102 The Life of GOD dovvn upon ourfclves fr01n on high. 0 how little, how nothing ·do all thofe !}1adows qf perfeCtion then appear, for which we are wont tO value ourfelves! That humility which cometh from a view of our own finfulnefs and n1ifery, is more turbulent 'and boifterous: but the other layeth us full as low; and '\vanteth nothing but that anguiili 3nd Yexation wherewith our fouls are apt to boil when they are the ncareft objeCt of our thoughts. There remains yet anothct: means for rrayer another begetting an holy and religious i:1Hrument of difpofition in the fou1; and religion. that is, fervent and hearty prayer. IJolinefs is the gift of God: in- ~ deed the greatdl: gift he cloth bdrow, or Vi;e are cspable to receive; and he hath promifed the Holy Spirit to thofe that ail<. it of him. In prayer we n1akc the neardl: approaches to God, and lie .open to the in– fluences of heaven·. Then it is th;;1t the fun of righteouft1efs doth viGt us with his d1reCtcfi rays and diffipateth our darknefs, and imprintetl1 his image on our fouls. I cannot no~ mfift on the advantages of this cxcrcife, or the difpofiLions wherewith it ought to be per formed; ard there is no ne"d I ihuuld, there being fu many Looks · that
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