have_v draw_v out_o all_o my_o misery_n from_o the_o bottom_n where_o it_o lay_v hide_v to_o present_v it_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o my_o heart_n there_o arise_v a_o great_a tempest_n which_o be_v follow_v by_o a_o great_a shower_n of_o tear_n this_o weep_a do_v not_o always_o come_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v sometime_o cause_v by_o a_o jar_a diversity_n of_o thought_n and_o a_o confusion_n of_o good_a emotion_n which_o cast_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o sort_n of_o disorder_n but_o which_o be_v much_o better_a than_o the_o great_a calm_a meditation_n how_o be_v it_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o man_n be_v as_o holy_a as_o they_o be_v eloquent_a and_o know_v pourtraict_n they_o make_v but_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o original_n i_o see_v plain_o that_o the_o character_n of_o true_a devotion_n be_v curious_a and_o ravish_a but_o alas_o the_o more_o i_o enter_v into_o this_o meditation_n the_o more_o do_v i_o continue_v confuse_v when_o i_o consider_v what_o i_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o be_v devout_a and_o i_o examine_v what_o i_o myself_o be_o i_o find_v that_o i_o be_o nothing_o or_o that_o i_o be_o not_o just_a what_o i_o shall_v be_v i_o do_v not_o find_v in_o myself_o those_o ardent_a desire_n to_o be_v with_o my_o god_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o he_o by_o holy_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n my_o soul_n languish_v but_o it_o be_v not_o after_o the_o house_n of_o my_o god_n nor_o after_o the_o solitude_n of_o my_o cabinet_n it_o languish_v for_o it_o be_v feeble_a and_o weak_a in_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o piety_n i_o do_v violence_n to_o my_o own_o heart_n in_o draw_v it_o out_o of_o the_o clutch_n of_o the_o world_n to_o put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n i_o enter_v into_o my_o closet_n to_o do_v my_o exercise_n of_o piety_n rather_o to_o acquit_v myself_o of_o a_o duty_n which_o i_o have_v impose_v on_o myself_o than_o to_o follow_v my_o own_o inclination_n where_o be_v that_o joy_n which_o i_o ought_v to_o taste_v in_o the_o act_n of_o my_o devotion_n where_o be_v that_o be_v unbound_v from_o the_o world_n renounce_v of_o all_o carnal_a thought_n where_o be_v that_o fervour_n and_o alacrity_n the_o ecstasy_n the_o flame_n the_o illumination_n of_o that_o heavenly_a fire_n whereof_o i_o be_o a_o read_v the_o description_n all_o be_v dead_a in_o i_o if_o i_o will_v quit_v the_o world_n to_o enter_v into_o my_o closet_n i_o carry_v it_o still_o along_o with_o i_o in_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o my_o soul_n i_o feel_v a_o monstrous_a weight_n and_o dulness_n which_o arrest_v all_o my_o elevation_n and_o make_v i_o tumble_v down_o back_o again_o to_o the_o earth_n my_o jerting_n up_o be_v feeble_a and_o of_o a_o short_a durance_n they_o hardly_o go_v half_a way_n to_o heaven_n prayer_n have_v pity_n on_o my_o sad_a estate_n my_o father_n and_o my_o god_n draw_v i_o and_o i_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o why_o shall_v i_o remain_v in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n thou_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n that_o carry_v heal_v in_o thy_o wing_n raise_v i_o up_o and_o quicken_v i_o let_v the_o east_n from_o on_o high_a visit_v i_o with_o the_o bowel_n of_o his_o mercy_n let_v my_o heart_n burn_v within_o i_o whilst_o i_o read_v thy_o scripture_n and_o hear_v thy_o word_n let_v my_o prayer_n be_v ardent_a and_o my_o piety_n constant_o sustain_v by_o the_o force_n and_o flame_n of_o thy_o grace_n and_o love_a kindness_n and_o thou_o my_o soul_n do_v not_o attend_v this_o love_a kindness_n with_o arm_n across_o go_v meet_v it_o call_v and_o say_v come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o o_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n awaken_v my_o heart_n awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o christ_n shall_v give_v thou_o life_n chase_v away_o sloth_n let_v it_o no_o long_o lie_v in_o the_o bed_n of_o security_n banish_v all_o coldness_n rid_v thyself_o of_o that_o burdensome_a weight_n that_o oppress_v thou_o take_v the_o wing_n of_o a_o eagle_n and_o to_o heaven_n fly_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o thy_o saviour_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v sweet_n which_o thou_o have_v never_o yet_o taste_v never_o see_v never_o hear_v of_o and_o which_o never_o enter_v into_o thy_o imagination_n to_o conceive_v chap._n iii_o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o devotion_n who_o can_v doubt_v on_o it_o and_o be_v it_o not_o sufficient_a bare_o to_o know_v and_o to_o describe_v it_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o it_o devotion_n be_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o very_a life_n of_o piety_n it_o be_v that_o which_o set_v a_o price_n and_o value_n upon_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o faithful_a soul_n a_o due_a preparation_n be_v necessary_a to_o every_o thing_n a_o orator_n who_o be_v to_o speak_v in_o public_a first_o amass_v his_o matter_n together_o and_o then_o assay_v to_o put_v it_o into_o a_o good_a form_n a_o soldier_n be_v to_o fight_v prepare_v his_o army_n and_o rouze_v his_o courage_n he_o that_o go_v to_o a_o marriage_n put_v on_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o why_o then_o do_v we_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o present_v ourselves_o before_o god_n in_o prayer_n in_o read_v or_o in_o hear_v his_o word_n in_o implore_v his_o assistance_n or_o render_v he_o action_n of_o gratitude_n without_o have_v the_o holy_a disposition_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n that_o be_v before_o he_o of_o so_o great_a price_n we_o do_v ever_o that_o thing_n well_o which_o we_o do_v hearty_o but_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v no_o party_n in_o the_o business_n it_o avail_v nothing_o the_o soldier_n who_o carry_v not_o his_o heart_n along_o with_o he_o turn_v his_o back_n in_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n and_o the_o orator_n who_o heart_n be_v not_o touch_v with_o what_o he_o say_v will_v never_o touch_v that_o of_o other_o if_o without_o the_o heart_n we_o can_v perform_v the_o work_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o of_o the_o hand_n how_o shall_v the_o work_n of_o the_o heart_n itself_o be_v do_v without_o the_o heart_n this_o be_v what_o i_o call_v the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n a_o lute_n can_v it_o be_v play_v upon_o unless_o it_o be_v string_v and_o tune_v can_v a_o bow_n shoot_v unless_o it_o be_v bend_v the_o heart_n be_v a_o instrument_n and_o a_o lute_n the_o sound_n whereof_o charm_n the_o ear_n of_o the_o almighty_a but_o it_o must_v be_v string_v with_o all_o its_o virtue_n as_o with_o string_n and_o devotion_n must_v be_v to_o it_o a_o kind_n of_o soul_n that_o make_v every_o thing_n else_o to_o act_v prayer_n be_v a_o arrow_n that_o fly_v to_o the_o heaven_n but_o devotion_n only_o give_v it_o both_o strength_n and_o feather_n prayer_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n and_o a_o offering_n of_o the_o heart_n we_o must_v not_o therefore_o present_a common_a riches_n to_o god_n without_o preparation_n and_o choice_n and_o the_o passover-lamb_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o flock_n four_o day_n before_o its_o immolation_n let_v not_o the_o sinner_n then_o offer_v to_o god_n dirty_a and_o soil_v prayer_n but_o pure_a and_o devout_a one_o let_v he_o separate_v his_o heart_n from_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o folly_n of_o his_o vain_a thought_n if_o he_o will_v be_v well-pleasing_a to_o god_n without_o devotion_n the_o soul_n be_v dead_a the_o heart_n be_v but_o in_o its_o body_n as_o in_o its_o grave_a what_o rashness_n then_o to_o lay_v a_o dead_a and_o corrupt_a beast_n upon_o the_o altar_n of_o god_n will_v not_o god_n say_v i_o hate_v your_o oblation_n the_o peace-offering_n of_o your_o fat_a beast_n and_o the_o perfume_n of_o your_o incense_n i_o can_v away_o with_o they_o devotion_n be_v a_o fire_n without_o which_o our_o sacrifice_n can_v not_o be_v consume_v it_o be_v a_o fire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o emanation_n of_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v what_o must_v lift_v up_o the_o smoke_n of_o our_o incense_n to_o heay'n_v assure_v thyself_o thou_o christian_a soul_n that_o thy_o offering_n be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n and_o that_o the_o flame_n of_o devotion_n be_v alone_o capable_a of_o pierce_v those_o cloud_n thicken_v by_o iniquity_n that_o separate_v we_o from_o god_n the_o matter_n that_o make_v thunderbolt_n so_o massy_a and_o heavy_a will_v not_o always_o be_v mount_v in_o the_o middle_a region_n of_o the_o air_n from_o whence_o we_o see_v they_o hurl_v down_o upon_o the_o earth_n be_v it_o not_o carry_v upon_o the_o wing_n of_o some_o inflame_a exhalation_n in_o like_a manner_n our_o earthly_a prayer_n as_o well_o as_o our_o heart_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o mount_v the_o sky_n do_v not_o the_o flame_n of_o devotion_n lift_v they_o up_o so_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o put_v our_o
heart_n into_o a_o good_a condition_n to_o hope_v a_o good_a success_n of_o its_o worship_n though_o never_o so_o much_o prepare_v it_o can_v be_v too_o good_a for_o he_o to_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o present_v it_o it_o will_v be_v a_o acceptable_a thing_n to_o be_v receive_v in_o this_o estate_n and_o what_o on_o the_o contrary_n can_v we_o expect_v in_o present_v to_o he_o a_o indevout_a soul_n but_o a_o shameful_a and_o sad_a refusal_n god_n do_v not_o hear_v our_o prayer_n unless_o the_o heart_n be_v dispose_v to_o make_v they_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v say_v our_o lord_n but_o seek_v with_o zeal_n otherwise_o you_o shall_v not_o find_v god_n say_v once_o i_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v i_o not_o but_o this_o do_v not_o happen_v every_o day_n this_o be_v but_o one_o of_o those_o singular_a event_n whereby_o general_a rule_n be_v not_o establish_v but_o the_o law_n in_o common_a bear_n ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v lay_v hold_n on_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o thou_o shall_v obtain_v it_o to_o what_o be_v not_o devotion_n useful_a it_o be_v of_o use_n in_o all_o place_n all_o time_n and_o all_o thing_n as_o well_o in_o the_o closet_n as_o the_o church_n thereby_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n pronounce_v by_o man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v true_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o dry_a and_o chap_a earth_n do_v the_o rain_n hereby_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n touch_v we_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n love_n inflame_v we_o his_o promise_n comfort_v we_o his_o threaten_n terrify_v we_o and_o his_o consolation_n have_v their_o efficacy_n upon_o we_o without_o this_o the_o word_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o two-edged_a sword_n recoil_v and_o turn_v its_o edge_n on_o the_o hardness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o without_o this_o we_o join_v the_o sin_n of_o insensibility_n to_o that_o of_o impenitence_n by_o this_o we_o look_v upon_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n with_o veneration_n the_o preacher_n as_o the_o ambassador_n of_o the_o gospel_n his_o word_n as_o the_o voice_n of_o heaven_n the_o faithful_a as_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o troop_n of_o angel_n that_o always_o rejoice_v in_o his_o presence_n the_o sacrament_n as_o precious_a vessel_n the_o appearance_n whereof_o be_v contemptible_a but_o which_o do_v contain_v the_o treasure_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n it_o be_v devotion_n that_o make_v our_o closet_n to_o become_v little_a church_n whether_o the_o divinity_n descend_v and_o upon_o which_o it_o extend_v its_o wing_n like_o the_o cherubim_v over_o the_o mercy-seat_n where_o god_n speak_v to_o our_o heart_n as_o we_o speak_v to_o his_o ear_n where_o he_o make_v we_o understand_v his_o oracle_n and_o taste_v his_o consolation_n where_o he_o say_v to_o we_o in_o a_o still_o small_a voice_n my_o son_n or_o my_o daughter_n be_v of_o good_a cheer_n arise_v thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o oh_o how_o bless_a be_v the_o faithful_a soul_n that_o god_n honour_n with_o such_o sacred_a entertainment_n now_o he_o do_v never_o do_v this_o but_o when_o call_v upon_o if_o not_o force_v by_o a_o ardent_a devotion_n these_o desire_n of_o devotion_n may_v be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o spouse_n whereof_o it_o be_v say_v turn_v away_o thy_o eye_n from_o i_o for_o they_o have_v overcome_v i_o far_o be_v from_o hence_o those_o profane_a wretch_n that_o know_v not_o the_o use_n of_o devotion_n they_o say_v that_o valour_n be_v the_o rampart_n of_o estate_n and_o the_o tutelary_a angel_n of_o the_o public_a and_o of_o private_n that_o liberality_n sweeten_v the_o misfortune_n of_o the_o miserable_a that_o justice_n be_v the_o nurse_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o ligament_n of_o society_n that_o temperance_n cause_v tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o health_n of_o body_n but_o say_v they_o devotion_n it_o be_v alone_a that_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o render_v the_o mind_n weak_a and_o effeminate_a and_o to_o depress_v the_o spirit_n do_v not_o call_v so_o universal_a a_o virtue_n unprofitable_a without_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v mere_a shadow_n for_o he_o that_o have_v not_o a_o habit_n of_o devotion_n do_v not_o refer_v all_o his_o virtue_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v a_o bad_a good_a man_n do_v not_o call_v that_o a_o useless_a virtue_n which_o appease_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v away_o the_o tempest_n fly_v over_o state_n a_o virtue_n which_o have_v draw_v sodom_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n have_v there_o be_v find_v there_o but_o ten_o devout_a person_n like_o abraham_n who_o will_v have_v devout_o with_o he_o intercede_v for_o it_o a_o virtue_n which_o save_v the_o church_n so_o often_o from_o shipwreck_n a_o virtue_n which_o in_o the_o conscience_n raise_v up_o and_o establish_v a_o profound_a peace_n and_o a_o divine_a light_n do_v not_o faith_n that_o it_o soften_v the_o mind_n see_v it_o confirm_v the_o courage_n make_v man_n run_v to_o death_n as_o to_o a_o feast_n make_v they_o to_o despise_v peril_n and_o in_o its_o occasion_n mannage_n nothing_o wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v not_o concern_v meditation_n see_fw-la one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o my_o lukewarmness_n and_o one_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o my_o soul_n be_v little_a devout_a the_o necessity_n of_o devotion_n it_o comprehend_v not_o whereas_o it_o know_v that_o food_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o conservation_n of_o its_o bodily_a life_n it_o desire_v nourishment_n with_o a_o great_a ardour_n and_o search_v after_o it_o with_o a_o marvellous_a diligence_n but_o negligent_a it_o be_v in_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o serve_v to_o nourish_v piety_n and_o the_o flame_n of_o devotion_n since_o it_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v of_o any_o great_a use_n thou_o se_v o_o my_o soul_n some_o who_o save_o themselves_o with_o a_o languish_a piety_n and_o go_v to_o heaven_n at_o a_o very_a slow_a pace_n thou_o persuade_v thyself_o that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v more_o rigorous_a to_o thou_o and_o that_o there_o will_v not_o be_v more_o exact_v from_o thou_o than_o from_o other_o but_o alas_o what_o a_o error_n and_o fallacy_n be_v there_o in_o this_o reason_n such_o a_o one_o as_o thou_o believe_v to_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v a_o march_v towards_o hell_n there_o be_v such_o a_o way_n that_o seem_v right_a to_o man_n the_o end_n of_o which_o nevertheless_o be_v death_n these_o chill_a devotion_n wherewith_o people_n believe_v god_n be_v well_o pay_v be_v oftentimes_o very_o fruitless_a they_o may_v think_v it_o fine_a one_o day_n to_o say_v we_o have_v pray_v to_o thou_o we_o have_v invoke_v thy_o name_n we_o have_v serve_v thou_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o answer_v i_o do_v not_o know_v who_o you_o be_v go_v far_o from_o i_o you_o that_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v cast_v you_o up_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n prayer_n my_o god_n conduct_v my_o soul_n in_o the_o sure_a path_n i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o sound_v thy_o mercy_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v how_o far_o the_o severity_n of_o thy_o juctice_n will_v carry_v itself_o and_o no_o further_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o thou_o will_v pardon_v so_o many_o people_n that_o serve_v thou_o with_o so_o little_a zeal_n and_o so_o much_o indevotion_n that_o which_o i_o know_v be_v that_o they_o be_v unworthy_a of_o thy_o clemency_n anâ—_n that_o they_o can_v be_v save_v unless_o they_o sincere_o repent_v of_o have_v serve_v thou_o with_o so_o much_o indifference_n let_v the_o candle_n of_o my_o soul_n thâ—_n holy_a spirit_n which_o have_v enlighten_v thy_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o the_o faithful_a at_o all_o time_n inspire_v i_o with_o such_o frankincense_n of_o devotion_n as_o with_o which_o i_o know_v that_o one_o may_v be_v save_v and_o without_o which_o i_o know_v not_o if_o one_o caâ—_n be_v save_v kindle_v my_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o altar_n where_o a_o eternal_a fire_n may_v burn_v in_o which_o all_o my_o sacrifice_n may_v be_v consume_v and_o which_o may_v make_v all_o my_o prayer_n as_o thâ—_n perfume_v of_o incense_n to_o mount_v up_o in_o thy_o presence_n chap._n iu._n that_o devotion_n be_v extreme_o rare_a and_o neglect_v here_o be_v a_o exception_n to_o the_o general_a rule_n that_o thing_n rare_a be_v esteem_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n more_o rare_a than_o devotion_n and_o nothing_o more_o neglect_v herein_o man_n do_v not_o sin_n through_o ignorance_n they_o know_v very_o well_o what_o we_o have_v say_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n that_o without_o these_o devout_a disposition_n or_o prayer_n they_o can_v please_v god_n nevertheless_o one_o can_v express_v the_o horrible_a negligence_n with_o which_o they_o perform_v this_o pious_a duty_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o
and_o we_o have_v need_n of_o a_o free_a mind_n they_o make_v real_a joy_n and_o grief_n to_o spring_v up_o for_o imaginary_a adventure_n into_o the_o mind_n they_o put_v idea_n and_o into_o the_o heart_n vain_a motion_n which_o ruin_n the_o holy_a disposition_n that_o we_o will_v establish_v in_o a_o devout_a soul_n the_o same_o i_o say_v of_o a_o play_n a_o fury_n which_o agitate_v man_n like_o a_o kind_n of_o demoniac_a spirit_n a_o man_n see_v his_o life_n and_o his_o death_n that_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v his_o fortune_n and_o his_o misfortune_n a_o roll_a with_o inconceivable_a transport_v and_o inquietude_n his_o soul_n be_v agitate_a at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o a_o thousand_o passion_n with_o fear_n desire_n hope_n and_o his_o heart_n be_v entire_o put_v beside_o the_o seat_n be_v such_o a_o man_n in_o a_o condition_n to_o lift_v up_o his_o soul_n to_o god_n such_o fine_a devotion_n as_o these_o be_v they_o which_o be_v make_v after_o have_v past_a half_n the_o night_n in_o this_o exercise_n the_o tempest_n have_v be_v over_o great_a a_o long_a time_n will_v the_o wave_n be_v move_v the_o soul_n will_v be_v a_o good_a while_n level_v itself_o and_o yet_o after_o this_o the_o sweetness_n devotion_n will_v not_o be_v according_a to_o the_o palate_n for_o thâ—_n they_o be_v not_o carnal_a pleasure_n of_o which_o alone_o it_o sensible_a whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o young_a peâ—ple_n be_v very_o rare_o fit_a for_o the_o elevation_n of_o devotion_n they_o be_v but_o late_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o all_o 〈◊〉_d it_o appear_v mighty_a fine_a these_o pleasure_n they_o gâ—â—_n down_o by_o long_a draught_n and_o nothing_o appear_v plase_v unto_o they_o but_o what_o flatter_v flesh_n and_o blood_n whiâ—â—_n boil_v in_o their_o vein_n hence_o also_o it_o come_v that_o thâ—_n constitution_n where_o the_o blood_n have_v the_o ascendaâ—â—â—_n which_o be_v the_o temperament_n of_o the_o world_n joy_n be_v 〈◊〉_d proper_a for_o devotion_n than_o that_o which_o have_v the_o ingredient_n of_o earth_n and_o melancholy_n the_o former_a be_v like_o 〈◊〉_d matter_n extreme_o combustible_a which_o take_v fire_n 〈◊〉_d the_o least_o sparkle_n but_o the_o latter_a be_v more_o difficul_n to_o be_v move_v be_v less_o sensible_a of_o what_o charm_v other_o and_o that_o which_o pierce_v through_o they_o negligent_o pass_v it_o by_o we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o draw_v man_n out_o of_o this_o erroâ—_n they_o imagine_v they_o can_v divide_v themselves_o betwiâ—â—_n heavenly_a and_o earthly_a joy_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o thâ—_n rank_a of_o unclean_a creature_n the_o law_n place_v those_o amphibious_a bird_n which_o both_o swim_n and_o fly_v and_o live_v in_o 〈◊〉_d double_a element_n of_o air_n and_o water_n this_o be_v the_o eâ—â—blem_n of_o worldly_a man_n evermore_o they_o swim_v in_o fleshly_a pleasure_n and_o sometime_o by_o weak_a soaring_n they_o try_v to_o get_v out_o thence_o and_o reach_v heaven_n but_o it_o happen_v to_o they_o just_a as_o it_o do_v to_o those_o aquatic_a fowl_n who_o flight_n go_v no_o further_a than_o to_o touch_v and_o curl_v the_o superficies_n of_o the_o water_n with_o their_o wing_n and_o then_o they_o forthwith_o fall_v down_o again_o delicate_a and_o rare_a say_v st._n bernard_n be_v the_o divine_a consolation_n it_o be_v a_o chaste_a woman_n but_o jealous_a who_o deserve_v only_o to_o be_v belove_v can_v give_v herself_o to_o he_o that_o run_v after_o strange_a woman_n wherefore_o solomon_n pronounce_v vanity_n upon_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o earth_n whereof_o he_o have_v make_v a_o very_a large_a experience_n it_o be_v for_o this_o also_o that_o david_n declare_v so_o of_o ten_o that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v any_o other_o pleasure_n than_o that_o of_o his_o god_n to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n be_v my_o good_a to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o be_v my_o all._n forsake_v all_o say_v st._n austin_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v all_o for_o that_o man_n will_v find_v all_o in_o god_n that_o despise_v all_o for_o god_n sake_n behold_v here_o one_o of_o the_o main_a counsel_n which_o can_v be_v give_v to_o pious_a mind_n which_o undertake_v to_o dispose_v themselves_o to_o devotion_n renounce_v renounce_v thou_o devout_a soul_n all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o make_v choice_n of_o spiritual_a one_o let_v read_v in_o holy_a write_n charm_v thou_o as_o worldly-minded_n people_n be_v charm_v by_o their_o ill_a book_n let_v religious_a assembly_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n divert_v thou_o as_o much_o as_o they_o divert_v themselves_o by_o their_o criminal_a show_n let_v the_o work_n of_o mercy_n towards_o the_o poor_a and_o afflict_a be_v use_v by_o thou_o as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o age_n use_v their_o vain_a course_n their_o sport_n and_o their_o converse_n and_o if_o thou_o take_v any_o recreation_n and_o refreshment_n let_v honesty_n and_o severe_a virtue_n be_v the_o governess_n of_o all_o thy_o pleasure_n meditation_n how_o unhappy_a be_v thou_o o_o my_o soul_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o egypt_n and_o not_o to_o be_v ensible_a of_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o true_a canaan_n or_o this_o reason_n thou_o turn_v thy_o eye_n so_o ofâ—en_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o same_o â—our_n that_o thy_o heart_n shall_v be_v intite_n in_o â—eaven_n at_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o devotion_n and_o â—ravers_n thou_o think_v on_o onion_n garlic_n â—nd_v fleshpot_n which_o thou_o do_v eat_v when_o thou_o be_v the_o slave_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o thâ—_n world_n thou_o have_v not_o yet_o taste_v thâ—_n delight_n of_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n that_o say_v i_o be_o satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n oh_o how_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v i_o have_v taste_v he_o he_o bring_v i_o into_o his_o banqueting-house_n his_o love_n be_v sweet_a than_o wine_n and_o thâ—_n honey_n let_v he_o kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_v 〈◊〉_d his_o mouth_n will_v to_o god_n i_o be_v honour_v with_o these_o secret_a communication_n whereof_o my_o saviour_n make_v some_o privilege_a soul_n to_o partake_v which_o fill_v they_o witâ—_n joy_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o torment_n anâ—_n make_v they_o find_v music_n in_o prison_n and_o 〈◊〉_d the_o rattle_a of_o their_o iron_n learn_v o_o mâ—_n soul_n learn_v to_o seek_v thy_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n he_o be_v the_o source_n all_o joâ—_n that_o come_v not_o from_o he_o terminate_v aâ—_n length_n in_o grief_n saddness_n lamentation_n dâ—spair_n and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n what_o doâ—_n my_o heart_n wish_v for_o what_o do_v it_o hunger_n anâ—_n thirst_v after_o do_v thou_o love_v beauty_n in_o goâ—_n thou_o will_v find_v it_o and_o god_n will_v give_v it_o thâ—_n thyself_o for_o thou_o will_v become_v glorious_a anâ—_n full_a of_o light_n by_o the_o commerce_n thou_o shaâ—_n have_v with_o he_o do_v thou_o love_v life_n anâ—_n health_n he_o be_v the_o well_o of_o life_n and_o in_o 〈◊〉_d light_n shall_v we_o see_v light_n and_o he_o will_v communicate_v a_o life_n to_o thou_o ever_o healthful_a and_o vigorous_a that_o be_v eternal_a life_n do_v thou_o love_v pleasure_n lo_o he_o will_v make_v thou_o drink_v at_o the_o stream_n of_o his_o delight_n he_o will_v fill_v thou_o with_o the_o wine_n prepare_v by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o say_v i_o have_v mix_v my_o wine_n i_o have_v kill_v my_o fat_a beast_n he_o will_v cause_v thou_o to_o see_v such_o object_n as_o will_v ravish_v thou_o he_o will_v make_v thou_o hear_v a_o sweet_a and_o charm_a music_n in_o the_o consort_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n who_o eternal_o sing_v the_o praise_n of_o our_o god_n after_o so_o many_o blessing_n either_o already_o receive_v or_o already_o possess_v in_o hope_n can_v i_o still_o be_v at_o all_o sensible_a of_o the_o vain_a pleasure_n of_o the_o earth_n prayer_n o_o my_o god_n my_o divine_a saviour_n come_v and_o fill_v my_o soul_n with_o those_o sweetness_n that_o thou_o communicate_a to_o thy_o faithful_a servant_n give_v i_o the_o bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n the_o true_a manna_n and_o bread_n of_o angel_n that_o make_v i_o taste_v of_o pleasure_n which_o stifle_v and_o choke_v the_o sense_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o the_o taste_n of_o sublunary_a divertisement_n let_v thy_o sabbath_n be_v my_o feast_n day_n let_v thy_o word_n be_v sweet_a to_o i_o than_o honey_n and_o than_o the_o drop_n of_o honey_n and_o let_v the_o meditation_n of_o those_o joy_n which_o thou_o prepare_v for_o i_o in_o heaven_n ravish_v i_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o i_o may_v be_v no_o more_o either_o the_o world_n or_o my_o own_o but_o be_v entire_o thou_o make_v heaven_n to_o descend_v upon_o earth_n in_o my_o favour_n enlarge_v my_o heart_n make_v there_o a_o little_a paradise_n shed_v down_o upon_o it_o so_o great_a a_o abundance_n of_o thy_o light_n of_o
of_o his_o closet_n we_o may_v say_v he_o shut_v the_o door_n to_o the_o world_n say_v to_o himself_o get_v you_o go_v you_o worldly_a thought_n retire_v you_o object_n of_o vanity_n and_o approach_v not_o near_o this_o place_n let_v i_o rejoice_v in_o the_o quiet_a of_o this_o secure_a sanctuary_n and_o suffer_v i_o to_o give_v myself_o whole_o up_o to_o my_o god_n the_o pious_a soul_n after_o this_o manner_n die_v many_o time_n a_o day_n for_o death_n do_v not_o more_o efface_v the_o image_n of_o worldly_a thing_n than_o devotion_n when_o it_o take_v a_o christian_a out_o of_o the_o world_n this_o soul_n may_v say_v at_o such_o a_o time_n the_o world_n be_v crucify_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o the_o world_n i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o and_o the_o life_n which_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v if_o the_o world_n quit_v the_o place_n in_o this_o moment_n since_o i_o suppose_v that_o it_o before_o take_v up_o but_o very_o little_a room_n in_o the_o soul_n whereof_o i_o speak_v god_n come_v to_o possess_v it_o whole_o of_o which_o he_o have_v before_o the_o better_a for_o the_o devout_a heart_n venture_v to_o say_v the_o whole_a be_v in_o god_n and_o god_n be_v in_o every_o part_n in_o this_o state_n if_o by_o peradventure_o it_o cast_v its_o eye_n upon_o the_o world_n it_o look_v down_o from_o on_o high_a and_o with_o a_o eye_n of_o contempt_n alas_o what_o be_v these_o same_o riches_n say_v the_o faithful_a soul_n these_o honour_n and_o advantage_n which_o frequent_o terminate_v in_o eternal_a death_n to_o compare_v with_o the_o riches_n that_o god_n here_o bestow_v upon_o i_o but_o near_o to_o god_n himself_o who_o i_o possess_v these_o earthly_a good_n will_v vanish_v and_o be_v lose_v but_o i_o will_v never_o lose_v he_o who_o hold_v i_o and_o who_o i_o hold_v and_o death_n which_o will_v disrobe_v the_o live_n of_o their_o pomp_n will_v invest_v i_o with_o new_a glory_n the_o four_o effect_n of_o devotion_n be_v a_o alacrity_n in_o run_v and_o advance_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n a_o general_n fly_v to_o the_o combat_n when_o he_o see_v a_o assure_a victory_n but_o the_o devout_a person_n have_v other_o kind_n of_o wing_n which_o make_v he_o fly_v whither_o devotion_n conduct_n he_o he_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v the_o droop_a and_o weight_n of_o the_o body_n that_o retain_v they_o who_o be_v call_v to_o travel_v he_o have_v not_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o sluggard_n who_o roll_v upon_o his_o bed_n as_o a_o gate_n upon_o its_o hinge_n who_o fight_v battle_n with_o his_o bolster_n and_o wage_n war_n with_o sleep_n and_o idleness_n with_o a_o design_n to_o be_v vanquish_v he_o be_v one_o of_o those_o eagle_n of_o which_o some_o think_v our_o saviour_n speak_v where_o the_o dead_a body_n be_v thither_o will_v the_o eagle_n be_v gather_v together_o he_o know_v that_o he_o shall_v find_v his_o jesus_n once_o dead_a but_o now_o alive_a either_o in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o his_o closet_n he_o fly_v thither_o with_o the_o swiftness_n of_o a_o hungry_a eagle_n nothing_o be_v capable_a of_o stop_v he_o friend_n enemy_n employ_v occupation_n prayer_n menace_n fear_n and_o danger_n all_o useless_a for_o in_o post_v he_o can_v surmount_v all_o obstaeles_n in_o the_o way_n another_o effect_n of_o devotion_n be_v a_o certain_a elevation_n of_o soul_n which_o i_o can_v term_v otherwise_o than_o a_o sort_n of_o ecstasy_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v ravish_v from_o its_o self_n it_o be_v so_o knit_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o celestial_a object_n that_o not_o only_o it_o have_v no_o more_o intelligence_n of_o earthly_a thing_n but_o it_o have_v no_o sense_n no_o ear_n no_o eye_n it_o see_v not_o it_o understand_v not_o st._n peter_n while_o he_o pray_v see_v the_o heaven_n open_v and_o a_o certain_a vessel_n descend_v to_o the_o earth_n as_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a sheet_n knit_v at_o the_o four_o corner_n st._n paul_n in_o prayer_n be_v ravish_v even_o to_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o the_o devout_a even_o at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n have_v their_o ecstasy_n they_o see_v with_o stephen_n the_o heaven_n open_v they_o be_v lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n with_o st._n paul_n for_o they_o enter_v into_o a_o secret_a commerce_n with_o god_n the_o soul_n inward_o be_v so_o take_v up_o that_o it_o see_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o what_o pass_v without_o and_o contribute_v its_o whole_a force_n to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n no_o wonder_n it_o have_v no_o more_o for_o other_o object_n bless_a be_v they_o say_v st._n basil_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o and_o enfold_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o this_o true_a beauty_n since_o be_v bind_v to_o it_o by_o the_o cord_n of_o charity_n and_o of_o a_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a love_n they_o forget_v their_o parent_n friend_n house_n they_o forget_v even_o the_o necessity_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o now_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v so_o in_o the_o office_n of_o piety_n when_o every_o day_n this_o happen_v to_o we_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n while_o we_o be_v strong_o fix_v to_o read_v to_o disentangle_v a_o crabbed_a and_o knotty_a matter_n while_o we_o answer_v a_o adversary_n a_o thousand_o object_n pass_v before_o our_o eye_n whereof_o we_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n the_o devout_a soul_n be_v so_o shut_v into_o itself_o so_o well_o gather_v up_o and_o compact_v that_o no_o external_a thing_n be_v able_a to_o move_v it_o if_o it_o pray_v it_o be_v entire_o in_o heaven_n if_o it_o hear_v it_o be_v whole_o tie_v up_o to_o the_o tongue_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v if_o it_o read_v its_o heart_n be_v always_o where_o the_o eye_n terminate_v themselves_o if_o it_o meditate_v it_o be_v all_o over_o plunge_v in_o its_o subject_n and_o if_o a_o flock_n of_o bird_n of_o vain_a and_o light_a thought_n come_v to_o soil_v its_o sacrifice_n as_o that_o of_o abraham_n it_o scare_n they_o away_o incontinent_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o understand_v by_o the_o ecstasy_n of_o devotion_n otherwise_o if_o you_o take_v this_o term_n for_o effectual_a ravishment_n which_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o saint_n of_o the_o first_o order_n i_o must_v take_v a_o infinite_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o roman_a cloister_n do_v oblige_v god_n as_o some_o will_v fain_o persuade_v we_o so_o ordinary_o to_o communicate_v such_o extraordinary_a grace_n now_o a_o day_n we_o do_v not_o see_v those_o devotion_n which_o lift_v up_o not_o only_o the_o soul_n but_o make_v the_o body_n to_o lose_v its_o earth_n and_o raise_v it_o to_o the_o very_a cloud_n nevertheless_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v some_o who_o call_v themselves_o good_a author_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a the_o last_o effect_n of_o devotion_n that_o i_o shall_v mention_v be_v a_o certain_a fire_n that_o warm_v the_o heart_n one_o can_v well_o conceive_v it_o unless_o one_o have_v feel_v it_o and_o i_o can_v express_v it_o otherwise_o than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o holy_a man_n do_v not_o our_o heart_n burn_v within_o we_o while_o he_o talk_v with_o we_o and_o while_o he_o open_v to_o we_o the_o scripture_n my_o heart_n be_v hot_a within_o i_o while_o i_o be_v meditate_v the_o fire_n burn_v then_o speak_v i_o with_o my_o tongue_n we_o be_v tell_v how_o the_o face_n of_o the_o saint_n have_v be_v oftentimes_o see_v to_o be_v bright_a and_o inflame_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o devotion_n which_o can_v not_o proceed_v but_o from_o the_o glow_a and_o fiery_a affection_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o manifest_v itself_o according_o in_o the_o countenance_n this_o fire_n we_o may_v call_v a_o fermentation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o piety_n which_o not_o seldom_o make_v impression_n even_o in_o the_o eye_n and_o hence_o it_o may_v be_v come_v the_o shine_a of_o st._n stephen_n face_n of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o his_o enemy_n see_v it_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o face_n of_o a_o angel_n his_o zeal_n and_o his_o devotion_n be_v evident_a in_o his_o eye_n and_o render_v they_o sparkle_v now_o this_o lightning_n be_v not_o without_o its_o rain_n i_o mean_v that_o this_o fire_n be_v ordinary_o accompany_v with_o tear_n the_o heart_n be_v heat_v blow_v up_o that_o heat_n make_v it_o grow_v big_a than_o itself_o grow_v tender_a and_o at_o last_o the_o eye_n melt_v into_o tear_n st._n austin_n represent_v himself_o in_o one_o of_o these_o illumination_n or_o rather_o inflammation_n of_o heart_n after_o say_v he_o that_o a_o strong_a meditation_n
myself_o before_o thou_o with_o little_a reverence_n part_n ii_o of_o the_o source_n of_o indevotion_n chap._n i._o of_o impurity_n of_o life_n the_o first_o source_n of_o indevotion_n since_o indevotion_n be_v so_o great_a a_o evil_a let_v we_o try_v to_o find_v out_o its_o source_n that_o we_o may_v cut_v up_o this_o evil_n by_o the_o very_a root_n now_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a one_o be_v impurity_n of_o life_n nothing_o disconcert_v a_o heart_n so_o as_o a_o evil_a estate_n of_o conscience_n nothing_o more_o extinguish_v the_o fire_n of_o piety_n than_o the_o loathsome_a and_o muddy_a water_n of_o sin_n fire_n do_v not_o easy_o take_v in_o thing_n soak_v in_o water_n devotion_n can_v easy_o be_v bring_v to_o fit_a soul_n penetrate_v with_o vice_n one_o flame_n put_v out_o another_o and_o the_o fire_n of_o covetuousness_n choke_v that_o of_o zeal_n as_o the_o flame_n of_o gunpowder_n extinguish_v that_o of_o a_o candle_n devotion_n be_v a_o certain_a alacrity_n of_o heart_n that_o dispose_v we_o to_o draw_v neaâ—_n to_o god_n with_o confidence_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o have_v this_o disposition_n when_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o vice_n in_o go_v to_o present_a god_n with_o such_o offering_n as_o we_o ourselves_o know_v aught_o to_o be_v abominable_a to_o he_o for_o we_o know_v that_o god_n do_v not_o care_n for_o a_o sullied_a and_o unclean_a sacrifice_n go_v say_v he_o i_o hate_v i_o despise_v your_o solemn_a feast_n your_o meat-offering_n and_o sit_v beast_n i_o receive_v they_o as_o the_o price_n of_o whoredom_n as_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o swine_n and_o as_o a_o dog_n head_n alas_o the_o most_o spotless_a man_n be_v not_o enough_o so_o to_o present_v himself_o before_o god_n with_o assurance_n and_o the_o prophet_n can_v say_v woe_n be_v i_o for_o i_o be_o undo_v because_o i_o be_o a_o man_n of_o unclean_a lip_n my_o eye_n have_v see_v the_o king_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n it_o be_v impossible_a therefore_o that_o he_o who_o have_v not_o the_o wedding-garment_n on_o who_o vestment_n be_v stain_v with_o the_o spot_n of_o the_o flesh_n must_v needs_o be_v put_v into_o a_o vast_a consternation_n in_o think_v of_o he_o before_o who_o the_o star_n and_o the_o angel_n be_v unclean_a and_o how_o can_v this_o fear_n or_o to_o speak_v better_a this_o horour_n agree_v with_o devotion_n which_o be_v all_o love_n and_o all_o assurance_n let_v we_o go_v with_o confidence_n say_v the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n to_o all_o devout_a soul_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v find_v mercy_n in_o the_o time_n of_o need_n to_o bring_v to_o god_n a_o criminal_a conscience_n be_v to_o bring_v to_o he_o a_o witness_n against_o ourselves_o to_o make_v our_o own_o process_n it_o be_v to_o deliver_v we_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o severe_a justice_n we_o need_v not_o therefore_o be_v startle_v if_o the_o wicked_a be_v indevout_a and_o fly_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o since_o impurity_n of_o life_n will_v do_v nothing_o else_o than_o take_v away_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v hear_v this_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o hinder_v and_o stifle_v all_o devotion_n all_o the_o virtue_n be_v interest_v and_o he_o that_o will_v take_v away_o hope_v take_v their_o very_a life_n away_o how_o then_o can_v a_o wicked_a creature_n that_o know_v god_n will_v not_o hear_v he_o pray_v devout_o when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n from_o you_o yea_o when_o you_o make_v your_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v your_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o st._n paul_n will_v have_v we_o lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o murmur_a and_o david_n say_v if_o i_o have_v iniquity_n in_o i_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o have_v hear_v i_o it_o be_v for_o this_o cause_n he_o profess_v elsewhere_o that_o he_o wash_v his_o hand_n in_o innocency_n before_o he_o go_v to_o god_n altar_n and_o why_o shall_v god_n have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o those_o that_o have_v none_o for_o his_o commandment_n upon_o these_o principle_n the_o wicked_a man_n say_v to_o himself_o why_o shall_v i_o present_v myself_o before_o god_n have_v not_o my_o iniquity_n bar_v up_o against_o i_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o why_o shall_v i_o go_v to_o ask_v of_o he_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o refuse_v i_o unprofitable_a devotion_n will_v these_o be_v and_o submission_n that_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o hasten_v my_o punishment_n i_o can_v have_v the_o impudence_n to_o desire_v any_o thing_n without_o promise_v to_o myself_o somewhat_o but_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o bridle_v nothing_o within_o i_o and_o to_o continue_v in_o this_o way_n of_o live_v it_o be_v better_o therefore_o that_o every_o one_o hold_v where_o he_o be_v devotion_n be_v of_o a_o great_a extent_n it_o take_v up_o the_o whole_a heart_n it_o can_v dwell_v in_o a_o soul_n divide_v betwixt_o avarice_n ambition_n violence_n pleasure_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n wherefore_o if_o you_o sometime_o see_v those_o worldly_a person_n who_o refuse_v nothing_o to_o their_o heart_n to_o have_v their_o day_n of_o devotion_n well_o regulate_v and_o even_o sometime_o to_o shed_v more_o tear_n and_o fetch_v up_o more_o sigh_n than_o the_o faithful_a you_o may_v without_o hesitate_v conclude_v that_o these_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o pretend_a zealot_n who_o will_v pay_v god_n with_o physiognomy_n and_o posture_n and_o cheat_v the_o world_n with_o fine_a appearance_n perhaps_o some_o there_o be_v who_o believe_v they_o be_v not_o such_o bad_o devout_a people_n when_o they_o atone_v for_o a_o month_n debauch_v with_o a_o day_n of_o fast_v but_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o true_a devotion_n be_v not_o unequal_a nor_o full_a of_o sally_n it_o do_v not_o resemble_v those_o summer-torrent_n which_o roll_n with_o a_o headlong_a impetuosity_n and_o do_v not_o continue_v but_o for_o a_o day_n so_o that_o holiness_n of_o life_n be_v a_o preliminary_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o obtain_v devotion_n this_o virtue_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o excellent_a grace_n that_o we_o receive_v from_o heaven_n &_o one_o of_o the_o most_o precious_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o it_o be_v a_o pearl_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v cast_v before_o swine_n it_o be_v a_o ennamel_n only_o to_o be_v lay_v upon_o silver_n or_o gold_n it_o be_v in_o one_o word_n a_o favour_n communicate_v only_o to_o privilege_a soul_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o the_o pure_a and_o clean_a in_o heart_n but_o as_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o touch_v again_o upon_o this_o subject_n in_o another_o rencounter_n we_o will_v not_o drain_v it_o dry_a here_o meditation_n who_o can_v express_v the_o evil_n and_o the_o disorder_n that_o sin_n have_v cause_v in_o my_o soul_n who_o can_v recount_v all_o the_o mischief_n wherein_o the_o impurity_n of_o my_o heart_n engage_v i_o over_o and_o above_o all_o other_o evil_n it_o bring_v i_o this_o too_o it_o render_v i_o incapable_a of_o devotion_n sin_n have_v put_v a_o separation_n between_o my_o god_n and_o myself_o and_o therefore_o i_o be_o dead_a for_o god_n be_v my_o life_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o my_o soul_n i_o be_o blind_a for_o god_n be_v my_o light_n separate_v from_o he_o i_o be_o poor_a for_o he_o be_v my_o treasure_n and_o make_v up_o all_o my_o riches_n i_o be_o naked_a for_o he_o alone_o give_v i_o raiment_n sick_a i_o be_o for_o my_o health_n and_o strength_n come_v from_o that_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n who_o carry_v heal_v in_o his_o wing_n sin_n have_v robe_v i_o of_o he_o and_o have_v eclipse_v he_o as_o to_o i_o and_o i_o continue_v languish_v away_o be_v far_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o my_o life_n in_o this_o faintness_n i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o produce_v those_o vigorous_a movement_n of_o devotion_n that_o elevate_v the_o soul_n and_o carry_v it_o towards_o paradise_n sin_n be_v a_o thick_a foggy_a heavy_a wet_a that_o stick_v to_o my_o wing_n it_o be_v a_o weight_n which_o oppress_v i_o arrest_v all_o my_o soaring_n and_o render_v all_o my_o effort_n useless_a i_o feel_v a_o laâ—_n in_o my_o member_n which_o war_n and_o oppoâ—ses_n itself_o to_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n and_o make_v i_o the_o slave_n of_o sin_n insomuch_o aâ—_n i_o do_v not_o the_o good_a that_o i_o will_v yet_o i_o do_v the_o ill_a that_o i_o will_v not_o prayer_n o_o divine_a sun_n of_o my_o soul_n break_v out_o and_o dissipate_v these_o cloud_n thou_o great_a deliverer_n break_v these_o iron_n open_v this_o prison_n and_o free_v i_o from_o this_o bondage_n and_o captivity_n thou_o be_v most_o pure_a let_v i_o not_o be_v unclean_a almighty_a let_v i_o not_o be_v miserable_a all_o life_n let_v i_o not_o be_v dead_a draw_v
and_o which_o death_n at_o least_o will_v have_v infallible_o ravish_v from_o thou_o do_v thou_o not_o know_v that_o the_o world_n and_o its_o fortune_n be_v all_o of_o glass_n they_o shine_v but_o they_o be_v brittle_a the_o least_o blow_n shatter_v they_o and_o make_v they_o to_o fly_v into_o a_o thousand_o piece_n why_o then_o shall_v thou_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o glass_n shall_v break_v between_o thy_o finger_n why_o be_v thou_o so_o sensible_a of_o injury_n and_o offence_n and_o why_o do_v thou_o make_v the_o malignity_n of_o another_o thy_o own_o misery_n why_o do_v thou_o so_o bitter_o lament_v the_o loss_n of_o some_o person_n that_o death_n have_v take_v up_o from_o thou_o they_o be_v not_o thou_o they_o be_v god_n who_o lend_v they_o thou_o and_o have_v retake_v they_o in_o short_a why_o be_v thou_o so_o prodigal_a of_o tear_n whereof_o thou_o reape_v no_o fruit_n that_o be_v to_o employ_v one_o labour_n in_o that_o which_o profit_v not_o when_o thou_o bewail_v o_o my_o soul_n thy_o misfortune_n thy_o tear_n do_v not_o make_v thy_o misfortune_n to_o cease_v but_o mourn_v for_o thy_o sin_n and_o thy_o tear_n will_v destroy_v they_o they_o will_v whirl_v they_o away_o like_o a_o torrent_n or_o a_o deluge_n and_o they_o will_v be_v find_v no_o more_o thy_o carnal_a anxiety_n trouble_v thy_o devotion_n but_o the_o grief_n which_o thou_o shall_v have_v for_o thy_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n will_v augment_v it_o and_o god_n will_v comfort_v thou_o prayer_n come_v therefore_o thou_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n who_o be_v promise_v to_o we_o by_o the_o son_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o father_n come_v sweeten_v my_o bitter_a anguish_n by_o thy_o delight_n and_o mercy_n come_v and_o recompense_v my_o loss_n by_o thy_o riches_n give_v i_o such_o joy_n as_o pass_v all_o understanding_n give_v i_o piety_n that_o i_o may_v have_v contentment_n of_o mind_n and_o that_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v join_v together_o may_v be_v great_a gain_n to_o i_o and_o compose_v my_o sovereign_a happiness_n come_v and_o place_v my_o soul_n in_o so_o firm_a a_o seat_n and_o posture_n that_o it_o may_v never_o be_v jog_v or_o stagger_v even_o by_o the_o rude_a blow_n come_v and_o restore_v back_o to_o i_o what_o i_o have_v lose_v good_n possession_n house_n husband_n wife_n child_n kindred_n and_o my_o dear_a friend_n come_v my_o dear_a saviour_n and_o let_v i_o possess_v thou_o perfect_o instead_o of_o all_o thing_n the_o world_n have_v take_v away_o all_o it_o have_v give_v i_o but_o it_o can_v ravish_v from_o i_o what_o thou_o shall_v bestow_v upon_o i_o i_o make_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o thou_o of_o all_o the_o good_n which_o i_o have_v lose_v if_o i_o have_v not_o lose_v they_o for_o thy_o name_n yet_o at_o least_o i_o at_o present_a patient_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o they_o for_o thy_o name_n be_v sake_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v thou_o will_v reward_v i_o as_o if_o i_o have_v lose_v they_o for_o thou_o in_o this_o hope_n i_o banish_v my_o care_n and_o trouble_v far_o from_o i_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v come_v no_o more_o to_o disturb_v and_o interrupt_v my_o repose_n o_o my_o god_n make_v the_o wall_n of_o my_o closet_n impenetrable_a rampart_n such_o as_o can_v be_v pierce_v by_o the_o dart_n of_o my_o persecute_v enemy_n so_o that_o i_o may_v be_v there_o in_o thy_o presence_n as_o in_o a_o quiet_a and_o safe_a haven_n against_o the_o tempest_n wherein_o my_o life_n be_v lose_v and_o that_o so_o the_o commerce_n which_o my_o soul_n will_v have_v with_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v interrupt_v by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o my_o misfortune_n but_o i_o may_v forget_v all_o my_o grief_n and_o calamity_n in_o thy_o presence_n chap._n v._o of_o excessive_a business_n a_o five_o source_n of_o indevotion_n this_o be_v also_o another_o branch_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o another_o let_v and_o hindrance_n to_o devotion_n we_o love_v the_o world_n and_o give_v up_o ourselves_o entire_o to_o its_o employment_n one_o employ_v himself_o in_o traffic_n and_o think_v of_o nothing_o else_o another_z he_o be_v oppress_v with_o the_o affair_n of_o other_o man_n which_o he_o make_v his_o own_o through_o interest_n he_o plead_v as_o he_o say_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o justice_n but_o it_o be_v too_o often_o for_o iniquity_n and_o though_o he_o gain_v his_o cause_n yet_o he_o lose_v his_o conscience_n a_o physician_n visit_v his_o patient_n with_o a_o design_n to_o make_v they_o pay_v dear_a for_o his_o service_n and_o attendance_n the_o man_n of_o business_n be_v ever_o thumb_n his_o arithmetic_n the_o mechanic_n exercise_v his_o trade_n the_o husbandman_n agriculture_n and_o to_o these_o several_a way_n go_v the_o great_a and_o best_a part_n of_o their_o time_n and_o so_o much_o be_v the_o world_n corrupt_v as_o they_o think_v they_o deserve_v praise_n in_o that_o among_o the_o sundry_a way_n of_o spend_v time_n this_o be_v the_o most_o innocent_a but_o it_o become_v criminal_a as_o soon_o as_o it_o rob_v we_o of_o our_o god_n and_o slacken_v our_o piety_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v so_o make_v as_o it_o can_v vigorous_o tend_v but_o to_o one_o mark_v it_o can_v ardent_o will_v but_o one_o thing_n insomuch_o as_o if_o thou_o give_v up_o the_o ardour_n and_o force_n of_o thy_o desire_n to_o thy_o family_n and_o thy_o occupation_n god_n will_v but_o partake_v of_o the_o relic_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o thy_o languish_a motion_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v here_o as_o if_o person_n of_o all_o condition_n can_v give_v up_o themselves_o whole_o to_o contemplation_n this_o contemplative_a life_n be_v the_o life_n of_o angel_n and_o not_o of_o man_n and_o since_o that_o we_o be_v in_o part_n body_n we_o must_v also_o live_v after_o a_o manner_n partly_o corporal_a a_o bird_n let_v its_o wing_n be_v never_o so_o strong_a can_v always_o be_v fly_v a_o soul_n have_v not_o strength_n enough_o to_o be_v evermore_o lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n i_o know_v moreover_o we_o ought_v to_o serve_v the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n in_o a_o word_n i_o do_v not_o oppose_v the_o order_n that_o man_n have_v receive_v from_o god_n to_o eat_v his_o bread_n by_o the_o sweat_n of_o his_o brow_n and_o by_o his_o labour_n six_o day_n in_o the_o week_n all_o i_o aim_v at_o be_v that_o the_o employment_n of_o martha_n may_v not_o hinder_v the_o work_n of_o mary_n and_o that_o the_o body_n be_v the_o worse_a part_n of_o we_o may_v not_o carry_v away_o the_o better_a part_n of_o our_o time_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n wherein_o we_o ought_v to_o laud_n and_o praise_v the_o great_a condescension_n of_o god_n to_o we_o it_o be_v in_o this_o all_o our_o time_n be_v he_o but_o he_o please_v to_o give_v we_o six_o part_n in_o seven_o six_o day_n shall_v thou_o labour_v and_o on_o the_o seven_o rest_n see_v he_o have_v forgo_v so_o much_o we_o ought_v at_o least_o to_o be_v very_o exact_a to_o pay_v he_o this_o tithe_n of_o our_o time_n one_o day_n in_o seven_o one_o hour_n in_o seven_o six_o hour_n therefore_o shall_v not_o slip_v by_o in_o a_o day_n without_o return_v to_o god_n to_o give_v he_o the_o seven_o do_v more_o and_o imagine_v not_o you_o can_v do_v too_o much_o since_o you_o owe_v he_o all_o why_o will_v you_o not_o have_v the_o same_o regard_n and_o consideration_n for_o the_o soul_n as_o you_o have_v for_o the_o body_n on_o it_o you_o bestow_v refreshment_n and_o rest_n and_o for_o this_o you_o intercept_v your_o most_o important_a concern_v that_o you_o may_v repair_v the_o decay_a force_n of_o nature_n take_v heed_n there_o be_v not_o make_v too_o great_a a_o dissipation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n call_v the_o soul_n to_o its_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n as_o to_o repast_n which_o render_v it_o vigorous_a and_o as_o to_o sleep_v during_o which_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o its_o god_n labour_v often_o in_o this_o divine_a recollection_n and_o to_o withdraw_v the_o soul_n from_o those_o wander_a course_n it_o make_v in_o humane_a 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â—omplain'd_z very_o frequent_o of_o the_o sun_n return_n very_o â—ear_v in_o these_o term_n why_o come_v thou_o o_o sun_n to_o trouble_v the_o rest_n of_o my_o soul_n why_o rise_v thou_o so_o soon_o to_o tear_v i_o away_o from_o the_o service_n of_o my_o god_n why_o come_v thou_o to_o rob_v i_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o true_a sun_n meditation_n the_o measure_n of_o god_n love_n be_v to_o have_v neither_o measure_n nor_o bound_n it_o be_v to_o contain_v all_o the_o degree_n of_o love_n the_o true_a rule_n for_o the_o hour_n of_o devotion_n be_v to_o consecrate_v all_o our_o hour_n to_o he_o this_o be_v what_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v o_o my_o soul_n but_o thou_o can_v not_o for_o thou_o dragge_v after_o thou_o a_o bodily_a prison_n which_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o thou_o thy_o affection_n can_v be_v tame_v so_o far_o thou_o be_v subject_a even_o to_o worldly_a necessity_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o how_o happy_a will_v thou_o be_v then_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o such_o a_o place_n where_o thou_o may_v give_v up_o all_o thy_o hour_n to_o thy_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n there_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o bond_n of_o flesh_n thou_o will_v serve_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n in_o perfect_a liberty_n but_o now_o thou_o divide_v thy_o time_n betwixt_o thy_o employment_n thy_o divertisement_n thy_o repast_n and_o thy_o devotion_n but_o then_o these_o four_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v distinct_a they_o shall_v all_o be_v blend_v together_o thy_o continual_a occupation_n shall_v be_v to_o sing_v the_o praise_n of_o thy_o god_n and_o to_o contemplate_v his_o glory_n thy_o meat_n and_o drink_n shall_v be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n thy_o pleasure_n and_o divertisement_n will_v be_v in_o a_o most_o intimate_a enjoyment_n to_o possess_v he_o who_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o joy_n thou_o shall_v have_v no_o more_o hour_n of_o devotion_n for_o this_o four_o thing_n will_v be_v mix_v in_o the_o three_o other_o thou_o shall_v be_v ever_o all_o flame_n and_o all_o fire_n for_o the_o service_n of_o thy_o god_n in_o this_o will_v consisithy_a chief_a happiness_n will_v thou_o then_o here_o belowt_v approach_n near_o the_o glory_n of_o paradise_n multiply_v and_o continue_v as_o far_o as_o thou_o can_v thy_o commerces_fw-la and_o communication_n with_o god_n if_o thou_o be_v always_o with_o god_n god_n will_v be_v always_o with_o thou_o now_o where_o god_n be_v there_o be_v paradise_n when_o thou_o interest_n into_o thy_o close_n with_o most_o devout_a disposition_n god_n enter_v there_o with_o thou_o and_o after_o he_o a_o whole_a troop_n of_o angel_n cherubim_n and_o seraphim_n for_o he_o encamp_v his_o angel_n about_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o especial_o at_o such_o time_n as_o they_o fear_v and_o serve_v he_o no_o object_n be_v more_o charm_a to_o the_o angel_n who_o seek_v the_o good_a and_o wellsare_a of_o man_n than_o to_o see_v a_o person_n true_o devout_a fall_n on_o his_o face_n to_o the_o earth_n bathe_v his_o couch_n and_o bosom_n in_o tear_n breathe_v the_o most_o ardent_a sigh_n towards_o heaven_n carry_v his_o eye_n thither_o where_o his_o heart_n be_v and_o stretch_v forth_o pure_a hand_n to_o god_n that_o he_o may_v embrace_v he_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n for_o one_o devout_a soul_n as_o well_o â—s_a for_o one_o penitent_a sinner_n wherefore_o it_o be_v heaven_n seem_v to_o descend_v and_o come_v down_o as_o it_o be_v to_o this_o spectacle_n labour_v then_o o_o my_o soul_n to_o be_v ever_o prastise_v devotion_n as_o well_o as_o repentance_n that_o heaven_n may_v be_v glad_a and_o thy_o god_n come_v often_o to_o thou_o by_o these_o frequent_a communication_n thou_o will_v become_v right_a like_o the_o face_n of_o moses_n the_o ray_n of_o that_o divine_a sun_n will_v pierce_v and_o illuminate_v thou_o they_o will_v baâ—ish_v the_o darkness_n out_o of_o thou_o and_o melt_v the_o ice_n and_o coldness_n that_o make_v thou_o so_o heavy_a and_o neglectful_a and_o â—y_a behold_v he_o often_o thou_o will_v become_v his_o glass_n â—nd_n will_v be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n 〈◊〉_d glory_n as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n o_o sun_n of_o my_o soul_n i_o seek_v thou_o with_o all_o my_o strength_n hide_v not_o thyself_o from_o i_o and_o suffer_v no_o eclipse_n disperse_v those_o cloud_n which_o cover_v and_o separate_v thou_o â—â—rn_v i_o and_o rob_v i_o of_o the_o view_n of_o thy_o light_n my_o sin_n â—confess_v continual_o raise_v thick_a filthy_a and_o malign_v vapour_n which_o may_v grow_v into_o cloud_n and_o these_o cloud_n afterward_o â—â—duce_v the_o storm_n and_o thunder_n of_o thy_o severe_a justice_n 〈◊〉_d thou_o will_v punish_v i_o as_o i_o deserve_v but_o from_o hence_o â—â—â—th_o o_o lord_n hinder_v these_o vapour_n from_o arise_v and_o dry_a 〈◊〉_d their_o source_n let_v not_o my_o heart_n be_v any_o more_o as_o a_o â—â—arsh_a full_a of_o unmoving_a and_o putrify_a water_n but_o let_v it_o be_v a_o live_n and_o pure_a fountain_n let_v it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o accurse_a field_n abound_v in_o poison_n but_o a_o fertile_a one_o in_o flower_n and_o fruit_n of_o goodliving_a and_o let_v none_o fly_v up_o to_o thou_o but_o sweet_a and_o kind_a exhalation_n prayer_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o that_o may_v cause_v a_o sweet-smelling_a savour_n of_o atonement_n let_v those_o sweet_a vapour_n be_v change_v into_o sweet_a dew_n and_o let_v thy_o grace_n fall_v upon_o my_o soul_n like_o rain_n upon_o a_o thirsty_a land_n make_v it_o to_o rejoice_v and_o flourish_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n thou_o be_v my_o light_n lighten_v i_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n when_o i_o call_v upon_o thou_o in_o
that_o every_o moment_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o repeat_v they_o to_o our_o own_o heart_n we_o shall_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a habituate_v our_o mind_n not_o to_o conceive_v its_o thought_n and_o form_v its_o meditation_n but_o in_o the_o term_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v in_o the_o psalm_n to_o the_o read_n of_o holy_a scripture_n it_o will_v be_v profitable_a to_o add_v that_o of_o other_o good_a book_n and_o herein_o i_o will_v give_v a_o direction_n which_o some_o people_n have_v find_v very_o good_a which_o be_v to_o choose_v such_o place_n and_o chapter_n of_o devotion_n which_o have_v once_o warm_v you_o and_o to_o return_v often_o to_o the_o same_o place_n that_o your_o heart_n may_v get_v a_o habit_n of_o awaken_n itself_o at_o that_o view_n it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a turn_v of_o all_o mind_n to_o join_v certain_a motion_n of_o heart_n with_o certain_a image_n so_o as_o that_o assoon_o as_o the_o image_n present_v '_o emselve_n to_o the_o mind_n those_o motion_n arise_v in_o the_o heart_n for_o example_n if_o a_o man_n have_v run_v a_o extreme_a danger_n in_o a_o wood_n the_o image_n of_o a_o forest_n will_v never_o offer_v itself_o to_o his_o imagination_n but_o his_o heart_n be_v seize_v upon_o by_o some_o chillness_n so_o our_o heart_n have_v be_v once_o move_v at_o the_o read_n of_o some_o pious_a discourse_n which_o have_v touch_v it_o to_o the_o quick_a will_v not_o fail_v of_o be_v awaken_v at_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o same_o thought_n in_o case_n we_o read_v they_o with_o a_o devout_a intention_n and_o a_o design_n to_o be_v touch_v therewith_o this_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o what_o happen_v to_o bark_a dog_n which_o be_v quiet_a or_o otherwise_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o those_o they_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o so_o the_o heart_n be_v become_v familiar_a with_o those_o pious_a thought_n that_o have_v move_v it_o oftentimes_o will_v evermore_o perceive_v in_o their_o presence_n very_o near_o the_o same_o 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therein_o but_o if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o soul_n natural_o very_o devout_a they_o will_v have_v no_o great_a effect_n upon_o he_o because_o he_o come_v with_o no_o intention_n to_o be_v move_v by_o they_o he_o only_o seek_v for_o matter_n to_o fill_v up_o his_o hour_n our_o heart_n do_v very_o near_o what_o we_o will_v have_v it_o do_v insomuch_o as_o pious_a read_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o help_n to_o devotion_n aught_o to_o be_v do_v with_o a_o most_o devout_a intention_n without_o which_o condition_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o make_v any_o progress_n in_o it_o but_o as_o much_o as_o the_o read_n of_o good_a book_n bring_v in_o auxiliary_n to_o devotion_n so_o much_o it_o be_v ruin_v by_o the_o read_n of_o bad_a one_o it_o be_v a_o great_a shame_n to_o christianity_n that_o now_o adays_o it_o make_v more_o account_n of_o some_o mischievous_a book_n than_o ever_o do_v the_o most_o corrupt_a paganism_n our_o age_n and_o in_o particular_a this_o kingdom_n may_v be_v just_o note_v with_o infamy_n for_o that_o swarm_n of_o romance_n which_o the_o effeminacy_n of_o our_o heart_n the_o corruption_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n have_v send_v into_o the_o world_n we_o must_v needs_o be_v great_a lover_n of_o lie_v since_o fifty_o year_n have_v produce_v more_o fable_n than_o six_o thousand_o year_n can_v produce_v history_n and_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o much_o corrupt_v to_o suffer_v and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o authorise_v such_o shameless_a product_n so_o full_a of_o impure_a imagination_n every_o devout_a soul_n will_v have_v those_o legend_n in_o detestation_n for_o certain_z it_o be_v that_o nothing_o put_v the_o heart_n into_o great_a disorder_n i_o wish_v people_n be_v safe_a from_o the_o last_o corruption_n and_o they_o proceed_v not_o even_o to_o the_o act_n and_o imitate_v those_o irregular_a example_n in_o good_a earnest_n which_o they_o see_v before_o in_o jest_n however_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o from_o the_o read_n of_o these_o book_n the_o mind_n return_v load_v with_o image_n which_o grieve_v and_o drive_v away_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o which_o be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n meditation_n if_o thou_o be_v ignorant_a o_o my_o soul_n in_o the_o thing_n which_o concern_v thy_o salvation_n it_o be_v whole_o thy_o own_o fault_n thy_o god_n open_v two_o great_a book_n before_o thy_o eye_n where_o thou_o may_v be_v teach_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o wonder_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o thy_o salvation_n often_o have_v i_o cast_v my_o eye_n upon_o nature_n upon_o heaven_n earth_n the_o mountain_n river_n field_n and_o forest_n oft_o have_v i_o carry_v my_o eye_n to_o the_o planet_n and_o to_o the_o star_n but_o to_o my_o confusion_n i_o avow_v these_o contemplation_n be_v barren_a do_v negligent_o without_o application_n and_o reflection_n do_v that_o therefore_o now_o o_o my_o soul_n which_o thou_o have_v never_o do_v yet_o view_v the_o heaven_n and_o admire_v their_o greatness_n and_o vast_a extension_n acknowledge_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o maker_n his_o strength_n his_o wisdom_n his_o power_n see_v how_o he_o have_v on_o purpose_n paint_v himself_o in_o all_o place_n and_o leave_v his_o footstep_n wheresoever_o he_o have_v past_a look_v upon_o the_o sun_n which_o pour_v forth_o so_o much_o fire_n which_o man_n call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o image_n of_o thy_o god_n who_o be_v light_n himself_o in_o thou_o be_v the_o well_o of_o life_n and_o in_o thy_o light_n shall_v we_o see_v light_n that_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o fire_n that_o burn_v in_o the_o firmament_n be_v the_o emblem_n of_o those_o glorious_a soul_n which_o shine_v in_o the_o high_a heaven_n of_o the_o bless_a the_o rapidity_n of_o those_o vast_a and_o prodigious_a machine_n which_o roll_n over_o thy_o head_n aught_o to_o make_v thou_o think_v of_o that_o robu_v art_n which_o give_v they_o their_o swing_n and_o impress_n upon_o they_o their_o motion_n the_o equality_n and_o justness_n of_o those_o motion_n as_o regular_a as_o swift_a preach_v to_o thou_o the_o wisdom_n and_o evenness_n of_o god_n action_n who_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a the_o magnificence_n of_o those_o visible_a heaven_n may_v without_o much_o ado_n conduct_v thy_o meditation_n to_o the_o thought_n of_o another_o life_n and_o give_v thou_o some_o foretaste_n and_o conception_n of_o the_o glory_n god_n prepare_v for_o thou_o in_o paradise_n those_o visible_a heaven_n so_o splendid_a so_o beautiful_a be_v but_o the_o threshold_n of_o that_o palace_n where_o god_n make_v ready_a a_o abode_n for_o thou_o oh_o my_o soul_n how_o rich_a and_o glorious_a must_v that_o house_n be_v who_o very_a avenue_n and_o entry_n be_v so_o fine_a and_o pompous_a if_o from_o the_o heaven_n thou_o descende_v into_o the_o air_n which_o be_v the_o region_n of_o storm_n and_o tempest_n of_o rain_n and_o dews_n in_o the_o latter_a thou_o will_v see_v the_o emblem_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o in_o the_o former_a the_o messenger_n of_o his_o vengeance_n and_o the_o instrument_n of_o his_o fury_n the_o one_o will_v lead_v thou_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o the_o other_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o mercy_n if_o thou_o descende_v to_o the_o earth_n thou_o will_v discover_v almost_o every_o where_o around_o thou_o a_o incredible_a multitude_n of_o sundry_a object_n that_o will_v instruct_v thou_o divers_a way_n some_o as_o well_o as_o the_o heaven_n will_v speak_v to_o thou_o of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o power_n other_o will_v tell_v thou_o of_o thy_o own_o weakness_n and_o vanity_n of_o death_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o die_v of_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o humane_a thing_n and_o will_v give_v thou_o
a_o hundred_o other_o lesson_n but_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o compare_v with_o the_o knowledge_n to_o be_v have_v from_o the_o read_n of_o that_o other_o book_n which_o god_n have_v dictate_v to_o his_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n it_o be_v there_o thou_o may_v see_v the_o abyss_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n the_o infinity_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o mercy_n without_o engage_v thyself_o very_o deep_o in_o these_o abysses_n what_o fruit_n can_v thou_o not_o reap_v from_o the_o death_n of_o my_o saviour_n and_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o cross_n thou_o will_v learn_v there_o how_o thou_o be_v to_o love_n for_o that_o be_v the_o school_n of_o love_n thou_o will_v view_v thy_o divine_a saviour_n eat_v up_o with_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n house_n burn_v with_o the_o flame_n of_o charity_n he_o so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o death_n for_o the_o world_n and_o that_o to_o a_o shameful_a cruel_a and_o torment_a death_n even_o that_o of_o the_o cross_n he_o expose_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o arrow_n of_o god_n wrath_n he_o suck_v the_o venom_n and_o undergo_v the_o weight_n of_o his_o indignation_n and_o for_o who_o for_o his_o enemy_n it_o be_v thus_o o_o my_o soul_n thou_o must_v love_v this_o be_v but_o a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o the_o thing_n thou_o may_v learn_v in_o that_o heavenly_a book_n prayer_n but_o o_o lord_n i_o read_v in_o vain_a i_o meditate_v without_o success_n o_o my_o sun_n infuse_v thy_o ray_n into_o my_o heart_n open_v my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n make_v thy_o word_n to_o be_v in_o i_o like_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v of_o my_o soul_n my_o joint_n and_o marrow_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n sanctify_v i_o by_o thy_o truth_n let_v my_o heart_n burn_v within_o i_o when_o thou_o speak_v and_o declare_v to_o i_o the_o scripture_n let_v i_o receive_v thy_o word_n with_o a_o thirsty_a soul_n and_o let_v it_o become_v unto_o i_o a_o spring_n of_o live_a water_n bubble_v up_o to_o eternal_a life_n that_o i_o may_v be_v conduct_v by_o the_o river_n of_o thy_o grace_n to_o the_o ocean_n of_o glory_n chap._n ix_o the_o four_o particular_a help_n to_o devotion_n the_o use_n of_o prayer_n i_o do_v not_o design_n here_o to_o make_v any_o commendation_n of_o prayer_n nor_o to_o display_v all_o its_o uses_n which_o both_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n have_v do_v very_o ample_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sure_a mean_n to_o purify_v the_o soul_n since_o there_o be_v no_o action_n whereby_o we_o approach_v near_o to_o god_n no_o time_n wherein_o he_o communicate_v himself_o more_o to_o we_o he_o have_v be_v very_o often_o observe_v to_o give_v his_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n in_o prayer_n in_o pray_v st_n peter_n fall_v into_o a_o ecstasy_n paul_n be_v ravish_v to_o the_o three_o heaven_n cornelius_n in_o his_o prayer_n receive_v the_o vision_n of_o a_o angel_n monica_n st_n augustine_n mother_n after_o her_o prayer_n and_o tear_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o her_o son_n have_v in_o her_o dream_n that_o excellent_a revelation_n of_o his_o conversion_n a_o angel_n tell_v she_o afflict_v not_o thyself_o thy_o son_n be_v with_o thou_o as_o god_n be_v the_o sun_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o jet_v his_o beam_n perpendicular_o into_o our_o heart_n he_o must_v necessary_o clarify_v and_o heat_v they_o he_o disperse_v the_o vapour_n of_o the_o inferior_a part_n and_o draw_v his_o own_o image_n there_o now_o this_o communication_n of_o the_o ray_n of_o grace_n be_v never_o make_v more_o than_o in_o prayer_n i_o shall_v not_o stay_v to_o examine_v any_o further_a the_o condition_n with_o which_o prayer_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o be_v devout_a it_o be_v already_o show_v enough_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v attentive_a persevere_v and_o ardent_a i_o shall_v only_o give_v here_o two_o advice_n the_o one_o to_o avoid_v weariness_n the_o other_o to_o avoid_v distraction_n first_o i_o say_v that_o few_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o long_a prayer_n for_o to_o render_v a_o prayer_n perfect_o devout_a there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o extreme_a contention_n of_o mind_n a_o extraordinary_a elevation_n and_o a_o entire_a loosen_a one_o self_n from_o the_o world_n now_o these_o action_n do_v a_o kind_n of_o violence_n to_o the_o soul_n which_o natural_o tend_v to_o a_o release_n of_o itself_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v of_o any_o long_a continuance_n if_o we_o give_v no_o relaxation_n to_o the_o heart_n it_o take_v it_o and_o ramble_n some_o where_o or_o other_o in_o spite_n of_o our_o tooth_n so_o as_o i_o will_v have_v the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n to_o be_v long_o though_o divide_v into_o little_a space_n of_o time_n that_o they_o have_v many_o part_n and_o each_o of_o they_o be_v short_a devotion_n be_v compose_v of_o three_o principal_a act_n reading_n meditation_n and_o prayer_n each_o of_o these_o need_v not_o be_v do_v present_o so_o as_o to_o follow_v one_o another_o but_o they_o may_v be_v mingle_v for_o we_o must_v allow_v some_o grain_n to_o the_o soul_n weakness_n and_o we_o must_v keep_v it_o from_o disgust_n by_o variety_n a_o little_a read_n may_v be_v the_o first_o degree_n of_o its_o elevation_n a_o little_a meditation_n on_o that_o read_n will_v lift_v it_o a_o degree_n high_o and_o after_o the_o read_n and_o meditation_n a_o short_a prayer_n will_v lead_v it_o to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o forget_v the_o world_n after_o which_o it_o will_v return_v whole_o new_a to_o read_v and_o meditation_n in_o the_o same_o order_n in_o prayer_n it_o will_v fly_v through_o the_o air_n by_o the_o force_n of_o its_o own_o wing_n and_o at_o its_o return_n to_o read_v it_o will_v do_v like_o those_o bird_n that_o weary_a with_o fly_v come_v to_o repose_v themselves_o not_o on_o the_o earth_n but_o some_o very_a high_a tree_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n so_o our_o devout_a soul_n will_v come_v to_o rest_v itself_o not_o by_o fall_v on_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o will_v never_o set_v foot_n there_o nor_o permit_v the_o mind_n to_o return_v to_o the_o world_n but_o it_o will_v continue_v elevate_v upon_o the_o prop_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n ur_fw-la and_o aaron_n will_v sustain_v it_o lift_v up_o towards_o the_o heaven_n and_o from_o thence_o take_v its_o flight_n it_o will_v by_o little_a and_o little_o rise_v upon_o the_o wing_n of_o meditation_n until_o it_o return_v by_o prayer_n whither_o it_o be_v first_o lift_v up_o this_o method_n undoubted_o will_v give_v it_o time_n to_o renew_v its_o strength_n it_o can_v hold_v out_o long_o if_o its_o course_n be_v push_v on_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o its_o vigour_n but_o by_o take_v breath_n and_o march_v fair_o on_o from_o time_n to_o time_n it_o will_v make_v a_o very_a great_a advance_v in_o a_o day_n the_o other_o direction_n i_o will_v give_v regard_v those_o who_o have_v not_o be_v busy_v about_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v less_o proper_a for_o the_o great_a elevation_n these_o people_n ordinary_o make_v their_o devotion_n in_o prayer_n pronounce_v by_o heart_n from_o which_o way_n distraction_n be_v almost_o inseparable_a these_o i_o will_v counsel_v to_o endeavour_v to_o untie_v themselves_o from_o word_n and_o hold_v only_o to_o the_o sense_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o in_o their_o family-prayer_n they_o shall_v dispense_v themselves_o from_o their_o form_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o all_o the_o world_n have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o form_v their_o thought_n and_o put_v they_o into_o a_o order_n which_o may_v edify_v the_o public_a but_o for_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o closet_n they_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v make_v by_o heart_n than_o by_o the_o tongue_n when_o the_o imagination_n do_v not_o make_v some_o endeavour_n for_o the_o production_n of_o its_o thought_n and_o the_o choice_n of_o its_o word_n in_o follow_v the_o beat_a road_n which_o it_o fear_v not_o to_o lose_v it_o never_o fail_v of_o go_v somewhither_o else_o as_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o the_o place_n where_o we_o will_v retain_v it_o but_o when_o it_o give_v attention_n to_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o express_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o heart_n have_v conceive_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o imagination_n unite_n their_o force_n make_v up_o a_o complete_a attention_n i_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v some_o say_v that_o all_o the_o world_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o compose_v all_o be_v not_o able_a to_o compose_v for_o man_n but_o to_o compose_v for_o god_n they_o be_v able_a let_v we_o make_v never_o such_o effort_n to_o speak_v well_o we_o stammer_v in_o the_o mouth_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o