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 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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
both_o and_o at_o once_o instruct_v and_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n and_o inflame_v the_o will._n i_o will_v therefore_o advise_v to_o choose_v such_o as_o contain_v solid_a christian_a doctrine_n and_o express_v it_o both_o rational_o and_o affective_o of_o this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n the_o number_n be_v not_o great_a few_o be_v fit_o qualify_v to_o compose_v they_o for_o there_o be_v requisite_a in_o the_o author_n both_o skill_n in_o true_a divinity_n to_o make_v the_o conformity_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o reason_n appear_v and_o ardent_a devotion_n he_o be_v very_o unlikely_a to_o warm_v another_o who_o be_v cold_a himself_o and_o beside_o a_o great_a mastery_n in_o language_n to_o choose_v expression_n clear_a and_o affective_a and_o both_o easy_a i_o recommend_v for_o this_o purpose_n the_o meditation_n of_o st._n augustin_n and_o the_o devotion_n of_o our_o learned_a pious_a and_o judicious_a countyman_n mr._n john_n austen_n in_o the_o way_n of_o office_n §_o 19_o the_o life_n of_o saint_n also_o be_v of_o great_a efficacy_n to_o stir_v up_o devotion_n by_o way_n of_o imitation_n and_o example_n but_o they_o will_v be_v well_o write_v that_o be_v with_o more_o care_n to_o relate_v their_o heroic_a virtue_n which_o make_v they_o saint_n and_o estimable_a and_o imitable_a by_o we_o then_o to_o huddle_n multitude_n of_o miraculous_a and_o if_o but_o flight_o attest_v incredible_a action_n which_o neither_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o sanctity_n nor_o be_v imitable_a they_o affect_v the_o vulgar_a indeed_o with_o admiration_n and_o esteem_n but_o work_v not_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o wise_a sort_n who_o only_o seek_v their_o own_o improvement_n and_o how_o they_o may_v come_v to_o virtue_n themselves_o of_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v no_o cause_n though_o they_o may_v be_v sign_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v due_o attest_v and_o accompany_v with_o the_o saint_n virtuous_a life_n they_o become_v a_o kind_n of_o testimony_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n particular_a favour_n to_o those_o who_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o his_o service_n and_o a_o encouragement_n for_o other_o to_o serve_v so_o good_a a_o master_n who_o thus_o honour_v those_o that_o honour_n he_o but_o as_o i_o say_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o attest_v lest_o the_o credulity_n of_o the_o vulgar_a embrace_v so_o many_o uncertain_a story_n for_o assure_a truth_n and_o the_o easiness_n of_o some_o pastor_n in_o permit_v they_o without_o distinction_n to_o be_v print_v do_v not_o as_o much_o or_o more_o harm_n to_o those_o without_o the_o church_n as_o good_a to_o those_o within_o she_o the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o choose_v such_o life_n as_o be_v write_v by_o author_n who_o be_v also_o saint_n themselves_o and_o withal_o learned_a and_o prudent_a and_o so_o less_o apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o false_a relation_n or_o bias_v by_o interest_n or_o affection_n such_o as_o be_v the_o life_n of_o st._n francis_n by_o st._n bonaventure_n of_o st._n hilarion_n and_o st._n paul_n the_o hermit_n by_o st._n hierom_n of_o st._n anthony_n the_o great_a by_o st._n athanasius_n and_o the_o like_a chap._n ii_o of_o the_o chief_a act_n of_o devotion_n prayer_n sect_n i._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n and_o its_o excellency_n as_o it_o include_v in_o itself_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n the_o first_o or_o principal_a act_n of_o devotion_n be_v prayer_n it_o seem_v proper_a that_o in_o a_o treatise_n of_o devotion_n i_o shall_v say_v something_o more_o particular_o of_o its_o nature_n and_o excellency_n than_o i_o have_v do_v hitherto_o and_o thence_o enkindle_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o my_o reader_n a_o great_a desire_n to_o frequent_v it_o all_o which_o i_o can_v do_v without_o hint_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o best_a manner_n how_o to_o perform_v it_o though_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o so_o short_a a_o discourse_n as_o i_o intend_v i_o shall_v much_o enlarge_v myself_o or_o descend_v to_o every_o particular_a manner_n of_o it_o §_o 2._o prayer_n then_o as_o be_v say_v be_v define_v a_o elevation_n or_o raise_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o god_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o action_n and_o every_o action_n as_o philosophy_n tell_v we_o have_v two_o term_n or_o end_n the_o one_o that_o from_o which_o the_o action_n go_v the_o other_o that_o to_o which_o it_o tend_v as_o for_o example_n the_o action_n of_o heat_n go_v from_o coldness_n and_o tend_v to_o heat_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o benefit_n of_o prayer_n must_v be_v rate_v from_o both_o these_o it_o raise_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o it_o lift_v we_o from_o earth_n its_o opposite_a or_o antarctic_a that_o be_v it_o set_v we_o above_o that_o from_o whence_o our_o misery_n spring_v and_o approach_v we_o to_o that_o where_o all_o our_o happiness_n be_v treasure_v up_o §_o 3._o some_o ancient_a heathen_n such_o as_o diogenes_n seem_v to_o have_v attain_v the_o former_a without_o the_o help_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o be_v great_a contemner_n of_o the_o world_n but_o alas_o they_o do_v but_o seem_v so_o for_o all_o their_o mock-holy-day_n pretence_n for_o have_v they_o be_v indeed_o and_o true_o raise_v above_o earth_n they_o must_v of_o force_n have_v be_v raise_v towards_o heaven_n that_o be_v they_o must_v have_v be_v addict_v to_o address_v themselves_o by_o prayer_n to_o the_o true_a god_n of_o which_o kind_n of_o devotion_n their_o earth-clogged_a mind_n be_v utter_o ignorant_a they_o be_v not_o then_o raise_v above_o their_o affection_n to_o earth_n but_o their_o whole_a pursuit_n be_v still_o the_o world_n though_o under_o a_o different_a consideration_n they_o be_v above_o it_o as_o it_o be_v able_a to_o give_v they_o riches_n and_o honourable_a title_n but_o still_o deep_o plunge_v in_o it_o as_o it_o give_v they_o esteem_n nay_o far_o more_o deep_o even_o for_o this_o regard_n that_o for_o this_o esteem'_v sake_n they_o contemn_v the_o other_o for_o they_o think_v it_o more_o honourable_a to_o seem_v to_o contemn_v riches_n and_o dignity_n then_o to_o seek_v they_o and_o therefore_o aim_v at_o a_o great_a worldly_a honour_n by_o refuse_v that_o which_o in_o their_o apprehension_n be_v a_o less_o so_o that_o the_o progress_n of_o their_o vain_a and_o proud_a soul_n be_v not_o a_o advance_v from_o earthliness_n to_o heavenliness_n but_o a_o foolish_a leave_v earthly_a riches_n and_o dignity_n to_o acquire_v a_o airy_a and_o perhaps_o a_o more_o empty_a earthly_a esteem_n and_o admiration_n nay_o they_o contemn_v the_o other_o comparative_o only_a that_o be_v will_v have_v love_v it_o and_o perhaps_o hearty_o too_o but_o that_o they_o dote_v more_o upon_o this_o as_o the_o forename_a cynic_n trample_v on_o plato_n pride_n as_o he_o call_v his_o gay_a clothes_n with_o a_o great_a pride_n perhaps_o than_o plato_n wear_v they_o of_o which_o kind_n of_o contemner_n of_o the_o world_n we_o have_v too_o many_o example_n in_o england_n among_o our_o deep_a fanatic_n with_o this_o difference_n that_o their_o pride_n be_v more_o spiritual_a that_o be_v worse_a nay_o being_n a_o corruption_n of_o right_a christianity_n the_o worst_a of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v §_o 4._o prayer_n then_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o elevate_v the_o mind_n from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n or_o rather_o this_o very_a elevation_n itself_o and_o the_o best_a or_o ready_a way_n to_o effect_v this_o or_o raise_v ourselves_o upward_o be_v fly_v it_o follow_v that_o if_o we_o pursue_v the_o metaphor_n we_o must_v say_v the_o soul_n have_v wing_n by_o which_o she_o be_v enable_v to_o take_v this_o flight_n that_o be_v her_o thought_n and_o affection_n which_o how_o swift_a they_o be_v and_o how_o far_o they_o reach_v at_o one_o view_n and_o effort_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o little_a reflection_n will_v teach_v we_o moreover_o she_o must_v move_v and_o stir_v these_o wing_n that_o be_v meditate_v and_o consider_v whence_o we_o experience_n that_o those_o who_o be_v give_v to_o run_v over_o their_o private_a prayer_n without_o consider_v what_o they_o say_v be_v sluggish_o indeed_o move_v towards_o heaven_n for_o they_o can_v but_o think_v of_o it_o at_o time_n slight_o and_o still_o intend_v well_o but_o they_o seldom_o advance_v by_o it_o to_o any_o high_a pitch_n they_o climb_v a_o little_a upward_a by_o the_o help_n of_o character_n and_o sound_n and_o the_o lame_a activity_n of_o fancy_n lift_v they_o into_o the_o air_n where_o they_o see_v after_o a_o duskish_a manner_n far_o distant_a glance_n of_o heaven_n but_o scarce_o one_o constant_a ray_n of_o true_a light_n dawn_v to_o allure_v and_o affect_v they_o strong_o last_o there_o must_v be_v a_o calm_a and_o clear_a medium_n to_o fly_v through_o such_o as_o be_v our_o air_n in_o material_a flight_n not_o disturb_v with_o ruffle_a passion_n or_o clog_v with_o cloud_n of_o sorrow_n and_o worldly_a
of_o devotion_n by_o j._n s._n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1678._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o countess_z of_o kinnoul_n madam_n it_o be_v the_o press_a desire_n of_o your_o pious_a heart_n which_o inspire_v i_o with_o a_o will_v to_o satisfy_v your_o christian_a enquiry_n what_o true_a devotion_n be_v and_o to_o write_v this_o piece_n a_o laudable_a ambition_n to_o dress_v up_o your_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o it_o may_v look_v beautiful_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o heaven_n make_v you_o strain_v towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o but_o your_o acute_a understanding_n do_v not_o so_o easy_o find_v out_o its_o certain_a idea_n nor_o discover_v clear_o what_o be_v its_o proper_a nature_n you_o be_v too_o wise_a to_o think_v it_o consist_v in_o light_a bigottery_n and_o those_o affection_n which_o be_v build_v up_o from_o solid_a truth_n be_v apt_a to_o seem_v too_o learned_a and_o too_o rigid_a for_o that_o flexible_a and_o soul-melting_a disposition_n manly_a thought_n appear_v too_o stiff_a childish_a one_o too_o weak_a to_o compound_v it_o and_o it_o breed_v in_o your_o ladyship_n no_o small_a difficulty_n to_o hit_v the_o golden_a mean_a between_o fly_a fancy_n and_o low_a dulness_n nay_o you_o scarce_o know_v she_o when_o she_o be_v high_a in_o yourself_o and_o be_v loath_a out_o of_o a_o humble_a error_n to_o think_v the_o prompt_a flight_n of_o your_o spirit_n can_v consist_v with_o the_o heaviness_n or_o distractedness_n of_o imagination_n your_o ladyship_n may_v have_v discover_v her_o near_a hand_n and_o better_o express_v than_o i_o can_v do_v it_o here_o in_o the_o exemplary_a life_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o kinnoul_n your_o every-way_n most_o worthy_a husband_n what_o virtue_n be_v there_o which_o when_o occasion_n present_v he_o do_v not_o ready_o execute_v what_o duty_n either_o to_o god_n or_o his_o neighbour_n which_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n he_o be_v know_v to_o neglect_v his_o piety_n be_v steady_a and_o fervent_a his_o deportment_n noble_a and_o affable_a his_o calm_a reason_n fix_v by_o christian_a principle_n be_v never_o shake_v or_o move_v from_o its_o just_a level_n by_o the_o whirlwind_n of_o passion_n which_o toss_v the_o generality_n and_o shipwreck_n such_o vast_a multitude_n his_o disregard_n of_o the_o world_n be_v admirable_a or_o rather_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o for_o one_o of_o his_o rank_n his_o just_a regard_n of_o it_o esteem_v it_o and_o behave_v himself_o as_o if_o he_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v what_o true_o it_o be_v a_o stage_n so_o to_o act_v our_o respective_a part_n on_o as_o to_o please_v the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o his_o glorious_a court_n our_o spectator_n none_o of_o its_o gay_a folly_n affect_v he_o no_o bribe_n either_o of_o honour_n profit_n or_o pleasure_n have_v ever_o the_o power_n to_o warp_v he_o nor_o have_v dulness_n the_o least_o share_n in_o this_o unmoved_a temper_n of_o his_o mind_n his_o wit_n be_v pierce_v and_o want_v nothing_o but_o the_o ramble_a part_n of_o it_o which_o shoot_v bolt_n at_o rover_n nor_o be_v his_o judgement_n less_o solid_a though_o he_o have_v not_o the_o vanity_n to_o blaze_v either_o or_o discover_v they_o without_o precise_a necessity_n and_o i_o can_v speak_v by_o experience_n not_o very_o many_o even_o of_o those_o who_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o knowledge_n understand_v better_o either_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v virtuous_a i_o mean_v the_o proportion_n the_o mean_n have_v to_o the_o end_n grace_n to_o glory_n or_o a_o well-led_n life_n here_o to_o the_o attainment_n of_o eternal_a bliss_n hereafter_o no_o wonder_n then_o he_o close_v so_o pious_a a_o race_n with_o so_o happy_a a_o end_n and_o look_v upon_o death_n as_o the_o treshold_n to_o heaven_n may_v we_o not_o say_v madam_n that_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n as_o from_o some_o luminary_n place_v in_o a_o high_a sphere_n send_v down_o their_o influence_n upon_o yourself_o prompt_v you_o powerful_o with_o like_a step_n to_o follow_v such_o a_o leader_n whoever_o consider_v the_o strict_a severity_n of_o your_o widdow-state_n the_o total_a application_n of_o your_o mind_n to_o devotion_n and_o your_o earnest_n strain_v towards_o heaven_n with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o your_o soul_n will_v discern_v you_o proceed_v as_o if_o you_o make_v account_v the_o better_a half_n of_o yourself_o be_v there_o already_o but_o i_o must_v remember_v madam_n you_o be_v yet_o alive_a and_o in_o that_o circumstance_n just_a praise_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v esteem_v flattery_n the_o rest_n i_o owe_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o your_o dear_a lord_n and_o to_o my_o own_o duty_n not_o to_o let_v so_o great_a a_o example_n of_o exact_a virtue_n in_o a_o person_n of_o so_o high_a a_o rank_n especial_o cloud_v by_o his_o own_o sober_a modesty_n and_o silent_a humility_n be_v lose_v to_o we_o for_o want_v of_o propose_v it_o to_o the_o world_n to_o return_v then_o to_o my_o matter_n your_o ladyship_n may_v i_o say_v have_v find_v a_o live_a character_n of_o devotion_n near_a hand_n and_o have_v save_v i_o all_o this_o labour_n and_o you_o already_o see_v all_o be_v virtuous_a all_o be_v saintly_o throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n but_o it_o be_v the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o what_o devotion_n be_v as_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o you_o aim_v at_o for_o you_o have_v observe_v that_o many_o be_v hold_v virtuous_a and_o good_a person_n who_o be_v not_o esteem_v devout_a and_o that_o this_o word_n devotion_n have_v something_o in_o its_o notion_n particular_o excellent_a not_o find_v in_o the_o other_o this_o excellency_n your_o ladyship_n aspire_v to_o and_o therefore_o you_o wise_o desire_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o gain_v a_o clear_a discernment_n of_o what_o it_o be_v and_o in_o what_o it_o consist_v as_o single_v from_o other_o common_a consideration_n belong_v to_o goodness_n which_o often_o run_v mix_v with_o it_o hence_o i_o become_v oblige_v both_o to_o decipher_v devotion_n and_o dissect_v she_o and_o not_o only_o so_o to_o delineate_v her_o nature_n that_o it_o may_v be_v particular_o know_v but_o by_o divide_v she_o into_o her_o several_a kind_n and_o treat_v at_o large_a of_o her_o chief_a act_n prayer_n to_o acquaint_v you_o more_o perfect_o with_o her_o composition_n in_o a_o word_n you_o have_v here_o at_o once_o my_o obedience_n and_o your_o own_o duty_n and_o that_o it_o may_v benefit_v your_o soul_n towards_o its_o improvement_n in_o know_v virtue_n shall_v be_v the_o daily_a prayer_n of_o madam_n your_o ladyship_n be_v most_o devote_v and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n i._o s._n the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n though_o this_o treatise_n bear_v the_o title_n of_o devotion_n yet_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v expect_v it_o shall_v be_v either_o make_v up_o of_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n or_o be_v as_o easy_a as_o prayer_n use_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v i_o have_v already_o declare_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o write_v it_o be_v to_o settle_v exact_o the_o nature_n and_o notion_n of_o devotion_n which_o kind_n of_o discourse_n have_v for_o their_o subject_n the_o groundwork_n of_o the_o matter_n they_o treat_v of_o can_v possible_o lie_v so_o open_a to_o a_o common_a view_n as_o those_o that_o concern_v the_o superstructure_n build_v upon_o they_o yet_o i_o hope_v there_o will_v be_v little_o find_v here_o which_o may_v not_o be_v easy_o render_v intelligible_a to_o any_o attentive_a reader_n who_o will_v think_v those_o knowledge_n which_o advance_v his_o soul_n worth_a the_o pain_n of_o a_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o purchase_v they_o i_o be_o sure_a none_o of_o it_o be_v disproportion_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o that_o noble_a personage_n for_o who_o as_o a_o private_a paper_n i_o first_o write_v it_o if_o all_o reader_n be_v not_o such_o i_o hearty_o wish_v they_o be_v and_o endeavour_v as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v they_o shall_v be_v so_o by_o yield_v to_o the_o solicitation_n of_o friend_n to_o expose_v this_o treatise_n to_o be_v print_v no_o small_a kindness_n from_o i_o consider_v the_o common_a apprehension_n that_o a_o resolution_n be_v already_o take_v and_o fix_v by_o some_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o all_o i_o have_v write_v or_o shall_v write_v i_o beseech_v god_n to_o send_v they_o more_o charity_n and_o i_o patience_n it_o may_v be_v ask_v why_o such_o high_a subject_n shall_v be_v write_v in_o english_a i_o answer_v because_o very_o many_o who_o understand_v not_o latin_a may_v be_v capable_a of_o comprehend_v good_a sense_n and_o concern_v too_o to_o receive_v thorow-information_n in_o such_o subject_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v any_o thing_n here_o unintelligible_a by_o the_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
more_o agreeable_a to_o we_o take_v we_o as_o we_o be_v thus_o dispose_v render_v the_o soul_n more_o operative_a for_o it_o which_o active_a disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o pursue_v any_o thing_n it_o judge_v agreeable_a or_o good_a we_o use_v to_o call_v love_n §_o 2._o whence_o again_o be_v see_v two_o considerable_a advantage_n in_o prayer_n in_o which_o also_o the_o sum_n of_o our_o christian_a life_n be_v contain_v viz._n to_o beget_v a_o fervent_a and_o hearty_a love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o overcome_v all_o temptation_n both_o which_o be_v perform_v by_o render_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o other_o life_n very_o lively_a and_o as_o it_o be_v bright_a in_o our_o mind_n for_o this_o do_v they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o work_v love_n of_o heaven_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o our_o heart_n if_o they_o be_v not_o that_o very_a love_n itself_o which_o will_v efface_v or_o at_o least_o dim_a with_o their_o far_a more_o resplendent_a lustre_n the_o gay_a appearance_n of_o false_a and_o transitory_a good_n and_o so_o preserve_v the_o soul_n from_o be_v delude_v by_o she_o three_o spiritual_a enemy_n for_o which_o reason_n they_o that_o be_v in_o temptation_n be_v as_o much_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o prayer_n as_o a_o man_n in_o danger_n to_o lose_v his_o life_n by_o a_o distemper_n he_o feel_v grow_v upon_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o help_n as_o physic_n assist_v we_o with_o nay_o rather_o much_o more_o according_a as_o the_o great_a concern_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o success_n and_o cure_n be_v more_o powerful_a motive_n to_o make_v they_o act_v and_o endeavour_v to_o seek_v a_o remedy_n §_o 3._o now_o the_o love_n of_o heaven_n be_v thus_o wrought_v in_o our_o mind_n by_o prayer_n and_o love_n be_v unitive_a of_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o object_n belove_v according_a to_o the_o common_a say_n dictate_v by_o our_o natural_a thought_n that_o if_o two_o love_n one_o another_o they_o be_v all_o one_o it_o be_v far_o discover_v how_o incomparable_o prayer_n dignify_v and_o ennoble_v the_o soul_n &_o this_o to_o a_o great_a degree_n beyond_o what_o mere_a knowledge_n that_o be_v knowledge_n stay_v in_o speculation_n and_o not_o render_v efficacious_a by_o considerative_a prayer_n can_v have_v effect_v if_o then_o every_o power_n receive_v a_o different_a degree_n of_o nobleness_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o object_n it_o be_v employ_v about_o nay_o if_o in_o our_o case_n it_o become_v it_o intellectual_o and_o be_v in_o a_o more_o intimate_a manner_n unite_v to_o it_o by_o love_n and_o the_o object_n of_o the_o soul_n while_o in_o prayer_n be_v god_n own_o infinite_a essence_n it_o follow_v that_o prayer_n which_o be_v at_o once_o studious_a and_o affective_a perform_v both_o these_o advance_v a_o soul_n to_o so_o high_a a_o pitch_n of_o dignity_n that_o not_o all_o the_o potentate_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o learn_v of_o the_o wise_a nor_o riches_n of_o both_o the_o indies_n conspire_v together_o no_o not_o the_o whole_a innumerable_a host_n of_o angelical_a nature_n join_v all_o their_o force_n can_v raise_v she_o to_o that_o height_n of_o dignity_n that_o vicinity_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o prayer_n can_v do_v who_o then_o that_o love_v true_a nobility_n and_o the_o solid_a perfection_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o will_v apply_v himself_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o gain_v so_o high_a preferment_n and_o how_o strange_o be_v the_o indevout_a part_n of_o the_o world_n frantic_a who_o look_v upon_o prayer_n as_o a_o idle_a bigottery_n and_o fruitless_a entertainment_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o airy_a conceit_n without_o any_o far_a effect_n or_o benefit_n §_o 4._o for_o the_o same_o reason_n a_o soul_n unemployed_a in_o prayer_n and_o so_o unconcern_v to_o frame_v lively_a idea_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o heaven_n blissful_a state_n that_o be_v how_o beautify_v and_o ennoble_v a_o object_n god_n essence_n be_v but_o make_v some_o creature_n the_o study_n of_o its_o affective_a thought_n and_o first_o love_n of_o its_o will_n become_v that_o creature_n though_o never_o so_o base_a and_o wretched_a and_o never_o advance_v high_a she_o be_v marry_v as_o it_o be_v to_o that_o mean_a object_n by_o her_o give_v it_o her_o love_n and_o be_v debase_v or_o raise_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o vileness_n or_o dignity_n as_o be_v find_v in_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o she_o be_v espouse_v if_o it_o be_v earth_n she_o be_v earthy_a if_o it_o be_v flesh_n she_o be_v carnal_a if_o money_n she_o be_v no_o more_o worth_a than_o shine_a dirt_n be_v if_o honour_n she_o be_v empty_a and_o airy_a and_o just_o too_o since_o she_o have_v the_o mean_n to_o advance_v herself_o by_o prayer_n and_o rather_o choose_v to_o lie_v grovel_v on_o the_o ground_n and_o wallow_v in_o the_o dirt_n than_o raise_v her_o head_n by_o it_o to_o the_o glorious_a fountain_n of_o all_o true_a excellency_n §_o 5._o from_o what_o be_v say_v may_v be_v collect_v also_o what_o advantage_n accrue_v to_o soul_n by_o their_o devotion_n to_o angel_n and_o saint_n in_o heaven_n first_o they_o that_o intend_v to_o benefit_n themselves_o by_o this_o way_n aught_o to_o frame_v in_o their_o thought_n a_o most_o exact_a idea_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o happy_a state_n the_o bless_a enjoy_v how_o full_a of_o conformity_n to_o god_n will_v and_o thence_o how_o not_o only_o inclinable_a but_o unchangeable_o fix_v to_o follow_v right_a reason_n and_o act_n according_a to_o high_a virtue_n in_o all_o thing_n how_o boundless_o their_o soul_n be_v enlarge_v by_o charity_n to_o embrace_v all_o the_o world_n and_o wish_v they_o from_o their_o heart_n and_o unenuious_o all_o the_o good_n they_o see_v they_o can_v possible_o be_v capable_a of_o even_o though_o they_o see_v it_o will_v be_v great_a than_o their_o own_o how_o their_o understanding_n power_n be_v replenish_v with_o a_o most_o incomparable_a glory_n or_o surround_v with_o ray_n of_o most_o pure_a and_o most_o bright_a light_n of_o knowledge_n and_o their_o will_n most_o indissoluble_o unite_v with_o and_o immerse_v most_o intimate_o in_o the_o boundless_a ocean_n of_o all_o goodness_n by_o which_o mean_v those_o happy_a person_n become_v deify_v or_o raise_v to_o such_o a_o dignity_n that_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n put_v together_o be_v empty_a beggary_n and_o worthless_a trash_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o noble_a and_o close_a relation_n to_o the_o divinity_n or_o which_o be_v more_o union_n with_o it_o §_o 6._o particular_o of_o the_o saint_n it_o be_v fit_a devout_a person_n first_o choose_v those_o who_o state_n here_o be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o to_o some_o degree_n then_o attentive_o read_v their_o life_n sober_o write_v regard_v more_o their_o solid_a virtue_n propose_v there_o to_o their_o imitation_n than_o the_o esclat_a of_o their_o miracle_n which_o be_v but_o the_o likely_a sign_n of_o true_a goodness_n and_o need_v a_o eminent_a and_o constant_o practise_v virtue_n accompany_v they_o to_o make_v they_o such_o since_o the_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n prophesy_v and_o the_o like_a have_v be_v grant_v even_o to_o heathen_n on_o some_o occasion_n as_o st._n hierom_n and_o the_o father_n inform_v we_o have_v thus_o gain_v a_o lively_a character_n of_o the_o particular_a spirit_n that_o such_o a_o saint_n have_v if_o we_o cultivate_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n with_o a_o high_a esteem_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o saint_n as_o endow_v with_o such_o and_o such_o virtue_n and_o so_o let_v it_o sink_v into_o our_o will_n and_o grow_v a_o desire_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o all_o this_o be_v heighten_v and_o make_v more_o lively_a and_o more_o efficacious_a by_o apply_v to_o the_o saint_n himself_o by_o prayer_n or_o invoke_v he_o to_o obtain_v of_o god_n goodness_n that_o portion_n of_o his_o virtuous_a spirit_n which_o he_o see_v fit_v for_o we_o we_o shall_v at_o length_n be_v wrought_v up_o a_o endeavour_n to_o imitate_v he_o go_v along_o into_o the_o very_a genius_n of_o that_o saint_n and_o as_o it_o be_v become_v he_o and_o make_v his_o merit_n we_o not_o by_o extrinsecal_n imputation_n as_o if_o because_o we_o daily_o ask_v virtue_n for_o the_o saint_n sake_n without_o any_o other_o disposition_n on_o our_o part_n they_o be_v share_v out_o to_o we_o and_o as_o it_o be_v extrinsecal_o apply_v to_o our_o will_n and_o so_o better_a our_o interior_a let_v none_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o such_o hope_n for_o catholic_n faith_n admit_v no_o extrinsical_a imputation_n of_o christ_n merit_n much_o less_o of_o those_o of_o the_o saint_n but_o this_o be_v perform_v by_o propose_v their_o virtuous_a example_n as_o a_o object_n which_o by_o be_v penetrate_v lively_a and_o thence_o desire_v hearty_o
make_v we_o become_v like_o the_o saint_n himself_o that_o be_v virtuous_a and_o this_o because_o it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o become_v that_o thing_n by_o her_o understanding_n and_o will_n which_o it_o studious_o know_v and_o affectionate_o love_v and_o in_o that_o very_a regard_n too_o and_o to_o that_o degree_n in_o which_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o considerate_o to_o know_v it_o and_o hearty_o to_o love_v it_o but_o this_o will_v better_o be_v understand_v by_o what_o follow_v after_o §_o 7._o hence_o also_o be_v see_v the_o true_a use_n of_o picture_n keep_v holiday_n of_o saint_n and_o such_o other_o devotion_n all_o which_o renew_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o thought_n of_o such_o a_o virtuous_a person_n must_v needs_o be_v beneficial_a since_o they_o purify_v our_o mind_n by_o familiarise_v it_o to_o such_o holy_a and_o elevate_v object_n and_o by_o help_v it_o to_o make_v the_o character_n of_o the_o saint_n virtuous_a life_n and_o of_o its_o particular_a agreeableness_n to_o we_o more_o express_a till_o at_o length_n by_o will_n and_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o by_o mere_a understanding_n we_o become_v in_o a_o manner_n it._n but_o especial_o these_o help_n be_v necessary_a to_o those_o who_o arrive_v not_o at_o the_o love_n of_o spiritual_a good_n by_o strength_n of_o judgement_n or_o clear_a evidence_n of_o reason_n but_o by_o often_o reiterated_a impression_n of_o object_n upon_o the_o know_a power_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o sense_n i_o meddle_v not_o here_o with_o other_o more_o wonderful_a effect_n do_v by_o our_o application_n to_o saint_n and_o their_o intercession_n for_o we_o when_o the_o faith_n of_o he_o that_o pray_v require_v it_o the_o principle_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v so_o deep_a and_o be_v withal_o so_o remote_a from_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o it_o will_v be_v too_o long_a a_o digression_n to_o attempt_v here_o their_o explication_n sect_n v._o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v the_o infallible_a mean_n to_o obtain_v all_o our_o best_a wish_n the_o impetrative_a part_n of_o prayer_n or_o the_o virtue_n it_o have_v of_o obtain_v from_o god_n infallible_o what_o ever_o we_o ask_v for_o ourselves_o that_o we_o can_v be_v sure_o be_v our_o true_a good_a be_v perhaps_o as_o great_a a_o incentive_a to_o exercise_v it_o as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o doctrine_n no_o less_o comfortable_a than_o strange_a we_o ought_v then_o to_o unriddle_v it_o and_o make_v it_o out_o and_o first_o we_o must_v remark_n that_o we_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a that_o any_o external_n thing_n be_v good_a for_o we_o be_v it_o riches_n honour_n pleasure_n health_n friend_n etc._n etc._n for_o to_o many_o all_o these_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o damnation_n as_o they_o have_v of_o salvation_n to_o other_o nay_o some_o be_v of_o that_o genius_n and_o so_o circumstance_v that_o nothing_o but_o extreme_a misery_n in_o this_o world_n can_v keep_v they_o from_o sin_v other_o again_o be_v so_o temper_v that_o they_o grow_v desperate_a by_o great_a and_o continual_a cross_n and_o fall_v into_o a_o stupidity_n or_o disregard_n of_o all_o duty_n if_o press_v heavy_o by_o affliction_n nay_o more_o speak_v of_o interior_a perfection_n which_o have_v a_o great_a vicinity_n to_o virtue_n even_a knowledge_n have_v make_v some_o solid_o virtuous_a other_o vain_o proud_a nothing_o therefore_o but_o that_o perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n call_v virtue_n be_v secure_o good_a for_o we_o since_o then_o it_o be_v direct_o against_o reason_n to_o wish_v press_o and_o absolute_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o will_v do_v we_o good_a or_o harm_n reason_n tell_v we_o we_o be_v not_o to_o beg_v of_o god_n absolute_o any_o thing_n but_o virtue_n the_o rest_n only_o conditional_o or_o with_o this_o reservation_n in_o case_n our_o heavenly_a father_n judge_v we_o have_v need_n of_o they_o or_o in_o case_n he_o see_v they_o convenient_a for_o we_o and_o it_o be_v of_o this_o i_o affirm_v that_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v of_o god_n by_o prayer_n it_o will_v be_v always_o grant_v and_o that_o too_o to_o the_o very_a same_o degree_n as_o be_v our_o fervency_n in_o ask_v it_o §_o 2._o to_o understand_v how_o this_o be_v effect_v we_o must_v reflect_v that_o to_o pray_v for_o any_o virtue_n be_v earnest_o to_o wish_v it_o as_o also_o that_o prayer_n if_o perform_v attentive_o and_o as_o it_o ought_v be_v the_o most_o serious_a action_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o treaty_n or_o communication_n with_o god_n the_o seer_n of_o our_o heart_n with_o who_o it_o be_v the_o most_o irreverent_a folly_n that_o may_v be_v not_o to_o be_v in_o earnest_n when_o we_o profess_v it_o outward_o prayer_n therefore_o for_o virtue_n be_v the_o most_o serious_a and_o most_o effectual_a act_n of_o the_o will_v imaginable_a strong_o set_v and_o bend_v towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o perfection_n we_o pray_v for_o that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o frequent_a and_o hearty_a wish_n of_o virtue_n and_o what_o be_v virtue_n but_o a_o confirm_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_v to_o do_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n or_o a_o habitual_a will_n to_o act_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o christian_a principle_n and_o how_o be_v habit_n get_v but_o by_o oft_o repeat_v or_o very_o effectual_a act_n since_o then_o when_o ever_o we_o pray_v for_o virtue_n as_o we_o ought_v both_o these_o be_v find_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o prayer_n for_o we_o both_o repeat_v often_o our_o wish_n which_o be_v act_n of_o our_o will_n and_o withal_o they_o be_v the_o most_o serious_a most_o solemn_a and_o most_o elevate_v act_n that_o can_v be_v and_o thence_o very_o efficacious_a it_o follow_v that_o the_o pray_v for_o virtue_n be_v the_o very_o gain_v it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o warm_v continue_v and_o advance_v beget_v heat_n and_o heat_v a_o flame_n §_o 3._o you_o will_v say_v all_o this_o give_v no_o great_a account_n of_o any_o particularity_n in_o prayer_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o virtue_n since_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o frequent_a consider_v with_o ourselves_o and_o ponder_v well_o the_o excellency_n of_o virtue_n may_v beget_v wish_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o virtue_n in_o we_o and_o this_o in_o as_o high_a a_o manner_n if_o well_o follow_v as_o prayer_n do_v i_o answer_v first_o the_o case_n be_v impossible_a for_o except_z when_o we_o wish_v to_o get_v virtue_n we_o aim_v at_o heaven_n by_o thus_o wish_v it_o it_o be_v not_o true_a virtue_n we_o wish_v but_o some_o apish_a resemblance_n of_o it_o to_o make_v we_o esteem_v by_o the_o world_n or_o for_o some_o other_o temporal_a end_n and_o if_o in_o set_v our_o selus_fw-la to_o consider_v its_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n which_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o dispose_v we_o for_o heaven_n and_o thence_o wish_v it_o we_o aim_v at_o the_o attainment_n of_o heaven_n or_o the_o blissful_a sight_n of_o god_n by_o it_o we_o be_v in_o prayer_n all_o the_o while_o we_o wish_v it_o after_o some_o manner_n though_o perhaps_o there_o go_v not_o along_o with_o it_o the_o addressive_a part_n to_o god_n by_o way_n of_o petition_n which_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a shall_v be_v want_v in_o those_o who_o habitual_o know_v by_o faith_n and_o by_o christian_a language_n and_o practice_n be_v inure_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o good_n especial_o supernatural_a one_o come_v from_o god_n §_o 4._o next_o i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o a_o true_a sight_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o utility_n of_o virtue_n improve_v by_o our_o consideration_n may_v cause_v some_o degree_n of_o wish_n or_o desire_n of_o it_o and_o so_o beget_v virtue_n at_o first_o or_o advance_v it_o something_o but_o that_o all_o those_o mean_n be_v dry_a and_o inefficacious_a without_o prayer_n will_v appear_v by_o the_o advantage_n find_v in_o prayer_n as_o first_o that_o while_o our_o thought_n be_v set_v upon_o he_o who_o be_v our_o last_o end_n we_o take_v our_o aim_n more_o steady_o at_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o attain_v he_o 2_o i'faith_o which_o we_o suppose_v to_o go_v before_o prayer_n tell_v we_o all_o come_v from_o he_o it_o heighten_v our_o soul_n and_o consequent_o fancy_n far_o above_o that_o pitch_n to_o which_o natural_a and_o unelevated_a thought_n can_v have_v raise_v they_o 3_o faith_n tell_v we_o also_o he_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o virtue_n the_o very_a approach_n to_o he_o by_o prayer_n and_o beg_v it_o of_o he_o be_v the_o draw_v it_o into_o our_o selus_fw-la from_o his_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o all_o good_n 4_o i'faith_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n which_o be_v make_v according_a to_o