*By the difference of our _state_, is meant the difference of our _external state_, as of _sickness_, _health_, _pains_, _losses_, _disappointments_, _troubles_, particular _mercies_ or _judgments_ from God, and all sorts of _kindnesses_, _injuries_, or _reproaches_ from other people. Now, as these are great parts of our state of life, as they make great difference in it, by continually changing; so our devotion will be made doubly beneficial to us, when it watches to receive and sanctify all these _changes_ of our state, and turns them all into so many occasions of a more particular application to God, of such thanksgivings, such resignation, such petitions, as our present state more especially requires. *And he that makes every change in his state, a reason of presenting unto God some particular petitions suitable to that change, will soon find, that he has taken an excellent means, not only of _praying_ with fervour, but of _living_ as he prays. 13. *We are likewise always to adapt some part of our prayers to the _difference_ of our _hearts_; by which is meant the different tempers of our hearts, as of _love_, _joy_, _peace_, _tranquility_, _dulness_ and _dryness_ of _spirit_, _anxiety_, _discontent_, _motions_ of _envy_ and _ambition_, _dark_ and _disconsolate thoughts_, _resentments_, _fretfulness_, and _peevish tempers_. If we are in the delightful calm of sweet and easy passions, of _love_ and _joy_ in God, we should then offer the tribute of thanksgiving. If, on the other hand, we feel ourselves laden with _heavy_ passions, with _dulness_ of spirit, _anxiety_ and _uneasiness_, we must then look up to God in acts of humility, confessing our unworthiness, opening our troubles to him, beseeching him in his good time to lessen our infirmities, and to deliver us from these passions. By this wise application of our prayers, we shall get all the relief from them that is possible; and the very _changeableness_ of our hearts, will prove a means of exercising a greater variety of holy tempers. You will perceive by this, that persons ought to have a great share in composing their own devotions. As to that part of their prayers, which is always fixed, they may use forms composed by other persons; but in that part which they are to suit to the present _state_ of their _life_, and the _present_ state of their _heart_, they must let the sense of their own condition help them to such kinds of _petition_, _thanksgiving_, or _resignation_, as their present state requires. 14. But it is amazing to see how ♦eagerly men employ their _parts_, their _study_, _application_, and _exercise_; how all helps are called to their assistance, when any thing is intended in worldly matters; and how little they use their _parts_, _sagacity_, and abilities, to raise and increase their devotion. ♦ ‘eargerly’ replaced with ‘eagerly’