his_o own_o holy_a will_n and_o that_o prayer_n for_o virtue_n be_v such_o make_v we_o firm_o hope_n out_o petition_n will_v be_v grant_v and_o a_o hope_n thus_o raise_v render_v our_o wish_n of_o it_o far_o more_o efficacious_a as_o we_o experience_n pass_v in_o our_o selus_fw-la in_o other_o matter_n when_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o get_v they_o and_o as_o it_o be_v just_a upon_o the_o point_n of_o attain_v they_o this_o hope_n also_o fix_v and_o comfort_v our_o thought_n in_o confidence_n of_o have_v already_o gain_v some_o and_o of_o attain_v yet_o more_o by_o which_o mean_n they_o be_v keep_v up_o and_o continue_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o what_o we_o ask_v for_o and_o relapse_n not_o into_o a_o stupid_a want_n of_o expectation_n 5_o while_o out_o mind_n be_v more_o raise_v by_o prayer_n to_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n our_o will_n be_v proportionable_o raise_v to_o a_o more_o fervent_a wish_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v already_o know_v to_o be_v the_o proper_a mean_n to_o attain_v he_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o one_o who_o know_v certain_o a_o treasure_n be_v hide_v in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o be_v he_o if_o he_o will_v go_v for_o it_o be_v very_o prompt_a to_o wish_v nay_o resolute_a to_o get_v and_o use_v mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o be_v when_o our_o thought_n be_v not_o make_v lively_a by_o prayer_n the_o thought_n of_o heaven_n be_v so_o distant_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v represent_v by_o fancy_n it_o seem_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o dry_a speculation_n and_o dull_a in_o comparison_n 6_o since_o as_o be_v say_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v such_o that_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n what_o ever_o be_v to_o have_v that_o very_a thing_n in_o our_o understanding_n and_o that_o prayer_n improve_n this_o knowledge_n to_o a_o liveliness_n or_o expresness_n it_o become_v active_a to_o obtain_v it_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o it_o become_v will_n it_o follow_v that_o by_o much_o and_o lively_a think_v and_o conceit_v the_o goodness_n of_o virtue_n we_o arrive_v to_o have_v it_o in_o our_o will_n i_o mean_v we_o have_v in_o our_o will_n a_o disposition_n to_o act_n according_a to_o right_a reason_n inform_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v indeed_o we_o have_v attain_v virtue_n this_o be_v its_o very_a nature_n and_o definition_n last_o since_o as_o be_v show_v before_o by_o prayer_n the_o soul_n be_v to_o some_o degree_n inferior_a indeed_o but_o yet_o true_o deify_v or_o make_v one_o with_o god_n that_o be_v with_o he_o who_o include_v eminent_o all_o virtue_n or_o rather_o be_v those_o very_a virtue_n essential_o it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o the_o soul_n addict_v to_o prayer_n especial_o when_o she_o pray_v know_o and_o thence_o raise_v herself_o to_o love_n must_v have_v all_o virtue_n in_o she_o nay_o be_v those_o very_a virtue_n according_a as_o her_o pitch_n of_o love_n of_o god_n advance_v she_o and_o her_o present_a state_n in_o this_o life_n will_v permit_v she_o §_o 10._o from_o this_o doctrine_n we_o may_v draw_v these_o consequence_n first_o that_o though_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o temporal_a good_n always_o with_o resignation_n and_o conditional_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o add_v either_o of_o these_o caution_n when_o we_o pray_v for_o virtue_n but_o we_o may_v wish_v it_o absolute_o without_o any_o measure_n or_o stint_v since_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v always_o of_o itself_o agreeable_a to_o god_n will_v and_o our_o own_o true_a good_a in_o ask_v or_o desire_v which_o god_n goodness_n have_v limit_v no_o man._n you_o will_v say_v then_o one_o may_v wish_v as_o high_a a_o pitch_n of_o virtue_n as_o the_o great_a saint_n have_v nay_o that_o of_o our_o bless_a lady_n herself_o it_o be_v answer_v since_o the_o mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o virtue_n as_o other_o be_v to_o wish_v it_o with_o as_o pure_a a_o intention_n and_o as_o fervent_o as_o they_o do_v none_o be_v to_o wish_v the_o end_n without_o the_o proper_a mean_n to_o it_o but_o to_o labour_v all_o they_o can_v to_o put_v the_o mean_n that_o be_v to_o gain_v a_o fervent_a desire_n of_o it_o from_o god_n by_o prayer_n qualify_v according_a to_o all_o the_o particular_n abovesaid_a as_o that_o of_o those_o saint_n be_v and_o then_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v absolute_o god_n will_n both_z as_o author_n of_o nature_n and_o super-naturals_a that_o effect_n shall_v spring_v out_o of_o proper_a cause_n and_o immediate_a disposition_n nay_o we_o know_v this_o with_o a_o great_a assurance_n than_o that_o any_o effect_n of_o nature_n will_v succeed_v for_o example_n fire_n burn_v or_o rain_v wet_a for_o it_o become_v god_n goodness_n sometime_o to_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n miraculous_o for_o high_a end_n even_o when_o natural_a disposition_n be_v ready_a and_o require_v to_o produce_v natural_a effect_n but_o it_o can_v never_o consist_v with_o his_o sweet_a goodness_n to_o hinder_v those_o from_o have_v virtue_n who_o be_v immediate_o dispose_v for_o it_o whether_o those_o that_o pray_v shall_v attain_v a_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o so_o high_a a_o virtue_n as_o those_o have_v be_v another_o question_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a god_n have_v lay_v no_o command_n upon_o any_o to_o deter_v he_o from_o do_v his_o best_a to_o attain_v it_o but_o have_v propose_v saint_n to_o our_o imitation_n absolute_o and_o not_o to_o a_o degree_n only_o for_o as_o the_o say_n be_v he_o that_o aim_v at_o the_o sun_n though_o he_o be_v sure_a he_o shall_v never_o his_o his_o mark_n yet_o he_o will_v shoot_v high_a than_o he_o that_o aim_v only_o at_o a_o bush._n but_o how_o high_a step_v every_o particular_a soul_n ought_v to_o take_v at_o once_o belong_v to_o supernatural_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n of_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a office_n of_o a_o wise_a ghostly-father_n to_o determine_v it_o and_o his_o only_a care_n must_v be_v to_o be_v sure_o the_o soul_n proceed_v still_o by_o immediate_a disposition_n for_o otherwise_o the_o take_v great_a leap_v at_o once_o in_o a_o spiritual_a progress_n general_o strain_v the_o connaturality_n of_o devotion_n and_o end_n in_o indevotion_n or_o sloth_n in_o a_o word_n let_v he_o that_o pray_v be_v only_o attentive_a to_o ask_v virtue_n of_o god_n with_o as_o much_o fervency_n as_o he_o will_v and_o then_o leave_v the_o effect_n to_o he_o who_o be_v a_o faithful_a promiser_n and_o a_o full_a rewarder_n 11._o second_o since_o this_o assurance_n be_v so_o great_a let_v he_o that_o pray_v ask_v his_o true_a and_o certain_a good_a virtue_n without_o any_o waver_a or_o doubt_v but_o with_o a_o absolute_a confidence_n in_o god_n goodness_n or_o mercy_n for_o can_v we_o be_v sure_a of_o any_o thing_n than_o that_o a_o miracle_n shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o effect_n if_o we_o put_v the_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o it_o by_o prayer_n and_o this_o security_n we_o have_v of_o attain_v virtue_n if_o we_o pray_v for_o it_o fervent_o and_o as_o we_o ought_v 12._o three_o the_o same_o certainty_n be_v of_o the_o effect_n if_o one_o pray_v for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o sin_n for_o prayer_n be_v a_o hearty_a wish_n of_o what_o we_o pray_v for_o make_v fervent_a by_o those_o advantage_n we_o have_v above_o enumerate_v it_o follow_v that_o it_o mould_v as_o it_o be_v and_o frame_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o absolute_a and_o resolute_a will_n of_o forsake_v sin_n and_o warm_v it_o with_o affection_n to_o her_o true_a good_n but_o great_a care_n must_v be_v have_v of_o pray_v god_n to_o pardon_v our_o sin_n while_o yet_o our_o will_n be_v tie_v fast_o to_o the_o sinful_a object_n for_o that_o be_v to_o require_v of_o he_o to_o do_v more_o than_o miracle_n love_n of_o god_n alone_o final_o or_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o their_o heart_n be_v the_o only_a remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o love_n of_o any_o creature_n otherwise_o than_o in_o order_n to_o that_o love_n be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o as_o impossible_a as_o it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n alone_o final_o and_o a_o creature_n above_o or_o not_o in_o order_n to_o he_o both_o at_o once_o which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o direct_a contradiction_n so_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o sin_n shall_v be_v pardon_v till_o the_o inordinate_a affection_n be_v take_v from_o the_o object_n of_o it_o 13._o but_o what_o shall_v those_o poor_a sinner_n do_v who_o have_v not_o a_o will_v to_o leave_v sin_n or_o at_o least_o but_o a_o divide_a will_n as_o be_v st._n augustin_n case_n before_o his_o conversion_n which_o he_o so_o complain_o descant_v upon_o in_o his_o confession_n i_o answer_v they_o must_v still_o take_v the_o same_o method_n that_o be_v
be_v mere_o by_o a_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o her_o own_o act_n or_o by_o the_o interposition_n of_o the_o understanding_n which_o clear_o see_v that_o such_o or_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v press_n and_o prevail_v upon_o the_o will_v to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o do_v they_o these_o way_n be_v both_o efficacious_a but_o the_o late_a the_o more_o natural_a and_o less_o changeable_a for_o the_o will_n according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o understanding_n and_o indeed_o in_o some_o sense_n can_v be_v lead_v otherwise_o there_o be_v some_o co-operation_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o that_o first_o act_n of_o the_o will_n the_o repetition_n of_o which_o afterward_o produce_v the_o habit._n for_o unless_o the_o action_n have_v first_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v do_v at_o all_o but_o if_o the_o understanding_n contribute_v but_o little_a it_o be_v more_o chance_n and_o luck_n than_o reason_n that_o the_o action_n hap_v to_o be_v good_a which_o be_v not_o connatural_a our_o nature_n require_v a_o rational_a proceed_n in_o all_o thing_n again_o it_o be_v also_o less_o last_v for_o as_o use_n produce_v disuse_n will_v lose_v it_o and_o shall_v the_o understanding_n as_o not_o be_v first_o settle_v itself_o it_o well_o may_v come_v to_o cross_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o will_n by_o contrary_a judgement_n or_o even_a doubt_n the_o will_n will_v waver_v and_o act_v faint_o first_o and_o after_o perhaps_o not_o at_o all_o but_o a_o will_n produce_v by_o the_o understanding_n clear_o see_v and_o conceit_v practical_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o out_o of_o that_o sight_n move_v and_o indeed_o become_v the_o will_n to_o do_v it_o can_v be_v change_v till_o the_o understanding_n change_n and_o if_o the_o understanding_n be_v determine_v by_o truth_n and_o that_o truth_n clear_o see_v the_o understanding_n can_v change_v because_o truth_n can_v never_o turn_v into_o not-truth_n i_o say_v clear_o see_v for_o passion_n dim_v or_o blind_v and_o so_o come_v in_o sin_n §_o 2._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o in_o one_o way_n the_o soul_n work_v upon_o the_o body_n in_o the_o other_o the_o body_n work_v upon_o the_o soul_n where_o the_o habit_n be_v produce_v by_o repeat_v act_n it_o be_v cause_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o body_n who_o spirit_n and_o organ_n be_v fit_v by_o constant_a use_n and_o ready_o concur_v to_o such_o action_n carry_v the_o soul_n along_o with_o they_o in_o the_o other_o way_n the_o action_n begin_v from_o the_o soul_n by_o who_o predominance_n over_o the_o body_n those_o spirit_n and_o organ_n be_v fit_v and_o concur_v with_o readiness_n and_o ease_n to_o her_o direction_n yet_o both_o arrive_v at_o the_o same_o end_v a_o fit_a disposition_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n §_o 3._o notwithstanding_o since_o effect_n must_v needs_o partake_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o cause_n though_o true_a devotion_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o both_o way_n yet_o this_o effect_n can_v but_o have_v consequence_n and_o operation_n as_o different_a as_o the_o cause_n be_v which_o produce_v it_o the_o devotion_n cause_v by_o knowledge_n be_v proper_a for_o more_o refine_a soul_n such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o and_o judge_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o guide_v their_o action_n by_o their_o judgement_n the_o other_o for_o temper_n less_o rational_a and_o who_o not_o able_a to_o go_v alone_o require_v to_o be_v lead_v the_o former_a can_v only_o be_v lose_v by_o a_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o cultivate_v those_o principle_n which_o cause_v it_o and_o which_o be_v not_o soon_o nor_o easy_o pluck_v up_o where_o once_o they_o have_v take_v deep_a root_n the_o other_o perish_v both_o soon_o and_o more_o easy_o by_o bare_a disuse_a of_o the_o material_a action_n by_o which_o it_o be_v produce_v and_o indeed_o they_o who_o have_v only_a custom_n from_o whence_o they_o can_v derive_v their_o devotion_n general_o run_v great_a hazard_n of_o a_o total_a decay_n in_o virtue_n upon_o any_o considerable_a neglect_n of_o their_o customary_a exercise_n §_o 4._o yet_o in_o some_o respect_n this_o material_a way_n be_v less_o subject_a to_o involuntary_a distraction_n in_o prayer_n than_o the_o other_o because_o this_o way_n of_o prayer_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n confused_z and_o a_o elevation_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o god_n in_o common_a as_o it_o be_v without_o distinct_a application_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o particular_a motive_n which_o shall_v advance_v she_o to_o new_a degree_n of_o fervency_n it_o cost_v she_o by_o consequence_n little_a labour_n and_o oblige_v she_o not_o out_o of_o weariness_n to_o divert_v to_o new_a object_n again_o this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n have_v little_a or_o no_o height_n of_o spirituality_n but_o be_v suitable_a to_o fancy_n find_v in_o the_o brain_n proper_a species_n agreeable_a to_o the_o thought_n he_o have_v who_o pray_v whereas_o the_o other_o strain_v after_o object_n pure_o spiritual_a of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o proper_a species_n have_v by_o consequence_n less_o ground_n in_o nature_n to_o fix_v the_o attention_n §_o 5._o in_o some_o respect_n too_o the_o spiritual_a way_n have_v the_o advantage_n in_o this_o point_n of_o distraction_n for_o the_o distinct_a consideration_n to_o which_o the_o soul_n apply_v herself_o be_v apt_a from_o their_o be_v distinct_a to_o fix_v the_o attention_n because_o they_o afford_v she_o a_o particular_a entertainment_n to_o which_o she_o may_v attend_v as_o for_o weariness_n when_o she_o find_v that_o prevail_v and_o render_v her_o unfit_a to_o continue_v her_o prayer_n long_o she_o leau_v it_o off_o for_o the_o present_a to_o resume_v it_o when_o she_o be_v better_a dispose_v and_o when_o some_o use_n have_v provide_v she_o of_o spirit_n fit_a for_o her_o purpose_n she_o will_v seldom_o have_v cause_n to_o break_v off_o for_o weariness_n but_o may_v pray_v with_o ease_n as_o long_o as_o be_v necessary_a or_o useful_a §_o 6._o hitherto_o we_o have_v discourse_v of_o these_o two_o kind_n of_o devotion_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n if_o we_o upon_o look_v they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o subject_a we_o shall_v find_v those_o of_o the_o material_a way_n general_o great_a valuer_n of_o external_n act_n they_o place_v all_o spiritual_a goodness_n in_o frequent_v they_o think_v they_o saint_n who_o be_v addict_v to_o long_a prayer_n and_o assiduous_o repair_v to_o church_n and_o sacrament_n proceed_v too_o often_o to_o censure_v those_o as_o little_o less_o than_o void_a of_o all_o goodness_n who_o they_o observe_v not_o to_o be_v still_o as_o their_o bead_n or_o the_o like_a and_o this_o proceed_v not_o from_o defect_n in_o devotion_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o seldom_o happen_v but_o where_o it_o be_v strong_a and_o much_o value_v but_o from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o person_n who_o have_v it_o and_o who_o be_v neither_o use_v nor_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n comprehend_v not_o how_o he_o can_v be_v devout_a who_o do_v not_o do_v those_o action_n continual_o which_o by_o experience_n he_o find_v useful_a and_o necessary_a to_o devotion_n in_o himself_o those_o of_o the_o other_o way_n place_v all_o their_o treasure_n in_o interior_a disposition_n and_o for_o outward_a action_n choose_v they_o by_o judgement_n and_o practice_n so_o many_o and_o such_o as_o they_o find_v useful_a to_o the_o inward_a affection_n they_o think_v person_n more_o or_o less_o saint_n as_o their_o soul_n possess_v more_o or_o less_o of_o those_o true_a spiritual_a riches_n and_o hence_o value_n and_o endeavour_v so_o to_o improve_v their_o mind_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o be_v the_o connatural_a mean_n to_o produce_v good_a affection_n which_o the_o other_o fancy_v not_o but_o rather_o condemn_v as_o a_o hindrance_n to_o devotion_n because_o they_o perceive_v no_o efficacy_n nor_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o themselves_o §_o 7._o the_o former_a place_v much_o of_o their_o devotion_n in_o performance_n of_o the_o external_n act_n as_o go_v often_o to_o confession_n communion_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o general_o altogether_o so_o solicitous_a of_o due_a preparation_n or_o at_o least_o aim_v not_o by_o their_o preparation_n to_o work_v their_o soul_n into_o a_o disposition_n fit_a to_o advance_v in_o true_a virtue_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o interior_n by_o a_o connatural_a efficacy_n of_o the_o action_n upon_o such_o a_o disposition_n but_o follow_v faith_n unexplicate_v by_o true_a theology_n expect_v the_o fruit_n from_o a_o supernatural_a operation_n of_o grace_n beyond_o their_o comprehension_n fix_v to_o and_o accompany_v the_o action_n the_o late_a apprehend_v the_o benefit_n to_o be_v expect_v from_o those_o action_n depend_v after_o a_o connatural_a way_n upon_o the_o disposition_n with_o which_o they_o
both_o and_o at_o once_o instruct_v and_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n and_o inflame_v the_o will._n i_o will_v therefore_o advise_v to_o choose_v such_o as_o contain_v solid_a christian_a doctrine_n and_o express_v it_o both_o rational_o and_o affective_o of_o this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n the_o number_n be_v not_o great_a few_o be_v fit_o qualify_v to_o compose_v they_o for_o there_o be_v requisite_a in_o the_o author_n both_o skill_n in_o true_a divinity_n to_o make_v the_o conformity_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o reason_n appear_v and_o ardent_a devotion_n he_o be_v very_o unlikely_a to_o warm_v another_o who_o be_v cold_a himself_o and_o beside_o a_o great_a mastery_n in_o language_n to_o choose_v expression_n clear_a and_o affective_a and_o both_o easy_a i_o recommend_v for_o this_o purpose_n the_o meditation_n of_o st._n augustin_n and_o the_o devotion_n of_o our_o learned_a pious_a and_o judicious_a countyman_n mr._n john_n austen_n in_o the_o way_n of_o office_n §_o 19_o the_o life_n of_o saint_n also_o be_v of_o great_a efficacy_n to_o stir_v up_o devotion_n by_o way_n of_o imitation_n and_o example_n but_o they_o will_v be_v well_o write_v that_o be_v with_o more_o care_n to_o relate_v their_o heroic_a virtue_n which_o make_v they_o saint_n and_o estimable_a and_o imitable_a by_o we_o then_o to_o huddle_n multitude_n of_o miraculous_a and_o if_o but_o flight_o attest_v incredible_a action_n which_o neither_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o sanctity_n nor_o be_v imitable_a they_o affect_v the_o vulgar_a indeed_o with_o admiration_n and_o esteem_n but_o work_v not_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o wise_a sort_n who_o only_o seek_v their_o own_o improvement_n and_o how_o they_o may_v come_v to_o virtue_n themselves_o of_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v no_o cause_n though_o they_o may_v be_v sign_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v due_o attest_v and_o accompany_v with_o the_o saint_n virtuous_a life_n they_o become_v a_o kind_n of_o testimony_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n particular_a favour_n to_o those_o who_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o his_o service_n and_o a_o encouragement_n for_o other_o to_o serve_v so_o good_a a_o master_n who_o thus_o honour_v those_o that_o honour_n he_o but_o as_o i_o say_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o attest_v lest_o the_o credulity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a embrace_v so_o many_o uncertain_a story_n for_o assure_a truth_n and_o the_o easiness_n of_o some_o pastor_n in_o permit_v they_o without_o distinction_n to_o be_v print_v do_v not_o as_o much_o or_o more_o harm_n to_o those_o without_o the_o church_n as_o good_a to_o those_o within_o she_o the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o choose_v such_o life_n as_o be_v write_v by_o author_n who_o be_v also_o saint_n themselves_o and_o withal_o learned_a and_o prudent_a and_o so_o less_o apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o false_a relation_n or_o bias_v by_o interest_n or_o affection_n such_o as_o be_v the_o life_n of_o st._n francis_n by_o st._n bonaventure_n of_o st._n hilarion_n and_o st._n paul_n the_o hermit_n by_o st._n hierom_n of_o st._n anthony_n the_o great_a by_o st._n athanasius_n and_o the_o like_a chap._n ii_o of_o the_o chief_a act_n of_o devotion_n prayer_n sect_n i._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n and_o its_o excellency_n as_o it_o include_v in_o itself_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n the_o first_o or_o principal_a act_n of_o devotion_n be_v prayer_n it_o seem_v proper_a that_o in_o a_o treatise_n of_o devotion_n i_o shall_v say_v something_o more_o particular_o of_o its_o nature_n and_o excellency_n than_o i_o have_v do_v hitherto_o and_o thence_o enkindle_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o my_o reader_n a_o great_a desire_n to_o frequent_v it_o all_o which_o i_o can_v do_v without_o hint_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o best_a manner_n how_o to_o perform_v it_o though_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o so_o short_a a_o discourse_n as_o i_o intend_v i_o shall_v much_o enlarge_v myself_o or_o descend_v to_o every_o particular_a manner_n of_o it_o §_o 2._o prayer_n then_o as_o be_v say_v be_v define_v a_o elevation_n or_o raise_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o god_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o action_n and_o every_o action_n as_o philosophy_n tell_v we_o have_v two_o term_n or_o end_n the_o one_o that_o from_o which_o the_o action_n go_v the_o other_o that_o to_o which_o it_o tend_v as_o for_o example_n the_o action_n of_o heat_n go_v from_o coldness_n and_o tend_v to_o heat_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o benefit_n of_o prayer_n must_v be_v rate_v from_o both_o these_o it_o raise_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o it_o lift_v we_o from_o earth_n its_o opposite_a or_o antarctic_a that_o be_v it_o set_v we_o above_o that_o from_o whence_o our_o misery_n spring_v and_o approach_v we_o to_o that_o where_o all_o our_o happiness_n be_v treasure_v up_o §_o 3._o some_o ancient_a heathen_n such_o as_o diogenes_n seem_v to_o have_v attain_v the_o former_a without_o the_o help_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o be_v great_a contemner_n of_o the_o world_n but_o alas_o they_o do_v but_o seem_v so_o for_o all_o their_o mock-holy-day_n pretence_n for_o have_v they_o be_v indeed_o and_o true_o raise_v above_o earth_n they_o must_v of_o force_n have_v be_v raise_v towards_o heaven_n that_o be_v they_o must_v have_v be_v addict_v to_o address_v themselves_o by_o prayer_n to_o the_o true_a god_n of_o which_o kind_n of_o devotion_n their_o earth-clogged_a mind_n be_v utter_o ignorant_a they_o be_v not_o then_o raise_v above_o their_o affection_n to_o earth_n but_o their_o whole_a pursuit_n be_v still_o the_o world_n though_o under_o a_o different_a consideration_n they_o be_v above_o it_o as_o it_o be_v able_a to_o give_v they_o riches_n and_o honourable_a title_n but_o still_o deep_o plunge_v in_o it_o as_o it_o give_v they_o esteem_n nay_o far_o more_o deep_o even_o for_o this_o regard_n that_o for_o this_o esteem'_v sake_n they_o contemn_v the_o other_o for_o they_o think_v it_o more_o honourable_a to_o seem_v to_o contemn_v riches_n and_o dignity_n then_o to_o seek_v they_o and_o therefore_o aim_v at_o a_o great_a worldly_a honour_n by_o refuse_v that_o which_o in_o their_o apprehension_n be_v a_o less_o so_o that_o the_o progress_n of_o their_o vain_a and_o proud_a soul_n be_v not_o a_o advance_v from_o earthliness_n to_o heavenliness_n but_o a_o foolish_a leave_v earthly_a riches_n and_o dignity_n to_o acquire_v a_o airy_a and_o perhaps_o a_o more_o empty_a earthly_a esteem_n and_o admiration_n nay_o they_o contemn_v the_o other_o comparative_o only_a that_o be_v will_v have_v love_v it_o and_o perhaps_o hearty_o too_o but_o that_o they_o dote_v more_o upon_o this_o as_o the_o forename_a cynic_n trample_v on_o plato_n pride_n as_o he_o call_v his_o gay_a clothes_n with_o a_o great_a pride_n perhaps_o than_o plato_n wear_v they_o of_o which_o kind_n of_o contemner_n of_o the_o world_n we_o have_v too_o many_o example_n in_o england_n among_o our_o deep_a fanatic_n with_o this_o difference_n that_o their_o pride_n be_v more_o spiritual_a that_o be_v worse_a nay_o being_n a_o corruption_n of_o right_a christianity_n the_o worst_a of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v §_o 4._o prayer_n then_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o elevate_v the_o mind_n from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n or_o rather_o this_o very_a elevation_n itself_o and_o the_o best_a or_o ready_a way_n to_o effect_v this_o or_o raise_v ourselves_o upward_o be_v fly_v it_o follow_v that_o if_o we_o pursue_v the_o metaphor_n we_o must_v say_v the_o soul_n have_v wing_n by_o which_o she_o be_v enable_v to_o take_v this_o flight_n that_o be_v her_o thought_n and_o affection_n which_o how_o swift_a they_o be_v and_o how_o far_o they_o reach_v at_o one_o view_n and_o effort_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o little_a reflection_n will_v teach_v we_o moreover_o she_o must_v move_v and_o stir_v these_o wing_n that_o be_v meditate_v and_o consider_v whence_o we_o experience_n that_o those_o who_o be_v give_v to_o run_v over_o their_o private_a prayer_n without_o consider_v what_o they_o say_v be_v sluggish_o indeed_o move_v towards_o heaven_n for_o they_o can_v but_o think_v of_o it_o at_o time_n slight_o and_o still_o intend_v well_o but_o they_o seldom_o advance_v by_o it_o to_o any_o high_a pitch_n they_o climb_v a_o little_a upward_a by_o the_o help_n of_o character_n and_o sound_n and_o the_o lame_a activity_n of_o fancy_n lift_v they_o into_o the_o air_n where_o they_o see_v after_o a_o duskish_a manner_n far_o distant_a glance_n of_o heaven_n but_o scarce_o one_o constant_a ray_n of_o true_a light_n dawn_v to_o allure_v and_o affect_v they_o strong_o last_o there_o must_v be_v a_o calm_a and_o clear_a medium_n to_o fly_v through_o such_o as_o be_v our_o air_n in_o material_a flight_n not_o disturb_v with_o ruffle_a passion_n or_o clog_v with_o cloud_n of_o sorrow_n and_o worldly_a
strive_v by_o continual_a prayer_n make_v after_o that_o weak_a manner_n at_o least_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o improve_v those_o imperfect_a will_n into_o perfect_a one_o and_o groan_v under_o the_o slavery_n they_o now_o full_o experience_n at_o once_o sigh_n and_o tremble_v before_o their_o just_o offend_a god_n which_o kind_n of_o exercise_n in_o this_o case_n be_v more_o profitable_a and_o proper_a for_o they_o to_o use_v than_o love_n of_o god_n of_o which_o their_o heart_n yet_o full_a of_o filth_n be_v at_o present_a uncapable_a yet_o their_o utmost_a industry_n must_v be_v employ_v by_o faith_n and_o some_o degree_n of_o hope_n which_o be_v here_o the_o only_a actor_n to_o promote_v and_o advance_v these_o good_a motion_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n not_o yet_o within_o they_o but_o only_o move_v they_o to_o towards_o that_o grace_n by_o which_o the_o same_o holy-ghost_n enter_v into_o their_o heart_n and_o inhabit_v there_o the_o hard_a struggle_n be_v at_o first_o till_o the_o scale_n begin_v to_o turn_v which_o do_v all_o be_v easy_a to_o we_o if_o we_o pursue_v our_o victory_n but_o for_o those_o who_o be_v in_o this_o state_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o mortification_n go_v along_o with_o prayer_n to_o wean_v deter_v and_o divert_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o noxious_a gust_n she_o take_v in_o sinful_a object_n 14._o last_o we_o may_v hence_o admire_v the_o wise_a method_n and_o matchless_a bounty_n of_o our_o good_a god_n in_o allure_a we_o by_o so_o many_o motive_n to_o apply_v to_o he_o by_o prayer_n that_o so_o we_o may_v arrive_v at_o true_a happiness_n and_o give_v we_o by_o the_o very_a ask_n that_o be_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o ask_v all_o that_o be_v our_o certain_a and_o true_a good_a or_o all_o we_o can_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n hearty_o beg_v of_o he_o you_o will_v say_v it_o will_v follow_v hence_o that_o if_o one_o immediate_o ask_v heaven_n he_o shall_v have_v it_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v the_o same_o manner_n of_o fond_a petition_n but_o far_o more_o high_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o ask_v the_o virtue_n of_o our_o lady_n or_o the_o apostle_n without_o think_v of_o put_v first_o the_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o have_v it_o which_o be_v to_o press_v god_n to_o do_v a_o miracle_n for_o our_o sake_n a_o thing_n true_a humility_n &_o reverence_n the_o requisite_n to_o a_o right_o make_v prayer_n will_v scarce_o allow_v and_o so_o still_o our_o general_a principle_n remain_v firm_a to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v what_o we_o pray_v for_o when_o we_o ask_v for_o our_o true_a good_a so_o we_o ask_v as_o we_o ought_v now_o the_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o heaven_n be_v love_n of_o god_n if_o we_o pray_v for_o the_o mean_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a both_o to_o obtain_v this_o and_o heaven_n too_o which_o be_v our_o end_n by_o it_o which_o secure_v to_o we_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o prayer_n or_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o our_o wish_n though_o it_o come_v not_o to_o we_o after_o our_o own_o foolish_a manner_n but_o according_a to_o the_o method_n our_o infinite_o wise_a god_n have_v appoint_v that_o be_v that_o all_o thing_n even_o in_o super-naturals_a except_o in_o some_o few_o case_n be_v carry_v forward_o from_o connatural_a cause_n or_o disposition_n to_o proper_a effect_n which_o consequence_n of_o the_o effect_n out_o of_o their_o proper_a cause_n be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n merit_n so_o misrepresent_v by_o our_o adversary_n only_o superad_v that_o god_n have_v promise_v this_o certain_a effect_n shall_v follow_v and_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a work_n out_o of_o that_o consideration_n or_o out_o of_o a_o reliance_n on_o god_n promise_n without_o know_v perhaps_o how_o this_o promise_n be_v bring_v about_o or_o perform_v to_o we_o which_o yet_o when_o know_v by_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_v it_o must_v needs_o add_v a_o strange_a degree_n of_o comfort_n and_o a_o exceed_a courage_n to_o employ_v themselves_o in_o prayer_n whence_o may_v be_v easy_o collect_v that_o i_o only_o concern_v myself_o with_o that_o kind_n of_o impetrative_a virtue_n by_o which_o right_o make_v prayer_n obtain_v certain_o of_o god_n our_o true_a spiritual_a good_a that_o by_o show_v the_o connatural_a efficacy_n of_o it_o and_o with_o how_o necessary_a a_o consequence_n the_o attainment_n of_o virtue_n spring_v from_o it_o i_o may_v excite_v my_o reader_n to_o pursue_v that_o best_a duty_n and_o withal_o by_o the_o way_n instruct_v they_o how_o to_o perform_v it_o what_o other_o virtue_n prayer_n have_v of_o obtain_v many_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o ourselves_o and_o our_o neighbour_n by_o oblige_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n in_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n so_o to_o contrive_v and_o order_v thing_n that_o not_o one_o prayer_n of_o the_o just_a be_v leave_v unavailable_a as_o far_o as_o can_v possible_o consist_v with_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o universe_n nay_o even_o so_o far_o as_o if_o the_o prayer_n be_v make_v with_o a_o perfect_a faith_n confidence_n and_o firm_a reliance_n upon_o he_o to_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n by_o miracle_n for_o such_o a_o prayer_n sake_n of_o these_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n to_o treat_v at_o present_a it_o be_v out_o of_o my_o road_n as_o depend_v on_o principle_n which_o lie_v very_o remote_a from_o my_o present_a design_n as_o be_v say_v former_o in_o a_o like_a case_n concern_v prayer_n to_o saint_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o section_n i_o shall_v end_v this_o discourse_n with_o those_o most_o expressive_a word_n of_o st._n james_n if_o any_o one_o want_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o abundant_o and_o without_o grudge_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o but_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o doubt_v for_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n which_o be_v move_v and_o toss_v about_o by_o the_o wind._n let_v not_o then_o such_o a_o man_n think_v that_o he_o shall_v obtain_v any_o thing_n of_o our_o lord_n where_o we_o be_v to_o note_v first_o that_o by_o wisdom_n be_v not_o mean_v speculative_a knowledge_n but_o that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v our_o certain_a and_o true_a spiritual_a good_a and_o of_o which_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v the_o beginning_n as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v its_o accomplishment_n or_o perfection_n next_o he_o assure_v we_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o that_o without_o grudge_v or_o upbraid_v any_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v enough_o already_o but_o abundant_o without_o stint_n so_o they_o dispose_v themselves_o by_o prayer_n to_o receive_v it_o three_o he_o put_v the_o disposition_n to_o receive_v it_o to_o be_v a_o firm_a hope_n faith_n or_o confidence_n in_o god_n overflow_a goodness_n which_o be_v strengthen_v by_o know_v that_o what_o we_o ask_v be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o holy_a will._n last_o he_o declare_v that_o the_o want_n of_o this_o confidence_n in_o ask_v render_v our_o whole_a prayer_n ineffectual_a for_o the_o wish_n can_v be_v strong_a and_o efficacious_a to_o work_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o hearty_a and_o habitual_a love_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v hold_v beforehand_o as_o it_o ought_v that_o it_o can_v be_v have_v without_o god_n give_v it_o and_o the_o asker_n think_v that_o let_v he_o ask_v virtue_n how_o he_o will_v it_o be_v yet_o a_o obscure_a kind_n of_o mystery_n lie_v in_o god_n breast_n and_o depend_v on_o his_o mere_a will_n whether_o he_o will_v please_v to_o give_v he_o any_o virtue_n or_o no_o and_o that_o let_v he_o pray_v for_o it_o how_o he_o will_v there_o be_v yet_o no_o determinate_a or_o certain_a cause_n lay_v in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o supernatural_a providence_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o thence_o come_v to_o doubt_v whether_o he_o shall_v ever_o obtain_v any_o virtue_n or_o none_o at_o all_o which_o be_v very_o uncomfortable_a whereas_o be_v it_o know_v and_o well_o penetrate_v that_o god_n will_n be_v already_o as_o to_o that_o point_n determine_v by_o his_o wisdom_n govern_v and_o promote_a soul_n by_o prayer_n to_o virtue_n and_o by_o virtue_n to_o heaven_n as_o by_o proper_a disposition_n to_o those_o effect_n according_a to_o that_o say_v of_o the_o psalmist_n they_o shall_v rise_v from_o virtue_n to_o virtue_n till_o they_o see_v the_o god_n of_o god_n in_o zion_n also_o be_v it_o know_v and_o consider_v that_o a_o unwavering_a and_o thence_o efficacious_a prayer_n or_o wish_n strengthen_v by_o direct_v it_o to_o god_n be_v the_o proper_a disposition_n or_o mean_n effectual_o and_o necessary_o as_o we_o may_v say_v to_o gain_v virtue_n it_o will_v become_v impossible_a to_o want_v courage_n to_o ask_v it_o hearty_o and_o absolute_o impossible_a to_o waver_v or_o want_v assuredness_n in_o our_o ask_n it_o impossible_a our_o wish_n of_o it_o shall_v not_o become_v a_o efficacious_a mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o last_o impossible_a we_o shall_v not_o obtain_v what_o we_o ask_v soli_fw-la deo_fw-la gloria_fw-la finis_fw-la
be_v be_v full_a as_o much_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n accept_v it_o as_o such_o because_o he_o see_v her_o hearty_a good_a intention_n be_v such_o that_o can_v she_o have_v do_v it_o she_o will_v have_v give_v more_o than_o they_o all_o do_v §_o 3._o this_o be_v once_o settle_v it_o be_v easy_o see_v that_o prayer_n exercise_v as_o it_o ought_v be_v in_o true_a theology_n a_o keep_n at_o once_o all_o the_o commandment_n and_o consequent_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o church_n too_o which_o be_v all_o involve_a in_o the_o four_o for_o who_o see_v not_o that_o the_o first_o commandment_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o injunction_n to_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n as_o this_o last_o signify_v love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n as_o also_o to_o sovereign_a honour_n and_o profound_a reverence_n as_o they_o be_v peculiar_o due_a to_o god_n likewise_o that_o the_o second_o be_v but_o a_o extension_n of_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o himself_o to_o his_o name_n or_o a_o conformity_n in_o word_n and_o conversation_n to_o the_o esteem_v we_o ought_v to_o bear_v he_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o three_o a_o determination_n of_o a_o circumstance_n of_o prayer_n to_o which_o he_o that_o be_v give_v to_o prayer_n must_v needs_o be_v easy_o conformable_a and_o what_o care_v he_o who_o be_v exercise_v actual_o the_o virtue_n we_o show_v before_o be_v all_o find_v in_o right_o make_v prayer_n and_o especial_o love_n of_o heaven_n above_o all_o thing_n what_o care_v he_o i_o say_v for_o pretend_v to_o worldly_a power_n great_a than_o other_o for_o resent_v injury_n or_o for_o gain_v worldly_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n in_o which_o consist_v all_o those_o of_o the_o second_o table_n whereas_o if_o he_o be_v in_o prayer_n that_o be_v if_o his_o mind_n be_v elevate_v to_o god_n and_o this_o frequent_o and_o fervent_o he_o must_v needs_o despise_v in_o his_o heart_n nay_o be_v habituate_v to_o despise_v all_o these_o sublunary_a trifle_n in_o his_o heart_n i_o say_v or_o superior_a part_n of_o his_o soul_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o recur_v to_o his_o principle_n which_o dwell_v and_o govern_v there_o however_o the_o inferior_a which_o feel_v some_o trouble_n will_v have_v some_o natural_a grudge_n and_o repine_n but_o these_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o god_n commandment_n but_o rather_o a_o advantage_n to_o virtue_n or_o a_o occasion_n of_o merit_n so_o the_o superior_a part_n by_o strength_n of_o christian_a principle_n and_o supernatural_a consideration_n or_o motive_n keep_v they_o from_o grow_v moral_a one_o that_o be_v keep_v those_o natural_a consideration_n from_o settle_v into_o intention_n which_o be_v the_o true_a touchstone_n how_o far_o these_o or_o such_o motion_n belong_v to_o nature_n and_o how_o far_o they_o relate_v to_o morality_n §_o 4._o but_o you_o will_v say_v we_o do_v not_o experience_n while_o we_o pray_v that_o we_o practise_v distinct_o any_o one_o of_o these_o virtue_n now_o speak_v of_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o any_o of_o those_o commandment_n nay_o many_o of_o they_o seem_v most_o exceed_o remote_a from_o our_o thought_n when_o we_o be_v in_o prayer_n and_o a_o quite_o different_a kind_n of_o object_n it_o be_v answer_v there_o be_v two_o way_n by_o which_o divers_a thing_n may_v be_v include_v in_o another_o the_o one_o be_v call_v formal_o or_o be_v formal_o there_o so_o that_o every_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n retain_v its_o own_o form_n and_o nature_n as_o wood_n and_o stone_n be_v include_v in_o the_o fabric_n of_o a_o house_n ink_n and_o paper_n be_v include_v in_o writing_n where_o each_o preserve_v its_o own_o nature_n distinct_a from_o the_o other_o notwithstanding_o their_o concurrence_n in_o a_o common_a subject_n the_o other_o be_v call_v eminential_a which_o happen_v when_o all_o be_v there_o indeed_o not_o single_o as_o in_o themselves_o or_o as_o remain_v yet_o in_o their_o own_o different_a nature_n but_o as_o contain_v in_o some_o three_o or_o common_a excellency_n which_o have_v in_o it_o the_o virtue_n of_o all_o and_o yet_o be_v single_o no_o one_o thus_o the_o sunbeam_n include_v light_a and_o heat_n thus_o reason_n include_v in_o itself_o though_o in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n to_o prayer_n all_o imaginable_a act_n of_o virtue_n thus_o the_o force_n of_o each_o body_n in_o nature_n be_v include_v as_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o centre_n in_o the_o indivisible_a be_v and_o operativeness_n of_o a_o spirit_n thus_o last_o all_o perfection_n and_o virtue_n be_v comprise_v in_o the_o most_o simple_a and_o most_o uncompounded_a essence_n of_o the_o divinity_n in_o which_o justice_n mercy_n power_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o find_v in_o their_o several_a distinct_a nature_n single_v out_o a_o part_n but_o in_o one_o most_o perfect_a formality_n call_v god_n essence_n who_o incomparable_a excellency_n comprehend_v eminent_o both_o all_o these_o and_o infinite_a other_o which_o our_o low_a pitch_n of_o knowledge_n can_v reach_v or_o even_o think_v of_o without_o diffect_v it_o piecemeal_n as_o it_o be_v by_o our_o understanding_n and_o consider_v each_o little_a morsel_n a_o part_n §_o 5._o now_o this_o manner_n of_o contain_v other_o be_v by_o far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o former_a and_o it_o be_v thus_o that_o prayer_n comprehend_v all_o virtue_n and_o the_o several_a distinct_a act_n of_o fulfil_n each_o of_o the_o commandment_n §_o 6._o for_o prayer_n be_v a_o elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o this_o not_o after_o a_o mere_a speculative_a way_n as_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o aristotle_n will_v think_v and_o discourse_v dry_o of_o the_o first_o be_v without_o any_o far_o concern_v than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o curiosity_n beyond_o the_o ordinary_a reach_n but_o after_o a_o affective_a way_n endeavour_v and_o aim_v by_o the_o affection_n which_o be_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o by_o such_o thought_n as_o we_o be_v already_o possess_v of_o to_o raise_v ourselves_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o by_o it_o of_o union_n with_o our_o dear_a god_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o prayer_n be_v in_o its_o best_a and_o most_o essential_a part_n a_o actual_a exercise_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n build_v up_o in_o we_o on_o the_o best_a foundation_n and_o principle_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v imagine_v viz._n on_o those_o motive_n which_o faith_n propose_v and_o actual_o raise_v by_o the_o best_a and_o most_o immediate_a disposition_n imaginable_a viz_o hope_n daily_a experience_n tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o move_v we_o so_o effectual_o to_o pursue_v any_o thing_n which_o we_o conceit_n to_o be_v a_o eminent_a good_a as_o the_o hope_n we_o have_v to_o arrive_v at_o it_o as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o let_v the_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o excellent_a and_o allure_a a_o object_n in_o itself_o unless_o we_o have_v hope_v it_o will_v or_o at_o least_o may_v be_v attain_v by_o we_o we_o may_v perhaps_o gaze_v at_o it_o in_o our_o thought_n as_o a_o fine_a thing_n but_o never_o desire_v it_o or_o work_v for_o it_o that_o be_v never_o effectual_o love_v it_o §_o 7._o prayer_n then_o be_v the_o best_a exercise_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o this_o love_n include_v in_o itself_o eminential_o all_o virtue_n and_o be_v as_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o the_o fulfil_n of_o all_o the_o commandment_n it_o follow_v first_o that_o prayer_n be_v such_o likewise_o as_o including_z in_o itself_o that_o sovereign_a quality_n actual_o and_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n exercise_v which_o comprehend_v eminential_o all_o the_o rest_n it_o follow_v next_o that_o this_o manner_n of_o include_v they_o eminent_o be_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o instance_n we_o bring_v before_o of_o god_n essence_n include_v all_o perfection_n by_o far_o more_o sublime_a than_o the_o other_o prayer_n be_v even_o in_o this_o regard_n of_o a_o most_o incomparable_a excellency_n and_o the_o best_a manner_n imaginable_a of_o keep_v the_o commandment_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o action_n shall_v be_v which_o be_v of_o it_o be_v own_o nature_n a_o approach_n to_o the_o divinity_n sect_n iii_o a_o three_o excellency_n of_o prayer_n in_o unite_n we_o to_o god_n intellectual_o but_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o take_v so_o near_o a_o view_n of_o prayer_n as_o we_o may_v much_o of_o our_o former_a discourse_n especial_o at_o the_o beginning_n run_v upon_o the_o metaphor_n as_o our_o low_a dull_a pitch_n of_o knowledge_n oftentimes_o oblige_v we_o when_o the_o thing_n we_o intend_v to_o explicate_v be_v very_o spiritual_a and_o very_a sublime_a we_o now_o come_v to_o close_a discovery_n of_o its_o nature_n by_o look_v with_o a_o literal_a consideration_n into_o its_o proper_a effect_n which_o immediate_o and_o necessary_o spring_v from_o it_o §_o 2._o that_o
great_a man_n aristotle_n who_o st._n thomas_n of_o aquin_n follow_v both_o in_o this_o and_o most_o other_o point_n of_o his_o doctrine_n as_o fit_a by_o reason_n of_o their_o truth_n to_o explicate_v christian_a faith_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o know_v any_o thing_n have_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n know_v in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o as_o know_v it_o become_v that_o very_a thing_n intellectual_o to_o comfort_v our_o assent_n to_o so_o strange_a a_o point_n which_o look_v at_o first_o sight_n like_o a_o kind_n of_o mystery_n of_o faith_n we_o may_v reflect_v that_o when_o we_o discourse_v or_o think_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o thing_n let_v it_o be_v fire_n a_o stone_n or_o what_o other_o thing_n you_o will_v this_o discourse_n or_o thought_n pass_v whole_o within_o our_o mind_n and_o when_o it_o be_v do_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o remain_v there_o and_o not_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o we_o as_o it_o do_v in_o other_o kind_n of_o action_n as_o write_v cut_v or_o such_o like_a which_o leave_v their_o impression_n out_o of_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o thing_n we_o work_v on_o wherefore_o also_o the_o object_n on_o which_o that_o inward_a thought_n or_o discourse_n work_n must_v as_o necessary_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n too_o as_o object_n of_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o action_n fire_n for_o example_n or_o a_o stone_n exist_v out_o of_o we_o when_o we_o work_v upon_o they_o that_o be_v when_o we_o blow_v the_o fire_n or_o hew_v the_o stone_n but_o this_o object_n of_o our_o discourse_n or_o thought_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v discourse_v about_o and_o not_o about_o some_o lame_a resemblance_n of_o it_o wherefore_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o our_o soul_n or_o exist_v there_o though_o after_o a_o different_a manner_n than_o it_o do_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n §_o 3._o then_o to_o clear_v how_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v that_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n can_v have_v two_o different_a manner_n of_o be_v we_o may_v reflect_v how_o the_o frame_n of_o a_o house_n or_o a_o new_a invent_a figure_n or_o draught_n be_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o artificer_n while_o yet_o it_o have_v no_o be_v out_o of_o it_o or_o how_o the_o essence_n or_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n when_o as_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o or_o according_a to_o their_o own_o manner_n of_o be_v if_o then_o as_o it_o be_v now_o make_v evident_a the_o soul_n can_v have_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n in_o its_o knowledge_n it_o can_v be_v those_o thing_n intellectual_o since_o what_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o it_o be_v as_o it_o have_v that_o nature_n in_o it_o that_o very_a thing_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v that_o very_a thing_n but_o only_o to_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o thing_n in_o it_o the_o soul_n then_o as_o know_v any_o thing_n become_v that_o very_a thing_n intellectual_o which_o it_o know_v §_o 4._o to_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n as_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n see_v intellectual_o god_n very_a essence_n have_v the_o divine_a nature_n in_o their_o know_a power_n and_o so_o be_v god_n by_o participation_n and_o intellectual_o which_o be_v the_o utmost_a pitch_n imaginable_a that_o a_o creature_n can_v possible_o arrive_v to_o simile_n ei_fw-la erimus_fw-la ses_fw-fr st._n john_n quoniam_fw-la videbimus_fw-la eum_fw-la sicuti_fw-la est_fw-la so_o those_o who_o see_v god_n and_o think_v on_o he_o as_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o faith_n be_v according_a to_o the_o inferior_a pitch_n of_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o god_n in_o this_o state_n to_o some_o degree_n deify_v too_o and_o though_o these_o imperfect_a resemblance_n of_o god_n which_o we_o borrow_v from_o creature_n do_v not_o reach_v the_o divine_a nature_n in_o itself_o yet_o in_o case_n those_o who_o pray_v be_v instruct_v as_o they_o ought_v that_o though_o the_o object_n of_o their_o conception_n do_v not_o proper_o correspond_v to_o god_n yet_o since_o the_o notion_n their_o judgement_n accept_v to_o stand_v for_o he_o be_v not_o compatible_a to_o any_o create_a nature_n they_o true_o have_v god_n in_o their_o thought_n though_o after_o a_o imperfect_a manner_n and_o so_o be_v he_o intellectual_o prayer_n then_o be_v the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o think_v of_o god_n or_o have_v he_o as_o hold_v out_o to_o we_o by_o faith_n in_o we_o intellectual_o that_o be_v of_o be_v he_o in_o some_o manner_n for_o the_o conception_n faith_n give_v of_o god_n though_o imperfect_a one_o yet_o be_v true_a one_o and_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o he_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v true_o he_o in_o some_o sort_n when_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n we_o attend_v to_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o or_o address_v to_o he_o and_o thus_o much_o be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n that_o have_v faith_n and_o be_v there_o no_o more_o but_o thus_o much_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o ground_v this_o exhortation_n of_o st._n leo._n agnosce_fw-la o_o christiane_n dignitatem_fw-la tuam_fw-la et_fw-la divinae_fw-la consors_fw-la factus_fw-la naturae_fw-la noli_fw-la in_o veterem_fw-la vilitatem_fw-la degeneri_fw-la conversatione_fw-la redire_fw-la acknowledge_v o_o christian_n thy_o own_o dignity_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n do_v not_o debase_v thyself_o by_o degenerate_a carriage_n into_o thy_o former_a vileness_n but_o prayer_n add_v a_o incomparable_a advance_v to_o the_o common_a advantage_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o prove_v that_o we_o partake_v the_o divine_a nature_n by_o think_v on_o it_o or_o conceive_v it_o conclude_v also_o that_o the_o more_o perfect_a our_o conception_n of_o god_n be_v the_o more_o perfect_o we_o become_v he_o &_o approach_v to_o glory_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o some_o pure_a and_o elevate_v soul_n by_o cultivate_a faith_n through_o continual_a prayer_n come_v to_o gain_v so_o sublime_a a_o idea_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o they_o fall_v into_o transport_v of_o admiration_n and_o when_o they_o return_v to_o their_o customary_a way_n of_o think_v the_o memory_n of_o it_o be_v so_o precious_a to_o they_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o that_o ravish_a state_n as_o on_o a_o kind_n of_o glory_n or_o heaven_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v so_o happy_a that_o they_o can_v wish_v no_o more_o now_o it_o be_v only_a prayer_n that_o give_v the_o soul_n this_o high_a advantage_n for_o by_o often_o apply_v the_o mind_n to_o god_n we_o discover_v more_o of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n which_o gain_v to_o the_o soul_n a_o pure_a and_o noble_a manner_n of_o understanding_n how_o and_o what_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o other_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n as_o it_o be_v render_v by_o the_o septuagint_n c._n 7._o v._n 9_o nisi_fw-la credideritis_fw-la non_fw-la intelligetis_fw-la unless_o you_o will_v believe_v you_o will_v never_o understand_v so_o that_o mere_a belief_n must_v go_v before_o to_o give_v we_o knowledge_n of_o the_o object_n and_o then_o from_o a_o firm_a belief_n cultivate_v as_o it_o ought_v follow_v a_o more_o penetrative_a knowledge_n call_v a_o lively_a faith_n to_o which_o we_o be_v wrought_v up_o by_o prayer_n which_o be_v a_o studious_a addiction_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o those_o object_n that_o depure_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n from_o all_o dross_n of_o imperfection_n and_o render_v it_o far_o more_o chrystallin_n empyreal_n and_o ravish_o glorious_a sect_n iv._o a_o four_o excellency_n of_o prayer_n in_o unite_n we_o to_o god_n affective_o from_o this_o more_o penetrative_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n immediate_o and_o necessary_o follow_v that_o disposition_n of_o the_o will_v call_v divine_a love_n or_o rather_o indeed_o love_n of_o god_n or_o creature_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o knowledge_n of_o their_o goodness_n render_v express_v in_o our_o thought_n either_o imprint_v strong_o by_o solid_a and_o well_o built-judgment_n of_o their_o agreeableness_n to_o we_o or_o else_o by_o frequently-repeated_n thought_n as_o by_o so_o many_o dint_n beat_v out_o into_o a_o expresness_n for_o we_o experience_n in_o ourselves_o both_o in_o love_a creature_n and_o in_o love_a heaven_n that_o if_o we_o more_o full_o and_o lively_a conceit_n the_o good_a in_o one_o creature_n for_o example_n than_o the_o good_a in_o the_o other_o that_o be_v in_o heaven_n we_o still_o choose_v and_o pursue_v creature_n even_o though_o we_o speculative_o judge_v that_o heaven_n be_v incomparable_o more_o excellent_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o more_o lively_a conceit_n hîc_fw-la et_fw-la nunc_fw-la or_o in_o these_o present_a circumstance_n that_o the_o former_a be_v