its_o ground_n every_o one_o that_o be_v convince_v whether_o upon_o solid_a or_o slight_a ground_n god_n have_v say_v a_o thing_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o else_o he_o sin_v mortal_o in_o disbelieve_v god_n who_o be_v essential_a truth_n much_o less_o do_v i_o absolute_o require_v this_o of_o they_o but_o upon_o supposition_n that_o their_o own_o speculative_a and_o acute_a genius_n make_v themselves_o require_v it_o i_o exhort_v they_o to_o it_o as_o to_o that_o which_o be_v to_o such_o soul_n a_o mean_n to_o increase_v their_o devotion_n and_o can_v no_o way_n shock_v they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o passionate_a and_o precipitate_a lest_o of_o all_o do_v i_o tell_v they_o that_o in_o look_v into_o their_o ground_n they_o ought_v to_o go_v to_o work_v like_o doubter_n or_o seeker_n but_o quite_o contrary_a suppose_v they_o firm_a in_o faith_n by_o their_o rely_v on_o the_o sure_a rock_n of_o the_o church_n and_o strengthen_v in_o that_o reliance_n by_o the_o practical_a evidence_n that_o the_o virtue_n she_o exhort_v we_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o right_o practical_a reason_n or_o conscience_n and_o that_o the_o mean_n she_o propose_v and_o enjoin_v to_o attain_v they_o be_v effectual_a towards_o that_o end_n i_o bid_v they_o rest_v secure_a that_o if_o god_n together_o with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o advance_v in_o devotion_n have_v also_o give_v they_o a_o pierce_a eye_n to_o discern_v truth_n as_o he_o have_v to_o many_o many_o thousand_o in_o the_o vast_a extent_n of_o the_o church_n god_n goodness_n have_v provide_v such_o ground_n proportion_v and_o penetrable_a by_o every_o capacity_n and_o they_o among_o the_o rest_n as_o will_v if_o look_v into_o render_v their_o faith_n more_o lively_a and_o their_o devotion_n more_o fervent_a and_o solid_a but_o who_o be_v of_o this_o pitch_n and_o so_o to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o method_n lest_o the_o overween_n of_o their_o own_o private_a and_o perhaps_o partial_a fancy_n shall_v make_v they_o strain_v beyond_o their_o force_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o spiritual_a director_n who_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v fit_v by_o education_n as_o well_o as_o design_v by_o office_n to_o be_v the_o proper_a discerner_n of_o spirit_n and_o know_v when_o to_o administer_v st._n paul_n milk_n and_o solid_a food_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n they_o be_v to_o nourish_v we_o in_o devotion_n for_o those_o perfecti_fw-la be_v already_o faithful_a the_o reason_n then_o of_o his_o discourse_v wise_o with_o they_o be_v their_o pitch_n bear_v it_o to_o make_v their_o faith_n lively_a and_o their_o virtue_n more_o solid_a and_o to_o enable_v they_o also_o to_o convert_v other_o to_o faith_n and_o advance_v they_o in_o virtue_n or_o devotion_n §_o 15._o the_o bottom-ground_n of_o all_o devotion_n be_v thus_o lay_v in_o the_o establishment_n of_o faith_n many_o other_o comfortable_a light_n will_v break_v out_o and_o cherish_v and_o strengthen_v the_o liveliness_n of_o it_o in_o such_o person_n as_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o and_o to_o a_o great_a degree_n in_o other_o also_o such_o be_v the_o consideration_n what_o wise_a order_n for_o a_o world_n the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v what_o universal_a mischief_n will_v succeed_v if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v omit_v and_o how_o the_o well-being_n of_o mankind_n both_o as_o to_o this_o life_n and_o the_o next_o be_v pithy_o comprise_v in_o these_o few_o head_n which_o as_o it_o argue_v a_o infinitly-wise_a contriver_n comprehend_v and_o provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o human_a nature_n so_o it_o likewise_o become_v a_o infinite_a goodness_n command_v his_o poor_a and_o indigent_a creature_n nothing_o but_o what_o be_v their_o own_o true_a good_a and_o tend_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o complete_a happiness_n §_o 16._o next_o the_o consideration_n how_o conformable_a the_o more_o elevae_v point_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o right_a reason_n exceed_o comfort_n a_o understanding_n captivate_v itself_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n nothing_o be_v more_o rational_a than_o that_o those_o high_a truth_n which_o elevate_v we_o to_o heaven_n shall_v be_v place_v above_o the_o pitch_n and_o endeavour_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v knowable_a by_o principle_n pure_o natural_a so_o likewise_o truth_n by_o be_v truth_n and_o proceed_v all_o from_o the_o author_n of_o truth_n must_v needs_o be_v ally_v one_o to_o another_o and_o bear_v some_o resemblance_n and_o proportion_n together_o those_o above_o nature_n and_o reason_n to_o those_o discoverable_a this_o way_n although_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o they_o but_o depend_v on_o god_n authority_n reveal_v and_o the_o church_n propose_v they_o these_o thing_n be_v find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o divine_n of_o which_o such_o will_v be_v choose_v as_o serve_v best_a to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o divine_n and_o show_v the_o conformity_n of_o religion_n to_o reason_n most_o clear_o for_o those_o which_o with_o great_a show_n of_o wit_n and_o learning_n only_o dispute_v matter_n plausible_o on_o both_o side_n be_v not_o proper_a for_o this_o purpose_n who_o understand_v not_o latin_n or_o though_o he_o do_v be_v perhaps_o to_o seek_v in_o those_o term_n in_o which_o schoolman_n usual_o express_v themselves_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o some_o good_a divine_a who_o may_v select_v such_o point_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o the_o person_n with_o who_o he_o deal_v and_o deliver_v they_o in_o term_n which_o may_v be_v intelligible_a to_o he_o §_o 17._o beside_o these_o book_n &_o discourse_n which_o increase_n dovotion_n in_o intelligent_a soul_n by_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n there_o be_v other_o which_o work_v immediate_o on_o the_o will_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o by_o the_o way_n of_o affection_n without_o the_o help_n of_o reason_n and_o though_o these_o be_v perhaps_o more_o proper_a for_o the_o other_o way_n of_o devotion_n yet_o no_o assistance_n shall_v be_v neglect_v and_o they_o be_v very_o compatible_a with_o this_o and_o no_o less_o if_o not_o more_o efficacious_a for_o be_v make_v up_o of_o expression_n come_v from_o a_o mind_n full_a of_o and_o overflow_a with_o devout_a thought_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o transsuse_v as_o it_o be_v affection_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o reader_n and_o if_o that_o reader_n be_v beforehand_o satisfy_v in_o the_o principle_n which_o ground_n those_o affection_n he_o be_v excellent_o dispose_v to_o receive_v they_o those_o principle_n then_o be_v habitual_o possess_v by_o the_o reader_n they_o will_v experience_n their_o will_n inflame_v by_o the_o ardent_a love_n which_o those_o expression_n breath_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o lively_a expression_n of_o any_o passion_n beget_v the_o same_o passion_n in_o another_o especial_o if_o possess_v with_o the_o same_o concern_v which_o be_v to_o both_o the_o ground_n of_o those_o passion_n hence_o they_o find_v such_o book_n full_a of_o spirit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v of_o sap_n connatural_o nourish_v and_o dilate_v their_o soul_n which_o other_o not_o thorough_o satisfy_v of_o those_o principle_n couch_v underneath_o as_o their_o foundation_n find_v sapless_a and_o disrelish_v though_o yet_o sometime_o it_o happen_v otherwise_o and_o that_o without_o any_o fault_n or_o defect_n §_o 18._o but_o general_o such_o expression_n be_v like_o meat_n already_o chaw_v and_o need_v nothing_o to_o become_v present_o nutritive_a but_o a_o heart_n dispose_v by_o affection_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a to_o receive_v it_o as_o new_a drop_n of_o water_n without_o more_o ado_n cling_v together_o and_o increase_v the_o bulk_n of_o these_o some_o be_v use_v for_o prayer_n direct_o other_o for_o entertainment_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o devout_a read_n but_o both_o work_n by_o the_o way_n of_o affective_a impression_n the_o best_a without_o all_o comparison_n be_v the_o psalm_n of_o david_n which_o some_o find_v relish_v more_o when_o they_o be_v take_v asunder_o and_o then_o piece_v of_o verse_n take_v one_o here_o another_o there_o as_o seems_z most_o proper_a and_o those_o obscure_a part_n which_o darken_v the_o sense_n leave_v out_o divers_a devout_a person_n have_v labour_v in_o this_o kind_n and_o who_o will_v labour_v for_o himself_o perhaps_o will_v find_v it_o no_o unuseful_a employment_n beside_o these_o i_o will_v commend_v st._n augustine_n confession_n some_o piece_n of_o st._n bernard_n and_o s._n bonaventure_n the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n the_o love_n of_o god_n by_o st._n francis_n sales_n st._n teresa_n work_n and_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n the_o sermon_n of_o of_o st._n thomas_n de_fw-fr villa_n nova_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o the_o best_a book_n of_o devotion_n be_v those_o of_o prayer_n and_o prayer_n be_v a_o elevation_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o god_n and_o the_o mind_n consist_v of_o understanding_n and_o will_n those_o prayer_n be_v the_o best_a which_o work_n on_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
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
both_o and_o at_o once_o instruct_v and_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n and_o inflame_v the_o will._n i_o will_v therefore_o advise_v to_o choose_v such_o as_o contain_v solid_a christian_a doctrine_n and_o express_v it_o both_o rational_o and_o affective_o of_o this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n the_o number_n be_v not_o great_a few_o be_v fit_o qualify_v to_o compose_v they_o for_o there_o be_v requisite_a in_o the_o author_n both_o skill_n in_o true_a divinity_n to_o make_v the_o conformity_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o reason_n appear_v and_o ardent_a devotion_n he_o be_v very_o unlikely_a to_o warm_v another_o who_o be_v cold_a himself_o and_o beside_o a_o great_a mastery_n in_o language_n to_o choose_v expression_n clear_a and_o affective_a and_o both_o easy_a i_o recommend_v for_o this_o purpose_n the_o meditation_n of_o st._n augustin_n and_o the_o devotion_n of_o our_o learned_a pious_a and_o judicious_a countyman_n mr._n john_n austen_n in_o the_o way_n of_o office_n §_o 19_o the_o life_n of_o saint_n also_o be_v of_o great_a efficacy_n to_o stir_v up_o devotion_n by_o way_n of_o imitation_n and_o example_n but_o they_o will_v be_v well_o write_v that_o be_v with_o more_o care_n to_o relate_v their_o heroic_a virtue_n which_o make_v they_o saint_n and_o estimable_a and_o imitable_a by_o we_o then_o to_o huddle_n multitude_n of_o miraculous_a and_o if_o but_o flight_o attest_v incredible_a action_n which_o neither_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o sanctity_n nor_o be_v imitable_a they_o affect_v the_o vulgar_a indeed_o with_o admiration_n and_o esteem_n but_o work_v not_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o wise_a sort_n who_o only_o seek_v their_o own_o improvement_n and_o how_o they_o may_v come_v to_o virtue_n themselves_o of_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v no_o cause_n though_o they_o may_v be_v sign_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v due_o attest_v and_o accompany_v with_o the_o saint_n virtuous_a life_n they_o become_v a_o kind_n of_o testimony_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n particular_a favour_n to_o those_o who_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o his_o service_n and_o a_o encouragement_n for_o other_o to_o serve_v so_o good_a a_o master_n who_o thus_o honour_v those_o that_o honour_n he_o but_o as_o i_o say_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o attest_v lest_o the_o credulity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a embrace_v so_o many_o uncertain_a story_n for_o assure_a truth_n and_o the_o easiness_n of_o some_o pastor_n in_o permit_v they_o without_o distinction_n to_o be_v print_v do_v not_o as_o much_o or_o more_o harm_n to_o those_o without_o the_o church_n as_o good_a to_o those_o within_o she_o the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o choose_v such_o life_n as_o be_v write_v by_o author_n who_o be_v also_o saint_n themselves_o and_o withal_o learned_a and_o prudent_a and_o so_o less_o apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o false_a relation_n or_o bias_v by_o interest_n or_o affection_n such_o as_o be_v the_o life_n of_o st._n francis_n by_o st._n bonaventure_n of_o st._n hilarion_n and_o st._n paul_n the_o hermit_n by_o st._n hierom_n of_o st._n anthony_n the_o great_a by_o st._n athanasius_n and_o the_o like_a chap._n ii_o of_o the_o chief_a act_n of_o devotion_n prayer_n sect_n i._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n and_o its_o excellency_n as_o it_o include_v in_o itself_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n the_o first_o or_o principal_a act_n of_o devotion_n be_v prayer_n it_o seem_v proper_a that_o in_o a_o treatise_n of_o devotion_n i_o shall_v say_v something_o more_o particular_o of_o its_o nature_n and_o excellency_n than_o i_o have_v do_v hitherto_o and_o thence_o enkindle_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o my_o reader_n a_o great_a desire_n to_o frequent_v it_o all_o which_o i_o can_v do_v without_o hint_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o best_a manner_n how_o to_o perform_v it_o though_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o so_o short_a a_o discourse_n as_o i_o intend_v i_o shall_v much_o enlarge_v myself_o or_o descend_v to_o every_o particular_a manner_n of_o it_o §_o 2._o prayer_n then_o as_o be_v say_v be_v define_v a_o elevation_n or_o raise_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o god_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o action_n and_o every_o action_n as_o philosophy_n tell_v we_o have_v two_o term_n or_o end_n the_o one_o that_o from_o which_o the_o action_n go_v the_o other_o that_o to_o which_o it_o tend_v as_o for_o example_n the_o action_n of_o heat_n go_v from_o coldness_n and_o tend_v to_o heat_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o benefit_n of_o prayer_n must_v be_v rate_v from_o both_o these_o it_o raise_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o it_o lift_v we_o from_o earth_n its_o opposite_a or_o antarctic_a that_o be_v it_o set_v we_o above_o that_o from_o whence_o our_o misery_n spring_v and_o approach_v we_o to_o that_o where_o all_o our_o happiness_n be_v treasure_v up_o §_o 3._o some_o ancient_a heathen_n such_o as_o diogenes_n seem_v to_o have_v attain_v the_o former_a without_o the_o help_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o be_v great_a contemner_n of_o the_o world_n but_o alas_o they_o do_v but_o seem_v so_o for_o all_o their_o mock-holy-day_n pretence_n for_o have_v they_o be_v indeed_o and_o true_o raise_v above_o earth_n they_o must_v of_o force_n have_v be_v raise_v towards_o heaven_n that_o be_v they_o must_v have_v be_v addict_v to_o address_v themselves_o by_o prayer_n to_o the_o true_a god_n of_o which_o kind_n of_o devotion_n their_o earth-clogged_a mind_n be_v utter_o ignorant_a they_o be_v not_o then_o raise_v above_o their_o affection_n to_o earth_n but_o their_o whole_a pursuit_n be_v still_o the_o world_n though_o under_o a_o different_a consideration_n they_o be_v above_o it_o as_o it_o be_v able_a to_o give_v they_o riches_n and_o honourable_a title_n but_o still_o deep_o plunge_v in_o it_o as_o it_o give_v they_o esteem_n nay_o far_o more_o deep_o even_o for_o this_o regard_n that_o for_o this_o esteem'_v sake_n they_o contemn_v the_o other_o for_o they_o think_v it_o more_o honourable_a to_o seem_v to_o contemn_v riches_n and_o dignity_n then_o to_o seek_v they_o and_o therefore_o aim_v at_o a_o great_a worldly_a honour_n by_o refuse_v that_o which_o in_o their_o apprehension_n be_v a_o less_o so_o that_o the_o progress_n of_o their_o vain_a and_o proud_a soul_n be_v not_o a_o advance_v from_o earthliness_n to_o heavenliness_n but_o a_o foolish_a leave_v earthly_a riches_n and_o dignity_n to_o acquire_v a_o airy_a and_o perhaps_o a_o more_o empty_a earthly_a esteem_n and_o admiration_n nay_o they_o contemn_v the_o other_o comparative_o only_a that_o be_v will_v have_v love_v it_o and_o perhaps_o hearty_o too_o but_o that_o they_o dote_v more_o upon_o this_o as_o the_o forename_a cynic_n trample_v on_o plato_n pride_n as_o he_o call_v his_o gay_a clothes_n with_o a_o great_a pride_n perhaps_o than_o plato_n wear_v they_o of_o which_o kind_n of_o contemner_n of_o the_o world_n we_o have_v too_o many_o example_n in_o england_n among_o our_o deep_a fanatic_n with_o this_o difference_n that_o their_o pride_n be_v more_o spiritual_a that_o be_v worse_a nay_o being_n a_o corruption_n of_o right_a christianity_n the_o worst_a of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v §_o 4._o prayer_n then_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o elevate_v the_o mind_n from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n or_o rather_o this_o very_a elevation_n itself_o and_o the_o best_a or_o ready_a way_n to_o effect_v this_o or_o raise_v ourselves_o upward_o be_v fly_v it_o follow_v that_o if_o we_o pursue_v the_o metaphor_n we_o must_v say_v the_o soul_n have_v wing_n by_o which_o she_o be_v enable_v to_o take_v this_o flight_n that_o be_v her_o thought_n and_o affection_n which_o how_o swift_a they_o be_v and_o how_o far_o they_o reach_v at_o one_o view_n and_o effort_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o little_a reflection_n will_v teach_v we_o moreover_o she_o must_v move_v and_o stir_v these_o wing_n that_o be_v meditate_v and_o consider_v whence_o we_o experience_n that_o those_o who_o be_v give_v to_o run_v over_o their_o private_a prayer_n without_o consider_v what_o they_o say_v be_v sluggish_o indeed_o move_v towards_o heaven_n for_o they_o can_v but_o think_v of_o it_o at_o time_n slight_o and_o still_o intend_v well_o but_o they_o seldom_o advance_v by_o it_o to_o any_o high_a pitch_n they_o climb_v a_o little_a upward_a by_o the_o help_n of_o character_n and_o sound_n and_o the_o lame_a activity_n of_o fancy_n lift_v they_o into_o the_o air_n where_o they_o see_v after_o a_o duskish_a manner_n far_o distant_a glance_n of_o heaven_n but_o scarce_o one_o constant_a ray_n of_o true_a light_n dawn_v to_o allure_v and_o affect_v they_o strong_o last_o there_o must_v be_v a_o calm_a and_o clear_a medium_n to_o fly_v through_o such_o as_o be_v our_o air_n in_o material_a flight_n not_o disturb_v with_o ruffle_a passion_n or_o clog_v with_o cloud_n of_o sorrow_n and_o worldly_a
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
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
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