the_o method_n of_o mental_a prayer_n render_v practical_a and_o easy_a for_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n compose_v in_o french_a by_o r._n f._n francis_n nephew_n s._n j._n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o method_n how_o to_o offer_v up_o mass_n according_a to_o the_o four_o end_n of_o this_o sacrifice_n london_n print_v by_o thomas_n hales_n 1694._o the_o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n nothing_o have_v take_v so_o much_o place_n nor_o sink_v so_o deep_a into_o the_o mind_n and_o opinion_n of_o most_o man_n as_o the_o groundless_a prejudice_n they_o entertian_n against_o mental_a prayer_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o great_a a_o hindrance_n to_o their_o devotion_n at_o this_o unlucky_a and_o mistake_a prevention_n which_o fright_v most_o people_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o so_o holy_a profitable_a and_o withal_o so_o necessary_a a_o exercise_n the_o very_a name_n of_o mental_a prayer_n make_v most_o people_n afraid_a some_o out_o of_o a_o foolish_a modesty_n and_o show_v of_o humility_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n be_v only_o proper_a for_o soul_n that_o be_v already_o perfect_a that_o one_o must_v have_v great_a wit_n and_o learning_n or_o else_o a_o very_a particular_a grace_n a_o call_n from_o god_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a great_a presumption_n in_o they_o to_o attempt_v this_o exercise_n other_o by_o a_o more_o gross_a illusion_n look_v upon_o the_o duty_n and_o practice_n of_o meditation_n as_o a_o thing_n very_o incompatible_a with_o the_o care_n which_o they_o must_v take_v of_o their_o affair_n or_o with_o their_o quality_n which_o oblige_v they_o to_o converse_v much_o in_o the_o world_n where_o their_o many_o civil_a and_o necessary_a duty_n do_v not_o afford_v they_o leisure_n to_o attend_v to_o meditation_n which_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o employment_n that_o only_o become_v religion_n person_n and_o such_o as_o live_v retire_v and_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v some_o other_o that_o be_v still_o blind_a and_o more_o unjust_a also_o than_o these_o who_o look_v upon_o meditation_n as_o a_o idle_a employment_n in_o vogue_n only_o among_o silly_a devotee_n and_o weak_a simple_a soul_n and_o be_v please_v to_o make_v it_o the_o ordinary_a subject_n of_o their_o mirth_n and_o raillery_n so_o that_o many_o time_n such_o secular_a person_n as_o be_v addict_v to_o mental_a prayer_n be_v oblige_v out_o of_o discretion_n or_o for_o fear_n of_o be_v laugh_v at_o rather_o to_o conceal_v its_o practice_n than_o expose_v themselves_o to_o their_o censure_n and_o mockery_n infine_v some_o other_o less_o unreasonable_a than_o the_o former_a yet_o not_o less_o to_o be_v pity_v tho'_o they_o understand_v and_o apprehend_v very_o well_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o meditation_n and_o be_v convince_v â—hat_n â—hey_n may_v reap_v greaâ—_n advantage_n some_o so_o holy_a a_o exercise_n can_v they_o but_o serious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o yet_o either_o their_o apprehension_n of_o occur_v difficulty_n hinder_v they_o from_o venture_v upon_o any_o trial_n at_o all_o or_o the_o little_a trouble_n they_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o beginning_n dishearten_v they_o from_o that_o perseverance_n in_o it_o as_o will_v afford_v they_o comfort_v it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o disabuse_v all_o such_o as_o be_v seduce_v and_o deceive_v by_o these_o groundless_a dangerous_a and_o common_a error_n that_o i_o undertake_v first_o to_o prove_v by_o strong_a plain_a and_o evident_a reason_n how_o necessary_a meditation_n be_v for_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n second_o that_o i_o endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o understand_v how_o easy_a it_o be_v for_o they_o to_o meditate_v by_o propose_v so_o plain_a and_o easy_a a_o method_n that_o i_o dare_v undertake_v that_o whoever_o will_v lay_v aside_o the_o prejudice_n he_o have_v already_o conceive_v against_o it_o or_o for_o a_o while_o suspend_v it_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o so_o mean_v a_o capacity_n nor_o so_o engage_v in_o business_n or_o worldly_a affair_n but_o may_v easy_o if_o they_o will_v daily_o make_v their_o meditation_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o person_n ought_v to_o do_v so_o when_o i_o have_v once_o explicate_v this_o easy_a method_n of_o prayer_n i_o shall_v add_v the_o rule_n necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o give_v example_n upon_o all_o the_o different_a subject_n of_o meditation_n whereby_o i_o shall_v reduce_v the_o method_n into_o practice_n and_o teach_v the_o manner_n how_o to_o observe_v all_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v for_o it_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n notwithstanding_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o i_o pretend_v not_o here_o to_o write_v a_o formal_a treatise_n of_o mental_a prayer_n which_o will_v be_v very_o unnecessary_a consider_v the_o many_o excellent_a treatise_n already_o write_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o age_n upon_o that_o subject_a but_o that_o my_o only_a design_n be_v to_o intru_v and_o assist_v those_o that_o desire_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o retreat_n who_o not_o be_v use_v to_o mental_a prayer_n find_v themselves_o in_o the_o begin_n at_o some_o loss_n they_o be_v yet_o ignorant_a how_o to_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o meditation_n which_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o chief_a business_n of_o a_o retreat_n wherefore_o when_o i_o have_v let_v they_o evident_o see_v how_o profitable_a and_o necessery_n meditation_n be_v i_o doubt_v not_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o easiness_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n make_v they_o master_n of_o this_o holy_a art_n by_o teach_v they_o a_o short_a and_o easy_a manner_n how_o to_o meditate_v and_o lay_v before_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o upon_o such_o different_a subject_n as_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o matter_n of_o meditation_n so_o that_o by_o one_o hour_n read_v they_o may_v be_v sufficient_o inform_v of_o the_o manner_n how_o to_o make_v their_o meditation_n well_o and_o afterward_o with_o very_o little_a pain_n may_v put_v their_o knowledge_n into_o practice_n but_o tho'_o i_o have_v at_o first_o nothing_o else_o in_o prospect_n but_o by_o this_o small_a treatise_n to_o help_v those_o that_o desire_v to_o enter_v into_o retreat_n yet_o now_o i_o hope_v it_o may_v become_v also_o very_o useful_a to_o such_o as_o be_v inspire_v with_o a_o sincere_a desire_n of_o work_v their_o own_o salvation_n and_o that_o they_o may_v accomplish_v that_o great_a work_n with_o less_o difficulty_n and_o great_a security_n be_v desirous_a to_o make_v use_n of_o so_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a a_o mean_n as_o meditation_n be_v experience_v to_o be_v to_o so_o profitable_a a_o end_n a_o easy_a method_n for_o mental_a prayer_n reduce_v to_o practice_n chap._n 1._o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o meditation_n a_o man_n will_v think_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o explicate_v only_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o meditation_n to_o convince_v those_o that_o be_v the_o most_o prepossessed_a with_o prejudice_n against_o this_o holy_a exercise_n that_o it_o be_v moral_o necessary_a for_o all_o that_o efficacious_o intend_v to_o save_v their_o soul_n for_o by_o meditation_n we_o mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o the_o maxim_n of_o the_o holy_a gospel_n upon_o the_o great_a and_o save_a truth_n of_o our_o faith_n upon_o our_o duty_n towards_o almighty_a god_n upon_o the_o best_a mean_n that_o may_v facilitate_v and_o secure_v our_o happiness_n or_o upon_o the_o obstacle_n that_o may_v retard_v or_o hinder_v our_o eternal_a felicity_n which_o reflection_n natural_o produce_v those_o good_a and_o pious_a desire_n holy_a affection_n and_o such_o sincere_a and_o efficacious_a resolution_n as_o reduce_v those_o good_a desire_n into_o practice_n and_o move_v we_o to_o put_v in_o execution_n all_o our_o good_a design_n by_o make_v use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o by_o our_o reflection_n we_o find_v capable_a of_o further_a we_o in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o of_o help_v we_o to_o overcome_v whatever_o obstacle_n oppose_v it_o all_o the_o holy_a father_n suppose_v this_o great_a truth_n that_o meditation_n or_o a_o consideration_n and_o serious_a reflection_n be_v necessary_a for_o salvation_n and_o have_v always_o admit_v this_o for_o a_o fundamental_a maxim_n in_o christian_a morality_n it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o saint_n chrysostom_n and_o saint_n austin_n who_o both_o assure_v we_o that_o a_o serious_a consideration_n and_o reflection_n be_v the_o first_o principal_a and_o foundation_n of_o all_o good_a action_n and_o saint_n bernard_n prove_v that_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n be_v of_o equal_a necessity_n for_o meditation_n say_v he_o discovers_z what_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o and_o prayer_n obtain_v from_o almighty_a god_n whatever_o we_o want_v the_o one_o show_v we_o the_o way_n and_o the_o other_o bring_v
most_o exact_o himself_o what_o he_o so_o earnest_o recommend_v to_o other_o of_o which_o the_o admirable_a psalm_n i_o cite_v be_v a_o evident_a proof_n for_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o verse_n in_o the_o whole_a psalm_n wherein_o he_o do_v not_o mention_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n the_o great_a care_n he_o take_v to_o meditate_v often_o upon_o they_o and_o his_o zeal_n and_o fidelity_n in_o observe_v '_o they_o the_o four_o reason_n it_o be_v not_o yet_o enough_o to_o know_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o know_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o enjoin_v it_o but_o we_o must_v also_o take_v delight_n therein_o and_o place_v our_o affection_n upon_o it_o serious_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o its_o observance_n to_o do_v this_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o understand_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n to_o apprehend_v the_o advantage_n and_o the_o great_a recompense_n that_o god_n promise_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v observe_v his_o commandment_n and_o the_o terrible_a punishment_n with_o which_o he_o threaten_v those_o that_o shall_v dare_v to_o violate_v they_o for_o this_o reason_n almighty_a god_n after_o he_o have_v propose_v his_o law_n to_o the_o israelite_n do_v on_o the_o one_o side_n particular_o declare_v the_o blessing_n he_o will_v heap_v upon_o such_o as_o shall_v faithful_o observe_v it_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o set_v before_o they_o the_o misery_n shall_v fall_v upon_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v so_o insolent_a as_o to_o transgress_v '_o they_o infine_v the_o strange_a propensity_n we_o have_v to_o evil_a the_o great_a repugnance_n we_o have_v to_o good_a the_o difficulty_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o observe_v a_o law_n that_o contradict_v the_o inclination_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v so_o prevalent_a that_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o great_a reward_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o such_o terrible_a pain_n as_o those_o of_o hell_n which_o be_v infinite_a and_o eternal_a can_v stop_v we_o and_o serve_v as_o a_o rampart_n to_o check_v the_o violence_n of_o our_o passion_n we_o must_v then_o at_o all_o time_n have_v these_o reward_n and_o these_o punishment_n in_o our_o thought_n that_o be_v we_o must_v continual_o meditate_v upon_o '_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o want_v of_o consider_v and_o ponder_v these_o great_a truth_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n abandon_v themselves_o so_o easy_o and_o so_o frequent_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o crime_n and_o plunge_v themselves_o so_o deep_o in_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o most_o enormous_a sin_n be_v it_o not_o i_o say_v for_o want_v of_o make_v a_o reflection_n that_o those_o beastly_a pleasure_n which_o last_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n must_v end_v in_o everlasting_a pain_n if_o one_o shall_v ask_v those_o miserable_a christian_n that_o be_v now_o in_o hell_n how_o they_o come_v thither_o they_o will_v certain_o answer_v it_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v nor_o think_v enough_o upon_o those_o pain_n they_o now_o suffer_v desolatione_n desolata_fw-la est_fw-la omnis_fw-la terra_fw-la quia_fw-la nullus_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la recogitet_fw-la cord_n all_o the_o earth_n be_v become_v desolate_a because_o none_o consider_v or_o take_v it_o to_o heart_n the_o five_o reason_n we_o may_v at_o present_a say_v with_o great_a reason_n what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v heretofore_o do_v you_o believe_v that_o if_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v come_v again_o upon_o the_o earth_n to_o sound_v the_o mind_n and_o examine_v the_o heart_n of_o most_o christian_n or_o at_o least_o of_o those_o that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n he_o shall_v find_v any_o faith_n there_o assure_o it_o be_v this_o want_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o source_n of_o almost_o all_o our_o disorder_n of_o the_o carelessness_n and_o neglect_n we_o live_v in_o as_o to_o the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o salvation_n of_o our_o forget_v almighty_a god_n and_o insine_n of_o our_o eternal_a damnation_n not_o that_o we_o have_v lose_v all_o faith_n or_o that_o we_o do_v positive_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n or_o of_o the_o maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o for_o want_v of_o a_o lively_a practical_a and_o active_a faith_n we_o suppose_v and_o take_v our_o christian_a truth_n for_o grant_v without_o ever_o penetrate_v they_o and_o without_o draw_v those_o consequence_n from_o they_o which_o necessary_o follow_v the_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v true_a but_o what_o be_v there_o that_o can_v render_v our_o faith_n more_o lively_a and_o active_a without_o doubt_v nothing_o can_v contribute_v more_o to_o it_o than_o such_o solid_a reflection_n upon_o those_o great_a truth_n which_o be_v best_a make_v in_o our_o meditation_n and_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o likely_a to_o make_v strong_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o will_n which_o be_v move_v by_o those_o impression_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v we_o shall_v take_v our_o great_a affair_n to_o heart_n and_o fall_v serious_o to_o work_v reform_v our_o life_n and_o reduce_v to_o practise_v those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o our_o meditation_n by_o this_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o as_o the_o want_n of_o a_o lively_a and_o practical_a faith_n so_o much_o recommend_v to_o we_o in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o the_o damnation_n of_o most_o christian_n so_o the_o neglect_v to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o reflect_v and_o serious_o consider_v what_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o fundamental_a maxim_n and_o verity_n of_o christian_a religion_n teach_v and_o require_v of_o we_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o great_a occasion_n of_o the_o want_n of_o that_o practical_a faith_n the_o six_o reason_n it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o succeed_v in_o any_o business_n of_o great_a importance_n that_o be_v not_o only_o difficult_a in_o itself_o but_o be_v also_o traverse_v and_o oppose_v by_o most_o powerful_a crafty_a vigilant_a and_o active_a enemy_n without_o first_o consider_v serious_o how_o to_o lay_v our_o business_n well_o and_o apply_v great_a care_n to_o find_v out_o and_o to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o surmount_v the_o obstacle_n and_o break_v the_o measure_n of_o those_o enemy_n which_o oppose_v we_o now_o tell_v i_o be_v not_o the_o concern_v of_o our_o salvation_n a_o business_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n since_o of_o that_o depend_v either_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o our_o eternal_a misery_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o affair_n of_o great_a difficulty_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o heart_n the_o frailty_n of_o our_o will_n the_o blindness_n of_o our_o understanding_n the_o violence_n of_o our_o passion_n the_o force_n of_o those_o ill_a habit_n we_o have_v get_v the_o many_o dangerous_a occasion_n we_o be_v expose_v to_o and_o which_o frequent_o we_o can_v avoid_v beside_o be_v not_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n who_o we_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o most_o terrible_a enemy_n can_v there_o be_v any_o more_o powerful_a crafty_a vigilant_a or_o active_a than_o these_o be_v shall_v we_o then_o flatter_v and_o promise_v ourselves_o good_a success_n in_o so_o difficult_a a_o affair_n as_o this_o without_o continual_a application_n and_o care_n to_o consider_v and_o observe_v well_o every_o step_n we_o make_v to_o discover_v the_o artifice_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o the_o many_o snare_n they_o lie_v for_o we_o and_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o do_v this_o without_o frequent_a meditation_n these_o reason_n which_o clear_o manifest_v the_o great_a necessity_n of_o meditation_n as_o plain_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o retreat_n especial_o for_o such_o person_n aâ—_n be_v engage_v in_o multiplicity_n of_o business_n and_o the_o great_a commerce_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o reason_n they_o ordinary_o allege_v to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o retire_v be_v those_o which_o most_o evident_o prove_v the_o great_a want_n they_o have_v of_o it_o so_o that_o if_o a_o retreat_n be_v profitable_a for_o all_o man_n in_o general_a it_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n absolute_o necessary_a for_o these_o for_o since_o they_o can_v be_v save_v without_o make_v serious_a reflection_n upon_o the_o mean_n that_o facilitate_v the_o work_n of_o their_o salvation_n in_o order_n to_o embrace_v they_o nor_o without_o reflect_v and_o discover_v the_o obstacle_n that_o stand_v in_o their_o way_n in_o order_n to_o remove_v they_o if_o the_o great_a hurry_n of_o business_n and_o that_o worldly_a commerce_n wherein_o they_o be_v engage_v will_v not_o allow_v they_o leisure_n to_o make_v these_o reflection_n as_o serious_o as_o they_o ought_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o set_v a_o part_n some_o few_o day_n and_o free_v themselves_o from_o those_o other_o business_n that_o take_v up_o all_o their_o thought_n and_o from_o that_o worldly_a commerce_n that_o so_o dissipate_v their_o mind_n and_o suffer_v they_o
to_o recollect_v themselves_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o that_o little_a solitude_n they_o may_v have_v nothing_o else_o to_o think_v on_o but_o eternity_n and_o their_o own_o salvation_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o pretence_n that_o many_o man_n make_v use_v of_o to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o meditate_v tho'_o all_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o employ_v their_o wit_n and_o reason_n to_o search_v after_o and_o find_v out_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o facilitate_v and_o secure_v their_o eternal_a happiness_n yet_o methinks_v most_o of_o they_o be_v in_o nothing_o so_o industrious_a and_o ingenious_a as_o they_o be_v in_o contrive_v how_o to_o blind_v and_o cheat_v themselves_o and_o in_o find_v out_o idle_a pretence_n to_o lay_v aside_o and_o dispense_v with_o the_o most_o advantagous_n and_o holy_a exercise_n that_o can_v be_v practise_v not_o reflect_v as_o they_o ought_v upon_o that_o most_o infallible_a and_o important_a maxim_n which_o ought_v to_o regulate_v 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the_o world_n oblige_v by_o necessity_n to_o take_v care_n of_o her_o child_n servant_n and_o household_n affair_n as_o also_o to_o receive_v and_o to_o return_v visit_n can_v find_v leisure_n among_o all_o these_o employment_n to_o attend_v to_o meditation_n which_o be_v only_o fit_a for_o religious_a person_n that_o be_v as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v in_o a_o manner_n nothing_o else_o to_o do_v there_o need_v but_o a_o very_a little_a faith_n and_o reason_n quick_o to_o discover_v the_o fallacy_n and_o weakness_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o argue_v for_o be_v there_o any_o business_n in_o this_o world_n so_o important_a as_o that_o of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v there_o any_o duty_n so_o essential_a as_o those_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n be_v there_o any_o christian_n that_o dare_v say_v or_o think_v there_o be_v if_o then_o as_o we_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v meditation_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o useful_a mean_n to_o work_v our_o salvation_n and_o to_o acquit_v ourselves_o of_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n we_o be_v inexcusable_a if_o we_o neglect_v it_o upon_o account_n of_o any_o other_o business_n or_o employment_n whatsoever_o all_o other_o business_n compare_v with_o the_o concern_v of_o our_o salvation_n be_v but_o trifle_n as_o saint_n austin_n very_o well_o call_v they_o majorum_fw-la nugae_fw-la negotia_fw-la vocantur_fw-la we_o ought_v then_o to_o find_v always_o time_n to_o think_v of_o this_o great_a and_o indeed_o only_o important_a affair_n what_o will_v we_o say_v of_o a_o ambassador_n that_o be_v send_v and_o charge_v with_o the_o care_n of_o treat_v and_o manage_n the_o affair_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o all_o europe_n who_o instead_o of_o attend_v to_o that_o shall_v amuse_v himself_o in_o contrive_v how_o to_o be_v commodious_o lodge_v and_o spend_v all_o his_o time_n in_o play_v and_o dance_v dare_v he_o allege_v such_o employment_n as_o these_o for_o a_o excuse_n of_o his_o neglect_n in_o manage_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o good_a issue_n that_o important_a affair_n with_o which_o he_o be_v entrust_v what_o press_v soever_o of_o business_n a_o man_n be_v in_o if_o a_o concern_v of_o any_o very_a considerable_a temporal_a interest_n intervene_v he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o find_v time_n to_o look_v after_o it_o and_o shall_v we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o time_n leave_v when_o we_o be_v to_o attend_v to_o that_o main_a business_n which_o concern_v our_o eternal_a interest_n a_o woman_n can_v always_o find_v time_n to_o play_n to_o keep_v idle_a and_o many_o time_n dangerous_a company_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o world_n and_o perchance_o to_o ruin_v and_o damn_v herself_o but_o she_o can_v find_v one_o moment_n of_o leisure_n to_o think_v and_o reflect_v serious_o how_o to_o save_v she_o soul_n what_o miserable_a blindness_n be_v this_o wherefore_o we_o must_v undertake_v no_o more_o business_n nor_o allow_v ourselves_o any_o other_o divertisment_n than_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o our_o great_a and_o only_a affair_n which_o be_v that_o of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o second_o pretence_n some_o other_o object_n that_o they_o no_o soon_o apply_v themselves_o to_o meditation_n but_o they_o be_v immediate_o fill_v with_o distraction_n my_o fancy_n say_v one_o be_v so_o quick_a and_o wander_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o fix_v it_o upon_o any_o object_n to_o think_v upon_o or_o go_v about_o to_o make_v my_o meditation_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v i_o rave_v and_o run_v into_o a_o thousand_o foolish_a frivolous_a and_o many_o time_n very_o extravagant_a fancy_n i_o grant_v there_o be_v some_o people_n who_o vivacity_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o fix_v their_o imagination_n and_o that_o those_o person_n have_v not_o the_o same_o facility_n and_o good_a disposition_n that_o many_o other_o have_v for_o mental_a prayer_n but_o if_o you_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v a_o long_a meditation_n you_o may_v at_o lest_o meditate_v by_o read_v and_o the_o way_n to_o do_v it_o be_v this_o take_v a_o good_a book_n and_o by_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n place_n yourself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o beg_v light_a sufficient_o to_o understand_v and_o penetrate_v those_o truth_n which_o you_o be_v go_v to_o read_v persuade_v yourself_o that_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o who_o be_v go_v to_o speak_v to_o you_o by_o that_o book_n then_o read_v leisurely_o and_o with_o attention_n endeavour_v to_o comprehend_v and_o relish_v well_o what_o you_o read_v when_o you_o light_n upon_o something_o that_o touch_v yourself_o in_o particular_a or_o agree_v with_o your_o disposition_n or_o answer_v your_o present_a want_n and_o necessity_n stop_v there_o make_v some_o particular_a reflection_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o yourself_o if_o you_o meet_v with_o something_o in_o your_o read_n that_o blame_v and_o condemn_v your_o former_a conduct_n humble_v yourself_o before_o almighty_a god_n implore_v his_o mercy_n and_o resolve_v to_o mend_v it_o beg_v his_o holy_a grace_n for_o that_o end_n and_o then_o continue_v your_o read_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o bless_a saint_n terese_n make_v use_v for_o a_o while_n of_o this_o method_n of_o meditation_n and_o there_o be_v no_o body_n but_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o may_v profit_v very_o much_o by_o it_o the_o three_o pretence_n the_o three_o pretence_n which_o be_v much_o like_o the_o second_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o importunity_n of_o distraction_n my_o prayer_n say_v one_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o continual_a heap_n or_o flood_n of_o distraction_n whereby_o that_o which_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o other_o become_v a_o obstacle_n to_o my_o perfection_n because_o endeavour_v to_o do_v a_o good_a work_n i_o commit_v a_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v better_a for_o i_o not_o to_o pray_v at_o all_o than_o to_o pray_v ill_a and_o offend_v by_o prayer_n this_o may_v be_v answer_v divers_a way_n first_o the_o distraction_n be_v either_o voluntary_a or_o not_o if_o they_o be_v voluntary_a it_o depend_v on_o you_o to_o shake_v they_o off_o and_o it_o be_v your_o fault_n if_o you_o do_v not_o if_o they_o be_v not_o voluntary_a they_o offer_v you_o a_o fair_a occasion_n of_o merit_n by_o the_o care_n and_o endeavour_n you_o may_v use_v to_o reject_v they_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o your_o patience_n and_o by_o the_o pain_n and_o trouble_v you_o undergo_v whilst_o you_o suffer_v they_o against_o your_o will._n in_o the_o next_o place_n you_o must_v examine_v from_o whence_o these_o distraction_n proceed_v if_o it_o be_v from_o the_o great_a liveliness_n of_o your_o fancy_n you_o must_v not_o be_v too_o much_o trouble_v at_o it_o but_o make_v use_n of_o that_o remedy_n set_v down_o in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o pretence_n but_o if_o it_o be_v from_o your_o passion_n you_o must_v labour_v to_o mortify_v and_o overcome_v they_o if_o they_o proceed_v
misery_n in_o call_v to_o mind_n your_o grievous_a sin_n and_o infidelity_n and_o mourn_v for_o they_o and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o find_v yourself_o touch_v with_o sorrow_n enough_o beg_v of_o god_n a_o contrite_a a_o humble_a heart_n which_o he_o alone_o can_v give_v tell_v he_o that_o you_o can_v offend_v he_o without_o he_o but_o you_o can_v have_v a_o due_a sorrow_n for_o have_v offend_v he_o without_o his_o divine_a assistance_n four_o you_o may_v pass_v the_o time_n of_o your_o prayer_n in_o make_v act_n of_o faith_n adoration_n hope_n charity_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n a_o meditation_n make_v after_o this_o manner_n be_v a_o good_a prayer_n five_o employ_v the_o time_n of_o your_o meditation_n in_o examine_v what_o passion_n it_o be_v that_o sway_v you_o most_o what_o effect_n it_o produce_v what_o be_v the_o consequence_n and_o danger_n of_o these_o effect_n what_o mean_v you_o ought_v to_o use_v for_o resist_v and_o overcome_v that_o passion_n you_o may_v do_v the_o same_o in_o respect_n of_o any_o ill_a habit_n you_o have_v contract_v six_o think_v upon_o and_o often_o call_v to_o mind_n during_o your_o prayer_n those_o many_o and_o great_a obligation_n which_o you_o have_v to_o almighty_a god_n they_o any_o blessing_n you_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o which_o tho'_o they_o be_v universal_a yet_o be_v not_o the_o less_o great_a upon_o that_o account_n nor_o ought_v you_o to_o be_v less_o sensible_a of_o they_o but_o above_o all_o you_o ought_v to_o consider_v certain_a particular_a favour_n which_o usual_o move_v we_o more_o because_o they_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o mark_n of_o distinction_n which_o self_n love_n render_v common_o more_o sensible_a of_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o pass_v over_o and_o consider_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n but_o will_v plain_o discover_v many_o tract_n of_o a_o special_a providence_n that_o have_v sweet_o and_o efficacious_o guide_v and_o preserve_v he_o amid_o a_o thousand_o danger_n in_o which_o he_o have_v infallable_o perish_v without_o god_n particular_a and_o powerful_a protection_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o make_v our_o humble_a and_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n and_o to_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n when_o he_o invite_v all_o creature_n to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n benedic_n anima_fw-la mea_fw-la domino_fw-la qui_fw-la redimit_fw-la de_fw-fr interitu_fw-la vitam_fw-la tuam_fw-la qui_fw-la coronat_fw-la te_fw-la in_o misericordia_fw-la &_o miserationibus_fw-la bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n who_o redeem_v thy_o life_n from_o destruction_n and_o crown_v thou_o with_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n seven_o it_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a and_o profitable_a exercise_n during_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n to_o make_v pious_a resolution_n and_o consider_v what_o occasion_n we_o be_v like_a to_o have_v to_o put_v they_o that_o day_n in_o practice_n and_o to_o take_v our_o measure_n how_o to_o overcome_v those_o difficulty_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o for_o the_o chief_a end_n and_o aim_v of_o prayer_n be_v to_o prepare_v we_o to_o act_n well_o so_o that_o prayer_n be_v best_a make_v which_o be_v follow_v with_o good_a effect_n the_o six_o pretence_n there_o be_v some_o person_n that_o be_v natural_o so_o modest_a and_o have_v such_o mean_a and_o low_a thought_n of_o themselves_o as_o to_o believe_v they_o be_v incapable_a of_o meditate_v and_o be_v persuade_v that_o to_o be_v able_a to_o meditate_v one_o must_v have_v great_a wit_n and_o more_o eminent_a part_n than_o they_o can_v find_v themselves_o to_o be_v owner_n of_o and_o there_o want_v not_o some_o director_n who_o be_v neither_o very_a spiritual_a themselves_o nor_o use_v to_o prayer_n do_v by_o their_o foolish_a maxim_n and_o weak_a conduct_n authorize_v this_o dangerous_a illusion_n believe_v that_o a_o young_a maid_n ought_v to_o content_v and_o employ_v herself_o whole_o at_o her_o work_n and_o a_o marry_v woman_n only_o busy_a herself_o with_o the_o care_n of_o her_o family_n and_o household_n affair_n but_o experience_n show_v we_o how_o vain_a this_o pretence_n be_v for_o how_o many_o person_n do_v we_o see_v of_o mean_a wit_n but_o of_o a_o pure_a and_o humble_a heart_n that_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o excellent_a gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o find_v more_o facility_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o interior_a conversation_n with_o god_n than_o man_n of_o the_o great_a wit_n or_o learning_n do_v experience_n do_v not_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n take_v pleasure_n in_o entertain_v himself_o with_o simple_a good_a and_o sincere_a soul_n cum_fw-la simplicibus_fw-la sormocinatio_fw-la ejus_fw-la and_o do_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n thank_v his_o heavenly_a father_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o discover_v his_o divine_a secret_n not_o little_a one_o that_o be_v to_o the_o ignorant_a while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o hide_v they_o from_o the_o worldly_a wise_a and_o from_o great_a and_o presumptuous_a wit_n the_o heart_n have_v a_o great_a share_n in_o prayer_n than_o the_o understanding_n and_o there_o needs_o only_o a_o good_a heart_n to_o render_v a_o man_n capable_a of_o make_v a_o good_a prayer_n the_o business_n be_v not_o to_o raise_v high_a thought_n and_o quaint_a discourse_n but_o to_o penetrate_v and_o be_v convince_v of_o ordinary_a and_o plain_a truth_n one_o good_a thought_n well_o ponder_v may_v employ_v a_o man_n during_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o his_o prayer_n saint_n francis_n past_o whole_a night_n in_o meditate_v these_o few_o word_n deus_fw-la mens_fw-la &_o omne_fw-la my_o god_n and_o my_o all_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o his_o prayer_n in_o the_o garden_n repeat_v only_o these_o word_n transeat_fw-la à _fw-la i_o calix_n iste_fw-la veruntamen_fw-la non_fw-la sicut_fw-la ego_fw-la volo_fw-la sed_fw-la sicut_fw-la tu_fw-la father_n i_o beseech_v you_o that_o i_o may_v not_o drink_v of_o this_o bitter_a cup_n of_o my_o passion_n but_o let_v it_o not_o be_v as_o i_o will_v but_o as_o you_o will_v which_o make_v saint_n ignace_n say_v in_o his_o exercise_n that_o the_o fruit_n of_o prayer_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o many_o thought_n but_o in_o the_o great_a feeling_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o this_o pretence_n will_v be_v more_o clear_o demonstrate_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n where_o we_o shall_v see_v how_o easy_a it_o be_v for_o any_o man_n to_o make_v his_o meditation_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o facility_n of_o meditation_n §._o 1._o show_v how_o casie_a it_o be_v for_o any_o man_n to_o meditate_v or_o make_v mental_a prayer_n i_o can_v imagine_v how_o a_o opinion_n so_o ill_o ground_v as_o that_o be_v which_o occasion_n man_n to_o fancy_v so_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a a_o difficulty_n in_o meditation_n and_o mental_a prayer_n come_v to_o be_v so_o general_o receive_v methinks_v there_o be_v nothing_o so_o easy_a as_o to_o disabuse_v they_o in_o this_o point_n and_o make_v they_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v if_o they_o will_v deal_v sincere_o how_o gross_a that_o error_n be_v for_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o meditate_v and_o to_o do_v it_o there_o need_v but_o such_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n as_o suffice_v for_o the_o small_a and_o easy_a sort_n of_o business_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n do_v possess_v in_o fine_a there_o need_v no_o more_o but_o be_v capable_a of_o reason_n to_o enable_v any_o man_n to_o make_v mental_a prayer_n for_o prayer_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o three_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o be_v of_o our_o memory_n understanding_n and_o will_v which_o three_o faculty_n we_o make_v use_v of_o in_o meditation_n to_o think_v upon_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o those_o truth_n our_o faith_n teach_v we_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o we_o make_v use_v of_o they_o in_o reason_v and_o consider_v any_o affair_n that_o concern_v our_o temporal_a interest_n and_o our_o other_o worldly_a business_n and_o employment_n a_o merchant_n have_v no_o difficulty_n in_o reason_v and_o reflect_v upon_o what_o concern_v his_o commerce_n a_o husband_n man_n upon_o his_o tillage_n a_o tradseman_n upon_o his_o call_v nor_o a_o good_a huf-wife_n upon_o her_o household_n affair_n all_o these_o person_n make_v frequent_a reflection_n upon_o what_o have_v before_o happen_v to_o they_o to_o distinguish_v what_o they_o have_v find_v advantageous_a and_o profitable_a and_o what_o have_v prove_v inconvenient_a or_o occasion_v their_o loss_n and_o how_o little_a brain_n soever_o they_o have_v upon_o these_o reflection_n they_o take_v the_o best_a measure_n they_o can_v and_o consider_v the_o best_a mean_n how_o to_o succeed_v in_o their_o business_n they_o look_v forward_o and_o provide_v against_o those_o accident_n they_o fear_v may_v happen_v to_o cross_v and_o hinder_v they_o what_o therefore_o can_v hinder_v they_o from_o do_v the_o same_o in_o