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earth_n with_o the_o same_o freedom_n as_o the_o angel_n do_v in_o heaven_n o_o grant_v we_o the_o grace_n so_o to_o make_v advantage_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o privilege_n that_o our_o sin_n may_v never_o make_v we_o forfeit_v it_o but_o rather_o by_o a_o devout_a and_o humble_a use_n of_o it_o acquire_v to_o ourselves_o daily_o new_a degree_n of_o thy_o favour_n till_o thou_o have_v bring_v we_o thy_o unworthy_a son_n to_o that_o incorruptible_a inheritance_n which_o can_v neither_o have_v increase_n nor_o end_n amen_n the_o second_o excellency_n of_o prayer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v hallow_v both_o by_o we_o and_o in_o we_o we_o pray_v that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v sanctify_v and_o we_o sanctify_v his_o name_n by_o pray_v so_o our_o tongue_n but_o much_o more_o our_o life_n be_v make_v instrument_n to_o glorify_v he_o god_n be_v glorify_v by_o our_o believe_v in_o he_o by_o our_o know_v he_o by_o our_o adore_v he_o and_o in_o 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decree_v to_o give_v his_o son_n be_v incarnate_a the_o nation_n for_o his_o inheritance_n but_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o decree_n be_v to_o be_v by_o prayer_n the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v to_o pay_v for_o it_o for_o postula_n &_o dabo_fw-la ask_v of_o i_o and_o i_o 8._o will_v give_v they_o thou_o if_o therefore_o the_o decree_n of_o your_o predestination_n be_v yet_o dark_a to_o you_o and_o you_o will_v willing_o know_v whether_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o obtain_v this_o but_o humble_a prayer_n do_v but_o pray_v fervent_o that_o god_n will_v glorify_v himself_o in_o thou_o by_o make_v thou_o a_o vessel_n for_o his_o honour_n and_o
thou_o shall_v find_v so_o much_o virtue_n in_o this_o prayer_n as_o shall_v quiet_v thy_o thought_n and_o take_v away_o thy_o scruple_n o_o most_o glorious_a god_n glorify_v thy_o unworthy_a servant_n with_o that_o gift_n of_o prayer_n by_o which_o i_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o glorify_v thou_o that_o so_o i_o be_v sanctify_v by_o thou_o thou_o may_v be_v sanctify_v in_o i_o by_o those_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o in_o all_o eternity_n thou_o do_v decree_v to_o give_v i_o through_o jesus_n christ._n amen_n the_o next_o dignity_n of_o prayer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o effectual_a mean_n of_o enstate_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o we_o not_o only_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o world_n which_o in_o the_o apostle_n character_n be_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o next_o to_o which_o prayer_n not_o only_o give_v we_o the_o title_n but_o put_v we_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o possession_n by_o afford_v we_o a_o taste_n at_o least_o and_o a_o earnest_n of_o that_o glory_n the_o first_o time_n that_o we_o find_v it_o write_v that_o our_o saviour_n pray_v we_o find_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n three_o passage_n of_o wonder_n whereof_o 22._o the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o heaven_n be_v open_v the_o next_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v on_o he_o as_o a_o dove_n the_o three_o that_o there_o be_v a_o voice_n that_o come_v from_o heaven_n which_o say_v thou_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o thou_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o wherefore_o this_o but_o to_o show_v we_o the_o admirable_a effect_n of_o prayer_n first_o that_o it_o be_v the_o key_n to_o open_a heaven_n to_o we_o next_o that_o it_o have_v that_o attractive_a power_n as_o to_o draw_v down_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o and_o last_o that_o it_o put_v we_o into_o the_o quality_n of_o son_n and_o of_o such_o son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well-pleased_n after_o this_o when_o he_o go_v up_o into_o a_o mountain_n 28._o to_o pray_v what_o follow_v upon_o this_o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o that_o as_o he_o be_v pray_v â—_o his_o face_n do_v shine_v as_o the_o sun_n and_o his_o garment_n be_v white_a as_o 3._o the_o light_n so_o white_a say_v st._n mark_n that_o no_o full_a on_o earth_n can_v white_a they_o and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o this_o transfiguration_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v absolute_o and_o full_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n come_v down_o to_o he_o yet_o we_o find_v there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o as_o peter_z 5._o in_o his_o amazement_n take_v to_o be_v heaven_n and_o desire_v to_o fix_v his_o tabernacle_n there_o and_o to_o go_v no_o high_o you_o see_v here_o the_o strange_a effect_n of_o prayer_n it_o draw_v down_o one_o kingdom_n to_o you_o and_o lift_v you_o up_o to_o another_o it_o bow_v down_o to_o you_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n and_o draw_v you_o up_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n o_o god_n my_o sovereign_a king_n who_o have_v teach_v i_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o come_n of_o thy_o kingdom_n set_v up_o the_o throne_n of_o thy_o grace_n in_o my_o heart_n and_o so_o rule_v and_o govern_v all_o my_o affection_n that_o there_o may_v not_o be_v leave_v a_o rebellious_a thought_n against_o thou_o and_o when_o the_o time_n of_o my_o transmigration_n come_v change_v thy_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n into_o thy_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n and_o from_o obey_v thou_o in_o this_o life_n lift_v up_o my_o soul_n to_o reign_v with_o thou_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v amen_n the_o four_o excellency_n of_o prayer_n go_v hand_n in_o hand_n with_o the_o former_a for_o where_o god_n kingdom_n come_v there_o must_v be_v a_o perfect_a submission_n to_o his_o will_n which_o can_v be_v more_o effectual_o do_v than_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o that_o homage_n which_o we_o do_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n for_o by_o prayer_n we_o not_o only_o obtain_v but_o exercise_v that_o obedience_n which_o be_v better_o than_o sacrifice_n we_o strip_v and_o divest_v ourselves_o of_o our_o own_o will_n and_o give_v ourselves_o entire_o up_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o we_o pray_v unto_o and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o father_n say_v of_o fervent_a prayer_n that_o it_o make_v we_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n as_o if_o we_o be_v out_o of_o it_o that_o it_o disintangles_a and_o unloose_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o tie_v and_o fetter_n of_o the_o body_n and_o equal_v we_o unto_o the_o angel_n for_o as_o they_o stand_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n ready_a to_o execute_v his_o command_n without_o either_o delay_n or_o weariness_n so_o prayer_n put_v we_o into_o the_o like_a posture_n with_o those_o angel_n and_o quicken_v we_o unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n but_o that_o you_o may_v not_o think_v that_o all_o the_o treasure_n and_o riches_n of_o prayer_n be_v only_o in_o thing_n invisible_a there_o be_v a_o five_o excellency_n in_o prayer_n in_o that_o it_o procure_v for_o we_o our_o daily_a bread_n which_o as_o it_o have_v reference_n to_o our_o body_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v our_o nourishment_n so_o it_o reach_v beside_o to_o the_o spiritual_a refection_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o by_o prayer_n say_v st._n bernard_n we_o be_v store_v with_o three_o sort_n of_o bread_n the_o bread_n of_o truth_n for_o the_o understanding_n the_o bread_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o charity_n for_o the_o will_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o grosser_n and_o more_o earthly_a bread_n fit_v for_o the_o sustain_n of_o our_o weak_a nature_n these_o be_v the_o three_o loaf_n which_o christ_n in_o his_o parable_n encourage_v we_o to_o ask_v for_o and_o never_o to_o give_v over_o our_o importunity_n till_o we_o obtain_v they_o for_o obtain_v they_o we_o shall_v and_o our_o prayer_n if_o fervent_a can_v be_v deny_v imagine_v therefore_o say_v climacus_n that_o you_o say_v prayer_n be_v a_o queen_n seat_v on_o her_o throne_n call_v out_o to_o you_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o that_o refresh_v as_o shall_v lighten_v your_o weight_n and_o ease_v your_o weariness_n for_o without_o i_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o law_n be_v heavy_a but_o with_o i_o it_o be_v light_a without_o i_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n be_v bitter_a but_o with_o i_o it_o be_v sweet_a without_o i_o the_o cross_n be_v insupportable_a to_o be_v bear_v but_o with_o i_o the_o crown_n of_o thorn_n shall_v be_v as_o easy_a as_o a_o crown_n of_o rose_n christ_n be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n but_o the_o mean_n to_o make_v this_o bread_n nourish_v you_o be_v prayer_n by_o prayer_n you_o receive_v christ_n into_o your_o memory_n and_o ruminate_v upon_o he_o in_o your_o meditation_n by_o prayer_n your_o affection_n taste_v and_o relish_v this_o bread_n and_o your_o love_n incorporate_v it_o whatever_o therefore_o your_o necessity_n be_v fly_v to_o prayer_n if_o this_o spiritual_a bread_n be_v want_v and_o you_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o pray_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v or_o if_o the_o food_n of_o your_o body_n fail_v you_o and_o poverty_n lay_v hold_v upon_o you_o as_o a_o arm_a man_n fall_v to_o your_o prayer_n again_o and_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o who_o hear_v the_o young_a raven_n when_o they_o call_v upon_o he_o will_v much_o more_o hear_v you_o who_o have_v the_o honour_n not_o only_o to_o be_v his_o creature_n but_o his_o son_n thus_o far_o the_o excellency_n of_o prayer_n be_v in_o open_v heaven_n to_o we_o from_o whence_o all_o blessing_n come_v we_o be_v now_o to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o key_n that_o shut_v up_o hell_n and_o keep_v all_o evil_a from_o we_o which_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n 1._o evil_n of_o sin_n 2._o evil_n of_o temptation_n that_o lead_v to_o sin_n 3._o evil_n of_o punishment_n for_o sin_n against_o these_o three_o prayer_n be_v the_o remedy_n and_o first_o against_o sin_n already_o contract_v for_o how_o come_v the_o publican_n justify_v but_o by_o a_o short_a and_o humble_a prayer_n what_o move_v and_o soften_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n to_o such_o a_o tenderness_n be_v it_o not_o his_o prayer_n father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o against_o thou_o the_o debt_n of_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n which_o the_o servant_n owe_v the_o king_n be_v no_o slight_a ordinary_a sum_n yet_o a_o few_o word_n of_o prayer_n have_v virtue_n enough_o to_o cancel_v that_o great_a debt_n and_o because_o there_o be_v a_o condition_n require_v of_o pardon_v the_o trespass_n do_v against_o we_o if_o
we_o look_v for_o pardon_v of_o our_o trespass_n against_o god_n prayer_n help_v you_o in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o condition_n too_o and_o though_o your_o heart_n be_v as_o hard_a as_o iron_n prayer_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o fire_n and_o be_v able_a to_o soften_v that_o iron_n and_o melt_v you_o into_o that_o compassion_n towards_o your_o enemy_n as_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o with_o the_o same_o earnestness_n as_o you_o do_v for_o yourselves_o but_o then_o when_o our_o past_a sin_n be_v pardon_v where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o remedy_n against_o future_a temptation_n our_o saviour_n tell_v you_o where_o when_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n watch_n and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n if_o the_o fire_n of_o lust_n begin_v to_o kindle_v in_o your_o heart_n prayer_n can_v extinguish_v that_o fire_n or_o if_o a_o whole_a sea_n of_o worldly_a affliction_n break_v in_o upon_o you_o prayer_n can_v set_v a_o bank_n to_o that_o sea_n if_o you_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o enemy_n temptation_n on_o all_o side_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v swallow_v up_o by_o they_o remember_v that_o moses_n prayer_n prevail_v more_o against_o amalek_n than_o ioshuah_n arms._n and_o then_o again_o in_o the_o close_a as_o prayer_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o charm_n to_o keep_v temptation_n from_o you_o so_o when_o by_o humane_a weakness_n and_o the_o art_n of_o the_o tempter_n you_o be_v lead_v into_o they_o prayer_n be_v as_o the_o thread_n to_o bring_v you_o out_o of_o this_o labyrinth_n or_o when_o you_o have_v unwary_o take_v in_o the_o poison_n of_o sin_n prayer_n be_v the_o antidote_n against_o the_o venom_n of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o only_o remove_v the_o guilt_n but_o the_o evil_a of_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a to_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o this_o life_n or_o in_o the_o next_o and_o of_o this_o david_n be_v very_o sensible_a when_o he_o cry_v out_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o ecstasy_n of_o thankfulness_n bless_a be_v god_n which_o have_v not_o 13._o cast_v out_o my_o prayer_n nor_o turn_v his_o mercy_n from_o i_o intimate_v by_o this_o as_o st._n austin_n understand_v the_o word_n that_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o contract_n or_o bargain_n make_v between_o prayer_n on_o man_n part_n and_o mercy_n on_o god_n that_o where_o prayer_n lead_v the_o way_n mercy_n shall_v always_o follow_v o_o father_n of_o mercy_n give_v i_o that_o gift_n of_o prayer_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o which_o thou_o do_v use_v to_o dispense_v those_o mercy_n suffer_v i_o never_o to_o be_v weary_a of_o pray_v lest_o that_o make_v thou_o weary_a of_o forgive_a for_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o if_o i_o cease_v not_o to_o pray_v thou_o can_v not_o cease_v to_o have_v mercy_n for_o because_o thou_o be_v good_a thou_o will_v always_o deliver_v i_o from_o evil_n not_o for_o i_o but_o for_o thy_o own_o goodness_n sake_n by_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v may_v be_v infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n xvil_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o your_o spiritual_a life_n which_o it_o preserve_v and_o in_o regard_n of_o spiritual_a enemy_n which_o otherwise_o will_v destroy_v you_o for_o as_o the_o body_n without_o the_o soul_n be_v dead_a loathsome_a and_o overspread_v with_o worm_n so_o fare_v it_o with_o the_o soul_n say_v chrysostome_n that_o do_v not_o use_v to_o pray_v and_o consequent_o have_v no_o spiritual_a life_n in_o it_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o breath_n of_o prayer_n fail_v the_o soul_n putrify_v and_o the_o worm_n of_o conscience_n gnaw_v upon_o it_o daniel_n therefore_o choose_v rather_o to_o hazard_v 6._o his_o life_n than_o to_o omit_v his_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n thrice_o a_o day_n as_o be_v willing_a that_o his_o body_n shall_v suffer_v rather_o than_o his_o soul_n will_v you_o know_v further_o how_o precious_a prayer_n be_v devout_a man_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o prayer_n pierce_v the_o cloud_n reach_v the_o heaven_n rejoice_v the_o angel_n appease_v god_n obtain_v whatsoever_o it_o sue_v for_o o_o grace_n of_o grace_n holy_a and_o heavenly_a father_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o thou_o either_o to_o express_v thy_o excellency_n or_o the_o necessity_n my_o soul_n have_v of_o thy_o help_n i_o be_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o misery_n and_o thou_o be_v to_o i_o the_o source_n and_o spring_n of_o mercy_n with_o thou_o i_o live_v without_o thou_o i_o die_v with_o thou_o i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n without_o thou_o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o o_o divine_a spirit_n who_o gift_n alone_o it_o be_v to_o know_v how_o to_o speak_v to_o thou_o give_v i_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n by_o which_o i_o may_v sanctify_v thy_o name_n the_o spirit_n of_o understanding_n by_o who_o light_n i_o may_v see_v the_o secret_n of_o thy_o kingdom_n the_o spirit_n of_o counsel_n which_o may_v guide_v i_o to_o do_v thy_o will_n on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n the_o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n to_o discover_v and_o to_o ask_v what_o be_v necessary_a either_o for_o body_n or_o for_o soul_n the_o spirit_n of_o charity_n to_o move_v i_o to_o pardon_v my_o enemy_n as_o i_o desire_v thou_o shall_v pardon_v i_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n to_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n and_o approach_n to_o sin_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o may_v and_o courage_n to_o overcome_v all_o evil._n amen_n of_o the_o impediment_n and_o enemy_n of_o prayer_n have_v consider_v the_o glorious_a fruit_n and_o admirable_a efficacy_n of_o prayer_n we_o be_v to_o look_v about_o and_o to_o discover_v what_o enemy_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o to_o oppose_v and_o hinder_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o heavenly_a duty_n for_o prayer_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o kind_n of_o wrestle_a and_o strive_v for_o a_o victory_n which_o presuppose_v a_o opposition_n and_o rather_o than_o it_o shall_v be_v want_v god_n himself_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o list_n as_o he_o do_v with_o jacob_n in_o that_o 24._o famous_a wrestle_a when_o to_o show_v the_o power_n of_o prayer_n he_o that_o be_v invincible_a be_v content_a to_o be_v overcome_v by_o he_o who_o have_v no_o other_o weapon_n but_o tear_n and_o prayer_n 4._o when_o therefore_o you_o find_v yourselves_o afflict_v make_v use_n of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n arise_v though_o it_o be_v at_o midnight_n 5._o repair_v speedy_o to_o the_o gate_n of_o your_o true_a friend_n god_n himself_o for_o you_o have_v no_o friend_n like_o he_o though_o you_o find_v the_o door_n shut_v and_o your_o friend_n asleep_o begin_v your_o battery_n and_o give_v not_o over_o knock_v with_o importunate_a cry_n and_o prayer_n till_o he_o open_v to_o you_o as_o jacob_n will_v not_o let_v the_o angel_n go_v till_o he_o have_v bless_v he_o o_o omnipotent_a and_o invisible_a god_n who_o let_v thyself_o down_o to_o my_o weakness_n and_o give_v i_o strength_n to_o wrestle_v with_o thou_o for_o a_o blessing_n strengthen_v my_o prayer_n to_o that_o height_n that_o when_o thou_o seem_v most_o to_o set_v thyself_o against_o i_o i_o may_v prevail_v with_o thou_o as_o jacob_n do_v for_o my_o overcome_v thou_o be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o thy_o overcome_a thyself_o in_o i_o so_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o victory_n which_o i_o get_v over_o thou_o will_v be_v entire_o thou_o wrestle_v on_o therefore_o o_o my_o soul_n give_v not_o over_o thy_o hold_n take_v no_o answer_n that_o bring_v not_o a_o blessing_n with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v thy_o god_n who_o strengthen_v thou_o and_o through_o he_o thou_o shall_v at_o last_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n amen_n as_o prayer_n therefore_o be_v a_o wrestle_a with_o god_n we_o look_v not_o upon_o this_o opposition_n as_o a_o hindrance_n but_o as_o a_o advantage_n to_o devotion_n the_o true_a enemy_n of_o prayer_n exercise_v a_o more_o dangerous_a hostility_n where_o the_o van_n be_v lead_v by_o those_o damn_a spirit_n who_o be_v fall_v from_o heaven_n themselves_o endeavour_v the_o more_o envious_o to_o obstruct_v the_o way_n that_o may_v lead_v we_o thither_o and_o because_o nothing_o conduce_v more_o to_o this_o than_o prayer_n they_o order_v all_o their_o temptation_n to_o this_o end_n chief_o either_o to_o divert_v we_o from_o it_o or_o disturb_v we_o in_o it_o if_o they_o tempt_v we_o to_o excess_n in_o meat_n and_o drink_n their_o aim_n be_v not_o only_o to_o make_v we_o guilty_a of_o intemperance_n but_o by_o it_o to_o render_v we_o the_o more_o unfit_a for_o prayer_n or_o if_o they_o prompt_v we_o to_o anger_n and_o impatience_n their_o design_n terminate_v not_o in_o that_o sin_n but_o rather_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o a_o further_a end_n that_o the_o mind_n be_v thus_o disquiet_v may_v not_o be_v able_a easy_o to_o compose_v and_o settle_v itself_o to_o prayer_n for_o the_o effect_n this_o they_o
the_o foot_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v to_o thou_o here_o i_o be_o even_o i_o thy_o god_n but_o come_v not_o near_o i_o till_o thou_o have_v put_v off_o thy_o earthly_a affection_n till_o thou_o have_v devest_v thyself_o of_o whatsoever_o be_v displease_v in_o my_o sight_n if_o not_o take_v heed_n no_o man_n can_v see_v i_o and_o live_v that_o be_v say_v st._n gregory_n none_o can_v see_v i_o spiritual_o that_o live_v carnal_o it_o be_v a_o high_a expression_n of_o he_o who_o be_v so_o great_a a_o admirer_n of_o euripides_n that_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o if_o he_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v any_o sense_n in_o death_n he_o can_v be_v content_a to_o die_v only_o that_o he_o may_v see_v euripides_n but_o then_o to_o see_v god_n who_o will_v not_o mortify_v himself_o say_v therefore_o with_o that_o earnestness_n as_o st._n austin_n do_v moriar_fw-la ut_fw-la te_fw-la videam_fw-la o_o thou_o fountain_n of_o life_n make_v i_o die_v that_o i_o may_v see_v thou_o mortify_v i_o that_o i_o may_v enjoy_v thou_o strangle_v i_o take_v away_o my_o breath_n that_o i_o may_v speak_v to_o thou_o but_o then_o again_o videam_fw-la te_fw-la ut_fw-la moriar_fw-la let_v i_o in_o some_o measure_n see_v thou_o first_o that_o i_o may_v value_v thou_o that_o i_o may_v be_v content_a to_o die_v to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v see_v thou_o further_o for_o if_o i_o know_v not_o at_o all_o how_o to_o contemplate_v thou_o i_o shall_v as_o little_o know_v how_o to_o mortify_v my_o affection_n so_o as_o to_o fit_v myself_o for_o prayer_n the_o three_o assault_n that_o be_v make_v upon_o the_o soul_n be_v by_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n which_o like_o so_o many_o thorn_n be_v ready_a to_o choke_v the_o seed_n of_o grace_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v sow_v for_o overmuch_o solicitude_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n in_o worldly_a thing_n cast_v such_o a_o heap_n of_o earth_n upon_o our_o vi_fw-la prayer_n as_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o ascend_v take_v up_o the_o mind_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o it_o and_o hardly_o admit_v so_o much_o as_o a_o thought_n of_o heaven_n but_o as_o they_o say_v of_o thorn_n that_o they_o may_v do_v well_o in_o a_o hedge_n but_o ill_o in_o a_o garden_n so_o be_v it_o with_o these_o care_n which_o be_v keep_v within_o their_o bound_n and_o measure_n hurt_v not_o the_o soul_n but_o if_o we_o admit_v they_o among_o our_o prayer_n they_o corrupt_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o they_o and_o turn_v they_o into_o sin_n when_o thou_o be_v therefore_o set_v thyself_o to_o thy_o devotion_n imagine_v that_o thou_o hear_v thy_o saviour_n call_v to_o thou_o as_o he_o do_v to_o martha_n why_o be_v thou_o so_o careful_a why_o be_v thou_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n one_o thing_n be_v only_o needful_a the_o save_n of_o thy_o soul_n since_o therefore_o 41._o thou_o be_v come_v to_o treat_v about_o it_o dismiss_v whatsoever_o may_v disturb_v thou_o lay_z aside_o thy_o care_n as_o mary_n do_v place_n thyself_o at_o my_o foot_n hear_v i_o in_o my_o word_n that_o i_o may_v hear_v thou_o in_o thy_o prayer_n o_o gracious_a jesu_n i_o be_o come_v at_o this_o time_n to_o humble_v myself_o at_o thy_o foot_n and_o to_o beg_v mercy_n for_o my_o soul_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v dear_a to_o i_o than_o a_o thousand_o world_n o_o suffer_v not_o then_o any_o worldly_a care_n to_o divert_v or_o hinder_v i_o root_n out_o this_o bed_n of_o thorn_n and_o sow_v holy_a thought_n instead_o of_o they_o let_v i_o not_o be_v like_o martha_n trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n but_o fix_v i_o upon_o that_o one_o thing_n needful_a which_o i_o be_o come_v about_o that_o so_o have_v choose_v the_o better_a part_n it_o may_v never_o be_v take_v from_o i_o amen_n but_o the_o conflict_n be_v not_o yet_o do_v when_o these_o former_a enemy_n be_v overcome_v there_o may_v be_v a_o swarm_n leave_v of_o busy_a vain_a impertinent_a thought_n of_o which_o we_o may_v complain_v as_o david_n do_v that_o they_o have_v compass_v we_o about_o like_o bee_n for_o the_o imagination_n be_v natural_o unquiet_a and_o tumultuous_a interpose_v itself_o many_o time_n without_o ask_v leave_n of_o we_o cast_v thought_n in_o our_o way_n and_o force_v the_o understanding_n to_o reflect_v upon_o they_o and_o these_o she_o either_o fetch_v from_o object_n without_o from_o something_o that_o we_o have_v either_o see_v or_o hear_v or_o do_v or_o if_o it_o fail_v of_o new_a ply_v from_o thence_o it_o present_o busy_v itself_o within_o in_o form_v of_o various_a image_n figure_n and_o form_n which_o like_o so_o many_o atom_n cast_v themselves_o into_o several_a scheme_n trouble_n and_o vex_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o her_o devotion_n not_o unlike_o the_o bird_n which_o will_v have_v hinder_v abraham_n in_o his_o sacrifice_n 11._o and_o happy_a it_o be_v if_o we_o can_v as_o easy_o chase_v away_o these_o thought_n from_o we_o as_o abraham_n drive_v away_o those_o bird_n but_o their_o pertinacy_n be_v such_o that_o when_o you_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o one_o form_n they_o assume_v another_o and_o be_v so_o importunate_o troublesome_a as_o make_v many_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v free_v from_o they_o cassianus_n confess_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v bring_v very_o near_o to_o a_o despair_v of_o it_o till_o open_v himself_o to_o a_o devout_a man_n of_o more_o experience_n himself_n be_v then_o but_o young_a he_o be_v bring_v off_o by_o this_o similitude_n shall_v you_o ask_v say_v he_o one_o that_o can_v neither_o swim_v himself_o nor_o ever_o see_v other_o swim_v whether_o he_o think_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o heavy_a body_n of_o a_o man_n can_v spread_v itself_o upon_o the_o water_n without_o sink_v will_v not_o he_o answer_v peremptory_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a but_o let_v the_o same_o man_n see_v once_o with_o what_o ease_n the_o swimmer_n keep_v his_o head_n above_o the_o water_n will_v he_o not_o as_o sudden_o change_v his_o mind_n upon_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o experiment_n and_o apply_v himself_o to_o practice_v it_o you_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o you_o do_v not_o try_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no._n for_o either_o holy_a man_n have_v deceive_v we_o or_o some_o of_o they_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n assist_v they_o have_v attain_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o power_n over_o themselves_o as_o the_o centurion_n in_o the_o gospel_n 9_o have_v over_o his_o soldier_n they_o can_v have_v give_v the_o law_n not_o only_o to_o their_o outward_a sense_n as_o job_n do_v to_o his_o eye_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o look_v on_o vanity_n but_o to_o their_o more_o inward_a faculty_n they_o can_v command_v their_o appetite_n to_o love_n or_o hate_n their_o rational_a faculty_n to_o meditate_v their_o imaginative_a to_o think_v on_o this_o or_o not_o to_o think_v on_o that_o for_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n who_o humble_v himself_o so_o low_o as_o to_o say_v that_o of_o himself_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o can_v say_v too_o without_o arrogancy_n that_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n but_o than_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v he_o all_o thing_n in_o christ_n nothing_o of_o himself_o the_o centurion_n who_o we_o speak_v of_o that_o have_v his_o soldier_n so_o absolute_o at_o his_o command_n confess_v ingenuous_o that_o he_o himself_o exercise_v his_o authority_n under_o another_o for_o in_o all_o power_n subordinate_a the_o way_n to_o be_v obey_v be_v to_o obey_v nor_o can_v these_o imagination_n be_v possible_o subdue_v to_o reason_n till_o reason_n be_v subdue_v to_o faith_n submit_v thyself_o therefore_o to_o god_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o there_o will_v follow_v a_o glorious_a victory_n but_o you_o must_v strive_v for_o it_o for_o this_o unruly_a swarm_n of_o thought_n hurt_v none_o but_o those_o that_o yield_v to_o they_o when_o they_o buzz_v about_o thou_o like_o fly_n in_o a_o hot_a day_n drown_v their_o noise_n with_o the_o loud_a cry_n of_o thy_o prayer_n and_o as_o spider_n can_v easy_o weave_v their_o net_n in_o a_o high_a wind_n so_o neither_o shall_v whole_a army_n of_o vain_a imagination_n be_v able_a to_o ensuare_v thou_o as_o long_o as_o thy_o earnest_a prayer_n like_o a_o vehement_a wind_n shall_v blow_v against_o they_o o_o most_o mighty_a god_n who_o see_v my_o weather-beaten_a soul_n toss_v and_o drive_v by_o vain_a and_o various_a imagination_n like_o a_o tear_a bark_n by_o contrary_a wind_n and_o not_o suffer_v to_o sail_v on_o in_o a_o straight_a course_n towards_o thou_o send_v thy_o holy_a spirit_n to_o calm_v this_o tempest_n and_o to_o lay_v these_o wind_n that_o they_o may_v no_o long_o hinder_v i_o in_o my_o way_n to_o heaven_n or_o disturb_v i_o in_o my_o prayer_n
to_o sinner_n conditional_o that_o they_o use_v it_o with_o that_o reverence_n as_o the_o convert_a prodigal_n do_v who_o though_o he_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o call_v he_o father_n yet_o he_o have_v the_o humility_n withal_o to_o confess_v that_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v his_o son_n and_o therefore_o his_o petition_n reach_v no_o high_o than_o to_o be_v make_v one_o of_o his_o hire_a servant_n o_o most_o great_a god_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v in_o thy_o presence_n when_o i_o come_v to_o pray_v to_o thou_o by_o what_o title_n shall_v i_o call_v thou_o or_o how_o shall_v i_o sufficient_o adore_v thou_o if_o i_o style_v thou_o a_o judge_n i_o adore_v thy_o justice_n if_o a_o master_n i_o know_v my_o obedience_n if_o i_o call_v thou_o my_o saviour_n i_o acknowledge_v thy_o mercy_n whatsoever_o name_n i_o use_v i_o find_v cause_n enough_o of_o reverence_n and_o since_o therefore_o i_o now_o appear_v before_o thou_o to_o pay_v the_o tribute_n of_o adoration_n by_o a_o thousand_o title_n due_a to_o the_o thou_o let_v thy_o truth_n direct_v i_o and_o thy_o spirit_n guide_v i_o that_o i_o may_v so_o adore_v thou_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n as_o thou_o require_v and_o that_o all_o the_o inward_a faculty_n of_o my_o soul_n may_v be_v as_o so_o many_o fiery_a tongue_n to_o set_v forth_o thy_o praise_n for_o evermore_o amen_n but_o as_o in_o a_o watch_n though_o there_o must_v be_v wheel_n within_o yet_o there_o must_v be_v a_o hand_n without_o too_o or_o else_o the_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o wheel_n be_v useless_a so_o though_o the_o principal_a of_o all_o spiritual_a motion_n be_v within_o yet_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o must_v have_v a_o time_n to_o work_v outward_a too_o or_o else_o our_o adoration_n be_v not_o complete_a for_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v not_o comprise_v single_o either_o in_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o in_o both_o conjoin_v so_o the_o adoration_n due_a to_o god_n who_o make_v both_o be_v to_o flow_v from_o both_o and_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v god_n inward_a chancel_n the_o body_n must_v be_v the_o temple_n that_o include_v it_o for_o know_v you_o not_o say_v st._n paul_n that_o your_o 20._o body_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v in_o you_o your_o own_o it_o be_v not_o for_o you_o be_v bring_v with_o a_o price_n therefore_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o body_n as_o well_o as_o spirit_n for_o both_o be_v he_o we_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o think_v the_o reverence_n of_o the_o body_n to_o be_v a_o useless_a or_o a_o unprofitable_a ceremony_n for_o beside_o this_o argument_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o st._n austin_n observe_v that_o this_o outward_a adoration_n of_o the_o body_n be_v a_o notable_a help_n to_o the_o more_o inward_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o add_v much_o to_o the_o earnestness_n and_o fervour_n of_o it_o for_o the_o stretch_n forth_o of_o the_o hand_n the_o bowing_z of_o the_o knee_n the_o beat_n of_o the_o breast_n the_o prostrate_v and_o cast_v down_o the_o body_n with_o the_o like_a gesture_n of_o humiliation_n be_v not_o therefore_o use_v to_o discover_v to_o god_n what_o be_v within_o the_o heart_n or_o to_o move_v he_o the_o more_o but_o to_o move_v thyself_o and_o by_o these_o exterior_a act_n as_o by_o a_o vigorous_a blow_n to_o continue_v and_o increase_v that_o invisible_a fire_n of_o devotion_n that_o burn_v within_o but_o then_o as_o these_o outward_a act_n be_v not_o always_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o you_o may_v many_o time_n be_v inward_o move_v to_o pray_v when_o outward_a gesture_n can_v either_o easy_o or_o convenient_o be_v use_v as_o manasses_n pray_v in_o his_o fetter_n ezekiel_n in_o his_o bed_n susanna_n in_o a_o throng_n of_o people_n so_o neither_o can_v i_o say_v that_o any_o one_o particular_a gesture_n of_o the_o body_n in_o prayer_n be_v so_o prescribe_v in_o scripture_n either_o by_o way_n of_o precept_n or_o example_n as_o to_o oblige_v to_o that_o gesture_n only_o for_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n we_o find_v several_a posture_n of_o holy_a men._n before_o the_o law_n abraham_n be_v say_v to_o have_v fall_v on_o his_o face_n 3._o under_o the_o law_n moses_n do_v the_o like_a among_o the_o prophet_n 18._o elias_n fall_v on_o the_o earth_n bow_v his_o face_n between_o his_o 42._o knee_n solomon_n stand_v before_o the_o altar_n with_o his_o hand_n 22._o spread_v forth_o towards_o heaven_n saint_n stephen_n kneel_v 36._o when_o he_o pray_v for_o his_o enemy_n saint_n peter_n when_o he_o raise_v doroas_n our_o saviour_n 30._o himself_o in_o his_o agony_n in_o the_o garden_n not_o only_o kneel_v but_o prostrate_v himself_o as_o have_v already_o be_v mention_v the_o act_n of_o outward_a adoration_n be_v of_o this_o diversity_n st._n augustine_n rule_n be_v that_o in_o private_a prayer_n for_o in_o public_a we_o be_v to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o command_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v rather_o than_o to_o the_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o our_o own_o will_n we_o be_v so_o to_o compose_v and_o order_v the_o outward_a man_n as_o may_v be_v of_o most_o advantage_n to_o the_o raise_n and_o continue_v of_o the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o these_o outward_a gesture_n prostration_n be_v the_o low_a act_n of_o bodily_a reverence_n that_o can_v be_v use_v when_o the_o supplicant_n cast_v himself_o upon_o the_o earth_n acknowledge_v by_o that_o act_n that_o he_o do_v but_o cast_v dust_n to_o dust_n that_o he_o be_v more_o vile_a than_o the_o least_o grain_n of_o that_o earth_n he_o lie_v upon_o and_o this_o posture_n best_o become_v we_o in_o time_n of_o great_a affliction_n and_o ever_o to_o be_v then_o low_a when_o our_o necessity_n be_v at_o the_o high_a but_o though_o this_o cast_n of_o the_o body_n upon_o the_o ground_n have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o many_o devout_a man_n especial_o of_o those_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n who_o after_o a_o more_o strict_a way_n worship_v god_n in_o desert_n and_o solitary_a place_n yet_o because_o they_o find_v by_o experience_n as_o cassian_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o posture_n long_o may_v incline_v to_o ease_v and_o provoke_v to_o drousiness_n they_o use_v it_o rather_o upon_o some_o short_a ejaculatory_a prayer_n than_o in_o their_o large_a and_o more_o continue_a devotion_n cast_v themselves_o often_o down_o with_o some_o short_a and_o vehement_a breathe_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o rise_v again_o so_o sudden_o that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v observe_v to_o have_v prostrate_v themselves_o in_o this_o manner_n a_o hundred_o time_n in_o the_o day_n and_o as_o often_o in_o the_o night_n but_o this_o we_o must_v leave_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o those_o who_o devotion_n be_v of_o a_o high_a strain_n than_o ordinary_a and_o which_o these_o latter_a time_n be_v hardly_o capable_a of_o but_o the_o more_o ordinary_a and_o more_o convenient_a for_o all_o person_n be_v genuflection_n though_o we_o may_v have_v some_o excuse_v not_o to_o cast_v our_o whole_a body_n down_o shall_v we_o not_o cast_v our_o knee_n down_o at_o least_o have_v god_n say_v that_o every_o knee_n 23._o shall_v bow_v to_o he_o and_o shall_v any_o of_o we_o think_v to_o be_v dispense_v with_o our_o saviour_n kneel_v who_o know_v no_o sin_n and_o be_v the_o posture_n too_o low_o for_o we_o that_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o sin_n whether_o elephant_n have_v no_o joint_n in_o their_o knee_n and_o therefore_o can_v bend_v they_o i_o will_v not_o inquire_v but_o sure_o the_o christian_n that_o have_v not_o this_o excuse_n be_v a_o strange_a creature_n to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o he_o become_v once_o so_o spare_v of_o his_o trouble_n or_o so_o over-familiar_a with_o his_o god_n as_o not_o to_o bend_v his_o knee_n in_o solemn_a prayer_n unto_o he_o but_o than_o you_o will_v say_v where_o be_v there_o command_v for_o this_o no_o gesture_n of_o the_o body_n can_v be_v other_o than_o a_o ceremony_n which_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o thing_n indifferent_a may_v either_o be_v use_v or_o lay_v aside_o but_o first_o though_o it_o be_v a_o ceremony_n every_o ceremony_n be_v not_o of_o that_o indifferency_n especial_o such_o which_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n dictate_v to_o all_o nation_n in_o all_o age_n to_o fall_v down_o and_o kneel_v in_o the_o veneration_n of_o their_o god_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a but_o then_o lest_o this_o inward_a principle_n shall_v apply_v and_o cast_v itself_o upon_o a_o wrong_a object_n god_n have_v express_o give_v his_o precept_n too_o for_o every_o knee_n say_v he_o shall_v bow_v to_o i_o and_o what_o term_n can_v there_o be_v of_o high_a command_n than_o these_o but_o yet_o because_o