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
generality_n be_v there_o the_o same_o application_n of_o mind_n use_v to_o improve_v spirituality_n as_o be_v employ_v in_o acquire_v temporal_a thing_n i_o can_v also_o avail_v myself_o of_o the_o example_n of_o a_o neighbour_a nation_n which_o put_v even_o those_o author_n that_o treat_v deep_a point_n father_n among_o the_o rest_n into_o the_o common_a language_n of_o the_o country_n as_o for_o the_o manner_n i_o observe_v in_o handle_v my_o matter_n i_o guide_v myself_o much_o by_o the_o experience_n i_o have_v of_o what_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o temper_n of_o divers_a spirit_n i_o observe_v some_o exceed_a scrupulous_a they_o be_v not_o devout_a and_o yet_o they_o not_o only_o intend_v but_o strain_n with_o all_o their_o power_n to_o be_v so_o lest_o such_o well-meaning_a soul_n conscious_a to_o themselves_o they_o do_v their_o utmost_a and_o yet_o fear_v they_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o duty_n they_o aim_v at_o shall_v as_o there_o be_v danger_n lose_v their_o hope_n i_o endeavour_v to_o up-hold_a it_o by_o show_v they_o that_o a_o intention_n firm_o bend_v to_o god_n service_n can_v fail_v of_o render_v they_o true_o devout_a other_o conceit_n they_o want_v knowledge_n requisite_a to_o attain_v it_o wherefore_o to_o humble_v the_o pride_n of_o humane_a wit_n and_o comfort_v their_o honest_a simplicity_n i_o show_v how_o their_o frequent_a application_n to_o pious_a duty_n join_v with_o a_o sincere_a well-meaning_n go_v beyond_o all_o the_o high_a knowledge_n of_o the_o acute_a understanding_n if_o the_o will_v be_v never_o so_o little_o less_o perfect_a other_o be_v to_o seek_v in_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v devotion_n which_o therefore_o i_o propose_v suitable_o to_o every_o one_o respective_a pitch_n last_o i_o have_v observe_v many_o either_o neglect_v total_o or_o less_o use_v prayer_n and_o that_o too_o but_o faint_o out_o of_o a_o apprehension_n ground_v on_o a_o ill-principled_n humility_n that_o they_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v and_o so_o all_o they_o do_v in_o that_o kind_n be_v in_o vain_a as_o be_v once_o s._n teresa_n case_n which_o she_o afterward_o so_o feel_o bewail_v in_o herself_o and_o of_o which_o she_o so_o charitable_o forewarned_a other_o such_o person_n therefore_o i_o strive_v to_o encourage_v by_o lay_v open_a the_o excellency_n and_o utility_n of_o prayer_n and_o how_o connatural_o prayer_n for_o our_o true_a good_a virtue_n be_v the_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o so_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o render_v we_o worthy_a to_o be_v hear_v at_o once_o let_v they_o see_v that_o no_o address_n to_o our_o infinite_o bountiful_a lord_n can_v be_v put_v up_o in_o vain_a and_o also_o thence_o exhort_v they_o to_o that_o devout_a importunity_n and_o struggle_v with_o heaven_n so_o much_o recommend_v by_o our_o saviour_n which_o by_o the_o constant_a and_o ordinary_a course_n of_o supernatural_a cause_n lay_v by_o providence_n can_v fail_v of_o obtain_v the_o blessing_n pray_v for_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o injure_v faith_n or_o abate_v its_o efficacy_n that_o it_o exceed_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_v it_o by_o let_v we_o see_v how_o certain_o god_n unchanged_a in_o himself_o perform_v his_o promise_n to_o those_o who_o use_v the_o mean_n he_o have_v lay_v and_o command_v to_o be_v use_v to_o effect_v those_o happy_a change_n in_o us._n hence_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o remark_n that_o in_o this_o treatise_n i_o meddle_v not_o with_o the_o efficaciousness_n of_o prayer_n for_o other_o nor_o with_o other_o strange_a effect_n of_o it_o nay_o sometime_o even_o miraculous_a one_o which_o by_o mean_n of_o a_o firm_a faith_n and_o reliance_n on_o god_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v nor_o last_o do_v i_o treat_v of_o prayer_n or_o devotion_n as_o they_o depend_v on_o god_n '_o be_v grace_n or_o the_o secret_a work_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n as_o i_o hint_n also_o in_o the_o treatise_n itself_o p._n 60._o which_o i_o from_o my_o heart_n acknowledge_v to_o give_v we_o ability_n to_o begin_v continue_v and_o consummate_v both_o prayer_n and_o every_o good_a act_n that_o be_v supernatural_a though_o a_o imbitter_v adversary_n of_o i_o will_v needs_o throw_v that_o scandal_n upon_o i_o to_o deny_v it_o what_o i_o concern_v myself_o with_o be_v that_o part_n of_o our_o christian_a action_n or_o that_o co-operation_n of_o we_o with_o god_n grace_n that_o stand_v under_o our_o endeavour_n which_o i_o strive_v through_o the_o whole_a to_o encourage_v and_o particular_o in_o discourse_v of_o prayer_n i_o meddle_v only_o with_o those_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a and_o necessary_a consequent_n of_o a_o fervent_a and_o constant_a address_n to_o god_n for_o our_o soul_n be_v true_a good_a virtue_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v many_o and_o various_a temper_n of_o spirit_n in_o god_n church_n among_o which_o my_o experience_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n tell_v i_o there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o so_o natural_o speculative_a and_o give_v to_o look_v into_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o thing_n that_o they_o find_v most_o comfort_n and_o improvement_n in_o these_o discourse_n that_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o from_o their_o principle_n to_o such_o person_n as_o those_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v when_o call_v upon_o write_z agreeable_o to_o their_o genius_n and_o pitch_n not_o blame_v but_o hearty_o applaud_v those_o pious_a man_n who_o accommodate_v themselves_o to_o other_o for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a weakness_n to_o imagine_v or_o expect_v that_o every_o manner_n of_o handle_v a_o subject_a will_v suit_v with_o every_o capacity_n so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o to_o conceit_n that_o any_o kind_n of_o discourse_v so_o it_o be_v true_a and_o agree_v with_o christian_a principle_n can_v be_v such_o as_o suit_n with_o none_o chap._n i._n of_o devotion_n in_o common_a its_o kind_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o sect_n i._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o devotion_n in_o common_a devotion_n be_v a_o word_n transplant_v into_o our_o language_n from_o the_o latin_a and_o derive_v from_o the_o primitive_a vovere_fw-la to_o vow_n it_o import_v among_o the_o heathen_n a_o steady_a and_o fix_a resolution_n or_o rather_o tie_v obligatory_a but_o yet_o voluntary_a and_o that_o of_o unusual_a strength_n such_o as_o carry_v they_o to_o the_o most_o difficult_a action_n it_o keep_v the_o same_o notion_n among_o christian_n the_o object_n only_o or_o motive_n of_o the_o resolution_n change_v for_o whereas_o false_a glory_n be_v heretofore_o the_o most_o dazzle_a and_o most_o prize_a end_n of_o the_o action_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o nothing_o be_v think_v more_o glorious_a than_o to_o die_v for_o their_o country_n they_o be_v say_v devote_v who_o voluntary_o in_o circumstance_n particular_o remarkable_a throw_v themselves_o for_o its_o sake_n upon_o a_o certain_a death_n so_o codrus_n among_o the_o athenian_n curtius_n and_o the_o decci_n among_o the_o roman_n be_v remember_v for_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o their_o several_a country_n perhaps_o their_o resolution_n have_v be_v confirm_v by_o some_o solemn_a vow_n to_o their_o idol_n but_o since_o we_o come_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o notion_n and_o incline_v to_o the_o pursuit_n of_o true_a glory_n and_o true_a good_a devotion_n have_v get_v another_o object_n and_o keep_v the_o same_o steadiness_n and_o promptness_n and_o strength_n in_o its_o notion_n as_o heretofore_o be_v apply_v only_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n it_o signify_v then_o a_o resolution_n or_o addiction_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o strong_a and_o prompt_a such_o as_o set_v all_o the_o power_n of_o man_n efficacious_o a_o work_n in_o all_o occasion_n that_o occur_v it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o one_o kind_a for_o we_o say_v a_o man_n give_v alm_n fast_n visit_v the_o sick_a or_o afflict_a go_v on_o pilgrimage_n etc._n etc._n out_o of_o devotion_n that_o be_v exercise_n devotion_n in_o all_o these_o action_n but_o prayer_n be_v the_o most_o ordinary_a and_o most_o frequent_a act_n by_o which_o man_n use_v to_o serve_v god_n devotion_n be_v most_o ordinary_o understand_v of_o prayer_n and_o when_o we_o hear_v of_o a_o devout_a man_n we_o general_o apprehend_v a_o man_n who_o pray_v frequent_o and_o well_o for_o these_o two_o quality_n enter_v too_o into_o the_o notion_n of_o devotion_n we_o not_o think_v he_o devout_a who_o pray_v but_o seldom_o or_o careless_o §_o 2._o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v the_o nature_n of_o devotion_n may_v be_v understand_v and_o we_o may_v perceive_v it_o be_v a_o quality_n or_o disposition_n in_o man_n strong_a and_o always_o efficacious_a which_o move_v all_o his_o power_n to_o act_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n ac-according_a to_o their_o several_a nature_n both_o with_o frequency_n and_o perfection_n §_o 3._o hence_o may_v be_v gather_v first_o that_o
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
performance_n of_o prayer_n §_o 8._o freedom_n of_o spirit_n be_v another_o great_a help_n in_o this_o case_n distractedness_n for_o the_o most_o part_n proceed_v from_o worldly_a matter_n which_o our_o too_o great_a concern_v in_o they_o be_v perpetual_o suggest_v to_o our_o thought_n he_o that_o can_v contrive_v himself_o into_o circumstance_n which_o free_v he_o from_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o the_o world_n more_o than_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_v it_o afford_v he_o to_o gain_v heaven_n be_v in_o the_o happy_a condition_n and_o likely_a to_o find_v least_o disturbance_n in_o prayer_n he_o that_o can_v free_v himself_o from_o business_n let_v he_o free_v himself_o from_o all_o unnecessary_a concern_v for_o it_o and_o settle_v this_o judgement_n firm_o in_o his_o soul_n that_o reason_n permit_v he_o not_o to_o be_v far_o concern_v cern_v for_o worldly_a affair_n let_v their_o importance_n be_v what_o it_o will_v than_o as_o they_o depend_v on_o he_o that_o success_n be_v out_o of_o his_o power_n and_o depend_v not_o on_o he_o but_o providence_n to_o which_o he_o shall_v content_o resign_v it_o and_o must_v whether_o he_o be_v content_a or_o no_o that_o his_o part_n and_o all_o the_o share_n he_o have_v in_o any_o action_n be_v to_o use_v his_o endeavour_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o skill_n that_o when_o he_o have_v allot_v the_o time_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o this_o and_o employ_v it_o as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v he_o have_v do_v all_o he_o have_v to_o do_v or_o can_v do_v in_o these_o matter_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v concern_v no_o far_o but_o be_v now_o at_o liberty_n to_o employ_v the_o time_n allot_v for_o prayer_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n likewise_o that_o there_o be_v no_o business_n which_o take_v up_o so_o much_o time_n as_o not_o to_o leave_v sufficient_a for_o prayer_n if_o negligence_n more_o than_o business_n do_v not_o hinder_v and_o the_o like_a but_o above_o all_o let_v he_o still_o remember_v that_o whatever_o other_o business_n he_o have_v or_o can_v have_v and_o i_o do_v not_o except_v any_o not_o love_n to_o parent_n care_v of_o child_n the_o strong_a and_o most_o rational_a tie_n to_o the_o near_a and_o most_o dear_a relation_n nay_o the_o pursuit_n of_o thing_n most_o necessary_a even_o of_o livelihood_n of_o clothes_n and_o meat_n be_v of_o no_o importance_n in_o comparison_n of_o this_o if_o this_o succeed_v not_o he_o be_v undo_v and_o that_o eternal_o however_o he_o thrive_v in_o other_o and_o if_o this_o succeed_v no_o miscarriage_n in_o any_o or_o all_o the_o rest_n can_v hinder_v he_o from_o be_v eternal_o happy_a he_o that_o live_v glorious_o and_o with_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o all_o his_o desire_n be_v wretched_a if_o he_o go_v at_o last_o into_o hell_n and_o after_o his_o short_a dream_n of_o happiness_n wake_v into_o a_o horrid_a and_o never_o end_v real_a misery_n and_o he_o who_o live_v despise_v and_o scorn_v and_o die_v starve_v with_o cold_a or_o hunger_n be_v happy_a if_o he_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o find_v his_o short_a and_o now_o end_v suffering_n swallow_v up_o in_o infinite_a bliss_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n to_o amuse_v ourselves_o with_o what_o happen_v in_o this_o life_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v hereafter_o be_v a_o folly_n infinite_o more_o senseless_a than_o what_o we_o can_v fancy_v most_o ridiculous_a §_o 9_o this_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n be_v a_o disposition_n so_o high_o conducive_a to_o devotion_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v preserve_v even_o in_o the_o immediate_a mean_n to_o it_o i_o mean_v in_o our_o prayer_n and_o read_v devout_a book_n in_o case_n they_o be_v not_o obligagory_n or_o that_o after_o a_o deliberate_a consideration_n with_o the_o assistance_n and_o advice_n of_o our_o spiritual_a director_n it_o appear_v not_o that_o we_o have_v already_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o best_a and_o see_v that_o other_o be_v improper_a or_o less_o beneficial_a for_o there_o be_v many_o good_a soul_n so_o strange_o fix_v by_o a_o habituate_v custom_n of_o say_v such_o and_o such_o prayer_n that_o they_o fall_v into_o scruple_n if_o upon_o occasion_n they_o hap_v to_o omit_v or_o change_v they_o and_o yet_o let_v they_o examine_v their_o own_o thought_n to_o the_o bottom_n they_o can_v discover_v no_o reason_n or_o ground_n of_o such_o a_o scruple_n but_o the_o aukwardness_n of_o break_v a_o longinured_a custom_n and_o to_o such_o person_n it_o seem_v very_o advisable_v in_o my_o judgement_n that_o they_o omit_v they_o in_o very_o good_a occasion_n or_o with_o good_a advice_n change_v they_o that_o so_o free_v themselves_o thus_o from_o the_o tyrannous_a slavery_n of_o custom_n and_o the_o biggottery_n of_o irrational_a fear_n they_o may_v inure_v themselves_o still_o to_o follow_v right_a reason_n in_o what_o they_o do_v and_o no_o other_o motive_n of_o which_o they_o can_v give_v no_o account_n which_o be_v indeed_o to_o assert_v and_o preserve_v the_o just_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n due_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n where_o no_o contrary_a duty_n or_o obligation_n do_v restrain_v it_o §_o 10._o there_o be_v divers_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o always_o use_v the_o same_o prayer_n and_o run_v still_o in_o one_o tract_n one_o be_v because_o a_o perpetual_a custom_n hinder_v our_o attention_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o due_a penetration_n of_o the_o word_n in_o which_o chief_o consist_v the_o fruit_n or_o spiritual_a advance_v by_o prayer_n another_o be_v the_o irrational_a scruple_n as_o be_v say_v of_o leave_v off_o what_o mere_a custom_n have_v addict_v one_o to_o which_o be_v a_o fault_n or_o imperfection_n and_o so_o ought_v to_o be_v amend_v a_o three_o because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o state_n that_o our_o spirit_n shall_v be_v always_o in_o one_o humour_n or_o disposition_n and_o it_o be_v best_a that_o every_o thing_n be_v wrought_v upon_o according_a as_o it_o be_v dispose_v to_o have_v the_o effect_v produce_v in_o it_o a_o four_o and_o principal_a reason_n be_v because_o our_o soul_n every_o day_n grow_v or_o shall_v grow_v in_o spirituality_n at_o least_o at_o every_o competent_a distance_n season_n or_o stage_n of_o our_o life_n race_n she_o must_v needs_o by_o the_o very_a practice_n of_o a_o virtuous_a christian_a life_n have_v gain_v a_o considerable_a advance_v though_o perhaps_o she_o discern_v it_o not_o especial_o while_o it_o be_v grow_v and_o it_o be_v as_o irrational_a to_o think_v the_o same_o thought_n be_v apt_a to_o fit_v she_o in_o all_o state_n as_o to_o think_v that_o our_o body_n ought_v always_o to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n because_o we_o eat_v nothing_o else_o when_o we_o be_v infant_n i_o for_o my_o part_n know_v no_o one_o devotion_n suit_v all_o sort_n all_o state_n all_o time_n and_o every_o pitch_n but_o that_o which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n who_o full_o comprehend_v they_o all_o i_o mean_v the_o lord_n prayer_n §_o 11._o but_o the_o best_a help_n of_o all_o be_v a_o good_a director_n for_o as_o in_o the_o body_n the_o same_o disease_n proceed_v sometime_o from_o different_a cause_n and_o require_v different_a way_n of_o cure_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n too_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o the_o same_o indisposition_n which_o in_o some_o proceed_v from_o the_o impersection_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v cause_v by_o the_o perfection_n of_o nature_n in_o other_o a_o soul_n fit_v for_o high_a operation_n than_o these_o in_o which_o she_o be_v employ_v and_o strain_v at_o they_o by_o a_o natural_a propension_n and_o yet_o not_o reach_v they_o for_o want_v of_o instruction_n may_v fall_v into_o the_o same_o unsatisfactory_a condition_n which_o happen_v to_o other_o soul_n from_o other_o cause_n a_o good_a director_n be_v as_o necessary_a in_o such_o case_n as_o a_o good_a doctor_n where_o disease_n spring_v from_o not_o usual_a and_o not_o easy_o perceive_v cause_n however_o our_o conduct_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o wise_a as_o he_o have_v more_o wisdom_n than_o ourselves_o in_o this_o particular_a there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v to_o choose_v one_o who_o be_v true_o fit_a and_o then_o to_o treat_v free_o with_o he_o they_o be_v both_o of_o great_a importance_n but_o need_v not_o be_v far_o dilate_v sect_n iv._o of_o the_o two_o chief_a kind_n of_o devotion_n §_o 1._o because_o devotion_n be_v a_o steady_a bent_n of_o the_o will_n to_o spiritual_a operation_n and_o there_o be_v two_o way_n by_o which_o the_o will_n may_v come_v to_o this_o disposition_n those_o two_o different_a method_n make_v two_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o devotion_n for_o the_o will_n may_v be_v wrought_v to_o this_o temper_n either_o by_o a_o habit_n get_v as_o other_o habit_n
be_v do_v be_v as_o much_o solicitous_a about_o the_o disposition_n as_o the_o action_n and_o labour_v more_o to_o perform_v they_o well_o than_o often_o unless_o their_o spiritual_a director_n judge_v they_o fit_v for_o both_o but_o always_o with_o a_o preparation_n suitable_a to_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o institute_n so_o sacred_a and_o divine_a those_o be_v altogether_o affect_v to_o many_o and_o those_o the_o most_o customary_a prayer_n often_o slubber_v they_o over_o sometime_o with_o so_o little_a application_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o become_a reverence_n in_o the_o posture_n of_o the_o body_n they_o little_a heed_n the_o sense_n as_o they_o go_v along_o and_o consider_v not_o how_o or_o how_o far_o it_o affect_v their_o soul_n and_o want_v that_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a rule_n to_o direct_v their_o choice_n if_o chance_n dispose_v not_o otherwise_o general_o make_v use_v of_o such_o as_o they_o see_v use_v by_o other_o apprehend_v some_o great_a matter_n in_o the_o very_a word_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n choose_v sometime_o latin_a prayer_n though_o they_o understand_v not_o one_o word_n of_o the_o language_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o proportion_n this_o way_n have_v to_o their_o pitch_n of_o soul_n this_o conceit_n of_o some_o great_a thing_n in_o common_a concur_v so_o well_o with_o their_o right-set_a intention_n that_o they_o pray_v very_o well_o &_o better_a than_o where_o they_o understand_v more_o and_o conceit_n less_o the_o other_o sort_n be_v know_o devout_a or_o spiritual_a who_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v omnia_fw-la dijudicant_fw-la discern_v or_o distinguish_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v themselves_o at_o liberty_n where_o god_n or_o his_o church_n have_v lay_v no_o command_n take_v for_o their_o rule_n the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o believe_v this_o good_a to_o consist_v in_o a_o right_a disposition_n they_o therefore_o choose_v such_o prayer_n and_o book_n as_o they_o find_v by_o experience_n most_o useful_a to_o this_o purpose_n and_o contain_v such_o motive_n as_o be_v most_o efficacious_a to_o raise_v their_o soul_n to_o heaven_n they_o be_v no_o way_n affect_v to_o what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o comprehend_v not_o how_o ignorance_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a curse_n of_o original_a sin_n shall_v ever_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n they_o be_v more_o for_o the_o few_o and_o well_o than_o the_o many_o and_o often_o at_o a_o venture_n they_o be_v always_o careful_a to_o accompany_v their_o prayer_n with_o a_o grave_n and_o reverend_a gesture_n and_o a_o attention_n pierce_v into_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v able_a and_o distinct_o penetrate_v the_o force_n of_o the_o word_n which_o they_o expect_v shall_v contain_v such_o a_o affective_a sense_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o wing_v their_o soul_n for_o heaven_n §_o 8._o the_o former_a too_o be_v more_o addict_v to_o corporal_n the_o late_a to_o spiritual_a work_n of_o mercy_n and_o as_o those_o fancy_n no_o great_a matter_n in_o the_o advance_n of_o truth_n suppose_v we_o have_v once_o faith_n so_o these_o see_v no_o advantage_n to_o the_o world_n in_o relieve_v any_o necessity_n incident_a to_o the_o body_n comparable_a to_o that_o of_o better_v man_n soul_n which_o they_o see_v will_v follow_v from_o the_o advance_n of_o truth_n solid_a goodness_n be_v the_o genuine_a offspring_n of_o solid_a knowledge_n §_o 9_o last_o the_o difference_n of_o these_o two_o spirit_n be_v great_a in_o relation_n to_o comportment_n and_o human_a conversation_n they_o who_o study_n it_o be_v to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o right_a reason_n the_o true_a nature_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o apply_v it_o to_o all_o their_o action_n whence_o their_o carriage_n be_v even_o their_o friendship_n steady_a their_o judgement_n stay_v and_o just_a their_o thought_n charitable_a they_o harken_v to_o proposal_n with_o calmness_n and_o indifference_n and_o believe_v without_o good_a ground_n slow_o the_o other_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o be_v humorous_a stiff_o addict_v to_o any_o opinion_n take_v up_o of_o course_n inconstant_a in_o their_o purpose_n and_o friendship_n partial_a in_o their_o verdict_n credulous_a even_o of_o toy_n and_o of_o which_o no_o solid_a ground_n appear_v if_o they_o suit_v their_o fancy_n unwilling_a to_o hear_v any_o reason_n son_n which_o cross_v the_o conceit_n they_o have_v once_o espouse_v and_o for_o want_v of_o due_o weigh_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n rash_a concluder_n censorious_a of_o every_o thing_n that_o run_v not_o just_a in_o the_o tract_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o fierce_a reprehender_n of_o what_o they_o think_v amiss_o and_o yet_o these_o imperfection_n when_o they_o happen_v hinder_v not_o a_o good_a meaning_n and_o right-set_a intention_n all_o this_o while_n they_o may_v hearty_o wish_v and_o love_n what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n will_v and_o hate_v whatever_o be_v contrary_a only_o by_o the_o shortness_n of_o their_o reason_n or_o untoward_a circumstance_n they_o be_v preoccupate_v with_o a_o wrong_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o see_v not_o what_o be_v agreeable_a and_o what_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o afford_v those_o of_o the_o other_o sort_n a_o fair_a occasion_n of_o exercise_v a_o double_a charity_n in_o bear_v with_o their_o imperfection_n and_o by_o sweet_a way_n instruct_v their_o ignorance_n §_o 10._o but_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o devout_a people_n be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n fix_v in_o a_o indivisible_a point_n as_o they_o seem_v here_o describe_v i_o fear_v there_o be_v not_o very_o many_o perfect_o of_o the_o one_o kind_n and_o hope_v there_o be_v not_o very_o many_o just_a of_o the_o other_o i_o only_o intend_v to_o describe_v the_o standard_n of_o these_o two_o spirit_n which_o be_v participate_v with_o a_o thousand_o unequal_a degree_n now_o of_o the_o one_o now_o of_o the_o other_o sort_n and_o interweave_v with_o a_o variety_n almost_o infinite_a according_a as_o natural_a genius_n instruction_n and_o other_o circumstance_n have_v allot_v their_o proportion_n §_o 11._o let_v be_v it_o our_o task_n oemulari_fw-la charismata_fw-la meliora_fw-la with_o a_o true_a christian_a ambition_n to_o aim_v at_o what_o be_v best_a and_o high_a but_o yet_o remember_v too_o that_o what_o be_v best_a in_o itself_o be_v not_o always_o best_o for_o every_o particular_a and_o resolve_v upon_o better_a advice_n than_o our_o own_o to_o pursue_v the_o unum_n necessarium_fw-la that_o way_n which_o be_v most_o expedient_a for_o our_o soul_n the_o truth_n be_v these_o method_n as_o different_a as_o they_o be_v may_v both_o be_v needful_a almost_o for_o every_o one_o few_o or_o no_o understanding_n be_v so_o sublime_a as_o not_o to_o admit_v and_o even_o need_v the_o assistance_n of_o frequent_v outward_a act_n which_o beget_v habit_n and_o few_o so_o low_a as_o may_v not_o be_v improve_v to_o contribute_v and_o that_o considerable_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o material_a way_n if_o good_a instruction_n be_v not_o want_v wherefore_o neither_o shall_v the_o intelligent_a devote_n neglect_v the_o constant_a use_n of_o outward_a act_n of_o devotion_n nor_o the_o material_a one_o to_o improve_v his_o outward_a exercise_n by_o join_v as_o much_o understanding_n to_o they_o as_o he_o can_v sect_n v._o of_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v devotion_n the_o mean_n of_o attain_v both_o sort_n of_o devotion_n be_v already_o touch_v in_o common_a but_o the_o subject_n deserve_v to_o be_v treat_v more_o particular_o in_o the_o material_a way_n because_o the_o effect_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o impression_n first_o make_v on_o the_o body_n that_o which_o import_v be_v that_o these_o impression_n be_v as_o strong_a as_o may_v be_v and_o as_o many_o for_o a_o weak_a cause_n often_o apply_v will_v produce_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o strong_a one_o such_o exercise_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v as_o strike_v the_o inward_a sense_n and_o fancy_v most_o strong_o but_o what_o ever_o they_o be_v they_o will_v become_v efficacious_a if_o they_o be_v often_o enough_o repeat_v those_o therefore_o for_o who_o this_o way_n be_v proper_a shall_v be_v exhort_v to_o be_v assiduous_a in_o the_o outward_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n whatever_o they_o be_v yet_o with_o this_o caution_n that_o the_o frequency_n prejudice_n not_o their_o efficacy_n for_o if_o they_o become_v so_o customary_a as_o to_o be_v do_v mere_o out_o of_o custom_n they_o will_v loose_v much_o of_o their_o force_n particular_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o this_o point_n about_o those_o exercise_n which_o require_v a_o extraordinary_a reverence_n and_o by_o the_o design_n of_o the_o divine_a institutor_n carry_v with_o they_o a_o awe_n and_o respect_n as_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n for_o if_o according_a to_o the_o maxim_n consueta_fw-la vilescunt_fw-la customary_a thing_n grow_v vile_a our_o too_o
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
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
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