The Life of God in the Soul of Man by Henry Scougal

"that cannot be worded." Yet I do not so recommend this
sort of prayer, as to supersede the use of the other; for
we have so many several things to pray for, and every
petition of this nature requires so much time, and so
great an attention of spirit, that it were not easy therein
to overtake them all: to say nothing, that the deep sighs
and heavings of the heart, which are wont to accompany
it, are something oppressive to nature, and make it hard
to continue long in them. But certainly a few of these
inward aspirations will do more than a great many
fluent and melting expressions.
Thus, my dear friend, I have briefly proposed the
method which I judge proper for moulding the soul into
a holy frame; and the same means which serve to beget
this divine temper, must still be practiced for
strengthening and advancing it: and therefore I shall
recommend but one more for that purpose, and it is the
frequent and conscientious use of that holy sacrament,
which is peculiarly appointed to nourish and increase
spiritual life, when once it is begun in the soul. All the
instruments of religion do meet together in this
ordinance; and while we address ourselves unto it, we
are put to practice all the rules which were mentioned
before. Then it is that we make the severest survey of our
actions, and lay the strictest obligations on ourselves;
then are our minds raised up to the highest contempt of
the world, and every grace doth exercise itself with the
97 of 102