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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
ground_n church_n faith_n true_a 5,913 5 5.6645 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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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
frequent_a use_n of_o they_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o careless_a indifference_n in_o perform_v they_o and_o take_v off_o our_o conceit_n of_o they_o they_o will_v become_v little_a beneficial_a and_o perhaps_o harmful_a §_o 2._o but_o these_o inconvenience_n avoid_v these_o devotee_n be_v to_o be_v advise_v to_o pray_v as_o often_o and_o as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v and_o such_o prayer_n as_o they_o please_v to_o frequent_v the_o sacrament_n the_o often_o the_o better_a so_o it_o be_v with_o serious_a preparation_n and_o such_o as_o may_v preserve_v the_o reverence_n due_a to_o they_o to_o be_v present_a at_o all_o solemnity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o where_o thing_n be_v perform_v with_o most_o majesty_n and_o becomingness_n if_o any_o extraordinary_a occasion_n of_o devotion_n happen_v as_o in_o jubilee_n and_o the_o like_a by_o all_o mean_n to_o lay_v hold_n of_o it_o often_o to_o read_v good_a book_n of_o which_o the_o affective_a be_v more_o for_o their_o purpose_n than_o the_o instructive_a and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o omit_v nothing_o proper_a to_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v the_o habit_n of_o devotion_n in_o general_n the_o conceit_n they_o frame_v in_o common_a and_o confuse_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v keep_v up_o at_o the_o height_n and_o increase_v if_o it_o may_v be_v and_o for_o particular_n because_o they_o penetrate_v not_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n nor_o consider_v which_o way_n they_o work_v it_o matter_n not_o much_o what_o they_o be_v so_o they_o be_v good_a and_o apt_a to_o move_v they_o for_o this_o reason_n and_o because_o they_o be_v through_o their_o weakness_n easy_o scandalize_v peo_fw-la ple_fw-fr shall_v in_o charity_n be_v wary_a of_o maintain_v and_o even_o discover_v contrary_a sentiment_n before_o they_o for_o these_o way_n whatever_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o the_o best_a or_o no_o be_v best_a for_o they_o and_o will_v make_v they_o saint_n if_o they_o pursue_v they_o sincere_o and_o faithful_o and_o we_o must_v beware_v nè_fw-la pereat_fw-la in_o scientiâ_fw-la tuâ_fw-la infirmus_fw-la frater_fw-la lest_o a_o weak_a brother_n perish_v by_o thy_o knowledge_n §_o 3._o the_o way_n of_o knowledge_n must_v needs_o be_v pursue_v by_o such_o mean_n as_o improve_v knowledge_n and_o he_o advance_v in_o it_o best_o who_o most_o deep_o penetrate_v into_o christian_a duty_n and_o most_o clear_o see_v their_o agreeableness_n to_o right_a reason_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v with_o such_o a_o sight_n as_o be_v mere_o speculative_a nor_o such_o a_o sight_n as_o can_v pierce_v into_o the_o mystery_n themselves_o and_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o that_o kind_n of_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o other_o truth_n who_o term_n we_o see_v connect_v for_o this_o will_v take_v away_o faith_n and_o be_v impossible_a here_o and_o only_o to_o be_v hope_v in_o the_o country_n of_o blissful_a light_n where_o we_o shall_v see_v face_n to_o face_n but_o i_o mean_v such_o a_o sight_n as_o presuppose_v faith_n and_o render_v it_o lively_a or_o operative_a which_o if_o once_o we_o can_v attain_v it_o be_v impossible_a not_o to_o be_v devout_a for_o knowledge_n of_o any_o good_a when_o it_o be_v express_a and_o lively_a become_v a_o principle_n of_o act_v for_o it_o or_o to_o obtain_v it_o that_o be_v will_n as_o by_o reflection_n we_o may_v easy_o discover_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o experience_n of_o our_o daily_a action_n §_o 4._o now_o this_o knowledge_n be_v render_v express_v and_o faith_n by_o consequence_n lively_a two_o manner_n of_o way_n by_o supernatural_a and_o by_o natural_a mean_n supernatural_a mean_n be_v either_o apt_a to_o affect_v all_o mankind_n or_o some_o few_o choose_v by_o god_n providence_n and_o design_v and_o fit_v for_o great_a end_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v miracle_n in_o general_a for_o the_o common_a course_n of_o nature_n be_v practical_o evident_a to_o all_o and_o so_o what_o ever_o evident_o cross_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v conceive_v to_o spring_v from_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n who_o can_v control_v it_o as_o he_o please_v wherefore_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n this_o evidence_n make_v it_o stick_v firm_o in_o the_o soul_n that_o god_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o it_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o astonishment_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o unusualness_n of_o the_o effect_n make_v it_o sink_v deep_a and_o both_o together_o render_v faith_n as_o to_o the_o point_n it_o testify_v exceed_v lively_a and_o prompt_a to_o action_n of_o the_o other_o sort_n be_v the_o rush_a wind_n the_o fiery_a tongue_n and_o other_o concomitant_a cause_n which_o produce_v that_o prodigious_a liveliness_n of_o faith_n and_o sublime_a height_n of_o ardent_a devotion_n in_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o they_o be_v render_v so_o strong_o and_o ready_o dispose_v for_o those_o duty_n which_o christ_n have_v order_v they_o that_o they_o cheerful_o embrace_v all_o inconvenience_n 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henry_n 8_o a_o william_n the_o conqueror_n a_o julius_n caesar_n and_o many_o action_n perform_v by_o they_o as_o alter_v religion_n in_o england_n conquer_a this_o nation_n gain_v many_o victory_n and_o the_o like_a the_o same_o i_o believe_v of_o less_o man_n and_o less_o universally-known_a action_n provide_v they_o be_v sufficient_o notorious_a to_o great_a multitude_n and_o by_o these_o multitude_n open_o and_o serious_o attest_v and_o without_o any_o imaginable_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n of_o fear_n or_o hope_n or_o any_o interest_n which_o may_v move_v they_o to_o lie_v in_o the_o case_n i_o find_v this_o writ_n in_o my_o heart_n in_o such_o character_n that_o i_o can_v as_o well_o doubt_v whither_o i_o be_o as_o whither_o such_o thing_n be_v i_o find_v all_o mankind_n judge_v the_o same_o and_o i_o can_v no_o more_o think_v it_o possible_a that_o humour_n or_o interest_n shall_v beget_v this_o perswaon_n
generality_n be_v there_o the_o same_o application_n of_o mind_n use_v to_o improve_v spirituality_n as_o be_v employ_v in_o acquire_v temporal_a thing_n i_o can_v also_o avail_v myself_o of_o the_o example_n of_o a_o neighbour_a nation_n which_o put_v even_o those_o author_n that_o treat_v deep_a point_n father_n among_o the_o rest_n into_o the_o common_a language_n of_o the_o country_n as_o for_o the_o manner_n i_o observe_v in_o handle_v my_o matter_n i_o guide_v myself_o much_o by_o the_o experience_n i_o have_v of_o what_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o temper_n of_o divers_a spirit_n i_o observe_v some_o exceed_a scrupulous_a they_o be_v not_o devout_a and_o yet_o they_o not_o only_o intend_v but_o strain_n with_o all_o their_o power_n to_o be_v so_o lest_o such_o well-meaning_a soul_n conscious_a to_o themselves_o they_o do_v their_o utmost_a and_o yet_o fear_v they_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o duty_n they_o aim_v at_o shall_v as_o there_o be_v danger_n lose_v their_o hope_n i_o endeavour_v to_o up-hold_a it_o by_o show_v they_o that_o a_o intention_n firm_o bend_v to_o god_n service_n can_v fail_v of_o render_v they_o true_o devout_a other_o conceit_n they_o want_v knowledge_n requisite_a to_o attain_v it_o wherefore_o to_o humble_v the_o pride_n of_o humane_a wit_n and_o comfort_v their_o honest_a simplicity_n i_o show_v how_o their_o frequent_a application_n to_o pious_a duty_n join_v with_o a_o sincere_a well-meaning_n go_v beyond_o all_o the_o high_a knowledge_n of_o the_o acute_a understanding_n if_o the_o will_v be_v never_o so_o little_o less_o perfect_a other_o be_v to_o seek_v in_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v devotion_n which_o therefore_o i_o propose_v suitable_o to_o every_o one_o respective_a pitch_n last_o i_o have_v observe_v many_o either_o neglect_v total_o or_o less_o use_v prayer_n and_o that_o too_o but_o faint_o out_o of_o a_o apprehension_n ground_v on_o a_o ill-principled_n humility_n that_o they_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v and_o so_o all_o they_o do_v in_o that_o kind_n be_v in_o vain_a as_o be_v once_o s._n teresa_n case_n which_o she_o afterward_o so_o feel_o bewail_v in_o herself_o and_o of_o which_o she_o so_o charitable_o forewarned_a other_o such_o person_n therefore_o i_o strive_v to_o encourage_v by_o lay_v open_a the_o excellency_n and_o utility_n of_o prayer_n and_o how_o connatural_o prayer_n for_o our_o true_a good_a virtue_n be_v the_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o so_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o render_v we_o worthy_a to_o be_v hear_v at_o once_o let_v they_o see_v that_o no_o address_n to_o our_o infinite_o bountiful_a lord_n can_v be_v put_v up_o in_o vain_a and_o also_o thence_o exhort_v they_o to_o that_o devout_a importunity_n and_o struggle_v with_o heaven_n so_o much_o recommend_v by_o our_o saviour_n which_o by_o the_o constant_a and_o ordinary_a course_n of_o supernatural_a cause_n lay_v by_o providence_n can_v fail_v of_o obtain_v the_o blessing_n pray_v for_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o injure_v faith_n or_o abate_v its_o efficacy_n that_o it_o exceed_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_v it_o by_o let_v we_o see_v how_o certain_o god_n unchanged_a in_o himself_o perform_v his_o promise_n to_o those_o who_o use_v the_o mean_n he_o have_v lay_v and_o command_v to_o be_v use_v to_o effect_v those_o happy_a change_n in_o us._n hence_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o remark_n that_o in_o this_o treatise_n i_o meddle_v not_o with_o the_o efficaciousness_n of_o prayer_n for_o other_o nor_o with_o other_o strange_a effect_n of_o it_o nay_o sometime_o even_o miraculous_a one_o which_o by_o mean_n of_o a_o firm_a faith_n and_o reliance_n on_o god_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v nor_o last_o do_v i_o treat_v of_o prayer_n or_o devotion_n as_o they_o depend_v on_o god_n '_o be_v grace_n or_o the_o secret_a work_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n as_o i_o hint_n also_o in_o the_o treatise_n itself_o p._n 60._o which_o i_o from_o my_o heart_n acknowledge_v to_o give_v we_o ability_n to_o begin_v continue_v and_o consummate_v both_o prayer_n and_o every_o good_a act_n that_o be_v supernatural_a though_o a_o imbitter_v adversary_n of_o i_o will_v needs_o throw_v that_o scandal_n upon_o i_o to_o deny_v it_o what_o i_o concern_v myself_o with_o be_v that_o part_n of_o our_o christian_a action_n or_o that_o co-operation_n of_o we_o with_o god_n grace_n that_o stand_v under_o our_o endeavour_n which_o i_o strive_v through_o the_o whole_a to_o encourage_v and_o particular_o in_o discourse_v of_o prayer_n i_o meddle_v only_o with_o those_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a and_o necessary_a consequent_n of_o a_o fervent_a and_o constant_a address_n to_o god_n for_o our_o soul_n be_v true_a good_a virtue_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v many_o and_o various_a temper_n of_o spirit_n in_o god_n church_n among_o which_o my_o experience_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n tell_v i_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o so_o natural_o speculative_a and_o give_v to_o look_v into_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o thing_n that_o they_o find_v most_o comfort_n and_o improvement_n in_o these_o discourse_n that_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o from_o their_o principle_n to_o such_o person_n as_o those_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v when_o call_v upon_o write_z agreeable_o to_o their_o genius_n and_o pitch_n not_o blame_v but_o hearty_o applaud_v those_o pious_a man_n who_o accommodate_v themselves_o to_o other_o for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a weakness_n to_o imagine_v or_o expect_v that_o every_o manner_n of_o handle_v a_o subject_a will_v suit_v with_o every_o capacity_n so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o to_o conceit_n that_o any_o kind_n of_o discourse_v so_o it_o be_v true_a and_o agree_v with_o christian_a principle_n can_v be_v such_o as_o suit_n with_o none_o chap._n i._n of_o devotion_n in_o common_a its_o kind_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o sect_n i._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o devotion_n in_o common_a devotion_n be_v a_o word_n transplant_v into_o our_o language_n from_o the_o latin_a and_o derive_v from_o the_o primitive_a vovere_fw-la to_o vow_n it_o import_v among_o the_o heathen_n a_o steady_a and_o fix_a resolution_n or_o rather_o tie_v obligatory_a but_o yet_o voluntary_a and_o that_o of_o unusual_a strength_n such_o as_o carry_v they_o to_o the_o most_o difficult_a action_n it_o keep_v the_o same_o notion_n among_o christian_n the_o object_n only_o or_o motive_n of_o the_o resolution_n change_v for_o whereas_o false_a glory_n be_v heretofore_o the_o most_o dazzle_a and_o most_o prize_a end_n of_o the_o action_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o nothing_o be_v think_v more_o glorious_a than_o to_o die_v for_o their_o country_n they_o be_v say_v devote_v who_o voluntary_o in_o circumstance_n particular_o remarkable_a throw_v themselves_o for_o its_o sake_n upon_o a_o certain_a death_n so_o codrus_n among_o the_o athenian_n curtius_n and_o the_o decci_n among_o the_o roman_n be_v remember_v for_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o their_o several_a country_n perhaps_o their_o resolution_n have_v be_v confirm_v by_o some_o solemn_a vow_n to_o their_o idol_n but_o since_o we_o come_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o notion_n and_o incline_v to_o the_o pursuit_n of_o true_a glory_n and_o true_a good_a devotion_n have_v get_v another_o object_n and_o keep_v the_o same_o steadiness_n and_o promptness_n and_o strength_n in_o its_o notion_n as_o heretofore_o be_v apply_v only_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n it_o signify_v then_o a_o resolution_n or_o addiction_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o strong_a and_o prompt_a such_o as_o set_v all_o the_o power_n of_o man_n efficacious_o a_o work_n in_o all_o occasion_n that_o occur_v it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o one_o kind_a for_o we_o say_v a_o man_n give_v alm_n fast_n visit_v the_o sick_a or_o afflict_a go_v on_o pilgrimage_n etc._n etc._n out_o of_o devotion_n that_o be_v exercise_n devotion_n in_o all_o these_o action_n but_o prayer_n be_v the_o most_o ordinary_a and_o most_o frequent_a act_n by_o which_o man_n use_v to_o serve_v god_n devotion_n be_v most_o ordinary_o understand_v of_o prayer_n and_o when_o we_o hear_v of_o a_o devout_a man_n we_o general_o apprehend_v a_o man_n who_o pray_v frequent_o and_o well_o for_o these_o two_o quality_n enter_v too_o into_o the_o notion_n of_o devotion_n we_o not_o think_v he_o devout_a who_o pray_v but_o seldom_o or_o careless_o §_o 2._o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v the_o nature_n of_o devotion_n may_v be_v understand_v and_o we_o may_v perceive_v it_o be_v a_o quality_n or_o disposition_n in_o man_n strong_a and_o always_o efficacious_a which_o move_v all_o his_o power_n to_o act_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n ac-according_a to_o their_o several_a nature_n both_o with_o frequency_n and_o perfection_n §_o 3._o hence_o may_v be_v gather_v first_o that_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
more_o agreeable_a to_o we_o take_v we_o as_o we_o be_v thus_o dispose_v render_v the_o soul_n more_o operative_a for_o it_o which_o active_a disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o pursue_v any_o thing_n it_o judge_v agreeable_a or_o good_a we_o use_v to_o call_v love_n §_o 2._o whence_o again_o be_v see_v two_o considerable_a advantage_n in_o prayer_n in_o which_o also_o the_o sum_n of_o our_o christian_a life_n be_v contain_v viz._n to_o beget_v a_o fervent_a and_o hearty_a love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o overcome_v all_o temptation_n both_o which_o be_v perform_v by_o render_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o other_o life_n very_o lively_a and_o as_o it_o be_v bright_a in_o our_o mind_n for_o this_o do_v they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o work_v love_n of_o heaven_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o our_o heart_n if_o they_o be_v not_o that_o very_a love_n itself_o which_o will_v efface_v or_o at_o least_o dim_a with_o their_o far_a more_o resplendent_a lustre_n the_o gay_a appearance_n of_o false_a and_o transitory_a good_n and_o so_o preserve_v the_o soul_n from_o be_v delude_v by_o she_o three_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o which_o reason_n they_o that_o be_v in_o temptation_n be_v as_o much_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o prayer_n as_o a_o man_n in_o danger_n to_o lose_v his_o life_n by_o a_o distemper_n he_o feel_v grow_v upon_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o help_n as_o physic_n assist_v we_o with_o nay_o rather_o much_o more_o according_a as_o the_o great_a concern_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o success_n and_o cure_n be_v more_o powerful_a motive_n to_o make_v they_o act_v and_o endeavour_v to_o seek_v a_o remedy_n §_o 3._o now_o the_o love_n of_o heaven_n be_v thus_o wrought_v in_o our_o mind_n by_o prayer_n and_o love_n be_v unitive_a of_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o object_n belove_v according_a to_o the_o common_a say_n dictate_v by_o our_o natural_a thought_n that_o if_o two_o love_n one_o another_o they_o be_v all_o one_o it_o be_v far_o discover_v how_o incomparable_o prayer_n dignify_v and_o ennoble_v the_o soul_n &_o this_o to_o a_o great_a degree_n beyond_o what_o mere_a knowledge_n that_o be_v knowledge_n stay_v in_o speculation_n and_o not_o render_v efficacious_a by_o considerative_a prayer_n can_v have_v effect_v if_o then_o every_o power_n receive_v a_o different_a degree_n of_o nobleness_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o object_n it_o be_v employ_v about_o nay_o if_o in_o our_o case_n it_o become_v it_o intellectual_o and_o be_v in_o a_o more_o intimate_a manner_n unite_v to_o it_o by_o love_n and_o the_o object_n of_o the_o soul_n while_o in_o prayer_n be_v god_n own_o infinite_a essence_n it_o follow_v that_o prayer_n which_o be_v at_o once_o studious_a and_o affective_a perform_v both_o these_o advance_v a_o soul_n to_o so_o high_a a_o pitch_n of_o dignity_n that_o not_o all_o the_o potentate_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o learn_v of_o the_o wise_a nor_o riches_n of_o both_o the_o indies_n conspire_v together_o no_o not_o the_o whole_a innumerable_a host_n of_o angelical_a nature_n join_v all_o their_o force_n can_v raise_v she_o to_o that_o height_n of_o dignity_n that_o vicinity_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o prayer_n can_v do_v who_o then_o that_o love_v true_a nobility_n and_o the_o solid_a perfection_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o will_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o gain_v so_o high_a preferment_n and_o how_o strange_o be_v the_o indevout_a part_n of_o the_o world_n frantic_a who_o look_v upon_o prayer_n as_o a_o idle_a bigottery_n and_o fruitless_a entertainment_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o airy_a conceit_n without_o any_o far_a effect_n or_o benefit_n §_o 4._o for_o the_o same_o reason_n a_o soul_n unemployed_a in_o prayer_n and_o so_o unconcern_v to_o frame_v lively_a idea_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o heaven_n blissful_a state_n that_o be_v how_o beautify_v and_o ennoble_v a_o object_n god_n essence_n be_v but_o make_v some_o creature_n the_o study_n of_o its_o affective_a thought_n and_o first_o love_n of_o its_o will_n become_v that_o creature_n though_o never_o so_o base_a and_o wretched_a and_o never_o advance_v high_a she_o be_v marry_v as_o it_o be_v to_o that_o mean_a object_n by_o her_o give_v it_o her_o love_n and_o be_v debase_v or_o raise_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o vileness_n or_o dignity_n as_o be_v find_v in_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o she_o be_v espouse_v if_o it_o be_v earth_n she_o be_v earthy_a if_o it_o be_v flesh_n she_o be_v carnal_a if_o money_n she_o be_v no_o more_o worth_a than_o shine_a dirt_n be_v if_o honour_n she_o be_v empty_a and_o airy_a and_o just_o too_o since_o she_o have_v the_o mean_n to_o advance_v herself_o by_o prayer_n and_o rather_o choose_v to_o lie_v grovel_v on_o the_o ground_n and_o wallow_v in_o the_o dirt_n than_o raise_v her_o head_n by_o it_o to_o the_o glorious_a fountain_n of_o all_o true_a excellency_n §_o 5._o from_o what_o be_v say_v may_v be_v collect_v also_o what_o advantage_n accrue_v to_o soul_n by_o their_o devotion_n to_o angel_n and_o saint_n in_o heaven_n first_o they_o that_o intend_v to_o benefit_n themselves_o by_o this_o way_n aught_o to_o frame_v in_o their_o thought_n a_o most_o exact_a idea_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o happy_a state_n the_o bless_a enjoy_v how_o full_a of_o conformity_n to_o god_n will_v and_o thence_o how_o not_o only_o inclinable_a but_o unchangeable_o fix_v to_o follow_v right_a reason_n and_o act_n according_a to_o high_a virtue_n in_o all_o thing_n how_o boundless_o their_o soul_n be_v enlarge_v by_o charity_n to_o embrace_v all_o the_o world_n and_o wish_v they_o from_o their_o heart_n and_o unenuious_o all_o the_o good_n they_o see_v they_o can_v possible_o be_v capable_a of_o even_o though_o they_o see_v it_o will_v be_v great_a than_o their_o own_o how_o their_o understanding_n power_n be_v replenish_v with_o a_o most_o incomparable_a glory_n or_o surround_v with_o ray_n of_o most_o pure_a and_o most_o bright_a light_n of_o knowledge_n and_o their_o will_n most_o indissoluble_o unite_v with_o and_o immerse_v most_o intimate_o in_o the_o boundless_a ocean_n of_o all_o goodness_n by_o which_o mean_v those_o happy_a person_n become_v deify_v or_o raise_v to_o such_o a_o dignity_n that_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n put_v together_o be_v empty_a beggary_n and_o worthless_a trash_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o noble_a and_o close_a relation_n to_o the_o divinity_n or_o which_o be_v more_o union_n with_o it_o §_o 6._o particular_o of_o the_o saint_n it_o be_v fit_a devout_a person_n first_o choose_v those_o who_o state_n here_o be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o to_o some_o degree_n then_o attentive_o read_v their_o life_n sober_o write_v regard_v more_o their_o solid_a virtue_n propose_v there_o to_o their_o imitation_n than_o the_o esclat_a of_o their_o miracle_n which_o be_v but_o the_o likely_a sign_n of_o true_a goodness_n and_o need_v a_o eminent_a and_o constant_o practise_v virtue_n accompany_v they_o to_o make_v they_o such_o since_o the_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n prophesy_v and_o the_o like_a have_v be_v grant_v even_o to_o heathen_n on_o some_o occasion_n as_o st._n hierom_n and_o the_o father_n inform_v we_o have_v thus_o gain_v a_o lively_a character_n of_o the_o particular_a spirit_n that_o such_o a_o saint_n have_v if_o we_o cultivate_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n with_o a_o high_a esteem_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o saint_n as_o endow_v with_o such_o and_o such_o virtue_n and_o so_o let_v it_o sink_v into_o our_o will_n and_o grow_v a_o desire_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o all_o this_o be_v heighten_v and_o make_v more_o lively_a and_o more_o efficacious_a by_o apply_v to_o the_o saint_n himself_o by_o prayer_n or_o invoke_v he_o to_o obtain_v of_o god_n goodness_n that_o portion_n of_o his_o virtuous_a spirit_n which_o he_o see_v fit_v for_o we_o we_o shall_v at_o length_n be_v wrought_v up_o a_o endeavour_n to_o imitate_v he_o go_v along_o into_o the_o very_a genius_n of_o that_o saint_n and_o as_o it_o be_v become_v he_o and_o make_v his_o merit_n we_o not_o by_o extrinsecal_n imputation_n as_o if_o because_o we_o daily_o ask_v virtue_n for_o the_o saint_n sake_n without_o any_o other_o disposition_n on_o our_o part_n they_o be_v share_v out_o to_o we_o and_o as_o it_o be_v extrinsecal_o apply_v to_o our_o will_n and_o so_o better_a our_o interior_a let_v none_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o such_o hope_n for_o catholic_n faith_n admit_v no_o extrinsical_a imputation_n of_o christ_n merit_n much_o less_o of_o those_o of_o the_o saint_n but_o this_o be_v perform_v by_o propose_v their_o virtuous_a example_n as_o a_o object_n which_o by_o be_v penetrate_v lively_a and_o thence_o desire_v hearty_o