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 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
frequent_a use_n of_o they_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o careless_a indifference_n in_o perform_v they_o and_o take_v off_o our_o conceit_n of_o they_o they_o will_v become_v little_a beneficial_a and_o perhaps_o harmful_a §_o 2._o but_o these_o inconvenience_n avoid_v these_o devotee_n be_v to_o be_v advise_v to_o pray_v as_o often_o and_o as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v and_o such_o prayer_n as_o they_o please_v to_o frequent_v the_o sacrament_n the_o often_o the_o better_a so_o it_o be_v with_o serious_a preparation_n and_o such_o as_o may_v preserve_v the_o reverence_n due_a to_o they_o to_o be_v present_a at_o all_o solemnity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o where_o thing_n be_v perform_v with_o most_o majesty_n and_o becomingness_n if_o any_o extraordinary_a occasion_n of_o devotion_n happen_v as_o in_o jubilee_n and_o the_o like_a by_o all_o mean_n to_o lay_v hold_n of_o it_o often_o to_o read_v good_a book_n of_o which_o the_o affective_a be_v more_o for_o their_o purpose_n than_o the_o instructive_a and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o omit_v nothing_o proper_a to_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v the_o habit_n of_o devotion_n in_o general_n the_o conceit_n they_o frame_v in_o common_a and_o confuse_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v keep_v up_o at_o the_o height_n and_o increase_v if_o it_o may_v be_v and_o for_o particular_n because_o they_o penetrate_v not_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n nor_o consider_v which_o way_n they_o work_v it_o matter_n not_o much_o what_o they_o be_v so_o they_o be_v good_a and_o apt_a to_o move_v they_o for_o this_o reason_n and_o because_o they_o be_v through_o their_o weakness_n easy_o scandalize_v peo_fw-la ple_fw-fr shall_v in_o charity_n be_v wary_a of_o maintain_v and_o even_o discover_v contrary_a sentiment_n before_o they_o for_o these_o way_n whatever_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o the_o best_a or_o no_o be_v best_a for_o they_o and_o will_v make_v they_o saint_n if_o they_o pursue_v they_o sincere_o and_o faithful_o and_o we_o must_v beware_v nè_fw-la pereat_fw-la in_o scientiâ_fw-la tuâ_fw-la infirmus_fw-la frater_fw-la lest_o a_o weak_a brother_n perish_v by_o thy_o knowledge_n §_o 3._o the_o way_n of_o knowledge_n must_v needs_o be_v pursue_v by_o such_o mean_n as_o improve_v knowledge_n and_o he_o advance_v in_o it_o best_o who_o most_o deep_o penetrate_v into_o christian_a duty_n and_o most_o clear_o see_v their_o agreeableness_n to_o right_a reason_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v with_o such_o a_o sight_n as_o be_v mere_o speculative_a nor_o such_o a_o sight_n as_o can_v pierce_v into_o the_o mystery_n themselves_o and_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o that_o kind_n of_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o other_o truth_n who_o term_n we_o see_v connect_v for_o this_o will_v take_v away_o faith_n and_o be_v impossible_a here_o and_o only_o to_o be_v hope_v in_o the_o country_n of_o blissful_a light_n where_o we_o shall_v see_v face_n to_o face_n but_o i_o mean_v such_o a_o sight_n as_o presuppose_v faith_n and_o render_v it_o lively_a or_o operative_a which_o if_o once_o we_o can_v attain_v it_o be_v impossible_a not_o to_o be_v devout_a for_o knowledge_n of_o any_o good_a when_o it_o be_v express_a and_o lively_a become_v a_o principle_n of_o act_v for_o it_o or_o to_o obtain_v it_o that_o be_v will_n as_o by_o reflection_n we_o may_v easy_o discover_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o experience_n of_o our_o daily_a action_n §_o 4._o now_o this_o knowledge_n be_v render_v express_v and_o faith_n by_o consequence_n lively_a two_o manner_n of_o way_n by_o supernatural_a and_o by_o natural_a mean_n supernatural_a mean_n be_v either_o apt_a to_o affect_v all_o mankind_n or_o some_o few_o choose_v by_o god_n providence_n and_o design_v and_o fit_v for_o great_a end_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v miracle_n in_o general_a for_o the_o common_a course_n of_o nature_n be_v practical_o evident_a to_o all_o and_o so_o what_o ever_o evident_o cross_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v conceive_v to_o spring_v from_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n who_o can_v control_v it_o as_o he_o please_v wherefore_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n this_o evidence_n make_v it_o stick_v firm_o in_o the_o soul_n that_o god_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o it_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o astonishment_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o unusualness_n of_o the_o effect_n make_v it_o sink_v deep_a and_o both_o together_o render_v faith_n as_o to_o the_o point_n it_o testify_v exceed_v lively_a and_o prompt_a to_o action_n of_o the_o other_o sort_n be_v the_o rush_a wind_n the_o fiery_a tongue_n and_o other_o concomitant_a cause_n which_o produce_v that_o prodigious_a liveliness_n of_o faith_n and_o sublime_a height_n of_o ardent_a devotion_n in_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o they_o be_v render_v so_o strong_o and_o ready_o dispose_v for_o those_o duty_n which_o christ_n have_v order_v they_o that_o they_o cheerful_o embrace_v all_o inconvenience_n torment_n nay_o death_n itself_o to_o perform_v they_o these_o cause_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o affect_v all_o mankind_n as_o they_o do_v those_o few_o particular_o fit_v by_o long_a conversation_n with_o christ_n himself_o and_o expectation_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o promise_n he_o make_v they_o at_o his_o departure_n which_o be_v still_o work_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o raise_v they_o to_o look_v for_o some_o strange_a supernatural_a effect_n of_o it_o these_o be_v the_o two_o manner_n of_o external_n and_o more_o ordinary_a supernatural_a mean_n for_o of_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o who_o operation_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o a_o series_n of_o cause_n unknowable_a by_o we_o it_o be_v not_o my_o intention_n to_o speak_v in_o this_o discourse_n §_o 5._o natural_a and_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o make_v this_o knowledge_n express_v and_o faith_n lively_a be_v also_o twofold_a viz._n penetrate_v well_o either_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o faith_n be_v build_v that_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o authority_n which_o recommend_v it_o or_o else_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o of_o the_o action_n to_o be_v practise_v to_o the_o maxim_n of_o true_a reason_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o controversy_n to_o teach_v the_o one_o and_o scholastic_a divinity_n the_o other_o and_o it_o be_v by_o read_v and_o attentive_o consider_v the_o discourse_n make_v by_o master_n in_o both_o kind_n that_o we_o may_v attain_v the_o knowledge_n we_o desire_v in_o these_o matmatter_n only_o let_v we_o provide_v the_o author_n we_o choose_v be_v true_o solid_a for_o every_o one_o who_o write_v be_v not_o so_o and_o that_o the_o point_v we_o choose_v be_v to_o our_o purpose_n it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a always_o nor_o convenient_a that_o every_o one_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o knowledge_n shall_v read_v all_o the_o controversy_n that_o concern_v each_o point_n of_o faith_n even_o though_o they_o be_v good_a and_o solid_a much_o less_o amuse_v himself_o with_o solve_v all_o objection_n raise_v and_o raisable_v without_o end_n by_o adversary_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o peruse_v and_o understand_v one_o or_o two_o good_a book_n which_o solid_o treat_v and_o firm_o establish_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n or_o if_o leisure_n and_o opportunity_n serve_v to_o hear_v some_o oral_a discourse_n of_o that_o subject_n in_o fine_a by_o any_o way_n we_o can_v to_o weigh_v attentive_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o authority_n on_o which_o faith_n be_v build_v and_o what_o perfect_a certainty_n the_o same_o and_o less_o authority_n beget_v in_o we_o on_o other_o occasion_n this_o do_v with_o that_o care_n and_o concern_v which_o the_o thing_n require_v it_o will_v natural_o breed_v in_o a_o soul_n these_o and_o the_o like_a reflection_n §_o 6._o i_o believe_v and_o that_o with_o a_o most_o firm_a assurance_n that_o there_o be_v a_o king_n henry_n 8_o a_o william_n the_o conqueror_n a_o julius_n caesar_n and_o many_o action_n perform_v by_o they_o as_o alter_v religion_n in_o england_n conquer_a this_o nation_n gain_v many_o victory_n and_o the_o like_a the_o same_o i_o believe_v of_o less_o man_n and_o less_o universally-known_a action_n provide_v they_o be_v sufficient_o notorious_a to_o great_a multitude_n and_o by_o these_o multitude_n open_o and_o serious_o attest_v and_o without_o any_o imaginable_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n of_o fear_n or_o hope_n or_o any_o interest_n which_o may_v move_v they_o to_o lie_v in_o the_o case_n i_o find_v this_o writ_n in_o my_o heart_n in_o such_o character_n that_o i_o can_v as_o well_o doubt_v whither_o i_o be_o as_o whither_o such_o thing_n be_v i_o find_v all_o mankind_n judge_v the_o same_o and_o i_o can_v no_o more_o think_v it_o possible_a that_o humour_n or_o interest_n shall_v beget_v this_o perswaon_n
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