the_o soul_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v that_o whereon_o the_o life_n and_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v depend_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o either_o that_o christian_n who_o be_v diligent_a in_o prayer_n shall_v be_v weak_a in_o grace_n or_o that_o grace_n shall_v abound_v where_o there_o be_v neglect_n of_o prayer_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o account_v diligence_n in_o prayer_n or_o how_o often_o ought_v a_o christian_a to_o perform_v this_o duty_n the_o answer_n we_o have_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o namely_o thessalonian_o 5.17_o pray_v without_o cease_v and_o ephesian_n 6.18_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n with_o all_o perseverance_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n at_o all_o time_n and_o luke_n 18.1_o he_o tell_v they_o a_o parable_n to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o shall_v pray_v always_o and_o never_o be_v weary_v this_o general_a commandment_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o restrain_v pray_v at_o all_o season_n upon_o all_o occasion_n think_v not_o this_o exercise_n to_o be_v needless_a unprofitable_a or_o unseasonable_a at_o any_o time_n in_o the_o night_n or_o in_o the_o day_n in_o the_o morning_n or_o at_o noon_n in_o the_o town_n or_o in_o the_o field_n in_o business_n or_o in_o leisure_n thus_o have_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n live_v and_o thus_o they_o have_v pass_v on_o their_o day_n in_o continual_a invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n thus_o do_v paul_n 1._o thes._n 3.10_o night_n and_o day_n without_o measure_n i_o pray_v etc._n etc._n and_o david_n psal._n 55.18_o in_o the_o evening_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o at_o noon_n day_n i_o will_v meditate_v i_o will_v make_v a_o noise_n in_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n and_o we_o read_v of_o daniel_n dan._n 6.10_o that_o it_o be_v his_o custom_n to_o pray_v unto_o god_n thrice_o every_o day_n out_o of_o the_o which_o precept_n and_o example_n we_o may_v easy_o gather_v how_o much_o time_n and_o care_n ought_v to_o be_v allot_v and_o bestow_v upon_o this_o exercise_n and_o that_o it_o be_v continual_o to_o be_v perform_v for_o it_o be_v not_o with_o our_o soul_n in_o this_o respect_n as_o it_o be_v with_o our_o body_n the_o which_o may_v easy_o surfeit_v of_o meat_n or_o of_o exercise_n for_o that_o they_o be_v of_o mean_a strength_n can_v not_o bear_v much_o of_o either_o but_o be_v soon_o overcharge_v and_o hurt_v whereas_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o any_o pitch_n or_o set_v limit_n either_o of_o holiness_n but_o be_v to_o grow_v on_o further_a even_o when_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o high_a or_o of_o the_o mean_n by_o the_o which_o it_o be_v attain_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v exceed_v in_o this_o behalf_n unless_o perhaps_o we_o as_o very_o few_o do_v fall_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o heresy_n which_o give_v all_o the_o time_n of_o a_o man_n life_n to_o prayer_n and_o none_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o life_n in_o follow_v the_o work_n of_o our_o calling_n the_o which_o be_v in_o no_o case_n to_o be_v admit_v and_o therefore_o that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o be_v require_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o this_o behalf_n and_o what_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o right_n diet_v of_o the_o soul_n we_o will_v consider_v this_o point_n more_o at_o large_a and_o in_o particular_a in_o this_o manner_n as_o bodilye_o so_o also_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a the_o one_o be_v to_o be_v use_v daily_o the_o other_o at_o some_o time_n only_o as_o occasion_n require_v for_o as_o sometime_o the_o body_n require_v long_a and_o vehement_a exercise_n the_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v in_o ordinary_a diet_n for_o that_o it_o will_v soon_o dry_v up_o and_o consume_v the_o body_n so_o it_o be_v sometime_o needful_a that_o a_o christian_n use_n extraordinary_a prayer_n and_o that_o for_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o this_o exercise_n he_o lay_v aside_o for_o a_o time_n all_o other_o duty_n care_n and_o incumberance_n whatsoever_o the_o which_o he_o may_v not_o do_v ordinary_o as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v 1._o cor._n 7._o that_o when_o as_o it_o be_v so_o needful_a in_o any_o respect_n as_o for_o the_o avoid_n or_o remove_v of_o any_o great_a afffliction_n or_o heavy_a judgement_n which_o he_o have_v by_o his_o sin_n pull_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o some_o needful_a grace_n or_o temporal_a blessing_n he_o may_v omit_v for_o a_o season_n the_o duty_n of_o marriage_n and_o give_v himself_o whole_o to_o prayer_n but_o ordinary_a prayer_n may_v stand_v with_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n neither_o hinder_v they_o nor_o yet_o be_v hinder_v by_o they_o so_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v both_o serve_v god_n by_o prayer_n and_o also_o do_v whatsoever_o his_o calling_n although_o it_o be_v laborious_a and_o troublesome_a do_v require_v this_o ordinary_a prayer_n be_v perform_v after_o two_o sort_n either_o at_o set_n and_o certain_a time_n or_o else_o upon_o occasion_n as_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n with_o man_n to_o eat_v drink_n and_o exercise_v themselves_o both_o at_o time_n appoint_v for_o these_o purpose_n and_o also_o as_o diverse_a occasion_n do_v offer_v themselves_o so_o a_o christian_n be_v to_o pray_v as_o the_o apostle_n will_v timothy_n to_o prâ—ach_v both_o in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n at_o set_a time_n &_o of_o a_o sudden_a set_a prayer_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o full_a and_o ample_a manner_n the_o other_o kind_n which_o we_o will_v call_v sudden_a prayer_n brief_o in_o few_o word_n even_o as_o we_o know_v and_o see_v that_o man_n at_o their_o set_a meal_n take_v a_o great_a quantity_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_v than_o they_o do_v at_o other_o time_n for_o why_o set_v prayer_n must_v have_v in_o it_o all_o the_o part_n or_o kind_n of_o prayer_n as_o the_o apostle_n write_v ephe._n 6._o pray_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o wit_n confession_n of_o sin_n commit_v deprecation_n of_o judgement_n present_a or_o imminent_a require_v of_o grace_n needful_a thanksgiving_n for_o benefit_n receyve_v intercession_n for_o other_o set_a prayer_n must_v consist_v of_o all_o these_o part_n yea_o which_o be_v more_o the_o particular_a at_o least_o the_o chief_a sin_n judgement_n grace_n blessing_n benefit_n person_n ought_v to_o be_v rehearse_v and_o mention_v whereof_o it_o come_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n contain_v in_o it_o so_o many_o diverse_a matter_n can_v be_v contain_v in_o a_o few_o word_n or_o utter_v in_o a_o short_a time_n whereas_o sudden_a prayer_n conceyve_v upon_o some_o particular_a occasion_n and_o have_v but_o one_o matter_n may_v be_v dispatch_v in_o one_o word_n sect._n 10._o the_o use_n of_o set_a prayer_n be_v manifest_a for_o they_o be_v many_o even_o as_o many_o as_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n all_o which_o be_v supply_v by_o mean_n of_o it_o but_o wherefore_o then_o serve_v sudden_a prayer_n sure_o for_o sudden_a use_n happen_v beside_o a_o man_n expectation_n and_o necessary_o require_v this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o when_o a_o christian_a commit_v any_o sin_n in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n straightway_o he_o desire_v god_n to_o pardon_v his_o sin_n likewise_o when_o he_o receive_v any_o blessing_n from_o god_n he_o give_v thanks_o without_o any_o delay_n and_o likewise_o in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o prayer_n as_o we_o know_v that_o the_o church_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n have_v general_o take_v up_o this_o custom_n of_o pray_v at_o the_o take_n of_o meat_n the_o which_o of_o temporal_a blessing_n be_v most_o needful_a &_o most_o often_o receive_v this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v perform_v at_o any_o time_n and_o in_o any_o place_n for_o of_o it_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1._o tim._n 2.8_o i_o will_v that_o the_o man_n pray_v in_o every_o place_n lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n yea_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o other_o affair_n whatsoever_o &_o in_o the_o company_n of_o other_o but_o for_o set_v prayer_n choice_n must_v be_v make_v of_o a_o secret_a place_n &_o of_o such_o a_o time_n wherein_o we_o be_v free_v &_o as_o it_o be_v loose_v from_o all_o other_o business_n that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v our_o mind_n &_o affection_n whole_o set_v upon_o it_o mat._n 6.6_o when_o thou_o praie_v enter_v into_o thy_o chamber_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v shut_v thy_o door_n pray_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o secret_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o account_v some_o part_n of_o the_o night_n the_o fit_a season_n for_o this_o work_n because_o than_o we_o be_v free_v from_o all_o other_o duty_n belong_v either_o to_o our_o calling_n or_o to_o our_o brethren_n and_o so_o may_v without_o be_v interrupt_v
edifycation_n for_o if_o the_o heathen_a who_o have_v no_o spiritual_a eye_n wherewith_o to_o see_v can_v observe_v the_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o these_o creature_n as_o we_o be_v teach_v rom._n 1._o how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o spiritual_a man_n find_v in_o this_o field_n plentiful_a food_n for_o the_o feed_n of_o the_o soul_n sect._n 8._o the_o last_o field_n wherein_o this_o spiritual_a food_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v grow_v and_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v be_v the_o action_n of_o god_n for_o as_o in_o the_o creation_n so_o also_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o world_n god_n be_v to_o be_v see_v and_o seek_v as_o in_o the_o one_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o other_o his_o providence_n justice_n and_o mercy_n do_v manifest_o appear_v or_o rather_o clear_o shine_v his_o providence_n by_o the_o which_o all_o thing_n all_o the_o action_n and_o faculty_n of_o all_o creature_n be_v dispose_v order_v direct_v restrain_v uphold_v as_o that_o they_o all_o several_o and_o joint_o tend_v to_o those_o end_n for_o the_o which_o he_o appoint_v they_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v bring_v to_o pass_v as_o namely_o first_o principal_o and_o general_o the_o set_v forth_o of_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v the_o last_o end_n both_o of_o the_o creation_n and_o also_o of_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o second_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o justice_n upon_o the_o reprobate_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o of_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a his_o justice_n appear_v in_o that_o he_o recompense_v every_o one_o according_a unto_o his_o do_n and_o that_o without_o favour_n or_o respect_n of_o person_n lay_v fearful_a judgement_n even_o upon_o his_o elect_a for_o their_o sin_n and_o reward_v the_o good_a deed_n of_o the_o reprobate_n with_o temporal_a blessing_n but_o most_o of_o all_o he_o do_v daily_o pour_v forth_o the_o treasure_n of_o his_o goodness_n love_n &_o mercy_n towards_o his_o faithful_a servant_n in_o preserve_v they_o from_o all_o evil_a and_o in_o provide_v for_o they_o whatsoever_o be_v needful_a these_o thing_n may_v profitable_o and_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o age_n and_o story_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o age_n and_o time_n wherein_o we_o ourselves_o live_v for_o that_o we_o give_v great_a credence_n &_o be_v more_o affect_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o behold_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v note_v ourselves_o know_v the_o person_n in_o who_o they_o befall_v and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o say_a action_n then_o with_o those_o which_o we_o have_v at_o the_o second_o hand_n by_o the_o report_n of_o other_o and_o which_o in_o all_o respect_n be_v strange_a and_o unknown_a unto_o us._n thus_o the_o prophet_n david_n mention_v psal._n 37.25_o one_o of_o his_o own_o observation_n the_o which_o he_o have_v be_v all_o his_o life_n time_n even_o a_o whole_a age_n in_o gather_v of_o the_o gracious_a providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o servant_n say_v i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o now_o i_o be_o old_a yet_o do_v i_o never_o see_v the_o righteous_a forsake_a or_o his_o seed_n beg_v their_o bread_n of_o these_o observation_n concern_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n bestow_v on_o the_o righteous_a and_o his_o fearful_a plague_n pour_v on_o the_o wicked_a the_o book_n of_o job_n and_o of_o the_o psalm_n be_v full_a yea_o it_o be_v in_o many_o place_n make_v a_o sign_n of_o godliness_n to_o mark_v the_o do_n of_o god_n as_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o be_v of_o a_o ungodly_a man_n as_o eccl._n 2.14_o the_o wise_a man_n have_v his_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n but_o the_o fool_n walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o es._n 57.1_o the_o just_a man_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v come_v and_o no_o man_n regard_v that_o be_v carnal_a man_n who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o god_n deal_n nor_o exercise_v in_o mark_v they_o know_v not_o this_o that_o the_o untimely_a death_n of_o righteous_a man_n be_v a_o forerunner_n of_o some_o grievous_a plague_n which_o god_n be_v to_o bring_v upon_o that_o city_n or_o country_n where_o they_o dwell_v and_o more_o especial_o we_o be_v careful_o to_o observe_v those_o action_n of_o god_n which_o concern_v ourselves_o as_o namely_o how_o he_o have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n provide_v for_o we_o all_o thing_n needful_a even_o in_o our_o great_a want_n when_o as_o all_o man_n do_v forsake_v we_o how_o he_o have_v preserve_v we_o from_o great_a danger_n how_o he_o have_v chastise_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n how_o he_o have_v hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o grant_v our_o request_n how_o he_o have_v comfort_v we_o in_o our_o affliction_n how_o he_o have_v reward_v all_o our_o good_a work_n &_o godly_a endeavour_n how_o he_o have_v assist_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o time_n of_o tentation_n how_o he_o have_v sometime_o let_v we_o remain_v in_o sin_n irrepentance_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n &_o at_o other_o time_n have_v give_v we_o soft_a heart_n melt_v at_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n as_o wax_v before_o the_o fire_n &_o send_v forth_o river_n of_o the_o tear_n of_o true_a repentance_n how_o he_o have_v plague_v for_o our_o sin_n or_o bless_v for_o our_o sake_n our_o friend_n acquaintance_n wife_n child_n kinsfolk_n and_o servant_n how_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o his_o will_n and_o truth_n unto_o we_o and_o in_o short_a how_o he_o have_v in_o every_o respect_n deal_v with_o we_o since_o we_o first_o know_v or_o serve_v he_o sect._n 9_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o right_a manner_n of_o feed_v the_o soul_n with_o the_o heavenly_a manna_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n creature_n and_o action_n of_o god_n beside_o the_o which_o there_o be_v require_v in_o the_o right_a nourishment_n of_o it_o spiritual_a exercise_n for_o it_o fare_v with_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o body_n the_o which_o although_o it_o be_v feed_v to_o the_o full_a and_o daily_o fill_v with_o meat_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v preserve_v much_o less_o increase_v in_o health_n strength_n and_o vigour_n unless_o it_o be_v exercise_v that_o so_o the_o meat_n receive_v into_o the_o belly_n may_v be_v draw_v and_o fasten_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o body_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o nourish_v but_o soon_o pass_v away_o without_o any_o profit_n so_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o spiritual_a health_n and_o strength_n exercise_n be_v no_o less_o needful_a than_o food_n the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v plain_o in_o many_o who_o although_o they_o feed_v their_o soul_n with_o all_o be_v and_o diligence_n be_v continual_o conversant_a in_o study_v hear_v read_v meditate_v and_o regard_v the_o word_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o nourish_v by_o this_o food_n because_o they_o do_v not_o join_v exercise_n unto_o it_o this_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o spiritual_a grace_n or_o the_o performance_n of_o christian_a duty_n belong_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v of_o diverse_a kind_n as_o there_o be_v many_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o of_o christian_a duty_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a kind_n of_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v prayer_n or_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n both_o public_a &_o also_o private_a by_o the_o right_a use_n whereof_o we_o shall_v feel_v all_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o be_v stir_v up_o in_o we_o yea_o confirm_v and_o increase_v yea_o all_o drowsiness_n and_o heaviness_n of_o soul_n to_o be_v shake_v off_o as_o will_v easy_o appear_v by_o consideder_v the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o for_o the_o more_o that_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n and_o the_o multitude_n and_o heinousness_n of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v paint_v they_o out_o in_o their_o natural_a shape_n and_o in_o lively_a colour_n the_o more_o we_o loath_a and_o abhor_v they_o the_o often_o and_o more_o serious_o that_o we_o consider_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n either_o present_a or_o which_o be_v like_a enough_o to_o be_v short_o pour_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o also_o the_o benefit_n temporal_a and_o spiritual_a receive_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o more_o we_o increase_v in_o fear_n and_o love_n and_o all_o dutiful_a thankfulness_n towards_o he_o and_o therefore_o whosoever_o desire_v to_o preserve_v his_o soul_n in_o health_n and_o strength_n must_v have_v special_a regard_n to_o this_o that_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o daily_a &_o continual_a use_n of_o prayer_n the_o necessity_n and_o efficacy_n whereof_o be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o may_v true_o be_v call_v
regeneration_n be_v so_o wonderful_a and_o glorious_a a_o work_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v wrought_v rather_o in_o the_o public_a body_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o those_o who_o be_v already_o sanctify_v then_o in_o hug_a mugger_n in_o this_o or_o that_o corner_n so_o that_o the_o second_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o regeneration_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n public_o &_o pure_o preach_v not_o as_o it_o do_v by_o a_o natural_a faculty_n inherent_a in_o itself_o work_v in_o man_n knowledge_n obedience_n and_o that_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n to_o the_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v in_o this_o respect_n but_o as_o it_o do_v by_o the_o supernatural_a power_n of_o god_n work_v true_a regeneration_n in_o the_o elect_a and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v every_o one_o in_o hand_n who_o have_v any_o care_n and_o desire_v to_o attain_v to_o eternal_a life_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n whensoever_o occasion_n serve_v as_o the_o wise_a man_n exhort_v the_o good_a husband_n to_o be_v sow_v his_o seed_n at_o all_o hour_n time_n and_o season_n because_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o this_o or_o that_o will_v prosper_v so_o must_v this_o repentant_a take_v all_o occasion_n of_o hear_v god_n word_n for_o that_o he_o know_v not_o but_o that_o god_n will_v even_o at_o that_o time_n which_o he_o will_v bestow_v on_o worldly_a profit_n or_o pleasure_n bestow_v this_o unspeakable_a blessing_n of_o regeneration_n upon_o he_o god_n may_v indeed_o call_v he_o wheresoever_o he_o stray_v but_o that_o we_o may_v use_v the_o similitude_n above_o mention_v as_o that_o offendant_fw-la be_v like_a to_o obtain_v mercy_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o prince_n who_o stand_v at_o his_o very_a gate_n in_o his_o presence_n attend_v when_o he_o will_v because_v or_o call_v unto_o he_o than_o he_o who_o have_v address_v himself_o to_o come_v before_o the_o king_n keep_v himself_o aloof_o of_o far_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n so_o it_o be_v like_a that_o god_n will_v behold_v he_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o mercy_n who_o be_v in_o his_o presence_n hearkn_v to_o his_o voice_n &_o attend_v his_o pleasure_n then_o he_o who_o be_v out_o of_o his_o sight_n and_o employ_v about_o other_o matter_n sect._n 4._o the_o three_o and_o last_o mean_v to_o be_v use_v in_o seek_v regeneration_n be_v prayer_n or_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n whereby_o this_o repentant_a see_v himself_o to_o be_v as_o yet_o but_o carnal_a &_o hard_a heart_a as_o he_o be_v before_o and_o that_o no_o mean_n either_o devise_v by_o himself_o or_o appoint_v by_o god_n will_v prevail_v renounce_v himself_o as_o be_v most_o desperate_o miserable_a &_o all_o mean_n in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v unable_a to_o effect_v that_o which_o he_o desire_v and_o so_o fly_v to_o the_o only_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n desire_v he_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n and_o for_o christ_n sake_n in_o who_o all_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o the_o great_a ocean_n overflow_a the_o earth_n do_v show_v forth_o itself_o to_o vouchsafe_v unto_o he_o the_o most_o wretched_a and_o unworthy_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n one_o drop_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o mollify_v his_o stony_a heart_n and_o to_o quicken_v his_o soul_n be_v now_o clean_o dead_a in_o sin_n this_o must_v be_v do_v not_o seldom_o cold_o negligent_o and_o for_o fashion_n sake_n as_o man_n use_v to_o pray_v for_o so_o man_n ask_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o no_o account_n and_o which_o they_o care_v not_o great_o whether_o they_o obtain_v or_o no_o but_o in_o all_o vehemency_n of_o spirit_n and_o affection_n yea_o with_o all_o importunity_n we_o give_v no_o rest_n night_n nor_o day_n either_o to_o ourselves_o or_o to_o god_n till_o we_o obtain_v our_o desire_n this_o prayer_n will_v be_v of_o great_a force_n as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o importunate_a widow_n luk._n 18.5_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v weary_a or_o faint_v in_o perform_v this_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n but_o rather_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o by_o all_o mean_n as_o by_o abstayn_v from_o the_o superfluous_a and_o unnecessary_a use_n of_o meat_n drink_n sleep_n worldly_a affair_n and_o whatsoever_o may_v hinder_v we_o in_o this_o behalf_n and_o by_o consider_v the_o incomparable_a excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o labour_v to_o attain_v for_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o it_o the_o which_o if_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v see_v and_o find_v that_o prayer_n be_v the_o most_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n able_a to_o work_v miracle_n yea_o strong_a than_o the_o strong_a that_o be_v than_o god_n himself_o who_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v or_o rather_o speak_v be_v by_o prayer_n force_v and_o compel_v to_o do_v that_o which_o otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o do_v no_o man_n can_v by_o force_n wring_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o weakness_n be_v strong_a than_o man_n yet_o prayer_n in_o that_o it_o renounce_v all_o force_n of_o mean_n rely_v itself_o whole_o on_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o that_o by_o the_o which_o if_o we_o wrestle_v with_o god_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o overcome_v of_o he_o if_o man_n of_o great_a and_o lofty_a spirit_n who_o to_o god_n be_v as_o filly_n worm_n creep_v on_o the_o earth_n stand_v so_o much_o upon_o their_o reputation_n that_o as_o it_o be_v record_v of_o the_o senator_n of_o rome_n in_o old_a time_n they_o think_v it_o a_o great_a disgrace_n unto_o they_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o he_o have_v in_o vain_a ask_v help_n at_o their_o hand_n shall_v not_o god_n the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o be_v as_o able_a as_o the_o rich_a and_o as_o willing_a to_o give_v as_o the_o frank_a yea_o and_o have_v as_o great_a care_n and_o not_o without_o cause_n of_o his_o glory_n as_o any_o man_n have_v of_o his_o worldly_a worship_n and_o renoun_n think_v scorn_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o i_o in_o god_n i_o have_v in_o vain_a afflict_a my_o soul_n humble_v myself_o at_o his_o footstool_n cleanse_v my_o way_n in_o his_o sight_n repair_v to_o the_o place_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o call_v upon_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o or_o get_v at_o his_o hand_n yea_o further_o as_o this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o most_o ready_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o procure_v this_o or_o any_o other_o blessing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n so_o often_o it_o please_v god_n to_o grant_v grace_n to_o man_n even_o while_o they_o be_v ask_v it_o to_o touch_v man_n heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o very_a instant_n wherein_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v in_o vehement_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n in_o a_o manner_n separate_v from_o the_o body_n and_o lift_v up_o into_o heaven_n for_o even_o as_o the_o smith_n strike_v the_o iron_n while_o it_o be_v hot_a and_o and_o fit_a to_o receive_v any_o form_n or_o impression_n so_o god_n although_o he_o can_v imprint_v his_o grace_n in_o the_o cold_a hard_a and_o flinty_a disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n yet_o he_o rather_o do_v it_o when_o as_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n be_v stir_v up_o and_o inflame_v either_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o public_a prayer_n during_o the_o which_o regeneration_n be_v ordinary_o wrought_v in_o man_n or_o else_o by_o some_o private_a christian_a exercise_n as_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o serious_a meditation_n but_o especial_o by_o pray_v and_o sing_v psalm_n to_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o which_o action_n it_o please_v god_n sometime_o to_o send_v his_o spirit_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o elect_a but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o object_v that_o we_o suppose_v a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o wit_n that_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n shall_v pray_v especial_o with_o that_o vehemency_n and_o perseverance_n which_o we_o require_v as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 10.14_o how_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o on_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v we_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o infidel_n who_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n not_o of_o christian_n who_o may_v be_v endue_v with_o knowledge_n yea_o who_o may_v pray_v although_o not_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o as_o the_o faithful_a do_v thus_o we_o have_v commend_v to_o this_o repentant_a the_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o regeneration_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v that_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n which_o may_v be_v in_o one_o as_o not_o yet_o regenerate_v the_o second_o be_v the_o diligent_a
a_o small_a time_n become_v weak_a and_o distemper_a yea_o soon_o fall_v into_o sickness_n and_o do_v perish_v so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o soul_n the_o which_o be_v neglect_v but_o a_o little_a there_o will_v a_o decrease_v of_o holiness_n be_v plain_o feel_v yea_o perhaps_o see_v by_o other_o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v manifest_a to_o wit_n because_o both_o outward_a occasion_n and_o temptation_n and_o also_o tâ—e_v inward_a corruption_n of_o sin_n never_o cease_v from_o oppugn_v this_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o body_n must_v continual_o be_v repair_v with_o nourishment_n because_o it_o be_v continual_o consume_v by_o our_o natural_a heat_n so_o must_v the_o soul_n by_o a_o good_a diet_n daily_o use_v be_v preserve_v thus_o the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_n exhort_v we_o to_o a_o continual_a use_n of_o all_o spiritual_a exercise_n as_o namely_o of_o prayer_n eph._n 6.18_o pray_v always_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o 1._o thess._n 5.16_o rejoice_v evermore_o pray_v continual_o not_o as_o if_o as_o some_o have_v fond_o imagine_v we_o ought_v to_o give_v ourselves_o so_o whole_o to_o spiritual_a exercise_n as_o that_o we_o neglect_v our_o body_n &_o this_o present_a life_n as_o most_o man_n bestow_v all_o their_o time_n care_n and_o labour_n about_o their_o body_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o their_o soul_n for_o as_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o both_o body_n and_o soul_n so_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o both_o be_v careful_o preserve_v and_o that_o both_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o present_a life_n we_o labour_v daily_o &_o diligent_o in_o some_o lawful_a call_n &_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o use_v that_o spiritual_a diet_n which_o we_o be_v about_o to_o declare_v yet_o as_o heavenly_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a thing_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a and_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v then_o earthly_a thing_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v great_a care_n of_o the_o one_o then_o of_o the_o other_o and_o so_o to_o frame_v the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o entangle_v ourselves_o in_o no_o mo_z worldly_a duty_n than_o be_v needful_a thus_o the_o apostle_n counsel_v 1._o cor._n 7._o that_o the_o servant_n shall_v not_o neglect_v any_o duty_n which_o his_o master_n enjoin_v he_o under_o pretence_n of_o serve_v god_n but_o yet_o desire_v a_o free_a life_n because_o in_o it_o he_o may_v have_v great_a opportunity_n and_o leisure_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o like_o wise_a that_o we_o shall_v prefer_v a_o single_a life_n before_o marriage_n which_o usual_o bring_v with_o it_o many_o care_n &_o trouble_n according_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o who_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o riches_n and_o abundance_n of_o worldly_a thing_n aught_o to_o give_v more_o time_n care_n and_o labour_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n they_o they_o who_o be_v in_o poverty_n and_o want_v thing_n needful_a and_o to_o say_v with_o themselves_o soul_n thou_o have_v good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n and_o therefore_o not_o take_v thy_o ease_n and_o make_v thyself_o drink_v with_o the_o superfluity_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n but_o take_v time_n as_o much_o as_o thou_o will_v to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o cleanse_v thyself_o from_o the_o filthiness_n of_o sin_n which_o make_v the_o abominable_a to_o god_n but_o usual_o man_n as_o it_o be_v add_v thirst_n to_o drunkenness_n the_o more_o they_o have_v the_o more_o they_o desire_v to_o have_v and_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o seek_v worldly_a thing_n than_o they_o who_o be_v in_o great_a want_n beside_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o right_n diet_v of_o the_o soul_n that_o wâ—_n know_v and_o consider_v the_o present_a state_n or_o constitution_n of_o it_o â—hether_o it_o be_v in_o infancy_n or_o in_o ripe_a age_n in_o the_o increase_n or_o decrease_v of_o holiness_n in_o strength_n or_o in_o faintness_n in_o temptation_n or_o not_o that_o so_o we_o may_v use_v that_o diet_n which_o be_v most_o convenient_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o it_o otherwise_o we_o can_v but_o err_v in_o diet_v it_o yea_o even_o in_o the_o careful_a use_n of_o the_o most_o wholesome_a meat_n and_o sovereign_a remedy_n for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o order_v the_o body_n aright_o either_o in_o sickness_n or_o in_o health_n without_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o our_o complexion_n age_n and_o strength_n and_o unless_o we_o mark_v in_o what_o part_n it_o be_v most_o weak_a or_o strong_a that_o according_o choice_n may_v be_v make_v both_o of_o meat_n in_o health_n and_o of_o remedy_n in_o sickness_n so_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o right_a order_n of_o the_o soul_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o we_o know_v our_o age_n and_o strength_n in_o christ_n whether_o we_o be_v ripe_a and_o strong_a man_n able_a to_o digest_v solid_a meat_n or_o but_o babe_n and_o weakling_n who_o must_v be_v feed_v with_o milk_n and_o also_o our_o infirmity_n what_o sin_n we_o be_v most_o subject_a unto_o that_o so_o we_o may_v avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o they_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o a_o treatise_n show_v how_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v renew_a or_o endue_v with_o holiness_n be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o preserve_v in_o that_o estate_n chap._n 1._o section_n 1._o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v that_o whereby_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o holiness_n and_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n wherewith_o god_n do_v endue_v it_o in_o regeneration_n be_v maintain_v and_o continue_v as_o we_o know_v that_o physician_n prescribe_v a_o diet_n for_o continuance_n of_o health_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o remove_n of_o sickness_n for_o whereas_o christ_n say_v mar._n 2.17_o the_o whole_a have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o physician_n but_o the_o sick_a and_o that_o therefore_o he_o come_v to_o call_v not_o just_a man_n but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n he_o mean_v not_o that_o any_o man_n be_v so_o holy_a as_o that_o he_o need_v not_o both_o his_o own_o continual_a care_n in_o watch_v over_o his_o soul_n as_o also_o the_o continual_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o that_o they_o who_o be_v sick_a or_o rather_o dead_a in_o sin_n and_o impenitency_n have_v more_o need_n of_o help_n than_o they_o who_o be_v already_o endue_v with_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n for_o as_o it_o be_v true_o say_v in_o other_o thing_n non_fw-la minor_fw-la est_fw-la virtus_fw-la quam_fw-la quaerere_fw-la parta_fw-la tueri_fw-la so_o be_v it_o true_a in_o respect_n of_o spiritual_a health_n the_o which_o can_v possible_o be_v keep_v without_o continual_a care_n although_o in_o exact_a comparison_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o continue_v either_o bodily_a or_o spiritual_a health_n where_o it_o be_v already_o then_o to_o procure_v it_o where_o it_o be_v as_o yet_o want_v here_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v what_o this_o spiritual_a health_n be_v and_o how_o any_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v it_o when_o as_o all_o be_v sinful_a we_o answer_v that_o although_o no_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n yet_o a_o state_n of_o spiritual_a health_n may_v be_v attain_v unto_o even_o in_o this_o sinful_a life_n and_o be_v then_o attain_v when_o as_o a_o faithful_a man_n lead_v a_o holy_a and_o unblamâ—ble_a life_n perform_v although_o in_o weakness_n &_o imperfection_n yea_o in_o some_o corruption_n of_o sin_n all_o duty_n belong_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n and_o be_v irreprovable_a in_o regard_n of_o any_o great_a sin_n for_o as_o most_o man_n live_v be_v true_o say_v to_o have_v their_o health_n howsoever_o that_o exact_a temperature_n ad_fw-la pondus_fw-la whereof_o physician_n dispute_v can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o man_n or_o in_o any_o age_n so_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n be_v not_o require_v to_o spiritual_a health_n but_o as_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o bodily_a health_n that_o the_o distemperature_n be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o manifest_a as_o that_o it_o hinder_v any_o of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n from_o their_o function_n so_o if_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o bridle_v aâ—_n that_o it_o hinder_v not_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o christian_n duty_n there_o be_v spiritual_a health_n yea_o although_o this_o corruption_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o it_o do_v sometime_o bring_v forth_o some_o sin_n and_o hinder_v in_o part_n the_o performance_n of_o some_o christian_a duty_n yet_o if_o for_o the_o general_a course_n of_o life_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n do_v prevail_v so_o that_o it_o repress_v that_o sin_n &_o perform_v all_o duty_n sometime_o faint_o &_o imperfect_o at_o other_o time_n full_o &_o courageous_o yet_o here_o be_v health_n for_o so_o as_o in_o the_o body_n so_o also_o in_o the_o soul_n we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o health_n and_o