grace_n that_o i_o have_v not_o to_o my_o knowledge_n bold_o provoke_v thou_o in_o any_o respect_n this_o day_n for_o to_o thy_o grace_n alone_o be_v this_o honour_n due_a i_o know_v nothing_o of_o my_o self_n yet_o be_o i_o not_o hereby_o justify_v it_o be_v thy_o sentence_n must_v make_v or_o undo_v i_o for_o ever_o o_o god_n thou_o be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n if_o therefore_o my_o state_n be_v still_o dangerous_a if_o any_o pestilential_a habit_n still_o cleave_v to_o my_o soul_n if_o any_o mortal_a act_n or_o word_n or_o thought_n have_v escape_v my_o memory_n in_o my_o examination_n enlighten_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o and_o suggest_v it_o to_o my_o remembrance_n that_o i_o may_v mingle_v my_o tear_n with_o thy_o mercy_n and_o christ_n his_o blood_n before_o i_o dare_v to_o slumber_v o_o suffer_v i_o not_o to_o lean_v on_o a_o delusive_a peace_n but_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o praise_v be_v thy_o goodness_n as_o for_o all_o thy_o mercy_n so_o especial_o for_o this_o gift_n of_o innocence_n keep_v i_o from_o be_v high-minded_a on_o this_o or_o any_o other_o account_n and_o give_v i_o true_a sobriety_n of_o mind_n that_o i_o may_v not_o through_o giddiness_n and_o future_a neglect_v fall_v after_o all_o from_o favour_n 3._o glory_n be_v to_o thy_o grace_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n that_o those_o many_o latent_fw-la deficiency_n from_o thy_o law_n which_o cleave_v even_o to_o the_o sanctify_a in_o this_o state_n will_v not_o shut_v i_o out_o of_o thy_o kingdom_n may_v by_o degree_n be_v lessen_v more_o and_o more_o here_o and_o will_v be_v whole_o remove_v hereafter_o o_o cleanse_v i_o from_o all_o my_o secret_a fault_n be_v they_o blot_v out_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o thy_o son_n and_o grant_v that_o by_o great_a advances_n in_o grace_n a_o entrance_n may_v be_v vouchsafe_v i_o into_o the_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o god_n 4._o with_o this_o comfortable_a faith_n i_o rely_v this_o night_n on_o thy_o providence_n for_o convenient_a repose_n and_o defence_n both_o of_o mind_n and_o body_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n i_o beseech_v thou_o do_v thou_o accept_v this_o imperfect_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n in_o his_o comprehensive_a form_n i_o also_o crave_v pardon_n for_o the_o wander_n and_o imperfection_n thereof_o and_o do_v testify_v my_o charity_n to_o thy_o creation_n our_o father_n etc._n etc._n the_o midnight_n office_n of_o abstraction_n 1._o o_o my_o soul_n now_o thou_o be_v secret_a unto_o man_n but_o thou_o be_v not_o so_o unto_o god_n nor_o for_o all_o that_o thou_o know_v unto_o many_o good_a and_o bad_a angel_n who_o often_o behold_v thou_o as_o well_o as_o thy_o creator_n when_o thou_o neither_o see_v nor_o think_v of_o they_o now_o therefore_o that_o thy_o eye_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n let_v thy_o mind_n also_o be_v turn_v inward_o by_o the_o profound_a silence_n of_o thy_o internal_a power_n that_o the_o darkness_n of_o external_a sense_n may_v increase_v the_o vigour_n of_o my_o intellectual_a sight_n 2._o commune_v now_o with_o thy_o own_o spirit_n o_o search_n and_o see_v whether_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o communion_n with_o god_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o know_v if_o thou_o know_v whether_o light_n or_o darkness_n be_v the_o predominant_a principle_n therein_o call_v to_o remembrance_n thy_o sin_n call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n dive_v deep_a into_o thyself_o and_o then_o say_v if_o thou_o can_v that_o there_o be_v not_o something_o in_o the_o centre_n of_o thy_o frame_n which_o be_v not_o perishable_a like_o the_o effort_n of_o thy_o blood_n do_v not_o be_v like_o the_o captive_a multitude_n of_o sense_n who_o through_o neglect_n of_o abstraction_n be_v a_o secret_a to_o themselves_o turn_v thy_o nature_n over_o and_o over_o in_o thy_o thought_n and_o especial_o view_v the_o better_a part_n thereof_o and_o observe_v wherein_o thou_o have_v deface_v or_o improve_v it_o 3._o think_v till_o thou_o be_v thorough_o convince_v and_o when_o thou_o be_v so_o do_v thou_o frequent_o consider_v that_o thou_o carry'_v immortality_n in_o embryo_n always_o within_o thou_o it_o be_v true_a the_o soul_n rather_o believe_v than_o see_v whilst_o it_o be_v thus_o imprison_v in_o the_o womb._n but_o when_o its_o mortal_a part_n be_v ripe_a for_o the_o grave_a which_o may_v be_v long_o before_o even_o the_o autumn_n of_o man_n life_n it_o will_v make_v its_o entrance_n upon_o the_o immortal_a stage_n 4._o think_v therefore_o of_o thy_o great_a change_n in_o time_n before_o thou_o be_v force_v to_o launch_v into_o the_o ocean_n of_o eternity_n lest_o the_o unexpected_a and_o unprepar'd-for_a sight_n of_o the_o invisible_a world_n surprise_v thou_o with_o another-guess_a dread_a than_o that_o which_o the_o faithful_a do_v find_v then_o remember_v that_o the_o state_n of_o man_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v like_o the_o old_a probationary_a state_n of_o fallen_n angel_n before_o they_o degenerate_v into_o devil_n and_o like_o the_o state_n which_o all_o the_o impenitent_a who_o be_v go_v before_o thou_o once_o enjoy_v a_o state_n of_o time_n and_o opportunity_n a_o state_n of_o work_n and_o preparation_n for_o that_o state_n which_o be_v unalterable_a but_o the_o state_n of_o saint_n and_o fiend_n the_o state_n of_o loyal_a and_o apostate_n angel_n the_o state_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n who_o have_v be_v acquit_v and_o condemn_v before_o the_o last_o tribunal_n be_v a_o state_n of_o exact_a judgement_n reward_n and_o eternity_n 5._o then_o be_v thy_o recompense_n glory_n or_o vengeance_n it_o will_v never_o expire_v there_o will_v be_v no_o escape_n from_o the_o one_o or_o loss_n of_o the_o other_o it_o will_v indeed_o have_v a_o beginning_n but_o its_o end_n will_v never_o be_v find_v since_o therefore_o eternity_n will_v find_v and_o keep_v thou_o such_o as_o time_n leave_v thou_o and_o eternity_n be_v inestimable_a how_o can_v thou_o value_v time_n at_o too_o high_a a_o rate_n let_v the_o time_n pass_v suffice_v thou_o to_o have_v serve_v pride_n envy_n and_o concupiscence_n now_o be_v thou_o entire_o a_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o subject_a of_o divine_a zeal_n and_o charity_n that_o a_o ample_a prospect_n of_o heaven_n may_v ennoble_v and_o enlarge_v thou_o 6._o make_v the_o agony_n of_o the_o torment_v in_o hell_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o bless_a above_o familiar_a to_o the_o mind_n by_o meditation_n that_o it_o may_v supplant_v the_o enchant_a intimacy_n which_o sense_n will_v otherwise_o find_v in_o thy_o soul_n as_o it_o do_v most_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o many_o fancy_v thy_o spirit_n to_o be_v take_v leave_n of_o this_o cottage_n of_o flesh_n for_o this_o custom_n tend_v great_o to_o the_o purgation_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o wean_n of_o thy_o affection_n from_o all_o its_o darling_n idol_n it_o make_v bare_a the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n stab_v the_o love_n of_o a_o earthly_a life_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o cherish_v divine_a love_n in_o the_o soul_n awake_v therefore_o o_o my_o soul_n strive_v to_o be_v clothe_v with_o new_a strength_n and_o to_o regain_v paradise_n meditate_v and_o abstract_n thyself_o whilst_o sense_n be_v tame_a and_o quiet_a and_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o orderly_a peace_n of_o the_o mind_n check_v every_o wanton_a sally_n of_o imagination_n beawed_a with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o divine_a omnipresence_n prostrate_v thy_o thought_n of_o thyself_o and_o consider_v and_o say_v great_a be_v the_o rebellion_n and_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o apostate_n inhabitant_n of_o heaven_n great_a be_v and_o be_v their_o envy_n against_o we_o and_o the_o fall_v of_o all_o mankind_n in_o adam_n great_a be_v the_o mercy_n of_o our_o affront_v god_n and_o the_o redemption_n that_o be_v tender_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n great_a be_v our_o blindness_n and_o obstinacy_n deep_a and_o strong_a be_v our_o ill_a habit_n mighty_a indeed_o be_v our_o ghostly_a enemy_n mighty_a and_o more_o be_v the_o angel_n that_o be_v for_o we_o wonderful_a be_v the_o courtesy_n powerful_a be_v the_o strive_n of_o the_o supreme_a spirit_n with_o man._n sharp_a be_v the_o edge_n of_o conscience_n even_o sharp_a than_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a man_n that_o it_o alone_o may_v satisfy_v and_o every_o one_o but_o himself_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o his_o joy_n amazing_o great_a be_v the_o change_n of_o death_n so_o terrible_a also_o be_v the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o universal_a judgement_n of_o angel_n and_o men._n who_o can_v dwell_v in_o everlasting_a burn_n be_v we_o strong_a than_o god_n who_o can_v conceive_v the_o pleasure_n of_o heaven_n what_o mortal_a have_v ever_o feast_v upon_o god_n 7._o and_o can_v all_o this_o provoke_v that_o aspire_a principle_n within_o i_o which_o be_v make_v
for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o god_n to_o discipline_n its_o thought_n to_o be_v choice_n in_o the_o motion_n of_o my_o will_n to_o make_v the_o body_n know_v its_o original_a distance_n from_o the_o soul_n to_o resist_v the_o faction_n of_o hell_n to_o be_v always_o on_o its_o guard_n when_o it_o converse_v with_o its_o frail_a and_o treacherous_a fellow-creature_n to_o be_v a_o wise_a steward_n of_o time_n to_o have_v a_o mean_a opinion_n of_o myself_o and_o this_o flow_a state_n to_o keep_v close_a and_o constant_a correspondence_n with_o heaven_n by_o frequent_a prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o holy_a hungring_n and_o thirsting_n after_o the_o beatific_a vision_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o use_v its_o utmost_a skill_n and_o all_o possible_a care_n to_o file_v and_o burnish_v and_o enrobe_v my_o soul_n with_o all_o those_o beauteous_a fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o groundwork_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v conquer_v throughout_o endless_a age_n by_o the_o brightness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o obtain_v a_o place_n among_o the_o innumerable_a the_o eternal_a and_o inconceivable_o glorious_a conqueror_n and_o king_n and_o priest_n of_o god_n with_o this_o hope_n return_v to_o thy_o rest_n o_o my_o soul_n the_o lord_n guide_v the_o lord_n strengthen_v thou_o and_o bring_v thou_o to_o the_o haven_n where_o thou_o will_v be_v amen_n for_o christ_n his_o sake_n a_o practical_a directory_n chap._n i._o modest_o defend_v clear_o explain_v and_o affectionate_o press_v the_o regular_a use_n of_o this_o new_a method_n of_o daily_a devotion_n it_o be_v very_o fit_v that_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o a_o daily_a method_n of_o devotion_n which_o profess_v to_o be_v entire_o new_a after_o so_o many_o volume_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v be_v demonstrate_v it_o be_v likewise_o as_o fit_v that_o those_o who_o mean_v well_o though_o they_o know_v little_a shall_v not_o only_o be_v furnish_v with_o suitable_a help_n to_o devotion_n but_o also_o with_o a_o clear_a explanation_n of_o pious_a help_n by_o any_o person_n who_o offer_v they_o such_o assistance_n that_o they_o may_v not_o pray_v only_o with_o cheerfulness_n and_o affection_n but_o also_o with_o that_o clear_a understanding_n which_o be_v a_o valuable_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o recommendation_n of_o our_o address_n to_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o two_o and_o last_o it_o be_v very_o fit_v that_o the_o faint_a hand_n and_o heart_n shall_v be_v animate_v and_o lift_v up_o which_o the_o best_a dispose_v person_n may_v sometime_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o i_o have_v think_v fit_a by_o the_o adviee_n of_o some_o good_a christian_n and_o my_o own_o commiseration_n of_o the_o ignorance_n of_o some_o illiterate_a and_o my_o own_o and_o other_o sluggishness_n now_o i_o have_v by_o god_n blessing_n finish_v this_o small_a part_n of_o a_o large_a body_n of_o devotion_n to_o add_v a_o practical_a directory_n wherein_o by_o god_n help_n i_o shall_v i._o give_v a_o short_a and_o clear_a account_n concern_v daily_a growth_n in_o grace_n ii_o i_o shall_v consider_v how_o closet-devotion_n contribute_v to_o it_o iii_o what_o method_n of_o daily_a closet-devotion_n contribute_v most_o liberal_o to_o it_o therein_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o new_a method_n of_o devotion_n in_o general_n iv_o i_o shall_v lay_v open_a the_o structure_n of_o each_o particular_a office_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o v._o i_o shall_v add_v two_o or_o three_o necessary_a caution_n vi_o i_o shall_v conlude_v with_o some_o suitable_a practical_a exhortation_n chap._n ii_o of_o daily_a growth_n in_o grace_n since_o the_o real_a christian_n be_v daily_a religion_n of_o the_o end_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o speak_v something_o concern_v growth_n in_o grace_n i_o will_v therefore_o first_o show_v what_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v and_o second_o how_o a_o man_n may_v know_v whether_o he_o grow_v in_o grace_n grace_n be_v any_o degree_n of_o beauty_n and_o strength_n of_o soul_n which_o be_v more_o than_o natural_a there_o be_v degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o liberty_n of_o will_n which_o we_o enjoy_v by_o nature_n and_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o bare_a existence_n of_o a_o nature_n which_o be_v partly_o spiritual_a these_o degree_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o such_o as_o our_o soul_n can_v lose_v unless_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v in_o short_a they_o be_v such_o degree_n of_o light_n and_o liberty_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o vncreatur'dness_n though_o not_o of_o vncreatedness_n now_o the_o death_n of_o adam_n and_o devil_n not_o consist_v in_o a_o cessation_n from_o be_v but_o a_o deprivation_n of_o so_o much_o light_n and_o vigorous_a rectitude_n of_o will_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o spiritual_a creature_n happy_a man_n may_v be_v and_o be_v bear_v with_o certain_a portion_n of_o light_n and_o vigour_n of_o will_n which_o we_o call_v natural_a and_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o god_n bare_a willing_a our_o existence_n and_o yet_o nevertheless_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n consequent_o this_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o enmity_n of_o god_n who_o will_v by_o a_o eternal_a decree_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o our_o existence_n and_o the_o existence_n of_o all_o spiritual_a nature_n to_o be_v eternal_a but_o not_o to_o be_v eternal_o happy_a by_o a_o unconditional_a decree_n of_o the_o same_o extent_n that_o which_o be_v eminent_o call_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v his_o tender_a to_o we_o by_o and_o through_o christ_n of_o that_o more_o than_o natural_a degree_n of_o light_n and_o rectitude_n of_o will_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v place_v in_o a_o state_n of_o evangelical_n fitness_n for_o the_o eternal_a complacency_n of_o god_n in_o the_o say_a nature_n improve_v this_o complacency_n of_o god_n in_o the_o say_a nature_n improve_v arise_v from_o the_o say_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o rectitude_n of_o will_n be_v that_o real_a immortality_n which_o lucifer_n lose_v in_o heaven_n and_o adam_n forfeit_v in_o paradise_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o both_o the_o general_n capableness_n of_o human_a nature_n receive_v this_o degree_n of_o light_n and_o liberty_n by_o christ_n and_o also_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o industrious_a individual_a partaker_n of_o the_o say_v redeemable_a nature_n their_o acquisition_n thereof_o be_v both_o call_v grace_n because_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a compassion_n and_o gift_n a_o great_a than_o the_o gift_n of_o a_o creator_n only_o the_o gift_n of_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o light_n be_v call_v illumination_n because_o the_o former_a degree_n of_o light_n be_v darkness_n in_o comparison_n with_o this_o and_o the_o latter_a degree_n of_o scope_n of_o will_n be_v call_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o the_o narrow_a degree_n of_o its_o natural_a scope_n be_v a_o prison_n when_o compare_v with_o supernatural_a scope_n for_o a_o devil_n and_o a_o mere_a natural_a man_n have_v both_o of_o they_o some_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o scope_n and_o consequent_o of_o light_n and_o liberty_n otherwise_o they_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v susceptible_a of_o a_o hell_n for_o it_o be_v heaven_n discern_v in_o themselves_o according_a to_o their_o primitive_a capacity_n that_o cause_v that_o anguish_n and_o envy_n which_o arise_v from_o their_o reflection_n on_o their_o foolish_a and_o ungrateful_a abuse_n of_o opportunity_n so_o then_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v a_o state_n of_o supernatural_a light_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n together_z with_o at_o least_o as_o much_o rectitude_n of_o will_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o recover_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n now_o growth_n in_o this_o grace_n be_v as_o essential_a to_o the_o flourish_a condition_n of_o the_o divine_a supernatural_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a soul_n during_o its_o continuance_n here_o it_o be_v a_o human_a soul_n state_n of_o adolescence_n as_o growth_n in_o height_n and_o bulk_n of_o body_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o thrive_a condition_n of_o the_o animal_n life_n till_o the_o body_n have_v commence_v manhood_n and_o this_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v the_o soul_n be_v increase_n in_o faith_n magnanimity_n heavenly-mindedness_a humility_n purity_n charity_n and_o all_o suchlike_a divine_a principle_n and_o internal_a habit_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o regenerate_a soul_n and_o be_v exert_v in_o the_o external_a exercise_n of_o forgive_a injury_n prudent_a provision_n for_o our_o body_n and_o dependent_n oral_a prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o the_o like_a external_a subject_n of_o the_o gospel-precept_n from_o this_o account_n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n we_o may_v easy_o know_v second_o when_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n for_o since_o grace_n be_v a_o state_n of_o universal_a rectitude_n of_o soul_n
the_o dedicatory_a of_o the_o three_o class_n and_o dedicate_v itself_o without_o the_o least_o reserve_v to_o god_n spirit_n who_o temple_n st._n paul_n have_v tell_v we_o good_a christian_n be_v this_o custom_n oblige_v we_o daily_o to_o remember_v our_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o till_o we_o have_v renounce_v this_o i_o do_v not_o see_v why_o this_o may_v not_o be_v a_o ordinary_a practice_n for_o our_o baptismal_a vow_n be_v not_o make_v the_o less_o obligatory_a by_o our_o neglect_n of_o the_o laudable_a practice_n of_o the_o daily_a recognition_n of_o it_o therefore_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o say_v daily_o this_o day_n i_o again_o dedicate_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v do_v it_o immediate_o resign_v itself_o to_o providence_n which_o be_v another_o essential_a part_n of_o gratitude_n to_o god_n and_o now_o it_o say_v i_o be_o thou_o o_o save_v i_o it_o be_v but_o fit_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v whole_o god_n it_o shall_v quite_o abandon_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o second_o section_n of_o this_o class_n and_o long_o for_o the_o victory_n over_o its_o predominant_a constitution-corruption_n which_o be_v the_o main_a victory_n of_o a_o christian_n and_o because_o he_o be_v suppose_v the_o night_n before_o to_o have_v make_v his_o peace_n with_o god_n a_o prudent_a glance_n upon_o this_o need_v not_o hinder_v but_o rather_o enhance_v its_o gratitude_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o compassion_n and_o long-suffering_a with_o such_o noisome_a creature_n the_o three_o and_o last_o section_n be_v a_o modest_a dependence_n upon_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o can_v rely_v on_o god_n for_o our_o body_n much_o more_o shall_v we_o for_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o four_o class_n the_o soul_n have_v discharge_v its_o part_n of_o gratitude_n to_o god_n assume_v the_o boldness_n of_o petition_n for_o spiritual_a favour_n and_o vent_v its_o holy_a tremble_a and_o solicitude_n to_o perform_v its_o vow_n the_o five_o class_n mind_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v a_o sufficient_a join_n of_o the_o will_n with_o the_o choir_n of_o heaven_n in_o their_o praise_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o a_o expression_n of_o our_o sympathy_n with_o all_o who_o be_v yet_o leave_v in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o catholic_n i._n e._n a_o universal_a conclusion_n we_o do_v thereby_o extend_v our_o benevolence_n to_o all_o creature_n that_o be_v actual_o happy_a or_o still_o capable_a of_o happiness_n and_o make_v they_o partner_n of_o our_o petitionary_a address_n ii_o of_o the_o noon-office_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o day_n the_o soul_n be_v surround_v with_o temptation_n and_o most_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v plunge_v in_o the_o mean_a solicitude_n and_o thought_n of_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o at_o this_o time_n exercise_n of_o vigilance_n be_v a_o very_a necessary_a antidote_n against_o the_o infection_n of_o darkness_n this_o first_o part_n may_v be_v use_v before_o dinner_n and_o lest_o the_o please_a of_o sense_n shall_v abate_v our_o expectation_n of_o the_o noble_a enjoyment_n of_o heaven_n we_o have_v allot_v a_o gratulatory_a office_n to_o raise_v our_o affection_n upward_o and_o because_o the_o use_n of_o food_n do_v natural_o suggest_v to_o serious_a and_o wise_a man_n the_o close_a social_a dependence_n of_o all_o god_n work_n one_o upon_o the_o other_o which_o consideration_n be_v a_o great_a friend_n to_o charity_n we_o have_v also_o allot_v for_o afterdinner_n a_o office_n of_o intercession_n for_o the_o church_n militant_a in_o the_o office_n of_o vigilance_n the_o soul_n first_o complain_v of_o the_o unsatisfactoriness_n of_o all_o earthly_a thing_n and_o in_o the_o second_o section_n strive_v to_o enlarge_v itself_o and_o reach_v after_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v a_o real_a and_o real_o noble_a enjoyment_n and_o more_o than_o commensurate_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n after_o this_o in_o the_o other_o class_n sect._n 1_o to_o bring_v itself_o to_o a_o firm_a habit_n of_o seriousness_n through_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o be_v save_v and_o the_o greatness_n of_o natural_a weakness_n and_o the_o vastness_n of_o the_o strength_n and_o number_n of_o its_o enemy_n it_o earnest_o pray_v for_o the_o power_n of_o be_v acceptable_o obedient_a unto_o death_n and_o because_o our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o we_o and_o that_o god_n best_o know_v whether_o plenty_n or_o poverty_n honour_n or_o dishonour_v in_o this_o world_n be_v best_a one_o for_o this_o another_z for_o that_o person_n and_o one_o at_o one_o time_n and_o another_o at_o another_o time_n for_o the_o same_o christian_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o shall_v equal_o be_v prepare_v for_o both_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o trouble_v itself_o to_o make_v particular_a prayer_n in_o the_o dark_a for_o temporal_a uncertainty_n but_o go_v the_o next_o class_n to_o acquaint_v god_n particular_o with_o what_o it_o unfeigned_o desire_n by_o turn_v the_o great_a sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n into_o a_o prayer_n because_o it_o know_v that_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o the_o other_o disposition_n therein_o inculcate_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o a_o man_n that_o will_v be_v eternal_o happy_a different_a circumstance_n of_o life_n here_o may_v be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n to_o different_a person_n but_o these_o be_v certain_a and_o necessary_a for_o every_o wise_a petitioner_n he_o that_o get_v these_o and_o he_o only_o be_v a_o true_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n though_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o worship_n angel_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o charity_n which_o teach_v to_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o rejoice_v to_o gratulate_v they_o and_o their_o happy_a state_n and_o help_v very_o much_o towards_o the_o sublimate_v the_o affection_n in_o the_o intercessive_a part_n of_o charity_n i_o have_v offer_v a_o very_a long_a prayer_n for_o the_o clergy_n be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v that_o if_o the_o laity_n be_v move_v by_o our_o great_a defect_n to_o pray_v as_o affectionate_o and_o constant_o for_o we_o as_o they_o slight_a and_o rail_v against_o we_o not_o consider_v that_o our_o office_n be_v still_o as_o venerable_a as_o ever_o god_n will_v restore_v christian_a discipline_n some_o way_n or_o other_o and_o raise_v up_o many_o faithful_a pastor_n among_o we_o though_o it_o be_v at_o the_o expense_n of_o a_o second_o miraculous_a effusion_n of_o his_o spirit_n good_a lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o prayer_n of_o the_o structure_n of_o the_o evening_n office_n the_o end_n of_o the_o day_n be_v ordinary_o the_o time_n of_o the_o great_a leisure_n the_o good_a christian_n take_v a_o opportunity_n to_o converse_v with_o himself_o and_o to_o see_v whether_o he_o have_v keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o his_o business_n perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v think_v improper_a to_o use_v prayer_n of_o such_o a_o length_n daily_o before_o this_o exercise_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o falsehood_n or_o soundness_n of_o internal_a peace_n depend_v upon_o the_o right_a management_n of_o this_o exercise_n and_o what_o a_o mystery_n of_o treachery_n our_o heart_n be_v a_o man_n can_v never_o too_o solemn_o set_v about_o it_o or_o think_v himself_o above_o the_o need_n of_o a_o peculiar_a assistance_n from_o god_n in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o know_v whether_o we_o be_v external_o innocent_a but_o not_o so_o easy_a to_o know_v according_a to_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o daily_a growth_n in_o grace_n already_o lay_v down_o whether_o or_o no_o we_o be_v in_o a_o grow_a or_o improve_n state_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v a_o internal_a habit._n the_o observance_n of_o the_o say_v two_o rule_n after_o we_o have_v compare_v our_o carriage_n and_o examine_v from_o hour_n to_o hour_n with_o the_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n be_v the_o useful_a way_n of_o examine_v ourselves_o that_o i_o can_v prescribe_v this_o method_n will_v be_v tedious_a to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o use_v to_o abstract_n themselves_o but_o by_o use_v it_o will_v grow_v as_o familiar_a and_o compendious_a as_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o safe_a the_o abuse_n of_o the_o same_o general_n or_o particular_a confession_n of_o sin_n howsoever_o the_o day_n have_v be_v spend_v be_v very_o obvious_a to_o man_n of_o but_o very_o little_a judgement_n it_o make_v confession_n itself_o to_o be_v slight_o use_v nay_o sometime_o sinful_a when_o man_n be_v teach_v to_o live_v always_o in_o a_o tepid_a state_n by_o make_v the_o same_o confession_n to_o our_o life_n end_n which_o can_v be_v only_o proper_a in_o
case_n of_o a_o man_n sin_v and_o repent_v in_o a_o circle_n but_o never_o repent_v so_o as_o not_o to_o repent_v of_o his_o deceitful_a repentance_n and_o perhaps_o sometime_o to_o charge_v ourselves_o with_o the_o fault_n we_o never_o commit_v as_o if_o those_o fault_n which_o the_o best_a man_n stand_v actual_o guilty_a of_o be_v not_o sufficient_a with_o the_o help_n of_o thought_n to_o make_v they_o humble_a enough_o therefore_o i_o suppose_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o division_n of_o the_o evening_n office_n will_v be_v obvious_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n at_o first_o sight_n for_o a_o right_a judgement_n to_o be_v make_v between_o mortal_a sin_n and_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o reverend_a doctor_n lucas_n incomparable_a treatise_n concern_v religious_a perfection_n the_o office_n of_o abstraction_n so_o call_v from_o its_o abstract_n or_o take_v the_o mind_n off_o from_o object_n of_o external_a sensation_n explain_v and_o exhort_v for_o itself_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v be_v frugal_a of_o my_o room_n and_o desist_v from_o make_v remark_n chap._n iu._n necessary_a caution_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v the_o composure_n of_o these_o new_a office_n the_o ignorance_n of_o some_o and_o the_o censoriousness_n of_o other_o will_v still_o oblige_v i_o to_o declare_v that_o the_o design_n of_o this_o tract_n be_v not_o to_o give_v a_o new_a account_n either_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o devotion_n in_o general_n or_o to_o propose_v any_o new_a sort_n of_o devotion_n but_o to_o offer_v a_o more_o convenient_a method_n of_o ordinary_a closet-piety_n of_o the_o mean_n a_o contrivance_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v not_o the_o result_n of_o deep_a learning_n or_o a_o acute_a philosophical_a genius_n but_o of_o the_o honest_a principle_n of_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n and_o christian_a prudence_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o regular_a appointment_n of_o the_o modal_a process_n and_o season_n of_o external_a duty_n since_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o discovery_n that_o can_v make_v the_o author_n more_o valuable_a in_o the_o world_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o any_o charitable_a christian_a can_v impute_v the_o author_n publication_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o a_o principle_n of_o desire_n of_o fame_n or_o self-conceit_n or_o any_o other_o secular_a emulation_n whatever_o weakness_n he_o may_v be_v conscious_a of_o to_o himself_o neither_o be_o i_o so_o bigoted_a to_o my_o own_o method_n as_o to_o detract_v from_o the_o labour_n of_o other_o i_o own_o my_o soul_n and_o my_o book_n to_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o many_o book_n of_o common_a method_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n this_o method_n be_v not_o assert_v here_o to_o be_v matter_n of_o duty_n when_o know_v if_o the_o reason_n already_o give_v for_o the_o conveniency_n of_o it_o can_v prevail_v with_o the_o reader_n to_o make_v a_o trial_n which_o a_o wary_a christian_a in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o moment_n shall_v not_o methinks_v deny_v i_o have_v do_v my_o part_n and_o can_v be_v content_a with_o the_o secret_a approbation_n of_o my_o own_o and_o my_o friend_n experience_n after_o a_o intimacy_n with_o both_o method_n as_o for_o the_o form_n themselves_o they_o be_v not_o compose_v to_o confine_v myself_o or_o any_o other_o to_o the_o use_n of_o they_o but_o however_o it_o be_v convenient_a to_o compose_v some_o for_o a_o more_o lively_a explication_n of_o the_o method_n which_o may_v be_v observe_v without_o adhere_v to_o they_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n as_o to_o the_o expression_n this_o i_o think_v may_v resolve_v all_o cavil_n at_o any_o expression_n of_o address_n if_o i_o use_v they_o improper_o to_o thou_o i_o do_v use_v they_o so_o to_o god_n thou_o may_v add_v or_o contract_n as_o conscience_n direct_v and_o yet_o gain_v benefit_n by_o the_o book_n too_o our_o method_n of_o closet-devotion_n shall_v ordinary_o be_v exact_a for_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o employment_n require_v it_o but_o our_o expression_n need_v not_o be_v so_o in_o this_o exercise_n in_o case_n our_o affection_n be_v but_o clean_a and_o polite_a and_o therefore_o constant_a form_n of_o expression_n be_v no_o less_o needless_a in_o private_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o god_n consciousness_n to_o our_o meaning_n than_o they_o be_v needful_a in_o public_a where_o the_o invisibleness_n of_o our_o heart_n may_v make_v those_o hasty_a expression_n improper_a for_o their_o obscurity_n or_o abuse_v and_o therefore_o culpable_a to_o man_n be_v the_o thought_n which_o they_o be_v intend_v to_o represent_v never_o so_o grateful_a to_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n and_o far_o though_o we_o must_v not_o habitual_o neglect_v the_o worship_n of_o our_o tongue_n in_o private_a yet_o sometime_o when_o as_o it_o be_v oft_o with_o devout_a person_n the_o working_n of_o our_o mind_n soar_v above_o expression_n mental_a prayer_n alone_o be_v no_o omission_n but_o rather_o the_o more_o laudable_a but_o when_o it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o we_o be_v dry_a of_o sprightly_a idea_n at_o season_n of_o address_n a_o affect_a form_n of_o scripture-expression_n may_v do_v well_o to_o be_v at_o hand_n since_o they_o may_v in_o part_n assist_v the_o drowsy_a soul_n though_o they_o may_v not_o whole_o satisfy_v the_o person_n who_o mind_n be_v awaken_v and_o enlarge_v by_o they_o chap._n v._o suitable_a advice_n and_o exhortation_n let_v i_o now_o dear_a christian_a in_o the_o behalf_n of_o thy_o soul_n entreat_v thou_o to_o use_v thy_o diligence_n in_o turn_v thy_o heart_n to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a never_o venture_v to_o omit_v the_o solemn_a duty_n of_o thy_o closet_n but_o be_v a_o constant_a attendant_n on_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v sure_a before_o you_o venture_v to_o speak_v consider_v and_o compose_v thy_o mind_n to_o a_o awful_a frame_n and_o bend_v thy_o body_n thrice_o down_o to_o the_o ground_n in_o honour_n to_o the_o bless_a trinity_n 2._o in_o a_o morning_n meditate_v on_o god_n and_o let_v his_o excellency_n and_o mercy_n force_v thou_o to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n to_o tell_v of_o god_n love_a kindness_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o of_o his_o veracity_n in_o the_o night_n season_n let_v this_o be_v thy_o employment_n which_o be_v the_o employment_n of_o angel_n and_o star_n innumerable_a shall_v every_o thing_n but_o devil_n and_o damn_a man_n praise_n god_n and_o man_n who_o be_v a_o redeemable_a sinner_n neglect_v to_o give_v thanks_o for_o his_o unspeakable_a gift_n his_o own_o his_o eternal_a his_o beget_v his_o only_a son_n the_o dull_a and_o dumb_a ass_n know_v how_o to_o reproach_v silence_n on_o such_o a_o theme_n for_o he_o know_v his_o owner_n as_o well_o at_o his_o crib_n certain_o be_v thy_o soul_n clad_v with_o that_o gratitude_n which_o be_v the_o purple_a of_o angel_n certain_o do_v thou_o feel_v god_n enlarge_a thy_o soul_n certain_o be_v thy_o power_n within_o '_o gird_v ready_a for_o eternity_n the_o bent_n of_o thy_o soul_n this_o way_n will_v be_v so_o irresistible_a that_o thou_o can_v never_o refrain_v not_o only_o from_o vent_v thy_o praise_n but_o also_o dedicate_a thy_o whole_a man_n daily_o to_o god_n withstand_v the_o violence_n of_o all_o charm_n but_o those_o of_o gratitude_n which_o the_o glorious_a inhabitant_n above_o can_v resist_v the_o splendid_a prospect_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o his_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v he_o to_o praise_n god_n and_o god-man_n incessant_a hallelujah_n for_o ghostly_a victory_n and_o incessant_a dedication_n and_o resignation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o supreme_a monarch_n of_o all_o the_o glorified_a universes_n will_v be_v the_o everlasting_a royalty_n and_o priesthood_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o be_v make_v at_o first_o and_o of_o his_o be_v ransom_v and_o sanctify_v after_o he_o have_v be_v uncreature_v let_v all_o soul_n therefore_o laud_v the_o lord_n let_v those_o praise_n the_o lord_n who_o he_o have_v redeem_v 3._o remember_v i_o beseech_v thou_o thâ—_n great_a worth_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a never_o fail_v oâ—_n secure_v thyself_o some_o retirement_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n lest_o the_o heat_n of_o worldly_a business_n burn_v and_o lay_v waste_v that_o heart_n which_o be_v intend_v to_o glow_v and_o to_o be_v solace_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n now_o it_o be_v thaâ—_n the_o world_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o sway_v thâ—_n best_o unless_o they_o habit_n themselves_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o vigilance_n now_o we_o have_v need_n fly_v to_o our_o closet_n for_o sanctuary_n that_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v that_o man_n the_n mere_a natural_a man_n disquiet_v himself_o in_o vain_a and_o search_v after_o fullness_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o those_o honour_n and_o possession_n which_o prove_v in_o the_o end_n but_o womb_n of_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n