*When, therefore, it is the one ruling desire of our hearts, that God may be the _beginning_ and _end_, the _reason_ and _motive_, the _rule_ and _measure_, of our doing, or not doing, from morning to night; then every where, whether speaking or silent, whether inwardly or outwardly employed, we are equally offered up to the eternal Spirit, have our life in him, and from him, and are united to him by _that spirit of prayer_, which is the comfort, the support, the strength and security of the soul, travelling by the help of God, through the vanity of time into the riches of eternity. For _this spirit of prayer_, let us willingly give up all that we inherit from our fallen father, to be all _hunger_ and _thirst_ after God: and to have no thought or care, but how to be wholly his devoted instruments; every where, and in every thing, his adoring, joyful, and thankful servants. Have your eyes shut, and ears stopped to every thing, that is not a step in that ladder that reaches from earth to heaven. *Reading is good, hearing is good, conversation and meditation are good, but then they are only good at proper times and occasions. But the _spirit of prayer_ is for all times, and all occasions; it is a lamp that is to be always burning, a light to be ever shining; every thing calls for it, every thing is to be done in it, and governed by it; because it is, and means, and wills nothing else but the whole soul, incessantly given up to God, to be _where_, and _what_, and _how_ he pleases. *This state of absolute resignation, naked faith, and pure love of God is the highest perfection, of those who are born again, and thro’ the divine power become sons of God: and it is neither more nor less, than what our blessed Redeemer has called us to in these words: _Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven_. It is to be sought for in the simplicity of a little child, without being captivated with any mysterious depths or heights of speculation; without coveting any knowledge, but so far as it brings us nearer to God, forces us to forget and renounce every thing for him; to do every thing in him, with him, and for him; and to give every breathing, moving, intention, and desire of our heart, and life to him. Let every creature have your love. Love with its fruits of meekness, patience, and humility, is all that we can wish for to ourselves, and our fellow-creatures; for this is to live in God, united to him, both for ♦time and eternity. ♦ “and time” replaced with “time and”