devotion_n be_v a_o disposition_n of_o the_o will._n for_o since_o no_o power_n act_v but_o as_o it_o be_v apply_v devotion_n who_o nature_n it_o be_v to_o apply_v both_o the_o understanding_n and_o all_o other_o power_n to_o christian_a action_n must_v needs_o belong_v proper_o to_o that_o power_n which_o in_o man_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o action_n that_o be_v to_o the_o will._n §_o 4._o second_o that_o this_o state_n of_o devotion_n be_v a_o constant_a bent_n and_o readiness_n to_o perform_v the_o best_a action_n on_o the_o best_a manner_n be_v by_o consequence_n the_o best_a state_n the_o will_n can_v possible_o have_v in_o this_o world_n and_o next_o to_o the_o necessary_a and_o continual_a conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n which_o the_o bless_a have_v in_o heaven_n §_o 5._o three_o that_o this_o promptness_n to_o put_v both_o the_o understanding_n in_o act_n as_o to_o prayer_n and_o the_o other_o power_n as_o to_o act_n of_o virtue_n as_o it_o be_v a_o disposition_n of_o the_o will_n so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o in_o the_o will_v alone_o and_o not_o in_o the_o act_n either_o of_o the_o understanding_n itself_o much_o less_o of_o the_o fancy_n or_o of_o any_o other_o of_o those_o power_n which_o devotion_n be_v to_o set_v a_o work_n whence_o follow_v clear_o that_o though_o there_o happen_v never_o so_o much_o difficulty_n to_o elevate_v the_o mind_n actual_o or_o rather_o sensible_o to_o god_n never_o so_o many_o impediment_n nay_o even_o incapacity_n to_o act_v feel_o or_o tender_o yet_o as_o long_o as_o the_o will_n on_o her_o part_n preserve_v her_o self_n prompt_v to_o do_v all_o these_o and_o can_v true_o say_v with_o king_n david_n paratum_fw-la cor_fw-la meum_fw-la deus_fw-la paratum_fw-la cor_fw-la meum_fw-la my_o heart_n be_v ready_a o_o my_o god_n my_o heart_n be_v ready_a there_o happen_v no_o loss_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o diminution_n of_o interior_a solid_a devotion_n the_o fancy_n without_o who_o co-operation_n the_o understanding_n in_o this_o state_n can_v act_v may_v be_v restiff_n and_o backward_o the_o inferior_a faculty_n lame_a and_o clog_v whether_o through_o impotency_n or_o ill_a circumstance_n but_o a_o pious_a soul_n ought_v not_o in_o the_o least_o be_v discourage_v at_o these_o accident_n to_o which_o in_o the_o dependence_n the_o soul_n have_v now_o upon_o the_o body_n we_o be_v not_o man_n if_o we_o be_v not_o subject_a nor_o think_v herself_o a_o jot_n worse_o for_o devotion_n as_o be_v say_v be_v only_o in_o the_o will_n and_o the_o will_n be_v not_o at_o all_o the_o worse_o dispose_v because_o the_o faculty_n with_o which_o she_o will_v work_v be_v indispose_v and_o can_v obey_v she_o no_o more_o than_o the_o hand_n be_v lame_a because_o the_o pen_n be_v bad_a and_o will_v not_o write_v §_o 6._o four_o that_o a_o soul_n which_o have_v a_o ready_a will_n to_o pray_v can_v never_o fail_v though_o the_o fancy_n be_v never_o so_o dull_a or_o out_o of_o order_n to_o please_v god_n by_o pray_v or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o have_v the_o merit_n of_o prayer_n for_o all_o merit_n or_o action_n that_o please_v god_n proceed_v proper_o from_o the_o will_n whence_o a_o devout_a that_o be_v a_o hearty_a and_o ready_a intention_n which_o be_v the_o best_a act_n of_o the_o will_n must_v needs_o be_v in_o a_o high_a and_o special_a manner_n meritorious_a or_o rewardable_a nay_o more_o a_o devout_a soul_n intend_v and_o endeavour_v to_o pray_v and_o stand_v bend_v that_o way_n that_o be_v keep_v that_o intention_n unaltered_a and_o prosecute_a her_o endeavour_n as_o well_o as_o she_o can_v actual_o be_v in_o prayer_n or_o true_o pray_v interior_o though_o for_o want_v of_o the_o compliance_n of_o the_o fancy_n or_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o only_o in_o act_n of_o prayer_n be_v sensible_a she_o do_v not_o experience_n it_o even_o while_o she_o have_v it_o but_o rather_o suspect_v the_o contrary_a unless_o reflex_n thought_n and_o raise_v above_o matter_n preserve_v she_o from_o be_v mistake_v yet_o the_o thing_n be_v clear_a both_o by_o reason_n and_o when_o by_o reflection_n we_o observe_v what_o pass_v experience_v too_o for_o prayer_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o elevation_n or_o application_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o god_n and_o there_o can_v need_v no_o more_o to_o apply_v the_o understanding_n interior_o to_o object_n already_o within_o she_o but_o the_o will_v to_o do_v so_o now_o suppose_v as_o the_o case_n do_v the_o will_n apply_v as_o far_o as_o she_o can_v the_o understanding_n of_o necessity_n the_o understanding_n must_v be_v apply_v interior_o that_o be_v prayer_n be_v actual_o exercise_v again_o however_o outward_a object_n strike_v the_o sense_n or_o inward_a fancy_n irregular_o stir_v up_o and_o flutter_v in_o a_o perpetual_a motion_n cause_n in_o a_o manner_n continual_a distraction_n yet_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o soul_n when_o by_o reflection_n it_o come_v to_o perceive_v they_o reject_v those_o distraction_n and_o reapply_v itself_o after_o that_o seem_a dull_a manner_n which_o the_o understanding_n un-assisted_n with_o serviceable_a fancy_n can_v practice_v to_o what_o it_o be_v employ_v about_o before_o nay_o there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o distraction_n in_o prayer_n nothing_o for_o those_o word_n to_o signify_v in_o case_n the_o understanding_n have_v not_o be_v act_v about_o some_o other_o object_n before_o and_o attend_v to_o it_o the_o be_v divert_v from_o which_o and_o attend_v to_o a_o new_a object_n we_o call_v distraction_n and_o this_o former_a object_n can_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o object_n of_o prayer_n god_n §_o 7._o a_o parallel_n instance_n to_o this_o case_n be_v that_o of_o saint_n paul_n speak_v of_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n nam_fw-la si_fw-la orem_fw-la linguâ_fw-la spiritus_fw-la meus_fw-la orat_fw-la mens_fw-la autem_fw-la mea_fw-la sine_fw-la fructuest_n for_o if_o i_o pray_v with_o my_o tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o understanding_n be_v without_o fruit_n that_o be_v he_o reap_v not_o the_o benefit_n of_o stir_v up_o the_o mind_n by_o new_a motive_n or_o discourse_n which_o those_o prayer_n distinct_o and_o perfect_o understand_v and_o penetrate_v be_v apt_a to_o suggest_v yet_o still_o his_o spirit_n or_o superior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o common_a and_o confuse_o elevate_v to_o god_n still_o spiritus_fw-la or_o at_o the_o spirit_n true_o pray_v so_o in_o our_o case_n in_o this_o dull_a state_n of_o pray_v when_o the_o fancy_n play_v not_o nor_o co-operate_v as_o be_v fit_a the_o understanding_n advance_v not_o in_o gain_v those_o sight_n which_o by_o extension_n of_o former_a knowledge_n into_o new_a conclusion_n through_o attentive_a discourse_v of_o its_o object_n it_o may_v have_v attain_v but_o still_o the_o superior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v by_o the_o will_v fix_v to_o something_o which_o be_v not_o temporal_a all_o such_o thought_n suggest_v by_o the_o disorder_v of_o the_o fancy_n be_v hold_v distraction_n she_o be_v then_o true_o apply_v to_o her_o eternal_a good_a and_o true_o pray_v all_o the_o while_n till_o intention_n alter_v all_o she_o frank_o and_o unconcerned_o relinquish_v the_o circumstance_n proper_a for_o prayer_n and_o apply_v herself_o to_o new_a object_n without_o scruple_n or_o struggle_v any_o long_a to_o keep_v out_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o which_o before_o she_o avoid_v or_o repine_v at_o as_o distraction_n but_o now_o admit_v and_o pursue_v voluntary_o as_o her_o business_n duty_n or_o end_n sect_n ii_o of_o sloth_n §_o 1._o i_o hope_v the_o nature_n of_o devotion_n in_o common_a may_v sufficient_o be_v understand_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v but_o yet_o because_o contrary_n help_v exceed_o to_o illustrate_v one_o another_o i_o will_v make_v some_o short_a reflection_n upon_o its_o opposite_a sloth_n this_o vice_n be_v a_o certain_a lumpishness_n and_o unweildiness_n in_o the_o soul_n through_o which_o she_o yield_v herself_o to_o be_v sway_v downward_o by_o the_o weight_n of_o original_a sin_n incline_v she_o to_o temporal_a object_n and_o so_o render_v her_o un-active_a and_o unable_a without_o difficulty_n to_o apply_v and_o raise_v herself_o to_o such_o thought_n and_o action_n as_o dispose_v she_o for_o heaven_n i_o say_v in_o the_o soul_n for_o in_o she_o alone_o virtue_n and_o vice_n proper_o take_v and_o as_o they_o import_v merit_n and_o demerit_n be_v lodge_v the_o indisposition_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o fancy_n and_o other_o matterial_a power_n belong_v to_o the_o body_n and_o be_v not_o vice_n though_o they_o dispose_v and_o incline_v to_o it_o and_o if_o care_n be_v not_o take_v will_v cause_v it_o again_o by_o these_o word_n in_o the_o soul_n i_o mean_v in_o that_o power_n which_o we_o call_v will_n or_o in_o the_o soul_n as_o she_o be_v will._n for_o philosophy_n which_o indeed_o be_v
nothing_o but_o true_a deliberate_a or_o reflect_a reason_n teach_v that_o contrary_n belong_v still_o to_o the_o same_o subject_a and_o therefore_o devotion_n be_v a_o affection_n of_o the_o will_n sloth_n must_v needs_o be_v so_o too_o and_o beside_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o intellectual_a vice_n be_v defect_n of_o the_o understanding-power_n that_o be_v error_n or_o ignorance_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o its_o perfection_n be_v knowledge_n of_o truth_n but_o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o show_n that_o sloth_n shall_v formal_o consist_v in_o ignorance_n or_o error_n or_o devotion_n in_o knowledge_n since_o they_o who_o have_v much_o knowledge_n may_v withal_o be_v very_o slothful_a and_o those_o who_o have_v very_o little_a may_v be_v very_o devout_a very_o ready_a and_o very_o constant_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n to_o their_o power_n §_o 2._o hence_o follow_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o former_a doctrine_n that_o as_o long_o as_o the_o intention_n to_o pray_v persevere_v sincere_a there_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n of_o sloth_n nor_o ground_n of_o scruple_n of_o not_o have_v pray_v as_o one_o ought_v for_o so_o long_o the_o will_n be_v not_o faulty_a and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o moral_a defect_n nor_o sin_n at_o all_o in_o a_o prayer_n no_o better_o perform_v but_o all_o the_o imperfection_n in_o it_o spring_v either_o from_o nature_n or_o circumstance_n indispose_v the_o fancy_n or_o perhaps_o from_o want_n of_o skill_n or_o information_n in_o the_o understanding_n power_n how_o to_o go_v about_o one_o prayer_n which_o be_v so_o far_o a_o fault_n as_o there_o be_v negligence_n in_o the_o will_v to_o use_v due_a mean_n to_o attain_v so_o requisite_a a_o knowledge_n wherefore_o in_o case_n any_o one_o doubt_n whether_o he_o have_v behave_v himself_o negligent_o careless_o or_o distract_o in_o his_o prayer_n he_o must_v consider_v well_o whether_o he_o intend_v that_o carelessness_n or_o those_o distraction_n for_o if_o he_o do_v not_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o happen_v beside_o his_o intention_n and_o so_o be_v no_o moral_a fault_n §_o 3._o but_o yet_o this_o word_n intention_n be_v equivoral_a and_o may_v be_v mistake_v there_o be_v who_o think_v they_o do_v great_a matter_n if_o for_o example_n they_o make_v as_o they_o call_v it_o a_o intention_n in_o the_o morning_n of_o spend_v the_o follow_a day_n in_o virtue_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n when_o perhaps_o they_o never_o think_v of_o god_n or_o virtue_n after_o this_o be_v but_o deceit_n and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o better_o to_o use_v the_o formality_n of_o make_v a_o act_n fancy_v to_o be_v a_o intention_n of_o pray_v before_o prayer_n and_o then_o spend_v the_o time_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o free_a and_o unchecked_a entertainment_n of_o distractive_a suggestion_n §_o 4._o to_o understand_v the_o business_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o every_o action_n have_v a_o final_a as_o well_o as_o a_o efficient_a or_o material_a and_o formal_a cause_n and_o that_o a_o man_n can_v no_o more_o act_n without_o a_o why_o then_o a_o what._n this_o end_n when_o we_o know_v what_o we_o do_v be_v foresee_v and_o the_o actor_n mean_v or_o intend_v it_o so_o that_o the_o intention_n be_v weave_v into_o the_o action_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o part_n of_o it_o as_o if_o i_o go_v down_o or_o up_o stair_n i_o intend_v to_o be_v at_o the_o bottom_n or_o top_n nor_o can_v it_o happen_v otherwise_o if_o the_o action_n be_v rational_a and_o accompany_v with_o knowledge_n and_o if_o any_o action_n be_v do_v otherwise_o as_o when_o people_n walk_v or_o do_v other_o thing_n in_o their_o sleep_n or_o with_o a_o perfect_a inadvertence_n it_o be_v not_o count_v a_o human_a action_n in_o this_o sense_n as_o no_o action_n can_v be_v without_o a_o intention_n no_o more_o then_o without_o a_o end_n so_o neither_o can_v the_o intention_n be_v without_o the_o action_n for_o it_o be_v as_o i_o say_v before_o a_o kind_n of_o part_n of_o it_o and_o we_o shall_v laugh_v at_o he_o who_o will_v persuade_v we_o he_o have_v a_o actual_a intention_n of_o be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o stair_n yet_o voluntary_o stay_v at_o the_o top_n but_o as_o the_o understanding_n see_v thing_n to_o come_v as_o well_o as_o past_a and_o present_a it_o may_v see_v what_o be_v like_a to_o follow_v from_o a_o action_n before_o the_o action_n itself_o and_o from_o that_o sight_n resolve_v or_o reject_v it_o and_o may_v resolve_v for_o the_o future_a as_o well_o as_o present_v time_n and_o so_o intend_v before_o she_o act_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n intention_n may_v be_v both_o before_o and_o without_o action_n which_o before_o it_o come_v to_o be_v execute_v the_o intention_n may_v possible_o change_v intention_n be_v take_v in_o this_o notion_n by_o those_o who_o amuse_v themselves_o with_o make_v artificial_a intention_n before_o hand_n for_o plain_o they_o intend_v for_o the_o future_a and_o when_o the_o time_n come_v do_v nothing_o oftentime_o of_o what_o they_o intend_v and_o remain_v delude_v now_o i_o understand_v intention_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n that_o be_v for_o such_o a_o intention_n as_o accompany_v the_o action_n and_o needs_o no_o formal_a endeavour_n on_o our_o part_n to_o make_v it_o since_o nature_n will_v join_v it_o to_o the_o action_n though_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v never_o so_o much_o the_o contrary_n for_o it_o be_v altogether_o as_o idle_a to_o imagine_v he_o who_o know_v what_o he_o do_v can_v have_v a_o not-intention_n to_o go_v down_o stair_n who_o actual_o go_v down_o as_o that_o he_o have_v one_o i_o mean_v for_o the_o present_a who_o stay_v above_o wherefore_o since_o this_o kind_n of_o intention_n can_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o action_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o who_o thus_o intend_v to_o pray_v true_o pray_v though_o never_o so_o many_o distractive_a thought_n interrupt_v and_o confound_v his_o action_n neither_o be_v they_o unless_o he_o voluntary_o admit_v and_o mean_v to_o think_v of_o such_o thing_n proper_o action_n of_o he_o but_o rather_o passion_n or_o suffering_n for_o as_o the_o eye_n can_v choose_v but_o see_v what_o be_v represent_v to_o it_o nor_o hinder_v itself_o from_o transmit_v to_o the_o soul_n what_o it_o see_v nor_o the_o soul_n from_o perceive_v what_o be_v transmit_v so_o neither_o can_v the_o soul_n hinder_v herself_o from_o receive_v the_o impression_n make_v by_o the_o inward_a stroke_n of_o flutter_a fancy_n nor_o those_o impression_n from_o have_v their_o effect_n but_o be_v in_o both_o case_n more_o passive_a than_o active_a and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o do_v any_o thing_n as_o have_v something_o do_v upon_o she_o sect_n 3._o remedy_n against_o sloth_n §_o 1._o to_o return_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n all_z that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o this_o dryness_n and_o disgustfulness_n in_o prayer_n cause_v by_o the_o not_o comply_v of_o the_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o superior_a be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o disposition_n and_o indeed_o temptation_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o sloth_n §_o 2._o by_o that_o tediousness_n it_o first_o tire_v then_o discourage_v and_o after_o fright_v we_o till_o at_o last_o it_o gain_v so_o much_o upon_o we_o as_o to_o make_v we_o yield_v ourselves_o over_o to_o a_o neglect_n sometime_o omission_n of_o customary_a decent_a or_o ohligatory_a prayer_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v in_o some_o proportion_n of_o our_o yield_n to_o those_o difficulty_n which_o oppose_v our_o exercise_v other_o devout_a acts._n here_o then_o it_o be_v that_o a_o devout_a christian_a soul_n must_v faithful_o fight_v god_n battle_n and_o never_o consent_n for_o want_v of_o gust_n or_o for_o feel_a disgust_n to_o omit_v her_o devotition_n §_o 3._o one_o of_o the_o best_a weapon_n she_o have_v to_o defend_v herself_o be_v upon_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v and_o more_o what_o will_v be_v say_v to_o settle_v a_o firm_a judgement_n that_o this_o state_n of_o distraction_n be_v no_o way_n faulty_a this_o judgement_n will_v be_v make_v not_o at_o the_o instant_n of_o prayer_n for_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n and_o the_o prayer_n exercise_v by_o it_o and_o so_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v have_v already_o not_o then_o to_o be_v get_v but_o at_o some_o fit_a season_n before_o hand_n when_o the_o fancy_n be_v most_o calm_a '_o and_o the_o soul_n can_v act_v with_o most_o cleerne_n and_o force_n and_o when_o it_o be_v once_o make_v let_v the_o soul_n be_v sure_a to_o act_v steady_o according_a to_o it_o and_o pray_v on_o how_o strong_o soever_o disgust_v or_o dryness_n or_o whatever_o engine_n the_o devil_n choose_v to_o employ_v may_v tempt_v she_o to_o the_o contrary_n a_o little_a resolution_n will_v compass_v this_o assist_v with_o the_o reflection_n how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o
alter_v a_o course_n direct_v by_o our_o best_a and_o clear_a reason_n for_o the_o suggestion_n of_o disorder_a fancy_n but_o if_o once_o those_o temptation_n can_v deceive_v a_o soul_n into_o these_o erroneous_a conceit_n first_o that_o all_o her_o prayer_n be_v fruitless_a and_o then_o harmful_a as_o be_v in_o her_o apprehension_n a_o kind_n of_o perpetual_a fault_n and_o such_o as_o she_o can_v mend_v for_o she_o find_v by_o experience_n she_o can_v do_v no_o better_o with_o all_o endeavour_n she_o can_v use_v she_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o leave_v it_o quite_o off_o and_o think_v it_o better_o not_o to_o pray_v at_o all_o than_o to_o continue_v to_o do_v ill_a and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a temption_n in_o the_o world_n both_o because_o it_o come_v mask_v in_o the_o vizard_n of_o virtue_n and_o so_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v with_o well-meaning_a soul_n which_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o it_o as_o also_o because_o devotion_n be_v the_o best_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o practice_v all_o christian_a duty_n and_o particular_o prayer_n which_o include_v in_o itself_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n it_o follow_v that_o a_o soul_n which_o thus_o abandon_v herself_o to_o sloth_n must_v needs_o languish_v away_o into_o a_o spiritual_a consumption_n and_o pine_o decay_v in_o those_o christian_a virtue_n which_o give_v life_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o without_o which_o the_o outward_a practice_n of_o other_o be_v but_o false_a appearance_n spring_v from_o material_a habit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o ghost_n of_o true_a virtue_n §_o 4._o another_o weapon_n of_o great_a use_n in_o this_o kind_n of_o fight_n be_v this_o consideration_n that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a we_o merit_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n or_o serve_v and_o please_v he_o by_o continue_v our_o prayer_n when_o we_o be_v seize_v with_o this_o dryness_n and_o dulness_n and_o assault_v with_o distraction_n whereas_o we_o can_v be_v so_o certain_a of_o this_o when_o our_o prayer_n be_v accompany_v with_o satisfaction_n and_o delight_n the_o content_a take_v in_o sensible_a feel_n be_v so_o inbred_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n essential_a to_o a_o soul_n according_a to_o her_o inferior_a part_n or_o as_o she_o be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o body_n and_o this_o natural_a propension_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o delight_n so_o heighten_v in_o we_o by_o original_a corruption_n which_o still_o draw_v we_o from_o spirituality_n to_o sense_n that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o adhere_v and_o cling_v to_o whatever_o be_v thus_o agreeable_a and_o this_o even_a in_o prayer_n itself_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o because_o nature_n so_o subtle_o seek_v its_o own_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a when_o this_o sensible_a pleasingness_n accompany_v our_o prayer_n to_o discern_v whether_o we_o be_v not_o serve_v ourselves_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v serve_v god_n at_o least_o it_o often_o happen_v in_o this_o case_n of_o sensible_a delight_n that_o our_o easiness_n and_o promptness_n to_o apply_v ourselves_o frequent_o to_o act_n of_o prayer_n spring_v in_o part_n from_o our_o love_n of_o this_o pleasure_n which_o be_v a_o great_a alloy_n to_o the_o spirituality_n of_o devotion_n and_o to_o some_o degree_n taint_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o intention_n whence_o all_o spiritual_a master_n use_n to_o take_v great_a care_n that_o those_o soul_n who_o find_v sweetness_n in_o their_o prayer_n be_v not_o attach_v to_o it_o lest_o they_o fall_v into_o spiritual_a gluttony_n and_o depress_v the_o mind_n to_o sensible_a object_n by_o those_o very_a mean_n which_o shall_v raise_v it_o above_o they_o §_o 5_o now_o all_o this_o danger_n be_v secure_o avoid_v when_o our_o prayer_n be_v disgustful_a for_o however_o they_o seem_v to_o we_o sapless_a and_o dry_a yet_o we_o be_v sure_o the_o desire_n of_o please_v our_o inferior_a part_n or_o comply_v with_o our_o corrupt_a inclination_n have_v not_o any_o the_o least_o share_n in_o what_o we_o do_v but_o that_o the_o prayer_n and_o intention_n which_o as_o be_v say_v necessary_o go_v along_o with_o it_o in_o the_o superior_a part_n which_o only_o be_v spiritual_a remain_v altogether_o pure_a and_o untainted_a let_v then_o the_o soul_n which_o find_v little_a gust_n in_o prayer_n continue_v in_o the_o posture_n and_o circumstance_n of_o pray_v especial_o if_o the_o prayer_n be_v obligatory_a and_o in_o the_o material_a exercise_n of_o it_o at_o least_o vocal_o if_o she_o can_v do_v no_o more_o two_o comfort_n will_v ensue_v hence_o one_o that_o the_o merit_n of_o such_o prayer_n be_v secure_a every_o act_n of_o bear_v up_o against_o this_o dryness_n and_o the_o sloth_n to_o which_o it_o tempt_v be_v manifest_o a_o adhesion_n or_o cling_v to_o god_n with_o the_o superior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o other_o be_v that_o the_o gain_v make_v by_o such_o continuance_n though_o it_o seem_v small_a come_v in_o clear_a there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v defalkt_v from_o its_o purity_n by_o the_o mixture_n of_o any_o motive_n spring_v from_o matter_n or_o body_n whereas_o general_o in_o good_a action_n perform_v by_o the_o middle_a sort_n of_o christian_n there_o go_v so_o much_o out_o to_o the_o inferior_a part_n that_o be_v to_o fancy_n and_o appetite_n that_o when_o the_o chaff_n come_v to_o be_v winnow_v from_o the_o pure_a corn_n there_o remain_v not_o so_o many_o grain_n of_o spirit_n as_o some_o apprehend_v it_o be_v very_o well_o if_o they_o escape_v with_o the_o abatement_n of_o half_a and_o after_o all_o the_o harvest_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n do_v but_o only_o seem_v small_a for_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v otherwise_o since_o of_o necessity_n the_o habit_n of_o adhere_v to_o god_n must_v be_v get_v by_o a_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o act_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n which_o faithful_o continue_v to_o struggle_v against_o the_o difficulty_n of_o prayer_n can_v fail_v at_o last_o to_o come_v to_o a_o facility_n of_o it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o be_v value_v and_o endeavour_v by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o alloy_n from_o the_o inferior_a part_n be_v manifest_o wrought_v out_o by_o the_o strength_n and_o predominancy_n of_o the_o superior_a §_o 6._o there_o be_v yet_o another_o comfort_n in_o this_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n which_o be_v that_o the_o not_o desert_v our_o devotion_n for_o want_n of_o sensible_a content_n but_o go_v steady_o on_o whatever_o we_o feel_v be_v a_o evident_a testimony_n or_o argument_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o she_o be_v as_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o since_o she_o can_v act_v this_o to_o please_v nature_n to_o who_o grain_n it_o lie_v so_o cross_a it_o must_v of_o necessity_n proceed_v from_o a_o motive_n above_o nature_n that_o be_v a_o firm_a will_n and_o hearty_a desire_n to_o please_v god_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o must_v needs_o increase_v hope_n and_o if_o it_o be_v well_o lay_v to_o heart_n will_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o dryness_n and_o the_o scruple_n apt_a to_o ensue_v upon_o it_o produce_v that_o fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v call_v spiritual_a joy_n and_o such_o a_o solid_a peace_n of_o mind_n as_o the_o world_n can_v give_v §_o 7._o a_o soul_n which_o need_v more_o help_n in_o this_o kind_n may_v make_v use_n of_o some_o preparation_n to_o prayer_n such_o as_o may_v be_v most_o efficacious_a to_o fix_v her_o attention_n and_o keep_v her_o fancy_n from_o wander_a to_o which_o purpose_n she_o may_v a_o little_a reflect_v upon_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o and_o remember_v that_o happiness_n or_o misery_n and_o this_o for_o all_o eternity_n depend_v upon_o the_o disposition_n which_o she_o carry_v with_o she_o out_o of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o disposition_n on_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o procure_v it_o that_o so_o much_o time_n be_v allot_v to_o every_o one_o to_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n as_o every_o one_o life_n and_o no_o more_o and_o that_o this_o time_n misspend_v can_v never_o be_v recall_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o life_n be_v only_o to_o fit_v we_o to_o pray_v well_o and_o if_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n be_v fruitless_a our_o whole_a life_n be_v fruitless_a and_o irrecoverable_o lose_v that_o we_o can_v be_v dispose_v for_o heaven_n without_o time_n and_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n be_v that_o wherein_o alone_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v this_o disposition_n shall_v be_v wrought_v wherefore_o if_o this_o time_n be_v lose_v at_o what_o other_o time_n can_v we_o hope_v to_o do_v that_o which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v we_o be_v miserable_a and_o yet_o can_v be_v do_v but_o at_o some_o time_n etc._n etc._n these_o and_o the_o like_a reflection_n such_o as_o we_o find_v most_o apt_a to_o work_v upon_o we_o may_v contribute_v much_o to_o the_o well_o
frequent_a use_n of_o they_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o careless_a indifference_n in_o perform_v they_o and_o take_v off_o our_o conceit_n of_o they_o they_o will_v become_v little_a beneficial_a and_o perhaps_o harmful_a §_o 2._o but_o these_o inconvenience_n avoid_v these_o devotee_n be_v to_o be_v advise_v to_o pray_v as_o often_o and_o as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v and_o such_o prayer_n as_o they_o please_v to_o frequent_v the_o sacrament_n the_o often_o the_o better_a so_o it_o be_v with_o serious_a preparation_n and_o such_o as_o may_v preserve_v the_o reverence_n due_a to_o they_o to_o be_v present_a at_o all_o solemnity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o where_o thing_n be_v perform_v with_o most_o majesty_n and_o becomingness_n if_o any_o extraordinary_a occasion_n of_o devotion_n happen_v as_o in_o jubilee_n and_o the_o like_a by_o all_o mean_n to_o lay_v hold_n of_o it_o often_o to_o read_v good_a book_n of_o which_o the_o affective_a be_v more_o for_o their_o purpose_n than_o the_o instructive_a and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o omit_v nothing_o proper_a to_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v the_o habit_n of_o devotion_n in_o general_n the_o conceit_n they_o frame_v in_o common_a and_o confuse_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v keep_v up_o at_o the_o height_n and_o increase_v if_o it_o may_v be_v and_o for_o particular_n because_o they_o penetrate_v not_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n nor_o consider_v which_o way_n they_o work_v it_o matter_n not_o much_o what_o they_o be_v so_o they_o be_v good_a and_o apt_a to_o move_v they_o for_o this_o reason_n and_o because_o they_o be_v through_o their_o weakness_n easy_o scandalize_v peo_fw-la ple_fw-fr shall_v in_o charity_n be_v wary_a of_o maintain_v and_o even_o discover_v contrary_a sentiment_n before_o they_o for_o these_o way_n whatever_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o the_o best_a or_o no_o be_v best_a for_o they_o and_o will_v make_v they_o saint_n if_o they_o pursue_v they_o sincere_o and_o faithful_o and_o we_o must_v beware_v nè_fw-la pereat_fw-la in_o scientiâ_fw-la tuâ_fw-la infirmus_fw-la frater_fw-la lest_o a_o weak_a brother_n perish_v by_o thy_o knowledge_n §_o 3._o the_o way_n of_o knowledge_n must_v needs_o be_v pursue_v by_o such_o mean_n as_o improve_v knowledge_n and_o he_o advance_v in_o it_o best_o who_o most_o deep_o penetrate_v into_o christian_a duty_n and_o most_o clear_o see_v their_o agreeableness_n to_o right_a reason_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v with_o such_o a_o sight_n as_o be_v mere_o speculative_a nor_o such_o a_o sight_n as_o can_v pierce_v into_o the_o mystery_n themselves_o and_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o that_o kind_n of_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o other_o truth_n who_o term_n we_o see_v connect_v for_o this_o will_v take_v away_o faith_n and_o be_v impossible_a here_o and_o only_o to_o be_v hope_v in_o the_o country_n of_o blissful_a light_n where_o we_o shall_v see_v face_n to_o face_n but_o i_o mean_v such_o a_o sight_n as_o presuppose_v faith_n and_o render_v it_o lively_a or_o operative_a which_o if_o once_o we_o can_v attain_v it_o be_v impossible_a not_o to_o be_v devout_a for_o knowledge_n of_o any_o good_a when_o it_o be_v express_a and_o lively_a become_v a_o principle_n of_o act_v for_o it_o or_o to_o obtain_v it_o that_o be_v will_n as_o by_o reflection_n we_o may_v easy_o discover_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o experience_n of_o our_o daily_a action_n §_o 4._o now_o this_o knowledge_n be_v render_v express_v and_o faith_n by_o consequence_n lively_a two_o manner_n of_o way_n by_o supernatural_a and_o by_o natural_a mean_n supernatural_a mean_n be_v either_o apt_a to_o affect_v all_o mankind_n or_o some_o few_o choose_v by_o god_n providence_n and_o design_v and_o fit_v for_o great_a end_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v miracle_n in_o general_a for_o the_o common_a course_n of_o nature_n be_v practical_o evident_a to_o all_o and_o so_o what_o ever_o evident_o cross_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v conceive_v to_o spring_v from_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n who_o can_v control_v it_o as_o he_o please_v wherefore_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n this_o evidence_n make_v it_o stick_v firm_o in_o the_o soul_n that_o god_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o it_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o astonishment_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o unusualness_n of_o the_o effect_n make_v it_o sink_v deep_a and_o both_o together_o render_v faith_n as_o to_o the_o point_n it_o testify_v exceed_v lively_a and_o prompt_a to_o action_n of_o the_o other_o sort_n be_v the_o rush_a wind_n the_o fiery_a tongue_n and_o other_o concomitant_a cause_n which_o produce_v that_o prodigious_a liveliness_n of_o faith_n and_o sublime_a height_n of_o ardent_a devotion_n in_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o they_o be_v render_v so_o strong_o and_o ready_o dispose_v for_o those_o duty_n which_o christ_n have_v order_v they_o that_o they_o cheerful_o embrace_v all_o inconvenience_n torment_n nay_o death_n itself_o to_o perform_v they_o these_o cause_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o affect_v all_o mankind_n as_o they_o do_v those_o few_o particular_o fit_v by_o long_a conversation_n with_o christ_n himself_o and_o expectation_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o promise_n he_o make_v they_o at_o his_o departure_n which_o be_v still_o work_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o raise_v they_o to_o look_v for_o some_o strange_a supernatural_a effect_n of_o it_o these_o be_v the_o two_o manner_n of_o external_n and_o more_o ordinary_a supernatural_a mean_n for_o of_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o who_o operation_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o a_o series_n of_o cause_n unknowable_a by_o we_o it_o be_v not_o my_o intention_n to_o speak_v in_o this_o discourse_n §_o 5._o natural_a and_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o make_v this_o knowledge_n express_v and_o faith_n lively_a be_v also_o twofold_a viz._n penetrate_v well_o either_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o faith_n be_v build_v that_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o authority_n which_o recommend_v it_o or_o else_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o of_o the_o action_n to_o be_v practise_v to_o the_o maxim_n of_o true_a reason_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o controversy_n to_o teach_v the_o one_o and_o scholastic_a divinity_n the_o other_o and_o it_o be_v by_o read_v and_o attentive_o consider_v the_o discourse_n make_v by_o master_n in_o both_o kind_n that_o we_o may_v attain_v the_o knowledge_n we_o desire_v in_o these_o matmatter_n only_o let_v we_o provide_v the_o author_n we_o choose_v be_v true_o solid_a for_o every_o one_o who_o write_v be_v not_o so_o and_o that_o the_o point_v we_o choose_v be_v to_o our_o purpose_n it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a always_o nor_o convenient_a that_o every_o one_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o knowledge_n shall_v read_v all_o the_o controversy_n that_o concern_v each_o point_n of_o faith_n even_o though_o they_o be_v good_a and_o solid_a much_o less_o amuse_v himself_o with_o solve_v all_o objection_n raise_v and_o raisable_v without_o end_n by_o adversary_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o peruse_v and_o understand_v one_o or_o two_o good_a book_n which_o solid_o treat_v and_o firm_o establish_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n or_o if_o leisure_n and_o opportunity_n serve_v to_o hear_v some_o oral_a discourse_n of_o that_o subject_n in_o fine_a by_o any_o way_n we_o can_v to_o weigh_v attentive_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o authority_n on_o which_o faith_n be_v build_v and_o what_o perfect_a certainty_n the_o same_o and_o less_o authority_n beget_v in_o we_o on_o other_o occasion_n this_o do_v with_o that_o care_n and_o concern_v which_o the_o thing_n require_v it_o will_v natural_o breed_v in_o a_o soul_n these_o and_o the_o like_a reflection_n §_o 6._o i_o believe_v and_o that_o with_o a_o most_o firm_a assurance_n that_o there_o be_v a_o king_n henry_n 8_o a_o william_n the_o conqueror_n a_o julius_n caesar_n and_o many_o action_n perform_v by_o they_o as_o alter_v religion_n in_o england_n conquer_a this_o nation_n gain_v many_o victory_n and_o the_o like_a the_o same_o i_o believe_v of_o less_o man_n and_o less_o universally-known_a action_n provide_v they_o be_v sufficient_o notorious_a to_o great_a multitude_n and_o by_o these_o multitude_n open_o and_o serious_o attest_v and_o without_o any_o imaginable_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n of_o fear_n or_o hope_n or_o any_o interest_n which_o may_v move_v they_o to_o lie_v in_o the_o case_n i_o find_v this_o writ_n in_o my_o heart_n in_o such_o character_n that_o i_o can_v as_o well_o doubt_v whither_o i_o be_o as_o whither_o such_o thing_n be_v i_o find_v all_o mankind_n judge_v the_o same_o and_o i_o can_v no_o more_o think_v it_o possible_a that_o humour_n or_o interest_n shall_v beget_v this_o perswaon_n
care_n if_o such_o whirlwind_n and_o tempest_n turmoil_v this_o medium_n it_o will_v hazard_v to_o take_v the_o soul_n off_o the_o wing_n and_o throw_v she_o headlong_o to_o the_o earth_n wherefore_o if_o we_o intend_v a_o progress_n towards_o heaven_n by_o prayer_n we_o must_v first_o prepare_v a_o cheerful_a and_o unpassionate_a disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n ubi_fw-la pax_fw-la ibi_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sanctus_n where_o there_o be_v peace_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n the_o divine_a giver_n himself_o be_v not_o far_o absent_a at_o least_o there_o must_v be_v a_o steadiness_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v superior_a part_n or_o a_o full_a intention_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o all_o these_o passion_n for_o this_o lay_v first_o prayer_n itself_o will_v do_v the_o rest_n as_o shall_v be_v see_v hereafter_o §_o 5._o another_o excellency_n of_o prayer_n and_o consequent_o a_o encouragement_n to_o pursue_v it_o be_v that_o it_o include_v in_o itself_o at_o once_o all_o virtue_n not_o after_o a_o sluggish_a manner_n as_o they_o lie_v dormant_a as_o it_o be_v habitual_o in_o the_o soul_n but_o as_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o their_o most_o actual_a and_o best_a state_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o prayer_n be_v the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n at_o once_o for_o it_o be_v know_v that_o those_o virtue_n we_o call_v moral_a be_v not_o at_o all_o meritorious_a and_o consequent_o not_o at_o all_o virtue_n but_o as_o they_o partake_v of_o that_o queen_n of_o virtue_n charity_n whosoever_o therefore_o have_v charity_n and_o consequent_o the_o two_o other_o theological_a virtue_n faith_n and_o hope_n have_v all_o the_o rest_n whence_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n §_o 6._o but_o that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o particular_n while_o we_o pray_v we_o make_v use_v of_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n in-many_a regard_n for_o we_o at_o once_o exercise_v our_o belief_n that_o god_n be_v the_o sovereign_a giver_n of_o all_o good_a and_o lord_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a to_o see_v the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n lay_v open_a then_o before_o he_o infinite_o powerful_a to_o accomplish_v all_o we_o can_v possible_o wish_v infinite_o good_a to_o admit_v we_o into_o his_o presence_n nay_o to_o exhort_v and_o even_o command_v we_o to_o come_v to_o he_o as_o also_o to_o bestow_v on_o we_o all_o that_o our_o condition_n and_o disposition_n can_v render_v we_o capable_a of_o infinite_o merciful_a to_o forgive_v all_o our_o sin_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o hearty_o repent_v and_o humble_o ask_v pardon_n again_o by_o our_o profound_a reverence_n we_o acknowledge_v and_o exercise_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o incomparable_a greatness_n and_o majesty_n by_o our_o submission_n and_o resignation_n of_o his_o wise_a providence_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o world_n last_o by_o our_o ask_n of_o he_o with_o due_a humility_n that_o he_o be_v our_o great_a creator_n we_o his_o poor_a indigent_a creature_n and_o mere_a nothing_o of_o our_o selus_fw-la also_o that_o he_o be_v our_o most_o liberal_a and_o bounteous_a benefactor_n infinite_o rich_a to_o supply_v and_o overflowing_o communicative_a of_o himself_o to_o relieve_v all_o our_o necessity_n so_o we_o ask_v as_o we_o ought_v §_o 7._o again_o when_o we_o pray_v we_o exercise_v our_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o grant_v all_o we_o ask_v if_o we_o ask_v wise_o and_o humble_o that_o he_o will_v keep_v the_o promise_n he_o have_v make_v we_o to_o that_o purpose_n that_o he_o will_v merciful_o pardon_v our_o sin_n protect_v we_o from_o danger_n and_o in_o a_o word_n as_o we_o use_v to_o phrase_n it_o that_o he_o will_v hear_v all_o our_o prayer_n which_o according_a to_o his_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n aught_o to_o be_v second_v with_o performance_n §_o 8._o last_o while_o we_o pray_v we_o exercise_v the_o virtue_n of_o charity_n as_o it_o signify_v love_n of_o god_n by_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o look_v on_o he_o as_o a_o father_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o good_a as_o endow_v with_o all_o those_o ravish_a quality_n which_o among_o we_o use_n to_o beget_v love_n such_o as_o be_v bounty_n kindness_n mercy_n tender_a compassion_n fidelity_n of_o word_n friendliness_n pure_a intellectual_a light_n infinite_a beautifulness_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o most_o of_o all_o as_o he_o be_v our_o chief_a and_o final_a our_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a good_a and_o our_o only_a bliss_n in_o who_o our_o soul_n must_v either_o for_o ever_o repose_v after_o all_o the_o fond_a toy_n of_o the_o world_n we_o so_o dote_v on_o leave_v we_o or_o else_o remain_v eternal_o miserable_a let_v we_o lay_v all_o this_o together_o and_o then_o reflect_v how_o sublime_a a_o excellency_n be_v find_v in_o prayer_n which_o at_o once_o exercise_n and_o interior_o execute_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n all_o virtue_n at_o once_o sect_n ii_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v the_o actual_a fulfil_v all_o the_o commandment_n at_o once_o when_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n ask_v our_o bless_a saviour_n what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n his_o answer_n be_v keep_v the_o commandment_n now_o if_o prayer_n be_v suppose_v it_o make_v as_o it_o ought_v the_o keep_v all_o the_o commandment_n nay_o a_o actual_a exercise_v they_o all_o at_o once_o then_o we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o vary_v the_o phrase_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n without_o alter_v his_o sense_n and_o to_o say_v if_o thou_o will_v have_v eternal_a life_n apply_v thyself_o to_o prayer_n and_o this_o be_v another_o excellency_n of_o prayer_n and_o a_o great_a one_o too_o that_o every_o time_n we_o exercise_v it_o we_o be_v exercise_v the_o fulfil_n all_o the_o commandment_n at_o once_o §_o 2._o to_o understand_v which_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o no_o external_n act_n be_v meritorious_a or_o demeritorious_a before_o god_n but_o as_o it_o spring_v from_o deliberate_a will_n or_o intention_n and_o though_o the_o execution_n of_o god_n command_n do_v exterious_o increase_v merit_n too_o yet_o it_o be_v because_o the_o intention_n itself_o be_v better_v or_o strengthen_v habitual_o to_o some_o degree_n by_o the_o outward_a exercise_n or_o because_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n perhaps_o to_o be_v overcome_v in_o the_o perform_v the_o outward_a action_n hence_o the_o intention_n to_o do_v this_o pursue_v resolute_o to_o a_o actual_a execution_n be_v better_a than_o else_o it_o will_v have_v be_v by_o the_o very_a conquer_a the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n aâ—_n we_o may_v say_v a_o intention_n to_o do_v a_o thing_n notwithstanding_o any_o difficulty_n occur_v be_v better_a than_o a_o intention_n simple_o to_o do_v it_o again_o the_o outward_a action_n increase_v our_o merit_n be-because_a it_o beget_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n and_o hope_n in_o we_o that_o our_o inward_a intention_n be_v not_o a_o counterfeit_a one_o for_o the_o be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o of_o have_v perform_v many_o such_o good_a deed_n especial_o if_o not_o do_v in_o the_o world_n eye_n and_o therefore_o not_o for_o its_o sake_n but_o for_o god_n will_v stand_v we_o in_o good_a stead_n at_o our_o last_o hour_n and_o strengthen_v our_o soul_n with_o hope_n and_o consequent_o with_o love_n which_o always_o go_v proportion_v to_o it_o when_o we_o be_v to_o appear_v before_o our_o great_a judg._n but_o abstract_v from_o these_o case_n and_o speak_v of_o outward_a action_n without_o any_o regard_n or_o rapport_v to_o the_o soul_n they_o be_v pure_o local_a motion_n or_o mere_o natural_a not_o moral_a one_o and_o so_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o merit_n or_o demerit_n wherefore_o put_v a_o intention_n to_o do_v any_o good_a as_o resolute_o bend_v to_o do_v it_o and_o to_o overcome_v all_o difficulty_n that_o may_v occur_v and_o to_o that_o degree_n of_o perfection_n as_o the_o other_o gain_v by_o extend_v itself_o to_o action_n last_o such_o as_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o heartiness_n and_o honest_a sincerity_n with_o other_o circumstance_n gain_v the_o same_o comfort_n to_o the_o soul_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v execute_v outward_o it_o be_v equal_o meritorious_a as_o the_o other_o insomuch_o that_o whosoever_o firm_o and_o resolute_o intend_v any_o good_a so_o that_o nothing_o need_v but_o a_o opportunity_n actual_o to_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n do_v already_o execute_v it_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o before_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v perform_v it_o exterior_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o our_o b._n saviour_n say_v that_o the_o poor_a widow_n when_o she_o give_v a_o mite_n give_v more_o than_o all_o the_o rich_a vaunter_n for_o though_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o yet_o
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
make_v we_o become_v like_o the_o saint_n himself_o that_o be_v virtuous_a and_o this_o because_o it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o become_v that_o thing_n by_o her_o understanding_n and_o will_n which_o it_o studious_o know_v and_o affectionate_o love_v and_o in_o that_o very_a regard_n too_o and_o to_o that_o degree_n in_o which_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o considerate_o to_o know_v it_o and_o hearty_o to_o love_v it_o but_o this_o will_v better_o be_v understand_v by_o what_o follow_v after_o §_o 7._o hence_o also_o be_v see_v the_o true_a use_n of_o picture_n keep_v holiday_n of_o saint_n and_o such_o other_o devotion_n all_o which_o renew_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o thought_n of_o such_o a_o virtuous_a person_n must_v needs_o be_v beneficial_a since_o they_o purify_v our_o mind_n by_o familiarise_v it_o to_o such_o holy_a and_o elevate_v object_n and_o by_o help_v it_o to_o make_v the_o character_n of_o the_o saint_n virtuous_a life_n and_o of_o its_o particular_a agreeableness_n to_o we_o more_o express_a till_o at_o length_n by_o will_n and_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o by_o mere_a understanding_n we_o become_v in_o a_o manner_n it._n but_o especial_o these_o help_n be_v necessary_a to_o those_o who_o arrive_v not_o at_o the_o love_n of_o spiritual_a good_n by_o strength_n of_o judgement_n or_o clear_a evidence_n of_o reason_n but_o by_o often_o reiterated_a impression_n of_o object_n upon_o the_o know_a power_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o sense_n i_o meddle_v not_o here_o with_o other_o more_o wonderful_a effect_n do_v by_o our_o application_n to_o saint_n and_o their_o intercession_n for_o we_o when_o the_o faith_n of_o he_o that_o pray_v require_v it_o the_o principle_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v so_o deep_a and_o be_v withal_o so_o remote_a from_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o it_o will_v be_v too_o long_a a_o digression_n to_o attempt_v here_o their_o explication_n sect_n v._o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v the_o infallible_a mean_n to_o obtain_v all_o our_o best_a wish_n the_o impetrative_a part_n of_o prayer_n or_o the_o virtue_n it_o have_v of_o obtain_v from_o god_n infallible_o what_o ever_o we_o ask_v for_o ourselves_o that_o we_o can_v be_v sure_o be_v our_o true_a good_a be_v perhaps_o as_o great_a a_o incentive_a to_o exercise_v it_o as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o doctrine_n no_o less_o comfortable_a than_o strange_a we_o ought_v then_o to_o unriddle_v it_o and_o make_v it_o out_o and_o first_o we_o must_v remark_n that_o we_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a that_o any_o external_n thing_n be_v good_a for_o we_o be_v it_o riches_n honour_n pleasure_n health_n friend_n etc._n etc._n for_o to_o many_o all_o these_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o damnation_n as_o they_o have_v of_o salvation_n to_o other_o nay_o some_o be_v of_o that_o genius_n and_o so_o circumstance_v that_o nothing_o but_o extreme_a misery_n in_o this_o world_n can_v keep_v they_o from_o sin_v other_o again_o be_v so_o temper_v that_o they_o grow_v desperate_a by_o great_a and_o continual_a cross_n and_o fall_v into_o a_o stupidity_n or_o disregard_n of_o all_o duty_n if_o press_v heavy_o by_o affliction_n nay_o more_o speak_v of_o interior_a perfection_n which_o have_v a_o great_a vicinity_n to_o virtue_n even_a knowledge_n have_v make_v some_o solid_o virtuous_a other_o vain_o proud_a nothing_o therefore_o but_o that_o perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n call_v virtue_n be_v secure_o good_a for_o we_o since_o then_o it_o be_v direct_o against_o reason_n to_o wish_v press_o and_o absolute_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o will_v do_v we_o good_a or_o harm_n reason_n tell_v we_o we_o be_v not_o to_o beg_v of_o god_n absolute_o any_o thing_n but_o virtue_n the_o rest_n only_o conditional_o or_o with_o this_o reservation_n in_o case_n our_o heavenly_a father_n judge_v we_o have_v need_n of_o they_o or_o in_o case_n he_o see_v they_o convenient_a for_o we_o and_o it_o be_v of_o this_o i_o affirm_v that_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v of_o god_n by_o prayer_n it_o will_v be_v always_o grant_v and_o that_o too_o to_o the_o very_a same_o degree_n as_o be_v our_o fervency_n in_o ask_v it_o §_o 2._o to_o understand_v how_o this_o be_v effect_v we_o must_v reflect_v that_o to_o pray_v for_o any_o virtue_n be_v earnest_o to_o wish_v it_o as_o also_o that_o prayer_n if_o perform_v attentive_o and_o as_o it_o ought_v be_v the_o most_o serious_a action_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o treaty_n or_o communication_n with_o god_n the_o seer_n of_o our_o heart_n with_o who_o it_o be_v the_o most_o irreverent_a folly_n that_o may_v be_v not_o to_o be_v in_o earnest_n when_o we_o profess_v it_o outward_o prayer_n therefore_o for_o virtue_n be_v the_o most_o serious_a and_o most_o effectual_a act_n of_o the_o will_v imaginable_a strong_o set_v and_o bend_v towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o perfection_n we_o pray_v for_o that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o frequent_a and_o hearty_a wish_n of_o virtue_n and_o what_o be_v virtue_n but_o a_o confirm_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_v to_o do_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n or_o a_o habitual_a will_n to_o act_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o christian_a principle_n and_o how_o be_v habit_n get_v but_o by_o oft_o repeat_v or_o very_o effectual_a act_n since_o then_o when_o ever_o we_o pray_v for_o virtue_n as_o we_o ought_v both_o these_o be_v find_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o prayer_n for_o we_o both_o repeat_v often_o our_o wish_n which_o be_v act_n of_o our_o will_n and_o withal_o they_o be_v the_o most_o serious_a most_o solemn_a and_o most_o elevate_v act_n that_o can_v be_v and_o thence_o very_o efficacious_a it_o follow_v that_o the_o pray_v for_o virtue_n be_v the_o very_o gain_v it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o warm_v continue_v and_o advance_v beget_v heat_n and_o heat_v a_o flame_n §_o 3._o you_o will_v say_v all_o this_o give_v no_o great_a account_n of_o any_o particularity_n in_o prayer_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o virtue_n since_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o frequent_a consider_v with_o ourselves_o and_o ponder_v well_o the_o excellency_n of_o virtue_n may_v beget_v wish_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o virtue_n in_o we_o and_o this_o in_o as_o high_a a_o manner_n if_o well_o follow_v as_o prayer_n do_v i_o answer_v first_o the_o case_n be_v impossible_a for_o except_z when_o we_o wish_v to_o get_v virtue_n we_o aim_v at_o heaven_n by_o thus_o wish_v it_o it_o be_v not_o true_a virtue_n we_o wish_v but_o some_o apish_a resemblance_n of_o it_o to_o make_v we_o esteem_v by_o the_o world_n or_o for_o some_o other_o temporal_a end_n and_o if_o in_o set_v our_o selus_fw-la to_o consider_v its_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n which_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o dispose_v we_o for_o heaven_n and_o thence_o wish_v it_o we_o aim_v at_o the_o attainment_n of_o heaven_n or_o the_o blissful_a sight_n of_o god_n by_o it_o we_o be_v in_o prayer_n all_o the_o while_o we_o wish_v it_o after_o some_o manner_n though_o perhaps_o there_o go_v not_o along_o with_o it_o the_o addressive_a part_n to_o god_n by_o way_n of_o petition_n which_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a shall_v be_v want_v in_o those_o who_o habitual_o know_v by_o faith_n and_o by_o christian_a language_n and_o practice_n be_v inure_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o good_n especial_o supernatural_a one_o come_v from_o god_n §_o 4._o next_o i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o a_o true_a sight_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o utility_n of_o virtue_n improve_v by_o our_o consideration_n may_v cause_v some_o degree_n of_o wish_n or_o desire_n of_o it_o and_o so_o beget_v virtue_n at_o first_o or_o advance_v it_o something_o but_o that_o all_o those_o mean_n be_v dry_a and_o inefficacious_a without_o prayer_n will_v appear_v by_o the_o advantage_n find_v in_o prayer_n as_o first_o that_o while_o our_o thought_n be_v set_v upon_o he_o who_o be_v our_o last_o end_n we_o take_v our_o aim_n more_o steady_o at_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o attain_v he_o 2_o i'faith_o which_o we_o suppose_v to_o go_v before_o prayer_n tell_v we_o all_o come_v from_o he_o it_o heighten_v our_o soul_n and_o consequent_o fancy_n far_o above_o that_o pitch_n to_o which_o natural_a and_o unelevated_a thought_n can_v have_v raise_v they_o 3_o faith_n tell_v we_o also_o he_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o virtue_n the_o very_a approach_n to_o he_o by_o prayer_n and_o beg_v it_o of_o he_o be_v the_o draw_v it_o into_o our_o selus_fw-la from_o his_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o all_o good_n 4_o i'faith_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n which_o be_v make_v according_a to_o
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
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