_a and_o perhaps_o harmful_a §_o 2._o but_o these_o inconvenience_n avoid_v these_o devotee_n be_v to_o be_v advise_v to_o pray_v as_o often_o and_o as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v and_o such_o prayer_n as_o they_o please_v to_o frequent_v the_o sacrament_n the_o often_o the_o better_a so_o it_o be_v with_o serious_a preparation_n and_o such_o as_o may_v preserve_v the_o reverence_n due_a to_o they_o to_o be_v present_a at_o all_o solemnity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o where_o thing_n be_v perform_v with_o most_o majesty_n and_o becomingness_n if_o any_o extraordinary_a occasion_n of_o devotion_n happen_v as_o in_o jubilee_n and_o the_o like_a by_o all_o mean_n to_o lay_v hold_n of_o it_o often_o to_o read_v good_a book_n of_o which_o the_o affective_a be_v more_o for_o their_o purpose_n than_o the_o instructive_a and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o omit_v nothing_o proper_a to_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v the_o habit_n of_o devotion_n in_o general_n the_o conceit_n they_o frame_v in_o common_a and_o confuse_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v keep_v up_o at_o the_o height_n and_o increase_v if_o it_o may_v be_v and_o for_o particular_n because_o they_o penetrate_v not_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n nor_o consider_v which_o way_n they_o work_v it_o matter_n not_o much_o what_o they_o be_v so_o they_o be_v good_a and_o apt_a to_o move_v they_o for_o this_o reason_n and_o because_o they_o be_v through_o their_o weakness_n easy_o scandalize_v peo_fw-la ple_fw-fr shall_v in_o charity_n be_v wary_a of_o maintain_v and_o even_o discover_v contrary_a sentiment_n before_o they_o for_o these_o way_n whatever_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o the_o best_a or_o no_o be_v best_a for_o they_o and_o will_v make_v they_o saint_n if_o they_o pursue_v they_o sincere_o and_o faithful_o and_o we_o must_v beware_v nè_fw-la pereat_fw-la in_o scientiâ_fw-la tuâ_fw-la infirmus_fw-la frater_fw-la lest_o a_o weak_a brother_n perish_v by_o thy_o knowledge_n §_o 3._o the_o way_n of_o knowledge_n must_v needs_o be_v pursue_v by_o such_o mean_n as_o improve_v knowledge_n and_o he_o advance_v in_o it_o best_o who_o most_o deep_o penetrate_v into_o christian_a duty_n and_o most_o clear_o see_v their_o agreeableness_n to_o right_a reason_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v with_o such_o a_o sight_n as_o be_v mere_o speculative_a nor_o such_o a_o sight_n as_o can_v pierce_v into_o the_o mystery_n themselves_o and_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o that_o kind_n of_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o other_o truth_n who_o term_n we_o see_v connect_v for_o this_o will_v take_v away_o faith_n and_o be_v impossible_a here_o and_o only_o to_o be_v hope_v in_o the_o country_n of_o blissful_a light_n where_o we_o shall_v see_v face_n to_o face_n but_o i_o mean_v such_o a_o sight_n as_o 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be_v do_v be_v as_o much_o solicitous_a about_o the_o disposition_n as_o the_o action_n and_o labour_v more_o to_o perform_v they_o well_o than_o often_o unless_o their_o spiritual_a director_n judge_v they_o fit_v for_o both_o but_o always_o with_o a_o preparation_n suitable_a to_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o institute_n so_o sacred_a and_o divine_a those_o be_v altogether_o affect_v to_o many_o and_o those_o the_o most_o customary_a prayer_n often_o slubber_v they_o over_o sometime_o with_o so_o little_a application_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o become_a reverence_n in_o the_o posture_n of_o the_o body_n they_o little_a heed_n the_o sense_n as_o they_o go_v along_o and_o consider_v not_o how_o or_o how_o far_o it_o affect_v their_o soul_n and_o want_v that_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a rule_n to_o direct_v their_o choice_n if_o chance_n dispose_v not_o otherwise_o general_o make_v use_v of_o such_o as_o they_o see_v use_v by_o other_o apprehend_v some_o great_a matter_n in_o the_o very_a word_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n choose_v sometime_o latin_a prayer_n though_o they_o understand_v not_o one_o word_n of_o the_o language_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o proportion_n this_o way_n have_v to_o their_o pitch_n of_o soul_n this_o conceit_n of_o some_o great_a thing_n in_o common_a concur_v so_o well_o with_o their_o right-set_a intention_n that_o they_o pray_v very_o well_o &_o better_a than_o where_o they_o understand_v more_o and_o conceit_n less_o the_o other_o sort_n be_v know_o devout_a or_o spiritual_a who_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v omnia_fw-la dijudicant_fw-la discern_v or_o distinguish_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v themselves_o at_o liberty_n where_o god_n or_o his_o church_n have_v lay_v no_o command_n take_v for_o their_o rule_n the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o believe_v this_o good_a to_o consist_v in_o a_o right_a disposition_n they_o therefore_o choose_v such_o prayer_n and_o book_n as_o they_o find_v by_o experience_n most_o useful_a to_o this_o purpose_n and_o contain_v such_o motive_n as_o be_v most_o efficacious_a to_o raise_v their_o soul_n to_o heaven_n they_o be_v no_o way_n affect_v to_o what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o comprehend_v not_o how_o ignorance_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a curse_n of_o original_a sin_n shall_v ever_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n they_o be_v more_o for_o the_o few_o and_o well_o than_o the_o many_o and_o often_o at_o a_o venture_n they_o be_v always_o careful_a to_o accompany_v their_o prayer_n with_o a_o grave_n and_o reverend_a gesture_n and_o a_o attention_n pierce_v into_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v able_a and_o distinct_o penetrate_v the_o force_n of_o the_o word_n which_o they_o expect_v shall_v contain_v such_o a_o affective_a sense_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o wing_v their_o soul_n for_o heaven_n §_o 8._o the_o former_a too_o be_v more_o addict_v to_o corporal_n the_o late_a to_o spiritual_a work_n of_o mercy_n and_o as_o those_o fancy_n no_o great_a matter_n in_o the_o advance_n of_o truth_n suppose_v we_o have_v once_o faith_n so_o these_o see_v no_o advantage_n to_o the_o world_n in_o relieve_v any_o necessity_n incident_a to_o the_o body_n comparable_a to_o that_o of_o better_v man_n soul_n which_o they_o see_v will_v follow_v from_o the_o advance_n of_o truth_n solid_a goodness_n be_v the_o genuine_a offspring_n of_o solid_a knowledge_n §_o 9_o last_o the_o difference_n of_o these_o two_o spirit_n be_v great_a in_o relation_n to_o comportment_n and_o human_a conversation_n they_o who_o study_n it_o be_v to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o right_a reason_n the_o true_a nature_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o apply_v it_o to_o all_o their_o action_n whence_o their_o carriage_n be_v even_o their_o friendship_n steady_a their_o judgement_n stay_v and_o just_a their_o thought_n charitable_a they_o harken_v to_o proposal_n with_o calmness_n and_o indifference_n and_o believe_v without_o good_a ground_n slow_o the_o other_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o be_v humorous_a stiff_o addict_v to_o any_o opinion_n take_v up_o of_o course_n inconstant_a in_o their_o purpose_n and_o friendship_n partial_a in_o their_o verdict_n credulous_a even_o of_o toy_n and_o of_o which_o no_o solid_a ground_n appear_v if_o they_o suit_v their_o fancy_n unwilling_a to_o hear_v any_o reason_n son_n which_o cross_v the_o conceit_n they_o have_v once_o espouse_v and_o for_o want_v of_o due_o weigh_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n rash_a concluder_n censorious_a of_o every_o thing_n that_o run_v not_o just_a in_o the_o tract_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o fierce_a reprehender_n of_o what_o they_o think_v amiss_o and_o yet_o these_o imperfection_n when_o they_o happen_v hinder_v not_o a_o good_a meaning_n and_o right-set_a intention_n all_o this_o while_n they_o may_v hearty_o wish_v and_o love_n what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n will_v and_o hate_v whatever_o be_v contrary_a only_o by_o the_o shortness_n of_o their_o reason_n or_o untoward_a circumstance_n they_o be_v preoccupate_v with_o a_o wrong_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o see_v not_o what_o be_v agreeable_a and_o what_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o afford_v those_o of_o the_o other_o sort_n a_o fair_a occasion_n of_o exercise_v a_o double_a charity_n in_o bear_v with_o their_o imperfection_n and_o by_o sweet_a way_n instruct_v their_o ignorance_n §_o 10._o but_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o devout_a people_n be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n fix_v in_o a_o indivisible_a point_n as_o they_o seem_v here_o describe_v i_o fear_v there_o be_v not_o very_o many_o perfect_o of_o the_o one_o kind_n and_o hope_v there_o be_v not_o very_o many_o just_a of_o the_o other_o i_o only_o intend_v to_o describe_v the_o standard_n of_o these_o two_o spirit_n which_o be_v participate_v with_o a_o thousand_o unequal_a degree_n now_o of_o the_o one_o now_o of_o the_o other_o sort_n and_o interweave_v with_o a_o variety_n almost_o infinite_a according_a as_o natural_a genius_n instruction_n and_o other_o circumstance_n have_v allot_v their_o proportion_n §_o 11._o let_v be_v it_o our_o task_n oemulari_fw-la charismata_fw-la meliora_fw-la with_o a_o true_a christian_a ambition_n to_o aim_v at_o what_o be_v best_a and_o high_a but_o yet_o remember_v too_o that_o what_o be_v best_a in_o itself_o be_v not_o always_o best_o for_o every_o particular_a and_o resolve_v upon_o better_a advice_n than_o our_o own_o to_o pursue_v the_o unum_n necessarium_fw-la that_o way_n which_o be_v most_o expedient_a for_o our_o soul_n the_o truth_n be_v these_o method_n as_o different_a as_o they_o be_v may_v both_o be_v needful_a almost_o for_o every_o one_o few_o or_o no_o understanding_n be_v so_o sublime_a as_o not_o to_o admit_v and_o even_o need_v the_o assistance_n of_o frequent_v outward_a act_n which_o beget_v habit_n and_o few_o so_o low_a as_o may_v not_o be_v improve_v to_o contribute_v and_o that_o considerable_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o material_a way_n if_o good_a instruction_n be_v not_o want_v wherefore_o neither_o shall_v the_o intelligent_a devote_n neglect_v the_o constant_a use_n of_o outward_a act_n of_o devotion_n nor_o the_o material_a one_o to_o improve_v his_o outward_a exercise_n by_o join_v as_o much_o understanding_n to_o they_o as_o he_o can_v sect_n v._o of_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v devotion_n the_o mean_n of_o attain_v both_o sort_n of_o devotion_n be_v already_o touch_v in_o common_a but_o the_o subject_n deserve_v to_o be_v treat_v more_o particular_o in_o the_o material_a way_n because_o the_o effect_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o impression_n first_o make_v on_o the_o body_n that_o which_o import_v be_v that_o these_o impression_n be_v as_o strong_a as_o may_v be_v and_o as_o many_o for_o a_o weak_a cause_n often_o apply_v will_v produce_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o strong_a one_o such_o exercise_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v as_o strike_v the_o inward_a sense_n and_o fancy_v most_o strong_o but_o what_o ever_o they_o be_v they_o will_v become_v efficacious_a if_o they_o be_v often_o enough_o repeat_v those_o therefore_o for_o who_o this_o way_n be_v proper_a shall_v be_v exhort_v to_o be_v assiduous_a in_o the_o outward_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n whatever_o they_o be_v yet_o with_o this_o caution_n that_o the_o frequency_n prejudice_n not_o their_o efficacy_n for_o if_o they_o become_v so_o customary_a as_o to_o be_v do_v mere_o out_o of_o custom_n they_o will_v loose_v much_o of_o their_o force_n particular_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o this_o point_n about_o those_o exercise_n which_o require_v a_o extraordinary_a reverence_n and_o by_o the_o design_n of_o the_o divine_a institutor_n carry_v with_o they_o a_o awe_n and_o respect_n as_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n for_o if_o according_a to_o the_o maxim_n consueta_fw-la vilescunt_fw-la customary_a thing_n grow_v vile_a our_o too_o
love_n of_o this_o world_n strengthen_v and_o advance_v my_o reason_n elevate_v my_o mind_n to_o god_n and_o strain_n with_o the_o utmost_a force_n of_o my_o soul_n after_o this_o state_n of_o bliss_n which_o be_v alone_o desirable_a alone_o considerable_a etc._n etc._n and_o this_o with_o a_o steady_a and_o devout_a pursuit_n keep_v ever_o awake_a in_o my_o mind_n when_o it_o grow_v drowsy_a the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o what_o my_o faith_n propose_v and_o attest_v to_o i_o by_o the_o church_n deliver_v to_o i_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o faith_n be_v the_o argument_n of_o thing_n not_o yet_o see_v to_o wit_n by_o the_o clearness_n of_o its_o principle_n or_o ground_n likewise_o how_o it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v hope_v by_o the_o firmness_n of_o its_o own_o foundation_n last_o how_o it_o be_v the_o groundwork_n of_o all_o devotion_n because_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o truth_n render_v express_v to_o our_o thought_n make_v faith_n itself_o very_o lively_a and_o operative_a that_o be_v our_o judgement_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o very_o practical_a and_o ready_a for_o christian_a action_n in_o which_o that_o disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o we_o call_v devotion_n formal_o consist_v to_o proceed_v thus_o far_o and_o settle_v their_o judgement_n in_o these_o truth_n with_o the_o steady_a firmness_n and_o clear_a sight_n they_o can_v be_v advisable_v for_o those_o soul_n who_o pitch_n of_o reason_n make_v they_o inquisitive_a into_o the_o ground_n of_o thing_n and_o capable_a to_o comprehend_v they_o for_o such_o person_n will_v receive_v much_o comfort_n and_o profit_n by_o such_o kind_n of_o satisfaction_n it_o import_v not_o which_o way_n they_o take_v to_o this_o end_n whether_o they_o work_v it_o out_o by_o their_o own_o meditation_n or_o use_v the_o assistance_n of_o book_n or_o public_a or_o private_a and_o familiar_a discourse_n so_o the_o business_n be_v do_v it_o matter_n not_o how_o §_o 11._o if_o any_o particular_a difficulty_n which_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a ground_n of_o their_o belief_n come_v cross_v their_o thought_n and_o hazard_n in_o the_o least_o to_o shock_v their_o judgement_n it_o may_v be_v worth_a their_o pain_n sometime_o to_o see_v through_o that_o too_o but_o to_o amuse_v themselves_o with_o every_o objection_n and_o not_o to_o be_v quiet_a till_o they_o themselves_o can_v answer_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v oppose_v i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o very_a unprofitable_a and_o very_o unsatisfiable_a curiosity_n the_o difficulty_n may_v sometime_o be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v solve_v without_o a_o deep_a insight_n into_o many_o science_n such_o as_o they_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v hope_v to_o have_v for_o want_v of_o leisure_n or_o part_n again_o objection_n be_v endless_a and_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v satisfy_v of_o a_o truth_n till_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o be_v answer_v we_o shall_v never_o be_v satisfy_v of_o any_o truth_n at_o all_o but_o only_o of_o the_o very_a first_o principles_n shall_v all_o the_o objection_n yet_o ever_o think_v of_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n be_v answer_v to_o day_n as_o many_o more_o may_v be_v invent_v to_o morrow_n for_o wit_n and_o fancy_n have_v no_o bound_n and_o it_o be_v from_o the_o fertility_n of_o their_o invention_n that_o object_v proceed_v and_o after_o all_o it_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a business_n of_o devotee_n it_o belong_v to_o controvertist_n to_o answer_v objection_n the_o only_a thing_n which_o import_v devout_a people_n of_o this_o pitch_n be_v to_o understand_v well_o that_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o proceed_v in_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n be_v firm_a and_o solid_a and_o such_o as_o they_o ought_v secure_o and_o without_o fear_n of_o deceit_n rely_v on_o which_o do_v they_o must_v be_v true_a to_o themselves_o and_o act_n with_o a_o vigour_n proportionable_a to_o that_o degree_n of_o cleverness_n with_o which_o their_o speculativeness_n discern_v they_o to_o be_v true_a join_v with_o such_o a_o concern_v as_o faith_n tell_v we_o the_o matter_n deserve_v nor_o need_v they_o distrust_v god_n providence_n in_o this_o which_o have_v furnish_v his_o church_n with_o mean_n suitable_a to_o every_o capacity_n §_o 12._o again_o when_o upon_o certain_a ground_n they_o have_v give_v admittance_n to_o a_o truth_n they_o shall_v stand_v to_o it_o and_o trouble_v themselves_o no_o more_o for_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n be_v or_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o that_o if_o this_o be_v true_a what_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o be_v not_o true_a whether_o i_o be_v able_a to_o make_v so_o much_o out_o or_o no._n and_o upon_o this_o they_o may_v secure_o rest_v in_o truth_n this_o waver_a inconstancy_n this_o quiver_a irresolution_n which_o keep_v we_o from_o own_v hearty_o what_o we_o do_v see_v for_o fear_v of_o what_o we_o do_v not_o see_v be_v a_o blamable_a weakness_n lose_v the_o time_n in_o which_o we_o shall_v work_v out_o our_o salvation_n upon_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o put_v we_o into_o the_o condition_n which_o st._n paul_n reprehend_v in_o the_o woman_n of_o his_o time_n semper_fw-la discentes_fw-la &_o nunquam_fw-la ad_fw-la scientiam_fw-la veritatis_fw-la pervenientes_fw-la always_o learning_n &_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n §_o 13._o since_o then_o a_o know_v devout_a soul_n seek_v only_o or_o only_o shall_v seek_v so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o devotion_n let_v she_o if_o she_o be_v able_a faithful_o and_o severe_o pursue_v her_o inquiry_n till_o she_o arrive_v at_o such_o a_o certainty_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o concern_v she_o i_o mean_v such_o as_o will_v give_v solid_a ground_n for_o virtuous_a christian_a life_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n remain_v satisfy_v with_o this_o that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v some_o deceit_n in_o whatever_o be_v say_v against_o truth_n let_v she_o a_o god_n name_n first_o discover_v that_o to_o be_v truth_n which_o she_o embrace_v as_o truth_n to_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o judge_v upon_o good_a ground_n the_o church_n be_v infallible_a but_o after_o this_o it_o be_v lose_v time_n if_o she_o spend_v any_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o deceit_n it_o be_v enough_o she_o know_v it_o be_v deceit_n and_o need_v not_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o one_o it_o be_v in_o our_o particular_a case_n she_o may_v reflect_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n or_o tradition_n be_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o we_o build_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v christian_n which_o only_o in_o a_o manner_n among_o we_o be_v call_v in_o question_n they_o who_o deny_v the_o force_n of_o tradition_n must_v by_o consequence_n deny_v the_o certainty_n of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v before_o our_o day_n and_o because_o nature_n assure_v we_o that_o this_o be_v irrational_a it_o assure_v we_o likewise_o that_o who_o object_n on_o this_o manner_n go_v against_o nature_n and_o so_o all_o they_o can_v say_v be_v no_o other_o than_o witty_a talk_n handsome_a flourish_n and_o plausible_a quibble_n without_o real_a force_n or_o solid_a ground_n and_o indeed_o they_o plain_o discover_v themselves_o irrational_a and_o lead_v by_o passion_n who_o obstinate_o oppose_v tradition_n because_o they_o maintain_v a_o evident_a contradiction_n for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n they_o affirm_v that_o faith_n be_v true_o certain_a and_o on_o the_o other_o deny_v faith_n have_v any_o ground_n true_o certain_a and_o this_o since_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v certain_a but_o in_o virtue_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o ground_n by_o which_o the_o certainty_n be_v make_v out_o be_v to_o say_v that_o faith_n be_v and_o be_v not_o true_o certain_a to_o this_o they_o be_v force_v by_o the_o heat_n of_o opposition_n for_o they_o will_v not_o grant_v tradition_n have_v the_o virtue_n to_o make_v a_o thing_n true_o certain_a because_o they_o be_v aware_a it_o be_v against_o they_o and_o by_o deny_v it_o they_o leave_v no_o true_o certain_a ground_n for_o faith_n at_o all_o for_o as_o all_o proof_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n past_o long_a ago_o must_v at_o last_o depend_v on_o testimony_n or_o tradition_n if_o tradition_n itself_o be_v not_o secure_a nothing_o can_v be_v so_o which_o depend_v on_o it_o and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o they_o must_v speak_v out_o at_o last_o and_o say_v plain_o as_o they_o do_v that_o all_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o faith_n itself_o may_v possible_o be_v false_a §_o 14._o i_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v here_o to_o advise_v any_o they_o shall_v not_o believe_v till_o they_o have_v this_o evidence_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n but_o i_o presuppose_v they_o already_o faithful_a and_o intend_v only_a to_o comfort_v their_o faith_n by_o look_v into_o
its_o ground_n every_o one_o that_o be_v convince_v whether_o upon_o solid_a or_o slight_a ground_n god_n have_v say_v a_o thing_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o else_o he_o sin_v mortal_o in_o disbelieve_v god_n who_o be_v essential_a truth_n much_o less_o do_v i_o absolute_o require_v this_o of_o they_o but_o upon_o supposition_n that_o their_o own_o speculative_a and_o acute_a genius_n make_v themselves_o require_v it_o i_o exhort_v they_o to_o it_o as_o to_o that_o which_o be_v to_o such_o soul_n a_o mean_n to_o increase_v their_o devotion_n and_o can_v no_o way_n shock_v they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o passionate_a and_o precipitate_a lest_o of_o all_o do_v i_o tell_v they_o that_o in_o look_v into_o their_o ground_n they_o ought_v to_o go_v to_o work_v like_o doubter_n or_o seeker_n but_o quite_o contrary_a suppose_v they_o firm_a in_o faith_n by_o their_o rely_v on_o the_o sure_a rock_n of_o the_o church_n and_o strengthen_v in_o that_o reliance_n by_o the_o practical_a evidence_n that_o the_o virtue_n she_o exhort_v we_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o right_o practical_a reason_n or_o conscience_n and_o that_o the_o mean_n she_o propose_v and_o enjoin_v to_o attain_v they_o be_v effectual_a towards_o that_o end_n i_o bid_v they_o rest_v secure_a that_o if_o god_n together_o with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o advance_v in_o devotion_n have_v also_o give_v they_o a_o pierce_a eye_n to_o discern_v truth_n as_o he_o have_v to_o many_o many_o thousand_o in_o the_o vast_a extent_n of_o the_o church_n god_n goodness_n have_v provide_v such_o ground_n proportion_v and_o penetrable_a by_o every_o capacity_n and_o they_o among_o the_o rest_n as_o will_v if_o look_v into_o render_v their_o faith_n more_o lively_a and_o their_o devotion_n more_o fervent_a and_o solid_a but_o who_o be_v of_o this_o pitch_n and_o so_o to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o method_n lest_o the_o overween_n of_o their_o own_o private_a and_o perhaps_o partial_a fancy_n shall_v make_v they_o strain_v beyond_o their_o force_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o spiritual_a director_n who_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v fit_v by_o education_n as_o well_o as_o design_v by_o office_n to_o be_v the_o proper_a discerner_n of_o spirit_n and_o know_v when_o to_o administer_v st._n paul_n milk_n and_o solid_a food_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n they_o be_v to_o nourish_v we_o in_o devotion_n for_o those_o perfecti_fw-la be_v already_o faithful_a the_o reason_n then_o of_o his_o discourse_v wise_o with_o they_o be_v their_o pitch_n bear_v it_o to_o make_v their_o faith_n lively_a and_o their_o virtue_n more_o solid_a and_o to_o enable_v they_o also_o to_o convert_v other_o to_o faith_n and_o advance_v they_o in_o virtue_n or_o devotion_n §_o 15._o the_o bottom-ground_n of_o all_o devotion_n be_v thus_o lay_v in_o the_o establishment_n of_o faith_n many_o other_o comfortable_a light_n will_v break_v out_o and_o cherish_v and_o strengthen_v the_o liveliness_n of_o it_o in_o such_o person_n as_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o and_o to_o a_o great_a degree_n in_o other_o also_o such_o be_v the_o consideration_n what_o wise_a order_n for_o a_o world_n the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v what_o universal_a mischief_n will_v succeed_v if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v omit_v and_o how_o the_o well-being_n of_o mankind_n both_o as_o to_o this_o life_n and_o the_o next_o be_v pithy_o comprise_v in_o these_o few_o head_n which_o as_o it_o argue_v a_o infinitly-wise_a contriver_n comprehend_v and_o provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o human_a nature_n so_o it_o likewise_o become_v a_o infinite_a goodness_n command_v his_o poor_a and_o indigent_a creature_n nothing_o but_o what_o be_v their_o own_o true_a good_a and_o tend_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o complete_a happiness_n §_o 16._o next_o the_o consideration_n how_o conformable_a the_o more_o elevae_v point_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o right_a reason_n exceed_o comfort_n a_o understanding_n captivate_v itself_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n nothing_o be_v more_o rational_a than_o that_o those_o high_a truth_n which_o elevate_v we_o to_o heaven_n shall_v be_v place_v above_o the_o pitch_n and_o endeavour_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v knowable_a by_o principle_n pure_o natural_a so_o likewise_o truth_n by_o be_v truth_n and_o proceed_v all_o from_o the_o author_n of_o truth_n must_v needs_o be_v ally_v one_o to_o another_o and_o bear_v some_o resemblance_n and_o proportion_n together_o those_o above_o nature_n and_o reason_n to_o those_o discoverable_a this_o way_n although_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o they_o but_o depend_v on_o god_n authority_n reveal_v and_o the_o church_n propose_v they_o these_o thing_n be_v find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o divine_n of_o which_o such_o will_v be_v choose_v as_o serve_v best_a to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o divine_n and_o show_v the_o conformity_n of_o religion_n to_o reason_n most_o clear_o for_o those_o which_o with_o great_a show_n of_o wit_n and_o learning_n only_o dispute_v matter_n plausible_o on_o both_o side_n be_v not_o proper_a for_o this_o purpose_n who_o understand_v not_o latin_n or_o though_o he_o do_v be_v perhaps_o to_o seek_v in_o those_o term_n in_o which_o schoolman_n usual_o express_v themselves_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o some_o good_a divine_a who_o may_v select_v such_o point_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o the_o person_n with_o who_o he_o deal_v and_o deliver_v they_o in_o term_n which_o may_v be_v intelligible_a to_o he_o §_o 17._o beside_o these_o book_n &_o discourse_n which_o increase_n dovotion_n in_o intelligent_a soul_n by_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n there_o be_v other_o which_o work_v immediate_o on_o the_o will_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o by_o the_o way_n of_o affection_n without_o the_o help_n of_o reason_n and_o though_o these_o be_v perhaps_o more_o proper_a for_o the_o other_o way_n of_o devotion_n yet_o no_o assistance_n shall_v be_v neglect_v and_o they_o be_v very_o compatible_a with_o this_o and_o no_o less_o if_o not_o more_o efficacious_a for_o be_v make_v up_o of_o expression_n come_v from_o a_o mind_n full_a of_o and_o overflow_a with_o devout_a thought_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o transsuse_v as_o it_o be_v affection_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o reader_n and_o if_o that_o reader_n be_v beforehand_o satisfy_v in_o the_o principle_n which_o ground_n those_o affection_n he_o be_v excellent_o dispose_v to_o receive_v they_o those_o principle_n then_o be_v habitual_o possess_v by_o the_o reader_n they_o will_v experience_n their_o will_n inflame_v by_o the_o ardent_a love_n which_o those_o expression_n breath_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o lively_a expression_n of_o any_o passion_n beget_v the_o same_o passion_n in_o another_o especial_o if_o possess_v with_o the_o same_o concern_v which_o be_v to_o both_o the_o ground_n of_o those_o passion_n hence_o they_o find_v such_o book_n full_a of_o spirit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v of_o sap_n connatural_o nourish_v and_o dilate_v their_o soul_n which_o other_o not_o thorough_o satisfy_v of_o those_o principle_n couch_v underneath_o as_o their_o foundation_n find_v sapless_a and_o disrelish_v though_o yet_o sometime_o it_o happen_v otherwise_o and_o that_o without_o any_o fault_n or_o defect_n §_o 18._o but_o general_o such_o expression_n be_v like_o meat_n already_o chaw_v and_o need_v nothing_o to_o become_v present_o nutritive_a but_o a_o heart_n dispose_v by_o affection_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a to_o receive_v it_o as_o new_a drop_n of_o water_n without_o more_o ado_n cling_v together_o and_o increase_v the_o bulk_n of_o these_o some_o be_v use_v for_o prayer_n direct_o other_o for_o entertainment_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o devout_a read_n but_o both_o work_n by_o the_o way_n of_o affective_a impression_n the_o best_a without_o all_o comparison_n be_v the_o psalm_n of_o david_n which_o some_o find_v relish_v more_o when_o they_o be_v take_v asunder_o and_o then_o piece_v of_o verse_n take_v one_o here_o another_o there_o as_o seems_z most_o proper_a and_o those_o obscure_a part_n which_o darken_v the_o sense_n leave_v out_o divers_a devout_a person_n have_v labour_v in_o this_o kind_n and_o who_o will_v labour_v for_o himself_o perhaps_o will_v find_v it_o no_o unuseful_a employment_n beside_o these_o i_o will_v commend_v st._n augustine_n confession_n some_o piece_n of_o st._n bernard_n and_o s._n bonaventure_n the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n the_o love_n of_o god_n by_o st._n francis_n sales_n st._n teresa_n work_n and_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n the_o sermon_n of_o of_o st._n thomas_n de_fw-fr villa_n nova_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o the_o best_a book_n of_o devotion_n be_v those_o of_o prayer_n and_o prayer_n be_v a_o elevation_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o god_n and_o the_o mind_n consist_v of_o understanding_n and_o will_n those_o prayer_n be_v the_o best_a which_o work_n on_o