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
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
be_v mere_o by_o a_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o her_o own_o act_n or_o by_o the_o interposition_n of_o the_o understanding_n which_o clear_o see_v that_o such_o or_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v press_n and_o prevail_v upon_o the_o will_v to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o do_v they_o these_o way_n be_v both_o efficacious_a but_o the_o late_a the_o more_o natural_a and_o less_o changeable_a for_o the_o will_n according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o understanding_n and_o indeed_o in_o some_o sense_n can_v be_v lead_v otherwise_o there_o be_v some_o co-operation_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o that_o first_o act_n of_o the_o will_n the_o repetition_n of_o which_o afterward_o produce_v the_o habit._n for_o unless_o the_o action_n have_v first_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v do_v at_o all_o but_o if_o the_o understanding_n contribute_v but_o little_a it_o be_v more_o chance_n and_o luck_n than_o reason_n that_o the_o action_n hap_v to_o be_v good_a which_o be_v not_o connatural_a our_o nature_n require_v a_o rational_a proceed_n in_o all_o thing_n again_o it_o be_v also_o less_o last_v for_o as_o use_n produce_v disuse_n will_v lose_v it_o and_o shall_v the_o understanding_n as_o not_o be_v first_o settle_v itself_o it_o well_o may_v come_v to_o cross_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o will_n by_o contrary_a judgement_n or_o even_a doubt_n the_o will_n will_v waver_v and_o act_v faint_o first_o and_o after_o perhaps_o not_o at_o all_o but_o a_o will_n produce_v by_o the_o understanding_n clear_o see_v and_o conceit_v practical_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o out_o of_o that_o sight_n move_v and_o indeed_o become_v the_o will_n to_o do_v it_o can_v be_v change_v till_o the_o understanding_n change_n and_o if_o the_o understanding_n be_v determine_v by_o truth_n and_o that_o truth_n clear_o see_v the_o understanding_n can_v change_v because_o truth_n can_v never_o turn_v into_o not-truth_n i_o say_v clear_o see_v for_o passion_n dim_v or_o blind_v and_o so_o come_v in_o sin_n §_o 2._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o in_o one_o way_n the_o soul_n work_v upon_o the_o body_n in_o the_o other_o the_o body_n work_v upon_o the_o soul_n where_o the_o habit_n be_v produce_v by_o repeat_v act_n it_o be_v cause_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o body_n who_o spirit_n and_o organ_n be_v fit_v by_o constant_a use_n and_o ready_o concur_v to_o such_o action_n carry_v the_o soul_n along_o with_o they_o in_o the_o other_o way_n the_o action_n begin_v from_o the_o soul_n by_o who_o predominance_n over_o the_o body_n those_o spirit_n and_o organ_n be_v fit_v and_o concur_v with_o readiness_n and_o ease_n to_o her_o direction_n yet_o both_o arrive_v at_o the_o same_o end_v a_o fit_a disposition_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n §_o 3._o notwithstanding_o since_o effect_n must_v needs_o partake_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o cause_n though_o true_a devotion_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o both_o way_n yet_o this_o effect_n can_v but_o have_v consequence_n and_o operation_n as_o different_a as_o the_o cause_n be_v which_o produce_v it_o the_o devotion_n cause_v by_o knowledge_n be_v proper_a for_o more_o refine_a soul_n such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o and_o judge_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o guide_v their_o action_n by_o their_o judgement_n the_o other_o for_o temper_n less_o rational_a and_o who_o not_o able_a to_o go_v alone_o require_v to_o be_v lead_v the_o former_a can_v only_o be_v lose_v by_o a_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o cultivate_v those_o principle_n which_o cause_v it_o and_o which_o be_v not_o soon_o nor_o easy_o pluck_v up_o where_o once_o they_o have_v take_v deep_a root_n the_o other_o perish_v both_o soon_o and_o more_o easy_o by_o bare_a disuse_a of_o the_o material_a action_n by_o which_o it_o be_v produce_v and_o indeed_o they_o who_o have_v only_a custom_n from_o whence_o they_o can_v derive_v their_o devotion_n general_o run_v great_a hazard_n of_o a_o total_a decay_n in_o virtue_n upon_o any_o considerable_a neglect_n of_o their_o customary_a exercise_n §_o 4._o yet_o in_o some_o respect_n this_o material_a way_n be_v less_o subject_a to_o involuntary_a distraction_n in_o prayer_n than_o the_o other_o because_o this_o way_n of_o prayer_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n confused_z and_o a_o elevation_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o god_n in_o common_a as_o it_o be_v without_o distinct_a application_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o particular_a motive_n which_o shall_v advance_v she_o to_o new_a degree_n of_o fervency_n it_o cost_v she_o by_o consequence_n little_a labour_n and_o oblige_v she_o not_o out_o of_o weariness_n to_o divert_v to_o new_a object_n again_o this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n have_v little_a or_o no_o height_n of_o spirituality_n but_o be_v suitable_a to_o fancy_n find_v in_o the_o brain_n proper_a species_n agreeable_a to_o the_o thought_n he_o have_v who_o pray_v whereas_o the_o other_o strain_v after_o object_n pure_o spiritual_a of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o proper_a species_n have_v by_o consequence_n less_o ground_n in_o nature_n to_o fix_v the_o attention_n §_o 5._o in_o some_o respect_n too_o the_o spiritual_a way_n have_v the_o advantage_n in_o this_o point_n of_o distraction_n for_o the_o distinct_a consideration_n to_o which_o the_o soul_n apply_v herself_o be_v apt_a from_o their_o be_v distinct_a to_o fix_v the_o attention_n because_o they_o afford_v she_o a_o particular_a entertainment_n to_o which_o she_o may_v attend_v as_o for_o weariness_n when_o she_o find_v that_o prevail_v and_o render_v her_o unfit_a to_o continue_v her_o prayer_n long_o she_o leau_v it_o off_o for_o the_o present_a to_o resume_v it_o when_o she_o be_v better_a dispose_v and_o when_o some_o use_n have_v provide_v she_o of_o spirit_n fit_a for_o her_o purpose_n she_o will_v seldom_o have_v cause_n to_o break_v off_o for_o weariness_n but_o may_v pray_v with_o ease_n as_o long_o as_o be_v necessary_a or_o useful_a §_o 6._o hitherto_o we_o have_v discourse_v of_o these_o two_o kind_n of_o devotion_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n if_o we_o upon_o look_v they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o subject_a we_o shall_v find_v those_o of_o the_o material_a way_n general_o great_a valuer_n of_o external_n act_n they_o place_v all_o spiritual_a goodness_n in_o frequent_v they_o think_v they_o saint_n who_o be_v addict_v to_o long_a prayer_n and_o assiduous_o repair_v to_o church_n and_o sacrament_n proceed_v too_o often_o to_o censure_v those_o as_o little_o less_o than_o void_a of_o all_o goodness_n who_o they_o observe_v not_o to_o be_v still_o as_o their_o bead_n or_o the_o like_a and_o this_o proceed_v not_o from_o defect_n in_o devotion_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o seldom_o happen_v but_o where_o it_o be_v strong_a and_o much_o value_v but_o from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o person_n who_o have_v it_o and_o who_o be_v neither_o use_v nor_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n comprehend_v not_o how_o he_o can_v be_v devout_a who_o do_v not_o do_v those_o action_n continual_o which_o by_o experience_n he_o find_v useful_a and_o necessary_a to_o devotion_n in_o himself_o those_o of_o the_o other_o way_n place_v all_o their_o treasure_n in_o interior_a disposition_n and_o for_o outward_a action_n choose_v they_o by_o judgement_n and_o practice_n so_o many_o and_o such_o as_o they_o find_v useful_a to_o the_o inward_a affection_n they_o think_v person_n more_o or_o less_o saint_n as_o their_o soul_n possess_v more_o or_o less_o of_o those_o true_a spiritual_a riches_n and_o hence_o value_n and_o endeavour_v so_o to_o improve_v their_o mind_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o be_v the_o connatural_a mean_n to_o produce_v good_a affection_n which_o the_o other_o fancy_v not_o but_o rather_o condemn_v as_o a_o hindrance_n to_o devotion_n because_o they_o perceive_v no_o efficacy_n nor_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o themselves_o §_o 7._o the_o former_a place_v much_o of_o their_o devotion_n in_o performance_n of_o the_o external_n act_n as_o go_v often_o to_o confession_n communion_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o general_o altogether_o so_o solicitous_a of_o due_a preparation_n or_o at_o least_o aim_v not_o by_o their_o preparation_n to_o work_v their_o soul_n into_o a_o disposition_n fit_a to_o advance_v in_o true_a virtue_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o interior_n by_o a_o connatural_a efficacy_n of_o the_o action_n upon_o such_o a_o disposition_n but_o follow_v faith_n unexplicate_v by_o true_a theology_n expect_v the_o fruit_n from_o a_o supernatural_a operation_n of_o grace_n beyond_o their_o comprehension_n fix_v to_o and_o accompany_v the_o action_n the_o late_a apprehend_v the_o benefit_n to_o be_v expect_v from_o those_o action_n depend_v after_o a_o connatural_a way_n upon_o the_o disposition_n with_o which_o they_o
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
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
love_n of_o this_o world_n strengthen_v and_o advance_v my_o reason_n elevate_v my_o mind_n to_o god_n and_o strain_n with_o the_o utmost_a force_n of_o my_o soul_n after_o this_o state_n of_o bliss_n which_o be_v alone_o desirable_a alone_o considerable_a etc._n etc._n and_o this_o with_o a_o steady_a and_o devout_a pursuit_n keep_v ever_o awake_a in_o my_o mind_n when_o it_o grow_v drowsy_a the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o what_o my_o faith_n propose_v and_o attest_v to_o i_o by_o the_o church_n deliver_v to_o i_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o faith_n be_v the_o argument_n of_o thing_n not_o yet_o see_v to_o wit_n by_o the_o clearness_n of_o its_o principle_n or_o ground_n likewise_o how_o it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v hope_v by_o the_o firmness_n of_o its_o own_o foundation_n last_o how_o it_o be_v the_o groundwork_n of_o all_o devotion_n because_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o truth_n render_v express_v to_o our_o thought_n make_v faith_n itself_o very_o lively_a and_o operative_a that_o be_v our_o judgement_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o very_o practical_a and_o ready_a for_o christian_a action_n in_o which_o that_o disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o we_o call_v devotion_n formal_o consist_v to_o proceed_v thus_o far_o and_o settle_v their_o judgement_n in_o these_o truth_n with_o the_o steady_a firmness_n and_o clear_a sight_n they_o can_v be_v advisable_v for_o those_o soul_n who_o pitch_n of_o reason_n make_v they_o inquisitive_a into_o the_o ground_n of_o thing_n and_o capable_a to_o comprehend_v they_o for_o such_o person_n will_v receive_v much_o comfort_n and_o profit_n by_o such_o kind_n of_o satisfaction_n it_o import_v not_o which_o way_n they_o take_v to_o this_o end_n whether_o they_o work_v it_o out_o by_o their_o own_o meditation_n or_o use_v the_o assistance_n of_o book_n or_o public_a or_o private_a and_o familiar_a discourse_n so_o the_o business_n be_v do_v it_o matter_n not_o how_o §_o 11._o if_o any_o particular_a difficulty_n which_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a ground_n of_o their_o belief_n come_v cross_v their_o thought_n and_o hazard_n in_o the_o least_o to_o shock_v their_o judgement_n it_o may_v be_v worth_a their_o pain_n sometime_o to_o see_v through_o that_o too_o but_o to_o amuse_v themselves_o with_o every_o objection_n and_o not_o to_o be_v quiet_a till_o they_o themselves_o can_v answer_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v oppose_v i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o very_a unprofitable_a and_o very_o unsatisfiable_a curiosity_n the_o difficulty_n may_v sometime_o be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v solve_v without_o a_o deep_a insight_n into_o many_o science_n such_o as_o they_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v hope_v to_o have_v for_o want_v of_o leisure_n or_o part_n again_o objection_n be_v endless_a and_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v satisfy_v of_o a_o truth_n till_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o be_v answer_v we_o shall_v never_o be_v satisfy_v of_o any_o truth_n at_o all_o but_o only_o of_o the_o very_a first_o principles_n shall_v all_o the_o objection_n yet_o ever_o think_v of_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n be_v answer_v to_o day_n as_o many_o more_o may_v be_v invent_v to_o morrow_n for_o wit_n and_o fancy_n have_v no_o bound_n and_o it_o be_v from_o the_o fertility_n of_o their_o invention_n that_o object_v proceed_v and_o after_o all_o it_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a business_n of_o devotee_n it_o belong_v to_o controvertist_n to_o answer_v objection_n the_o only_a thing_n which_o import_v devout_a people_n of_o this_o pitch_n be_v to_o understand_v well_o that_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o proceed_v in_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n be_v firm_a and_o solid_a and_o such_o as_o they_o ought_v secure_o and_o without_o fear_n of_o deceit_n rely_v on_o which_o do_v they_o must_v be_v true_a to_o themselves_o and_o act_n with_o a_o vigour_n proportionable_a to_o that_o degree_n of_o cleverness_n with_o which_o their_o speculativeness_n discern_v they_o to_o be_v true_a join_v with_o such_o a_o concern_v as_o faith_n tell_v we_o the_o matter_n deserve_v nor_o need_v they_o distrust_v god_n providence_n in_o this_o which_o have_v furnish_v his_o church_n with_o mean_n suitable_a to_o every_o capacity_n §_o 12._o again_o when_o upon_o certain_a ground_n they_o have_v give_v admittance_n to_o a_o truth_n they_o shall_v stand_v to_o it_o and_o trouble_v themselves_o no_o more_o for_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n be_v or_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o that_o if_o this_o be_v true_a what_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o be_v not_o true_a whether_o i_o be_v able_a to_o make_v so_o much_o out_o or_o no._n and_o upon_o this_o they_o may_v secure_o rest_v in_o truth_n this_o waver_a inconstancy_n this_o quiver_a irresolution_n which_o keep_v we_o from_o own_v hearty_o what_o we_o do_v see_v for_o fear_v of_o what_o we_o do_v not_o see_v be_v a_o blamable_a weakness_n lose_v the_o time_n in_o which_o we_o shall_v work_v out_o our_o salvation_n upon_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o put_v we_o into_o the_o condition_n which_o st._n paul_n reprehend_v in_o the_o woman_n of_o his_o time_n semper_fw-la discentes_fw-la &_o nunquam_fw-la ad_fw-la scientiam_fw-la veritatis_fw-la pervenientes_fw-la always_o learning_n &_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n §_o 13._o since_o then_o a_o know_v devout_a soul_n seek_v only_o or_o only_o shall_v seek_v so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o devotion_n let_v she_o if_o she_o be_v able_a faithful_o and_o severe_o pursue_v her_o inquiry_n till_o she_o arrive_v at_o such_o a_o certainty_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o concern_v she_o i_o mean_v such_o as_o will_v give_v solid_a ground_n for_o virtuous_a christian_a life_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n remain_v satisfy_v with_o this_o that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v some_o deceit_n in_o whatever_o be_v say_v against_o truth_n let_v she_o a_o god_n name_n first_o discover_v that_o to_o be_v truth_n which_o she_o embrace_v as_o truth_n to_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o judge_v upon_o good_a ground_n the_o church_n be_v infallible_a but_o after_o this_o it_o be_v lose_v time_n if_o she_o spend_v any_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o deceit_n it_o be_v enough_o she_o know_v it_o be_v deceit_n and_o need_v not_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o one_o it_o be_v in_o our_o particular_a case_n she_o may_v reflect_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n or_o tradition_n be_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o we_o build_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v christian_n which_o only_o in_o a_o manner_n among_o we_o be_v call_v in_o question_n they_o who_o deny_v the_o force_n of_o tradition_n must_v by_o consequence_n deny_v the_o certainty_n of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v before_o our_o day_n and_o because_o nature_n assure_v we_o that_o this_o be_v irrational_a it_o assure_v we_o likewise_o that_o who_o object_n on_o this_o manner_n go_v against_o nature_n and_o so_o all_o they_o can_v say_v be_v no_o other_o than_o witty_a talk_n handsome_a flourish_n and_o plausible_a quibble_n without_o real_a force_n or_o solid_a ground_n and_o indeed_o they_o plain_o discover_v themselves_o irrational_a and_o lead_v by_o passion_n who_o obstinate_o oppose_v tradition_n because_o they_o maintain_v a_o evident_a contradiction_n for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n they_o affirm_v that_o faith_n be_v true_o certain_a and_o on_o the_o other_o deny_v faith_n have_v any_o ground_n true_o certain_a and_o this_o since_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v certain_a but_o in_o virtue_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o ground_n by_o which_o the_o certainty_n be_v make_v out_o be_v to_o say_v that_o faith_n be_v and_o be_v not_o true_o certain_a to_o this_o they_o be_v force_v by_o the_o heat_n of_o opposition_n for_o they_o will_v not_o grant_v tradition_n have_v the_o virtue_n to_o make_v a_o thing_n true_o certain_a because_o they_o be_v aware_a it_o be_v against_o they_o and_o by_o deny_v it_o they_o leave_v no_o true_o certain_a ground_n for_o faith_n at_o all_o for_o as_o all_o proof_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n past_o long_a ago_o must_v at_o last_o depend_v on_o testimony_n or_o tradition_n if_o tradition_n itself_o be_v not_o secure_a nothing_o can_v be_v so_o which_o depend_v on_o it_o and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o they_o must_v speak_v out_o at_o last_o and_o say_v plain_o as_o they_o do_v that_o all_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o faith_n itself_o may_v possible_o be_v false_a §_o 14._o i_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v here_o to_o advise_v any_o they_o shall_v not_o believe_v till_o they_o have_v this_o evidence_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n but_o i_o presuppose_v they_o already_o faithful_a and_o intend_v only_a to_o comfort_v their_o faith_n by_o look_v into_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
great_a man_n aristotle_n who_o st._n thomas_n of_o aquin_n follow_v both_o in_o this_o and_o most_o other_o point_n of_o his_o doctrine_n as_o fit_a by_o reason_n of_o their_o truth_n to_o explicate_v christian_a faith_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o know_v any_o thing_n have_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n know_v in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o as_o know_v it_o become_v that_o very_a thing_n intellectual_o to_o comfort_v our_o assent_n to_o so_o strange_a a_o point_n which_o look_v at_o first_o sight_n like_o a_o kind_n of_o mystery_n of_o faith_n we_o may_v reflect_v that_o when_o we_o discourse_v or_o think_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o thing_n let_v it_o be_v fire_n a_o stone_n or_o what_o other_o thing_n you_o will_v this_o discourse_n or_o thought_n pass_v whole_o within_o our_o mind_n and_o when_o it_o be_v do_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o remain_v there_o and_o not_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o we_o as_o it_o do_v in_o other_o kind_n of_o action_n as_o write_v cut_v or_o such_o like_a which_o leave_v their_o impression_n out_o of_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o thing_n we_o work_v on_o wherefore_o also_o the_o object_n on_o which_o that_o inward_a thought_n or_o discourse_n work_n must_v as_o necessary_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n too_o as_o object_n of_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o action_n fire_n for_o example_n or_o a_o stone_n exist_v out_o of_o we_o when_o we_o work_v upon_o they_o that_o be_v when_o we_o blow_v the_o fire_n or_o hew_v the_o stone_n but_o this_o object_n of_o our_o discourse_n or_o thought_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v discourse_v about_o and_o not_o about_o some_o lame_a resemblance_n of_o it_o wherefore_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o our_o soul_n or_o exist_v there_o though_o after_o a_o different_a manner_n than_o it_o do_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n §_o 3._o then_o to_o clear_v how_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v that_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n can_v have_v two_o different_a manner_n of_o be_v we_o may_v reflect_v how_o the_o frame_n of_o a_o house_n or_o a_o new_a invent_a figure_n or_o draught_n be_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o artificer_n while_o yet_o it_o have_v no_o be_v out_o of_o it_o or_o how_o the_o essence_n or_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n when_o as_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o or_o according_a to_o their_o own_o manner_n of_o be_v if_o then_o as_o it_o be_v now_o make_v evident_a the_o soul_n can_v have_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n in_o its_o knowledge_n it_o can_v be_v those_o thing_n intellectual_o since_o what_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o it_o be_v as_o it_o have_v that_o nature_n in_o it_o that_o very_a thing_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v that_o very_a thing_n but_o only_o to_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o thing_n in_o it_o the_o soul_n then_o as_o know_v any_o thing_n become_v that_o very_a thing_n intellectual_o which_o it_o know_v §_o 4._o to_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n as_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n see_v intellectual_o god_n very_a essence_n have_v the_o divine_a nature_n in_o their_o know_a power_n and_o so_o be_v god_n by_o participation_n and_o intellectual_o which_o be_v the_o utmost_a pitch_n imaginable_a that_o a_o creature_n can_v possible_o arrive_v to_o simile_n ei_fw-la erimus_fw-la ses_fw-fr st._n john_n quoniam_fw-la videbimus_fw-la eum_fw-la sicuti_fw-la est_fw-la so_o those_o who_o see_v god_n and_o think_v on_o he_o as_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o faith_n be_v according_a to_o the_o inferior_a pitch_n of_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o god_n in_o this_o state_n to_o some_o degree_n deify_v too_o and_o though_o these_o imperfect_a resemblance_n of_o god_n which_o we_o borrow_v from_o creature_n do_v not_o reach_v the_o divine_a nature_n in_o itself_o yet_o in_o case_n those_o who_o pray_v be_v instruct_v as_o they_o ought_v that_o though_o the_o object_n of_o their_o conception_n do_v not_o proper_o correspond_v to_o god_n yet_o since_o the_o notion_n their_o judgement_n accept_v to_o stand_v for_o he_o be_v not_o compatible_a to_o any_o create_a nature_n they_o true_o have_v god_n in_o their_o thought_n though_o after_o a_o imperfect_a manner_n and_o so_o be_v he_o intellectual_o prayer_n then_o be_v the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o think_v of_o god_n or_o have_v he_o as_o hold_v out_o to_o we_o by_o faith_n in_o we_o intellectual_o that_o be_v of_o be_v he_o in_o some_o manner_n for_o the_o conception_n faith_n give_v of_o god_n though_o imperfect_a one_o yet_o be_v true_a one_o and_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o he_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v true_o he_o in_o some_o sort_n when_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n we_o attend_v to_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o or_o address_v to_o he_o and_o thus_o much_o be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n that_o have_v faith_n and_o be_v there_o no_o more_o but_o thus_o much_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o ground_v this_o exhortation_n of_o st._n leo._n agnosce_fw-la o_o christiane_n dignitatem_fw-la tuam_fw-la et_fw-la divinae_fw-la consors_fw-la factus_fw-la naturae_fw-la noli_fw-la in_o veterem_fw-la vilitatem_fw-la degeneri_fw-la conversatione_fw-la redire_fw-la acknowledge_v o_o christian_n thy_o own_o dignity_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n do_v not_o debase_v thyself_o by_o degenerate_a carriage_n into_o thy_o former_a vileness_n but_o prayer_n add_v a_o incomparable_a advance_v to_o the_o common_a advantage_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o prove_v that_o we_o partake_v the_o divine_a nature_n by_o think_v on_o it_o or_o conceive_v it_o conclude_v also_o that_o the_o more_o perfect_a our_o conception_n of_o god_n be_v the_o more_o perfect_o we_o become_v he_o &_o approach_v to_o glory_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o some_o pure_a and_o elevate_v soul_n by_o cultivate_a faith_n through_o continual_a prayer_n come_v to_o gain_v so_o sublime_a a_o idea_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o they_o fall_v into_o transport_v of_o admiration_n and_o when_o they_o return_v to_o their_o customary_a way_n of_o think_v the_o memory_n of_o it_o be_v so_o precious_a to_o they_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o that_o ravish_a state_n as_o on_o a_o kind_n of_o glory_n or_o heaven_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v so_o happy_a that_o they_o can_v wish_v no_o more_o now_o it_o be_v only_a prayer_n that_o give_v the_o soul_n this_o high_a advantage_n for_o by_o often_o apply_v the_o mind_n to_o god_n we_o discover_v more_o of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n which_o gain_v to_o the_o soul_n a_o pure_a and_o noble_a manner_n of_o understanding_n how_o and_o what_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o other_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n as_o it_o be_v render_v by_o the_o septuagint_n c._n 7._o v._n 9_o nisi_fw-la credideritis_fw-la non_fw-la intelligetis_fw-la unless_o you_o will_v believe_v you_o will_v never_o understand_v so_o that_o mere_a belief_n must_v go_v before_o to_o give_v we_o knowledge_n of_o the_o object_n and_o then_o from_o a_o firm_a belief_n cultivate_v as_o it_o ought_v follow_v a_o more_o penetrative_a knowledge_n call_v a_o lively_a faith_n to_o which_o we_o be_v wrought_v up_o by_o prayer_n which_o be_v a_o studious_a addiction_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o those_o object_n that_o depure_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n from_o all_o dross_n of_o imperfection_n and_o render_v it_o far_o more_o chrystallin_n empyreal_n and_o ravish_o glorious_a sect_n iv._o a_o four_o excellency_n of_o prayer_n in_o unite_n we_o to_o god_n affective_o from_o this_o more_o penetrative_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n immediate_o and_o necessary_o follow_v that_o disposition_n of_o the_o will_v call_v divine_a love_n or_o rather_o indeed_o love_n of_o god_n or_o creature_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o knowledge_n of_o their_o goodness_n render_v express_v in_o our_o thought_n either_o imprint_v strong_o by_o solid_a and_o well_o built-judgment_n of_o their_o agreeableness_n to_o we_o or_o else_o by_o frequently-repeated_n thought_n as_o by_o so_o many_o dint_n beat_v out_o into_o a_o expresness_n for_o we_o experience_n in_o ourselves_o both_o in_o love_a creature_n and_o in_o love_a heaven_n that_o if_o we_o more_o full_o and_o lively_a conceit_n the_o good_a in_o one_o creature_n for_o example_n than_o the_o good_a in_o the_o other_o that_o be_v in_o heaven_n we_o still_o choose_v and_o pursue_v creature_n even_o though_o we_o speculative_o judge_v that_o heaven_n be_v incomparable_o more_o excellent_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o more_o lively_a conceit_n hîc_fw-la et_fw-la nunc_fw-la or_o in_o these_o present_a circumstance_n that_o the_o former_a be_v
more_o agreeable_a to_o we_o take_v we_o as_o we_o be_v thus_o dispose_v render_v the_o soul_n more_o operative_a for_o it_o which_o active_a disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o pursue_v any_o thing_n it_o judge_v agreeable_a or_o good_a we_o use_v to_o call_v love_n §_o 2._o whence_o again_o be_v see_v two_o considerable_a advantage_n in_o prayer_n in_o which_o also_o the_o sum_n of_o our_o christian_a life_n be_v contain_v viz._n to_o beget_v a_o fervent_a and_o hearty_a love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o overcome_v all_o temptation_n both_o which_o be_v perform_v by_o render_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o other_o life_n very_o lively_a and_o as_o it_o be_v bright_a in_o our_o mind_n for_o this_o do_v they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o work_v love_n of_o heaven_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o our_o heart_n if_o they_o be_v not_o that_o very_a love_n itself_o which_o will_v efface_v or_o at_o least_o dim_a with_o their_o far_a more_o resplendent_a lustre_n the_o gay_a appearance_n of_o false_a and_o transitory_a good_n and_o so_o preserve_v the_o soul_n from_o be_v delude_v by_o she_o three_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o which_o reason_n they_o that_o be_v in_o temptation_n be_v as_o much_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o prayer_n as_o a_o man_n in_o danger_n to_o lose_v his_o life_n by_o a_o distemper_n he_o feel_v grow_v upon_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o help_n as_o physic_n assist_v we_o with_o nay_o rather_o much_o more_o according_a as_o the_o great_a concern_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o success_n and_o cure_n be_v more_o powerful_a motive_n to_o make_v they_o act_v and_o endeavour_v to_o seek_v a_o remedy_n §_o 3._o now_o the_o love_n of_o heaven_n be_v thus_o wrought_v in_o our_o mind_n by_o prayer_n and_o love_n be_v unitive_a of_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o object_n belove_v according_a to_o the_o common_a say_n dictate_v by_o our_o natural_a thought_n that_o if_o two_o love_n one_o another_o they_o be_v all_o one_o it_o be_v far_o discover_v how_o incomparable_o prayer_n dignify_v and_o ennoble_v the_o soul_n &_o this_o to_o a_o great_a degree_n beyond_o what_o mere_a knowledge_n that_o be_v knowledge_n stay_v in_o speculation_n and_o not_o render_v efficacious_a by_o considerative_a prayer_n can_v have_v effect_v if_o then_o every_o power_n receive_v a_o different_a degree_n of_o nobleness_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o object_n it_o be_v employ_v about_o nay_o if_o in_o our_o case_n it_o become_v it_o intellectual_o and_o be_v in_o a_o more_o intimate_a manner_n unite_v to_o it_o by_o love_n and_o the_o object_n of_o the_o soul_n while_o in_o prayer_n be_v god_n own_o infinite_a essence_n it_o follow_v that_o prayer_n which_o be_v at_o once_o studious_a and_o affective_a perform_v both_o these_o advance_v a_o soul_n to_o so_o high_a a_o pitch_n of_o dignity_n that_o not_o all_o the_o potentate_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o learn_v of_o the_o wise_a nor_o riches_n of_o both_o the_o indies_n conspire_v together_o no_o not_o the_o whole_a innumerable_a host_n of_o angelical_a nature_n join_v all_o their_o force_n can_v raise_v she_o to_o that_o height_n of_o dignity_n that_o vicinity_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o prayer_n can_v do_v who_o then_o that_o love_v true_a nobility_n and_o the_o solid_a perfection_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o will_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o gain_v so_o high_a preferment_n and_o how_o strange_o be_v the_o indevout_a part_n of_o the_o world_n frantic_a who_o look_v upon_o prayer_n as_o a_o idle_a bigottery_n and_o fruitless_a entertainment_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o airy_a conceit_n without_o any_o far_a effect_n or_o benefit_n §_o 4._o for_o the_o same_o reason_n a_o soul_n unemployed_a in_o prayer_n and_o so_o unconcern_v to_o frame_v lively_a idea_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o heaven_n blissful_a state_n that_o be_v how_o beautify_v and_o ennoble_v a_o object_n god_n essence_n be_v but_o make_v some_o creature_n the_o study_n of_o its_o affective_a thought_n and_o first_o love_n of_o its_o will_n become_v that_o creature_n though_o never_o so_o base_a and_o wretched_a and_o never_o advance_v high_a she_o be_v marry_v as_o it_o be_v to_o that_o mean_a object_n by_o her_o give_v it_o her_o love_n and_o be_v debase_v or_o raise_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o vileness_n or_o dignity_n as_o be_v find_v in_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o she_o be_v espouse_v if_o it_o be_v earth_n she_o be_v earthy_a if_o it_o be_v flesh_n she_o be_v carnal_a if_o money_n she_o be_v no_o more_o worth_a than_o shine_a dirt_n be_v if_o honour_n she_o be_v empty_a and_o airy_a and_o just_o too_o since_o she_o have_v the_o mean_n to_o advance_v herself_o by_o prayer_n and_o rather_o choose_v to_o lie_v grovel_v on_o the_o ground_n and_o wallow_v in_o the_o dirt_n than_o raise_v her_o head_n by_o it_o to_o the_o glorious_a fountain_n of_o all_o true_a excellency_n §_o 5._o from_o what_o be_v say_v may_v be_v collect_v also_o what_o advantage_n accrue_v to_o soul_n by_o their_o devotion_n to_o angel_n and_o saint_n in_o heaven_n first_o they_o that_o intend_v to_o benefit_n themselves_o by_o this_o way_n aught_o to_o frame_v in_o their_o thought_n a_o most_o exact_a idea_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o happy_a state_n the_o bless_a enjoy_v how_o full_a of_o conformity_n to_o god_n will_v and_o thence_o how_o not_o only_o inclinable_a but_o unchangeable_o fix_v to_o follow_v right_a reason_n and_o act_n according_a to_o high_a virtue_n in_o all_o thing_n how_o boundless_o their_o soul_n be_v enlarge_v by_o charity_n to_o embrace_v all_o the_o world_n and_o wish_v they_o from_o their_o heart_n and_o unenuious_o all_o the_o good_n they_o see_v they_o can_v possible_o be_v capable_a of_o even_o though_o they_o see_v it_o will_v be_v great_a than_o their_o own_o how_o their_o understanding_n power_n be_v replenish_v with_o a_o most_o incomparable_a glory_n or_o surround_v with_o ray_n of_o most_o pure_a and_o most_o bright_a light_n of_o knowledge_n and_o their_o will_n most_o indissoluble_o unite_v with_o and_o immerse_v most_o intimate_o in_o the_o boundless_a ocean_n of_o all_o goodness_n by_o which_o mean_v those_o happy_a person_n become_v deify_v or_o raise_v to_o such_o a_o dignity_n that_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n put_v together_o be_v empty_a beggary_n and_o worthless_a trash_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o noble_a and_o close_a relation_n to_o the_o divinity_n or_o which_o be_v more_o union_n with_o it_o §_o 6._o particular_o of_o the_o saint_n it_o be_v fit_a devout_a person_n first_o choose_v those_o who_o state_n here_o be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o to_o some_o degree_n then_o attentive_o read_v their_o life_n sober_o write_v regard_v more_o their_o solid_a virtue_n propose_v there_o to_o their_o imitation_n than_o the_o esclat_a of_o their_o miracle_n which_o be_v but_o the_o likely_a sign_n of_o true_a goodness_n and_o need_v a_o eminent_a and_o constant_o practise_v virtue_n accompany_v they_o to_o make_v they_o such_o since_o the_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n prophesy_v and_o the_o like_a have_v be_v grant_v even_o to_o heathen_n on_o some_o occasion_n as_o st._n hierom_n and_o the_o father_n inform_v we_o have_v thus_o gain_v a_o lively_a character_n of_o the_o particular_a spirit_n that_o such_o a_o saint_n have_v if_o we_o cultivate_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n with_o a_o high_a esteem_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o saint_n as_o endow_v with_o such_o and_o such_o virtue_n and_o so_o let_v it_o sink_v into_o our_o will_n and_o grow_v a_o desire_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o all_o this_o be_v heighten_v and_o make_v more_o lively_a and_o more_o efficacious_a by_o apply_v to_o the_o saint_n himself_o by_o prayer_n or_o invoke_v he_o to_o obtain_v of_o god_n goodness_n that_o portion_n of_o his_o virtuous_a spirit_n which_o he_o see_v fit_v for_o we_o we_o shall_v at_o length_n be_v wrought_v up_o a_o endeavour_n to_o imitate_v he_o go_v along_o into_o the_o very_a genius_n of_o that_o saint_n and_o as_o it_o be_v become_v he_o and_o make_v his_o merit_n we_o not_o by_o extrinsecal_n imputation_n as_o if_o because_o we_o daily_o ask_v virtue_n for_o the_o saint_n sake_n without_o any_o other_o disposition_n on_o our_o part_n they_o be_v share_v out_o to_o we_o and_o as_o it_o be_v extrinsecal_o apply_v to_o our_o will_n and_o so_o better_a our_o interior_a let_v none_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o such_o hope_n for_o catholic_n faith_n admit_v no_o extrinsical_a imputation_n of_o christ_n merit_n much_o less_o of_o those_o of_o the_o saint_n but_o this_o be_v perform_v by_o propose_v their_o virtuous_a example_n as_o a_o object_n which_o by_o be_v penetrate_v lively_a and_o thence_o desire_v hearty_o