Selected quad for the lemma: heaven_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
heaven_n jesus_n lord_n see_v 7,565 5 3.6443 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A93395 The Christians guide to devotion with rules and directions for the leading an holy life : as also meditations and prayers suitable to all occasions / S. Smith. Smith, Samuel, 1588-1665. 1685 (1685) Wing S4164A; ESTC R43930 141,697 240

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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
grace_n as_o may_v imitate_v and_o approach_v the_o light_n of_o glory_n make_v thy_o river_n to_o run_v a_o cross_a this_o paradise_n plant_v therein_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o lay_v up_o there_o so_o grand_a a_o influence_n of_o good_a thing_n that_o my_o own_o wealth_n may_v make_v i_o look_v upon_o that_o of_o the_o world_n with_o a_o high_a disdain_n and_o contempt_n and_o that_o from_o under_o the_o throne_n where_o thou_o shall_v have_v place_v my_o soul_n it_o may_v consider_v all_o the_o palace_n of_o the_o world_n like_o mere_a cottage_n chap._n iu._n of_o worldly_a trouble_n and_o care_n a_o four_o source_n of_o indevotion_n now_o we_o come_v to_o another_o branch_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o new_a obstacle_n to_o devotion_n i_o mean_v earthly_a care_n and_o riches_n black_a and_o horrid_a devil_n that_o come_v to_o cross_v we_o that_o draw_v we_o frequent_o out_o of_o the_o company_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n jesus_n to_o lead_v we_o among_o sepulcher_n and_o that_o walk_v as_o in_o the_o sad_a ruin_n of_o our_o fortune_n and_o grandeur_n there_o be_v more_o unhappy_a than_o happy_a person_n in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o this_o temptation_n be_v at_o least_o as_o ordinary_a as_o the_o precedent_n be_v and_o whereas_o the_o world_n possess_v our_o heart_n when_o we_o have_v lose_v it_o we_o bewail_v it_o most_o bitter_o a_o man_n who_o against_o his_o will_n a_o contrary_a wind_n drive_v from_o the_o haven_n where_o he_o will_v be_v always_o turn_v his_o eye_n on_o that_o side_n and_o do_v not_o lose_v the_o view_n of_o it_o but_o with_o inconceivable_a regret_n if_o he_o will_v take_v any_o rest_n the_o image_n of_o his_o country_n his_o dear_a child_n and_o his_o friend_n return_v incessant_o into_o his_o mind_n to_o plague_v he_o and_o continue_v his_o torture_n so_o the_o afflict_a soul_n that_o will_v retire_v into_o its_o self_n to_o be_v unite_v with_o god_n do_v see_v amid_o its_o exercise_n the_o image_n of_o its_o misfortune_n which_o awaken_v its_o grief_n and_o draw_v it_o from_o heaven_n into_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n these_o be_v the_o wasp_n and_o fly_n who_o sting_n be_v so_o pierce_v whilst_o we_o be_v fix_v so_o on_o holy_a work_n and_o give_v up_o to_o it_o our_o whole_a attention_n than_o these_o come_v and_o prick_v we_o so_o to_o the_o quick_a that_o we_o be_v force_v to_o lay_v our_o hand_n on_o the_o part_n affect_v these_o be_v the_o whip_n wherewith_o the_o taskmaster_n of_o egypt_n serve_v '_o emselve_n to_o hasten_v we_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o brick_n these_o taskmaster_n be_v the_o devil_n that_o say_v with_o pharaoh_n this_o people_n be_v idle_a since_o they_o will_v serve_v their_o own_o god_n let_v we_o redouble_v their_o employment_n and_o hence_o they_o rouse_v up_o those_o smart_a and_o sting_a care_n recall_v into_o the_o memory_n of_o one_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o cause_n in_o a_o court_n of_o judicature_n and_o of_o another_o the_o ill_a estate_n of_o his_o affair_n an_o he_o ruin_n of_o his_o family_n and_o these_o thought_n like_o so_o many_o sting_n hasten_v a_o man_n to_o return_v to_o his_o work_n of_o straw_n to_o his_o worldly_a occupation_n that_o make_v he_o to_o forget_v god_n service_n when_o therefore_o we_o will_v espouse_v ourselves_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o our_o god_n we_o must_v drive_v and_o fright_v away_o these_o gnat_n that_o whizz_v about_o our_o ear_n and_o we_o must_v lay_v these_o demon_n and_o as_o the_o spouse_n say_v i_o charge_v you_o o_o you_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roe_n and_o by_o the_o hind_n of_o the_o field_n that_o you_o stir_v not_o up_o nor_o awake_v my_o love_n till_o he_o please_v so_o we_o ought_v to_o say_v go_v you_o carnal_a thought_n thy_o earthly_a anxity_n and_o nettle_a care_n away_o you_o devil_n return_v into_o your_o bottomless_a pit_n let_v my_o soul_n rest_n and_o do_v not_o disturb_v its_o holy_a conversation_n do_v not_o draw_v it_o out_o of_o the_o arm_n of_o its_o belove_a who_o possession_n make_v up_o all_o its_o joy_n and_o all_o its_o beatitude_n good_a remedy_n there_o be_v against_o this_o temptation_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o first_o be_v to_o discomfit_v and_o destroy_v in_o we_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n when_o we_o shall_v love_v it_o no_o more_o we_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o mischief_n and_o misfortune_n that_o befall_v we_o on_o that_o side_n so_o we_o do_v love_v money_n riches_n nor_o grandeur_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v touch_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o so_o we_o love_v god_n only_o we_o shall_v evermore_o be_v content_a because_o we_o shall_v never_o lose_v he_o the_o world_n make_v man_n pay_v interest_n for_o its_o pleasure_n the_o grief_n it_o cause_v in_o abandon_v we_o be_v much_o great_a than_o the_o joy_n we_o taste_v in_o possess_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v diffeize_v ourselves_o in_o good_a time_n that_o we_o may_v lose_v it_o without_o trouble_n if_o we_o have_v care_n that_o seem_v lawful_a unto_o we_o and_o which_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o part_v withal_o let_v we_o follow_v the_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o david_n cast_v thy_o care_n upon_o god_n and_o he_o will_v take_v care_n for_o thou_o we_o do_v not_o want_v example_n to_o maintain_v this_o reliance_n we_o can_v produce_v a_o elijah_n that_o be_v feed_v by_o raven_n a_o prophet_n in_o the_o lion_n den_n that_o be_v respect_v by_o those_o monster_n israelites_n in_o uncultivated_a and_o desolate_a place_n upon_o who_o the_o very_a heaven_n rain_v down_o bread_n have_v we_o need_v of_o assurance_n and_o promise_n see_v that_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v not_o two_o sparrow_n sell_v for_o a_o farthing_n and_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v not_o fall_v on_o the_o ground_n without_o your_o father_n fear_v you_o not_o therefore_o you_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o many_o sparrow_n behold_v the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n they_o sow_v 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for_o life_n but_o thou_o consider_v not_o that_o these_o necessary_n may_v be_v reduce_v into_o a_o small_a compass_n thou_o have_v lose_v some_o wealth_n thou_o be_v afraid_a of_o lose_v it_o it_o be_v therefore_o god_n have_v retrencht_v thou_o of_o the_o superfluity_n whereas_o how_o can_v thou_o be_v afraid_a of_o want_v any_o manner_n of_o thing_n when_o in_o that_o moment_n thou_o go_v to_o find_v god_n to_o who_o appertain_v all_o thing_n and_o ad_a with_o st._n austin_n cast_v thyself_o o_o my_o soul_n into_o the_o arm_n of_o god_n and_o fear_v not_o lest_o he_o shall_v let_v thou_o fall_v for_o his_o arm_n sustain_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o have_v say_v this_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o all_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o cast_v they_o under_o thy_o foot_n as_o thou_o fall_v on_o thy_o knee_n meditation_n alas_o i_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o weep_v oh_o that_o my_o head_n be_v water_n and_o my_o eye_n a_o fountain_n of_o tear_n that_o i_o may_v bewail_v my_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o sadness_n after_o a_o godly_a sort_n and_o a_o repentance_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o in_o this_o respect_n my_o eye_n be_v without_o moisture_n and_o dry_a as_o rock_n oh_o that_o moses_n his_o rod_n strike_v i_o and_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n judgement_n seize_v i_o that_o i_o may_v be_v able_a to_o cast_v out_o current_n of_o water_n yet_o nevertheless_o i_o do_v not_o want_v tear_n to_o mourn_v my_o mishap_n and_o my_o worldly_a misfortune_n so_o that_o i_o be_o not_o covetous_a of_o tear_n but_o i_o distribute_v they_o ill_o wherefore_o o_o my_o soul_n be_v thou_o so_o touch_v at_o the_o loss_n of_o some_o good_n whereof_o thou_o have_v only_o the_o use_n
such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o rank_n of_o counterfeit_n but_o if_o the_o life_n in_o all_o respect_n be_v unreprovable_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n worthy_a of_o all_o the_o flame_n in_o hell_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o devotion_n be_v feign_v it_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n like_v to_o that_o which_o the_o pharisee_n be_v guilty_a of_o against_o our_o saviour_n in_o accuse_v he_o that_o he_o do_v through_o the_o help_n of_o the_o devil_n what_o he_o do_v by_o the_o finger_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n these_o profane_a man_n do_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o the_o evil_a spirit_n of_o hypocrisy_n they_o attribute_v the_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o say_v some_o though_o these_o same_o devout_n appear_v regular_a in_o their_o life_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v the_o address_n dexterity_n and_o knack_n not_o to_o discover_v their_o impurity_n the_o love_n of_o their_o reputation_n engage_v they_o to_o use_v such_o precaution_n as_o hinder_v the_o public_a from_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o crime_n but_o be_v not_o this_o to_o violate_v all_o sort_n of_o right_n to_o invade_v even_o those_o of_o god_n himself_o to_o undertake_v to_o see_v into_o the_o heart_n be_v it_o not_o to_o violate_v the_o asylum_n of_o secrecy_n to_o judge_v bold_o of_o what_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o to_o go_v against_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a sense_n to_o judge_v a_o man_n be_v wicked_a because_o he_o appear_v to_o be_v good_a to_o conclude_v i_o say_v if_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v for_o the_o hypocrite_n or_o the_o profane_a libertine_n the_o latter_a be_v to_o be_v banish_v rather_o than_o the_o former_a the_o hypocrite_n at_o least_o have_v the_o moiety_n of_o a_o christian_a though_o he_o have_v but_o the_o least_o part_n his_o external_o make_v to_o edification_n and_o his_o false_a godliness_n may_v enkindle_v what_o be_v true_a but_o the_o libertine_n have_v it_o neither_o within_o nor_o without_o he_o 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this_o sin_n how_o oft_o have_v i_o find_v myself_o incline_v to_o do_v good_a and_o yet_o have_v be_v stop_v by_o a_o sneak_a shame_n i_o avoid_v make_v myself_o remarkable_a for_o singularity_n and_o therefore_o general_o i_o follow_v the_o crowd_n how_o oft_o have_v i_o be_v willing_a to_o speak_v of_o good_a thing_n and_o yet_o lend_v a_o eat_v to_o conversation_n either_o vain_a or_o sinful_a i_o have_v not_o only_o lend_v they_o a_o ear_n but_o i_o have_v mix_v myself_o with_o they_o how_o frequent_o have_v i_o meet_v with_o profane_a people_n who_o word_n i_o detest_v so_o full_a of_o profaneness_n and_o blasphemy_n yet_o i_o suffer_v and_o approve_v they_o by_o my_o silence_n how_o many_o time_n have_v i_o happen_v to_o condemn_v certain_a sort_n of_o pleasure_n ●ntirely_o and_o yet_o to_o suffer_v myself_o to_o be_v engage_v in_o they_o not_o dare_v to_o say_v no._n oh_o most_o pernicious_a torrent_n of_o custom_n who_o can_v have_v strength_n enough_o to_o resist_v thou_o will_v thou_o never_o be_v dry_v up_o never_o till_o thou_o shall_v have_v draw_v in_o the_o child_n of_o eve_n into_o that_o vast_a and_o perilous_a sea_n where_o even_o those_o be_v scarce_o able_a to_o save_v themselves_o who_o pass_v over_o it_o upon_o the_o wood_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n christ_n alas_o o_o my_o soul_n if_o thou_o follow_v the_o crowd_n thou_o will_v perish_v with_o it_o though_o thou_o go_v to_o hell_n with_o company_n thou_o will_v be_v never_o the_o less_o damn_a the_o society_n and_o multitude_n of_o the_o unhappy_a do_v not_o diminish_v their_o pain_n therefore_o hunt_v not_o after_o the_o approbation_n and_o praise_n of_o man_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o thy_o own_o salvation_n and_o conscience_n it_o be_v too_o dear_a buy_v wind_n and_o smoke_n what_o signify_v it_o what_o man_n think_v of_o thou_o so_o god_n who_o see_v thy_o heart_n judge_n well_o of_o thou_o in_o this_o world_n sin_n carry_v their_o own_o reward_n and_o illustrious_a vice_n be_v praise_v but_o comfort_n thyself_o in_o the_o assurance_n another_o world_n will_v come_v wherein_o every_o one_o will_v have_v his_o due_n then_o the_o rash_a judgement_n of_o man_n will_v be_v null_v by_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n will_v confess_v thou_o before_o his_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n he_o will_v say_v to_o thou_o enter_z thou_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n angel_n and_o man_n he_o will_v rebuke_v those_o rash_a people_n who_o be_v always_o violate_v that_o commandment_n of_o equity_n judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v seek_v then_o o_o my_o soul_n seek_v to_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n walk_v upright_o before_o he_o be_v not_o a_o slave_n to_o custom_n conform_v not_o thyself_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n think_v constant_o on_o he_o in_o who_o sight_n thou_o walk_v and_o will_v be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o thy_o labour_n and_o the_o avenger_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o trespass_n thou_o shall_v commit_v keep_v thyself_o from_o the_o society_n of_o profane_a people_n that_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v infect_v with_o their_o contagion_n and_o since_o thou_o can_v not_o overcome_v their_o ill_a habit_n by_o thy_o good_a example_n take_v heed_n lest_o their_o bad_a example_n do_v not_o surmount_v thy_o good_a habit_n of_o virtue_n prayer_n o_o my_o bless_a redeemer_n come_v to_o my_o help_n the_o stream_n carry_v i_o away_o the_o torrent_n hurry_v i_o i_o do_v swim_v i_o make_v endeavour_n but_o be_o carry_v on_o and_o engage_v myself_o more_o and_o more_o in_o the_o flood_n of_o corruption_n which_o run_v through_o the_o world_n i_o condemn_v the_o vanity_n of_o word_n and_o action_n and_o ill_a custom_n which_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o christian_a modesty_n simplicity_n sobriety_n and_o purity_n nevertheless_o i_o let_v myself_o loose_a to_o they_o take_v i_o by_o the_o 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good_a road_n i_o may_v advance_v perpetual_o in_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o sin_n behind_o i_o that_o i_o may_v press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o thou_o and_o that_o i_o may_v at_o last_o arrive_v at_o that_o bless_a place_n at_o that_o haven_n where_o i_o shall_v be_v under_o covert_n from_o all_o storm_n at_o that_o haven_n where_o i_o shall_v see_v thy_o face_n in_o righteousness_n where_o i_o shall_v be_v fill_v with_o thy_o resemblance_n where_o i_o shall_v see_v thou_o without_o end_n where_o i_o shall_v possess_v thou_o without_o ever_o be_v satisfy_v and_o where_o i_o shall_v be_v happy_a to_o all_o eternity_n the_o end_n
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 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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
be_v roll_v or_o stir_v it_o can_v neither_o receive_v nor_o reflect_v well_o the_o image_n of_o the_o sun_n so_o a_o soul_n in_o continual_a action_n can_v receive_v the_o impression_n of_o grace_n the_o beam_n of_o the_o glorious_a jesus_n nor_o the_o likeness_n of_o our_o great_a god_n thou_o rage_v and_o roll_a sea_n hold_v thyself_o then_o still_o and_o hust_a stop_v thy_o surge_n to_o be_v the_o looking-glass_n of_o the_o heaven_n to_o the_o intent_n all_o those_o matchless_a and_o illustrious_a light_n may_v penetrate_v thou_o and_o paint_v themselves_o in_o thou_o how_o can_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n say_v st._n basil_n enter_v into_o a_o soul_n take_v up_o with_o a_o crowd_n of_o carnal_a thought_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v master_n of_o its_o time_n and_o its_o self_n to_o be_v present_v to_o god_n pharaoh_n know_v this_o well_o since_o he_o tell_v the_o israelite_n what_o you_o say_v come_v and_o let_v we_o sacrifice_v to_o our_o god_n proceed_v from_o that_o you_o be_v idle_a certain_a i_o be_o god_n do_v not_o love_v slothful_a people_n and_o how_o shall_v he_o love_v idle_a life_n that_o will_v take_v account_n of_o every_o idle_a word_n but_o yet_o neither_o do_v he_o love_v people_n over_o busy_a martha_n martha_n say_v he_o thou_o be_v cumber_v and_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n thy_o sister_n mary_n have_v choose_v the_o good_a part._n she_o do_v not_o labour_n about_o evil_a thing_n but_o too_o many_o thing_n she_o do_v even_o good_a work_n in_o do_v what_o she_o do_v she_o serve_v our_o lord_n she_o prepare_v he_o meat_n and_o drink_n if_o there_o can_v be_v excess_n in_o these_o holy_a employment_n when_o they_o hinder_v we_o from_o approach_v often_o enough_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n what_o must_v we_o believe_v touch_v the_o employment_n of_o the_o world_n what_o people_n will_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o sacred_a feast_n of_o our_o saviour_n why_o those_o man_n of_o business_n one_o of_o who_o forsooth_o buy_v a_o yoke_n of_o ox_n and_o will_v go_v to_o try_v they_o another_o have_v purchase_v a_o house_n and_o he_o must_v needs_o go_v see_v it_o a_o three_o be_v contract_v to_o a_o wife_n and_o he_o will_v wed_v she_o such_o person_n will_v find_v the_o gate_n shut_v and_o bar_v they_o come_v not_o time_n neither_o will_v they_o find_v any_o one_o to_o open_v unto_o the●_n it_o will_v be_v say_v to_o they_o as_o it_o be_v to_o other_o go_v you_o w●kers_n of_o nothing_o i_o know_v you_o not_o let_v we_o not_o say_v the_o such_o a_o way_n i_o must_v go_v to_o day_n to_o morrow_n another_o must_v do_v such_o a_o thing_n and_o finish_v such_o a_o affair_n afterwa●_n i_o will_v think_v upon_o god_n o_o my_o soul_n thy_o great_a concern●●_n to_o set_v thou_o well_o with_o thy_o god_n it_o be_v to_o consult_v he_o often_o about_o the_o disposition_n wherein_o he_o be_v with_o thou_o it_o be_v to_o solicit_v his_o mercy_n and_o implore_v the_o succour_n of_o his_o grace_n it_o be_v to_o pay_v he_o thy_o just_a homage_n and_o place_n all_o thy_o interest_n in_o he_o it_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a choose_v then_o th●_n good_a part_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o thou_o thi●_n one_o thing_n i_o do_v forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o 〈◊〉_d press_v towards_o the_o mark._n let_v not_o therefore_o the_o indevout_a person_n come_v with_o his_o objection_n from_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o his_o affair_n the_o most_o busy_a steal_v their_o moment_n for_o pleasure_n and_o wh●_n can_v they_o then_o for_o a_o duty_n let_v no_o one_o oppose_v we_o with_o the_o goodness_n and_o innocence_n of_o particular_a employment_n nothing_o be_v innocent_a that_o render_v we_o culpable_a before_o god_n in_o estrang_v we_o from_o he_o but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o those_o person_n who_o create_v to_o themselves_o affair_n of_o vast_a and_o mighty_a importance_n in_o the_o due_a set_n of_o a_o tower_n or_o accurate_a situation_n of_o a_o spot_n who_o consult_v their_o glass_n a_o hundred_o time_n to_o place_v every_o thing_n in_o its_o proper_a order_n who_o employ_v the_o best_a part_n of_o their_o life_n in-these_a idle_a business_n and_o amid_o all_o this_o find_v scarce_o a_o minute_n to_o consecrate_v to_o devotion_n i_o say_v that_o these_o woman_n be_v to_o render_v a_o account_n of_o all_o and_o of_o the_o time_n which_o they_o have_v so_o miserable_o squander_v away_o and_o of_o their_o beauty_n whereof_o they_o have_v make_v so_o bad_a a_o use_n and_o of_o the_o unjust_a division_n they_o have_v make_v betwixt_o god_n and_o their_o own_o idol_n see_v they_o have_v give_v all_o their_o hour_n to_o the_o service_n of_o this_o and_o to_o god_n only_o some_o moment_n of_o unadvised_a and_o hasty_a devotion_n meditation_n wretched_a soul_n how_o miserable_a be_v thou_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o serve_v perpetual_o a_o body_n that_o render_v thou_o nothing_o but_o evil_a for_o all_o the_o good_a that_o thou_o have_v do_v it_o thou_o travele_v after_o many_o thing_n thou_o run_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o other_o thou_o venture_v upon_o the_o tempest_n of_o the_o sea_n thou_o expose_v thyself_o to_o their_o fury_n thy_o body_n be_v burn_v by_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n from_o icy_a climate_n thou_o pass_v into_o the_o torrid_a zone_n for_o whole_a year_n thou_o saile_v upon_o the_o mouth_n of_o abysses_n to_o seek_v riches_n gold_n silver_n precious_a stone_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o delicate_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o do_v this_o thou_o do_v somewhat_o else_o which_o be_v no_o better_o and_o thou_o sustain_v as_o great_a labour_n and_o which_o be_v no_o less_o vain_a and_o all_o for_o a_o body_n that_o be_v dust_n and_o must_v return_v to_o dust_n true_a it_o be_v that_o to_o take_v care_n of_o thy_o body_n be_v a_o yoke_n that_o god_n have_v lay_v upon_o thou_o but_o thou_o thyself_o make_v this_o yoke_n infinite_o more_o weighty_a the_o body_n will_v be_v content_a with_o a_o very_a little_a if_o thou_o will_v serve_v it_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v serve_v and_o by_o consequence_n it_o will_v rob_v thou_o of_o but_o a_o little_a time_n but_o thou_o give_v it_o all_o what_o blindness_n and_o what_o fury_n be_v this_o wha●_n will_v return_v to_o thou_o of_o all_o thy_o labour_n th●_n body_n for_o which_o thou_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n will_v carry_v nothing_o away_o with_o it_o of_o these_o riches_n which_o thou_o amasse_v for_o it_o except_o a_o winding-sheet_n a_o hearse-cloth_n and_o perchance_o will_v have_v and_o hold_v a_o short_a while_n five_o or_o six_o foot_n of_o earth_n o_o my_o soul_n it_o be_v of_o thou_o tho●_n ought_v to_o think_v and_o for_o thou_o thou_o ought_v to_o provide_v thou_o be_v a_o queen_n and_o thou_o become_v a_o slave_n thou_o shall_v be_v serve_v and_o lo_o thou_o serve_v thou_o neglecte_v to_o gather_v the_o true_a riches_n together_o and_o therefore_o thou_o be_v poor_a blind_a and_o naked_a i_o counsel_v thou_o then_o to_o get_v gold_n raiment_n and_o nourishment_n of_o he_o who_o say_v every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n prayer_n make_v i_o o_o my_o god_n to_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v the_o sovereign_n good_a the_o only_a good_a worthy_a alone_a to_o be_v seek_v after_o and_o worthy_a alone_a to_o be_v love_v that_o i_o may_v no_o long_o run_v after_o the_o vain_a shadow_n of_o greatness_n and_o glory_n make_v i_o to_o know_v the_o true_a good_n so_o as_o i_o may_v bestow_v all_o my_o love_n and_o care_n upon_o they_o so_o as_o i_o may_v no_o more_o make_v the_o principal_a working_n of_o my_o thought_n to_o respect_v worldly_a employment_n so_o as_o i_o may_v keep_v my_o body_n under_o as_o a_o slave_n that_o have_v a_o inclination_n to_o rebel_v but_o that_o i_o may_v serve_v thou_o as_o a_o master_n who_o inclination_n be_v ever_o favourable_a unto_o i_o let_v i_o with_o assurance_n first_o of_o all_o seek_v thy_o kingdom_n and_o thy_o righteousness_n and_o then_o all_o the_o rest_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o i_o suffer_v no_o ingratitude_n nor_o distrust_n in_o my_o soul_n nor_o let_v it_o doubt_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o he_o who_o have_v give_v so_o many_o mark_n of_o his_o care_n and_o tenderness_n over_o it_o how_o can_v it_o fear_v o_o my_o god_n that_o thou_o will_v let_v it_o want_v any_o thing_n thou_o who_o feed_v the_o young_a raven_n that_o cry_v unto_o thou_o and_o the_o lion_n whelp_n that_o lay_v they_o down_o in_o their_o den_n it_o labour_v about_o this_o life_n as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v eternal_a and_o it_o
not_o think_v it_o ill_o they_o shall_v be_v invest_v with_o purple_a and_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v surround_v with_o a_o splendour_n to_o surprise_v the_o sense_n so_o as_o more_o easy_o to_o obtain_v that_o veneration_n from_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v due_a to_o they_o this_o be_v a_o ordinary_a illusion_n of_o the_o sense_n which_o make_v we_o consider_v how_o great_a that_o be_v which_o dazzle_v they_o but_o it_o be_v a_o illusion_n which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v of_o some_o use_n where_o there_o be_v the_o true_a greatness_n of_o quality_n and_o authority_n a_o apparent_a grandeur_n may_v be_v endure_v although_o by_o excess_n there_o may_v be_v sin_n here_o as_o well_o as_o elsewhere_o great_a man_n resemble_v those_o giant_n who_o be_v not_o content_a with_o their_o natural_a greatness_n but_o lift_v their_o hand_n up_o towards_o heaven_n to_o be_v see_v afar_o off_o above_o all_o this_o be_v a_o senseless_a pleasure_n when_o one_o be_v little_a in_o all_o respect_n to_o please_v himself_o with_o appear_v great_a and_o debase_v the_o purple_a to_o the_o dust_n which_o shall_v not_o appear_v but_o upon_o or_o near_o the_o throne_n this_o be_v a_o vice_n of_o our_o age_n wherein_o i_o believe_v we_o surpass_v all_o other_o age_n and_o the_o corruption_n be_v go_v so_o far_o that_o it_o be_v make_v a_o duty_n to_o follow_v it_o for_o some_o wise_a and_o pious_a person_n there_o be_v who_o propose_v this_o dangerous_a maxim_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o confidence_n that_o there_o ought_v no_o difference_n to_o be_v make_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v apparel_v according_a to_o his_o condition_n that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o affect_v singularity_n in_o a_o word_n they_o bold_o blame_v those_o woman_n who_o profess_v a_o great_a devotion_n wear_v no_o other_o than_o very_o mean_a clothes_n at_o a_o mighty_a distance_n from_o the_o luxury_n of_o person_n of_o their_o rank_n a_o very_a strange_a thing_n this_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o remove_v from_o piety_n and_o have_v so_o much_o fear_n of_o approach_v it_o as_o to_o fly_v even_o the_o appearance_n thereof_o according_a to_o this_o maxim_n it_o be_v hold_v that_o christian_a woman_n be_v clothe_v with_o the_o most_o rich_a and_o magnificent_a stuff_n that_o they_o be_v cover_v with_o gold_n and_o precious_a stone_n since_o all_o person_n of_o quality_n go_v so_o if_o they_o retrench_v themselves_o of_o these_o vanity_n to_o do_v alm_n they_o be_v accuse_v of_o be_v devoto_n the_o mischief_n it_o seem_v be_v without_o remedy_n when_o it_o come_v to_o this_o the_o church_n once_o believe_v it_o do_v infinite_o relax_v its_o self_n when_o it_o tolerate_v these_o disorder_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a it_o must_v short_o come_v to_o give_v they_o its_o approbation_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o these_o people_n that_o maintain_v this_o maxim_n in_o what_o place_n they_o may_v find_v it_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o st._n paul_n express_o forbid_v christian_n woman_n the_o use_n of_o gold_n and_o broider_a hair_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o father_n for_o they_o never_o speak_v with_o more_o vigour_n than_o when_o they_o speak_v against_o the_o luxury_n and_o pomp_n of_o apparel_n they_o call_v it_o the_o pomp_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o all_o place_n they_o preach_v against_o this_o vanity_n and_o say_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o renounce_v these_o superfluity_n to_o clothe_v the_o poor_a to_o comfort_v the_o miserable_a to_o uphold_v the_o church_n when_o it_o stagger_v or_o be_v in_o a_o low_a condition_n they_o say_v that_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n of_o array_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o piety_n and_o renounce_v the_o world_n but_o what_o be_v mean_v when_o they_o say_v we_o must_v make_v no_o distinction_n must_v we_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o stream_n because_o it_o be_v a_o general_a and_o common_a evil_n must_v not_o we_o labour_v to_o guard_v ourselves_o from_o it_o must_v no_o one_o dare_v to_o get_v out_o of_o the_o crowd_n of_o those_o that_o destroy_v themselves_o for_o my_o part_n i_o believe_v quite_o contrary_a we_o ought_v to_o separate_v ourselves_o if_o we_o have_v courage_n enough_o to_o do_v it_o i_o will_v know_v whether_o that_o sovereign_a moderation_n be_v not_o as_o good_a in_o clothes_n as_o in_o other_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v good_a can_v it_o be_v evil_a to_o give_v example_n of_o it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v it_o not_o glorious_a to_o march_v the_o first_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n apparel_n i_o know_v have_v be_v always_o different_a according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o condition_n but_o first_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o in_o our_o age_n there_o be_v no_o people_n but_o carry_v a_o magnificenee_n infinite_o above_o their_o condition_n now_o it_o have_v always_o be_v account_v glorious_a to_o a_o man_n to_o do_v what_o he_o ought_v according_a to_o the_o estate_n wherein_o he_o be_v when_o he_o his_o only_a to_o do_v his_o duty_n moreover_o man_n do_v not_o heretofore_o distinguish_v their_o condition_n so_o exact_o as_o they_o do_v now_o adays_o the_o difference_n of_o condition_n must_v have_v be_v extreme_o sensible_a and_o great_a if_o it_o be_v permit_v they_o to_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o other_o by_o magnificence_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o be_v rich_a only_o or_o of_o a_o birth_n a_o little_a elevate_v above_o the_o common_a people_n and_o now_o if_o it_o be_v permit_v to_o every_o one_o to_o be_v clothe_v and_o have_v a_o retinue_n according_a to_o his_o condition_n pride_n and_o vanity_n that_o mark_v the_o bound_n which_o distinguish_v condition_n will_v push_v man_n on_o to_o strange_a excess_n it_o be_v also_o good_a to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o tolerate_v a_o thing_n as_o permit_v and_o authorise_v it_o as_o necessary_a great_a man_n may_v be_v suffer_v to_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o other_o by_o their_o train_n equipage_n and_o habit_n provide_v this_o do_v not_o go_v to_o the_o excess_n that_o reign_v in_o our_o age_n but_o never_o ought_v we_o to_o make_v this_o their_o duty_n nor_o to_o say_v to_o they_o be_v not_o particular_a from_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o rank_n on_o the_o contrary_a we_o be_v to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v glorious_a to_o they_o to_o renounce_v these_o unhappy_a vanity_n which_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n in_o short_a certain_z it_o be_v that_o never_o be_v this_o maxim_n more_o dangerous_a than_o in_o our_o age_n the_o keep_n up_o one_o quality_n in_o the_o style_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v to_o expend_v one_o whole_a estate_n in_o vanity_n habit_n ornament_n equipage_n and_o in_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n when_o therefore_o any_o one_o say_v to_o a_o gentleman_n be_v not_o singular_a do_v as_o other_o person_n of_o your_o quality_n he_o certain_o authorise_v this_o unhappy_a prodigality_n which_o put_v people_n out_o of_o a_o condition_n to_o be_v liberal_a towards_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o man_n may_v say_v what_o they_o will_v but_o i_o will_v never_o believe_v that_o any_o one_o be_v endue_v with_o perfect_a devotion_n as_o long_o as_o i_o see_v he_o environ_v with_o the_o vain_a pomp_n of_o the_o world_n one_o can_v have_v a_o true_a devotion_n unless_o he_o be_v true_o humble_a now_o this_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v make_v such_o unprofitable_a expense_n to_o maintain_v our_o quality_n in_o the_o world_n draw_v its_o rise_n from_o pride_n the_o true_a christian_a consider_v himself_o in_o himself_o and_o with_o regard_n have_v to_o god_n know_v he_o be_v nought_o but_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o nothing_o before_o god_n he_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o god_n have_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n nor_o be_v acquaint_v with_o these_o difference_n of_o condition_n thus_o each_o true_o devout_a soul_n will_v without_o doubt_n renounce_v all_o those_o excessive_a ornament_n and_o spare_v all_o those_o superfluous_a expense_n to_o do_v good_a work_n withal_o in_o short_a we_o be_v not_o to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o this_o instruction_n which_o be_v real_o that_o of_o christ_n himself_o bring_v we_o into_o a_o path_n that_o lead_v we_o to_o superstition_n and_o that_o pious_a person_n be_v oblige_v to_o apparel_n themselves_o after_o a_o base_a and_o extravagant_a manner_n it_o be_v in_o this_o respect_n we_o may_v say_v that_o we_o be_v to_o affect_v nothing_o but_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n between_o the_o magnificence_n of_o this_o age_n and_o those_o clothes_n that_o render_v man_n ridiculous_a i_o can_v not_o refuse_v this_o small_a digression_n to_o combat_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n in_o favour_n to_o many_o upright_a soul_n that_o desire_v to_o do_v their_o duty_n but_o
as_o a_o barren_a and_o dry_a land_n ●ere_z no_o water_n be_v when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n but_o alas_o i_o find_v not_o in_o i_o these_o thought_n and_o motion_n i_o find_v there_o a_o great_a barrenness_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o general_a privation_n of_o heavenly_a grace_n i_o meet_v only_o with_o some_o languish_a desire_n that_o perish_v in_o the_o moment_n of_o their_o birth_n my_o faith_n be_v waver_v my_o charity_n cold_a my_o hope_n weak_a my_o zeal_n almost_o extinct_a and_o my_o devotion_n lukewarm_a a_o waken_v thyself_o immediate_o o_o my_o soul_n if_o thou_o will_v be_v unite_v to_o thy_o god_n if_o thou_o will_v love_v he_o and_o be_v belove_v by_o he_o 〈◊〉_d thou_o will_v have_v he_o kindle_v the_o pure_a flame_n of_o devotion_n in_o thy_o soul_n thou_o must_v will_v it_o desire_v it_o ask_v it_o this_o good_a this_o great_a good_a deserve_v that_o thou_o shall_v make_v the_o first_o step_n and_o get_v before_o it_o do_v not_o say_v unto_o i_o that_o thou_o be_v shackle_a up_o in_o unhappy_a chain_n and_o the_o flesh_n call_v and_o persuade_v thou_o to_o the_o contrary_a that_o thou_o will_v but_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v pious_a that_o thou_o will_v this_o moment_n but_o thou_o can_v not_o will_v it_o any_o time_n long_o alas_o if_o thou_o will_v it_o o_o my_o soul_n it_o may_v be_v do_v these_o chain_n of_o thy_o will_n be_v voluntary_a chain_n these_o bond_n be_v evil_a habit_n and_o engagement_n in_o corruption_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o lessen_v thy_o sin_n that_o they_o render_v thou_o the_o more_o culpable_a in_o this_o sort_n of_o thing_n we_o do_v all_o that_o we_o will_v and_o when_o we_o do_v not_o that_o which_o we_o will_v it_o be_v because_o we_o will_v it_o with_o a_o most_o imperfect_a will_n prayer_n o_o most_o merciful_a saviour_n i_o be_o very_o sensible_a i_o be_o not_o tru●●_n devout_a because_o i_o have_v not_o the_o will_v to_o be_v so_o but_o ala●●_n though_o the_o cord_n that_o tie_v up_o 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hear_v my_o prayer_n o_o god_n and_o let_v not_o 〈◊〉_d meditation_n be_v fruitless_a quicken_v the_o divine_a word_n of_o thy_o ●ly_o spirit_n that_o it_o may_v enkindle_v my_o heart_n as_o a_o fire_n and_o ●●at_o i_o may_v be_v forthwith_o deliver_v from_o those_o coldness_n ●●ich_a rack_n and_o torture_v i_o so_o as_o i_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o d●●●tion_n as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v wish_v to_o be_v so_o chap._n ii_o the_o second_o general_a advice_n to_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n and_o practise_v all_o the_o virtue_n we_o have_v already_o say_v somewhat_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o live_v well_o to_o become_v true_o devout_a but_o the_o subject_n be_v too_o important_a to_o make_v a_o halt_n or_o stop_v there_o ●nd_v therefore_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o ●●ion_n more_o straight_o than_o that_o of_o a_o faithful_a soul_n with_o ●s_a god_n in_o the_o act_n of_o devotion_n it_o be_v a_o secret_a commerce_n it_o be_v to_o see_v god_n face_n to_o face_n and_o speak_v with_o ●im_a as_o one_o intimate_a friend_n speak_v with_o another_o all_o ●●at_n be_v conceive_v of_o the_o union_n betwixt_o the_o husband_n and_o ●●e_v wife_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n betwixt_o the_o ●ody_n and_o a_o member_n be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o represent_v 〈◊〉_d we_o the_o union_n of_o a_o soul_n that_o fly_v to_o heaven_n upon_o ●he_n wing_n of_o hope_n and_o faith_n and_o to_o which_o god_n discover_v the_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o his_o love_n god_n enter_v into_o it_o and_o it_o into_o god_n and_o so_o they_o be●●me_v one_o but_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o to_o smooth_a ●he_n way_n to_o himself_o towards_o so_o strict_a a_o union_n he_o must_v be_v ●ure_a even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a the_o heavenly_a lamp_n suffer_v no_o ●ening_n nor_o mixture_n of_o day_n or_o night_n god_n who_o be_v ●ight_n can_v be_v unite_v to_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v in_o darkness_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n for_o which_o we_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o holy_a ghoft'_v presence_n in_o we_o it_o be_v devotion_n now_o we_o know_v well_o enough_o by_o what_o we_o may_v obtain_v this_o presence_n of_o the_o h._n spirit_n it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o magnificence_n of_o the_o house_n but_o its_o neatness_n when_o the_o evil_a spiri●_n go_v out_o of_o the_o house_n and_o at_o his_o return_n find_v i●_n sweep_v and_o garnish_v he_o return_v ashamed_a and_o can_v enter_v thereinto_o without_o the_o help_n of_o six_o other_o spirit_n more_o wicked_a than_o himself_o that_o which_o drive_v the_o evil_a spirit_n away_o attract_v the_o holy_a one_o and_o he_o do_v not_o make_v our_o heart_n to_o be_v his_o temple_n unless_o we_o banish_v thence_o all_o impurity_n moses_n carve_v and_o polish_v two_o table_n of_o stone_n god_n engrave_v his_o law_n thereon_o a_o painter_n cleanse_v his_o linnen-cloth_n before_o he_o draw_v o●_n it_o the_o picture_n of_o a_o prince_n we_o have_v two_o carnal_a table_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o understanding_n and_o will_n but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v write_v his_o law_n or_o the_o h._n ghost_n paint_v his_o image_n thereon_o unless_o they_o be_v nea●_n and_o polish_a thou_o devout_a and_o pious_a soul_n which_o wish_v to_o see_v god_n abide_v in_o thou_o and_o his_o love_n in_o thy_o heart_n cleanse_v the_o table_n of_o thy_o understanding_n from_o those_o many_o error_n prejudices_fw-la fond_a imagination_n and_o eu●●_n thought_n cleanse_v the_o table_n of_o thy_o will_n from_o those_o sinful_a inclination_n and_o vicious_a habit_n when_o both_o these_o table_n shall_v become_v blank_a and_o white_a undoubted_o god_n will_v come_v to_o paint_v and_o engrave_v his_o image_n thereon_o devotion_n be_v a_o entrance_n into_o god_n cabinet_n 〈◊〉_d bring_v i_o say_v the_o spouse_n to_o the_o banqueting-house_n but_o no_o one_o enter_v there_o unless_o he_o have_v the_o wedding_n garment_n on_o and_o be_v graceful_o deck_v with_o faith_n hope_v and_o charity_n unless_o he_o put_v on_o the_o lord_n jes●●_n christ_n and_o the_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n of_o a_o meek_a mind_n 〈◊〉_d righteousness_n and_o holiness_n devotion_n be_v a_o elevation●_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o sin_n a_o clog_n to_o it_o if_o we_o burden_n the_o soul_n with_o these_o weight_n how_o shall_v it_o lift_v itself_o up_o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o discharge_v our_o heart_n of_o one_o sin_n to_o day_n to_o morrow_n of_o another_o to_o subdue_v covetousness_n one_o day_n to_o attack_v pride_n another_o ambition_n and_o the_o more_o thy_o heart_n be_v thus_o engage_v the_o more_o free_a will_v thy_o devotion_n be_v above_o all_o we_o ought_v to_o remember_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v the_o most_o delicate_a and_o tender_a part_n of_o ●s_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o put_v it_o into_o disorder_n we_o ●overthrow_v it_o with_o age_n but_o to_o re-establish_a it_o be_v the_o ●●nost_o difficulty_n it_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n any_o chip_n ●ny_n grain_n of_o dust_n be_v able_a to_o destroy_v it_o it_o be_v milk_n which_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o air_n be_v motion_n only_o and_o by_o thunder_n it_o be_v a_o lute_n that_o be_v put_v out_o of_o tune_n by_o unsea●●●able_a distemper_n of_o the_o air_n and_o certain_o true_a sanctification_n have_v more_o part_n than_o a_o lute_n have_v string_n so_o that_o this_o holiness_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v ruin_v by_o the_o disorder_n of_o one_o of_o those_o part_n as_o one_o bad_a sound_n destroy_v ●ll_o the_o harmony_n of_o a_o consort_n and_o therefore_o with_o a_o wondered_a care_n we_o ought_v to_o guard_v our_o heart_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o the_o soul_n resemble_v a_o sea_n and_o its_o passion_n the_o wind_n if_o you_o do_v
quell_v and_o take_v our_o heart_n low_a till_o we_o have_v bring_v it_o to_o its_o duty_n we_o be_v to_o read_v meditate_v pray_v let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o against_o the_o grain_n although_o the_o devil_n come_v to_o fill_v your_o mind_n with_o evil_a thought_n say_v st._n basil_n you_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o abandon_v the_o use_n of_o prayer_n you_o be_v to_o make_v new_a and_o great_a endeavour_n you_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o break_v this_o thick_a wall_n of_o vain_a thought_n which_o separate_v you_o from_o he_o you_o must_v beseech_v he_o that_o your_o soul_n may_v be_v able_a soon_o to_o get_v to_o he_o without_o be_v retard_v by_o meet_v vain_a and_o evil_a object_n and_o if_o the_o enemy_n shall_v come_v even_o with_o a_o plentiful_a supply_n of_o distraction_n yet_o you_o be_v not_o to_o give_v back_o nor_o lose_v any_o courage_n nor_o renounce_v victory_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o combat_n you_o must_v persevere_v till_o god_n perceive_v your_o constancy_n come_v to_o fill_v you_o with_o the_o light_n of_o his_o spirit_n put_v the_o enemy_n to_o flight_n purify_v your_o understanding_n and_o furnish_v your_o reason_n with_o a_o divine_a light_n whereby_o your_o soul_n be_v put_v into_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o tranquillity_n exempt_a from_o trouble_n may_v serve_v god_n with_o a_o perfect_a joy_n this_o holy_a person_n insinuate_v a_o reason_n to_o we_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o remember_v in_o the_o design_n of_o perseverance_n which_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n never_o leave_v off_o tempt_v we_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o leave_v off_o resist_v he_o our_o resistance_n do_v not_o make_v he_o give_v back_o so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o be_v foil_v by_o his_o temptation_n god_n who_o be_v the_o spectator_n of_o our_o warfare_n and_o the_o rewarder_n of_o our_o labour_n will_v with_o pleasure_n see_v the_o faithful_a soul_n in_o conflict_n with_o its_o infirmity_n and_o distraction_n and_o when_o it_o be_v well_o nigh_o be_v subdue_v will_v come_v at_o length_n and_o lend_v it_o his_o help_a hand_n perseverance_n be_v a_o virtue_n of_o such_o great_a use_n that_o we_o owe_v to_o it_o the_o best_a work_n of_o nature_n of_o art_n and_o of_o grace_n if_o god_n have_v leave_v the_o world_n imperfect_a instead_o of_o a_o miracle_n he_o have_v make_v a_o prodigy_n there_o be_v particular_o certain_a work_n to_o which_o the_o last-hand_n be_v so_o essential_a that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o conclude_v they_o what_o have_v be_v begin_v do_v entire_o perish_v if_o you_o leave_v a_o picture_n after_o its_o first_o rough-drawing_a and_o design_n these_o beginning_n will_v not_o cease_v subsist_v upon_o the_o cloth_n but_o if_o you_o carry_v a_o wheel_n half_a way_n upon_o a_o hill_n and_o then_o leave_v it_o to_o itself_o for_o a_o moment_n why_o present_o it_o will_v get_v to_o the_o valley_n bottom_n again_o and_o your_o labour_n will_v not_o only_o be_v imperfect_a but_o will_v come_v 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and_o this_o small_a sparkle_n will_v become_v a_o great_a fire_n and_o this_o fire_n will_v cause_v a_o kindle_v and_o that_o kindle_v will_v cast_v up_o flame_n and_o those_o flame_n will_v lift_v thou_o to_o heaven_n but_o if_o thou_o neglect_v this_o spark_n it_o will_v go_v quite_o out_o samson_n deliver_v himself_o up_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o dalilah_n he_o sleep_v in_o her_o breast_n his_o hair_n be_v shave_v which_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o his_o strength_n and_o when_o the_o awake_v he_o go_v according_a to_o custom_n to_o take_v away_o the_o gate_n of_o gath_n and_o break_v the_o cord_n of_o the_o philistine_n but_o he_o do_v not_o find_v himself_o the_o same_o samson_n so_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v weaken_v by_o a_o non-assiduity_n to_o devotion_n sleep_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o pleasure_n his_o soul_n be_v enervate_v he_o think_v to_o return_v to_o his_o old_a wont_a of_o have_v commere_fw-la with_o god_n but_o the_o devil_n attack_n and_o overthrow_v he_o by_o a_o load_n 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meanness_n of_o my_o own_o strength_n or_o to_o speak_v better_a my_o weakness_n and_o my_o nothing_o i_o aim_v at_o great_a thing_n for_o i_o aim_v at_o become_v one_o with_o my_o god_n i_o will_v become_v like_o he_o i_o will_v renew_v his_o image_n in_o i_o i_o will_v cleanse_v my_o heart_n so_o corrupt_a with_o sin_n i_o will_v rebuild_v this_o great_a house_n which_o sin_n and_o the_o devil_n have_v bring_v to_o ruin_v i_o will_v ascend_v the_o throne_n i_o will_v become_v king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n my_o father_n alas_o my_o soul_n where_o in_o thyself_o will_v thou_o find_v strength_n to_o do_v such_o great_a thing_n thou_o who_o be_v only_a darkness_n weakness_n and_o pollution_n if_o thou_o have_v no_o other_o enemy_n to_o engage_v with_o but_o the_o devil_n how_o will_v thou_o vanquish_v that_o red_a dragon_n which_o have_v seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n that_o wicked_a serpent_n at_o the_o beginning_n poison_v our_o first_o parent_n with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o 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against_o his_o poison_n let_v thy_o grace_n heal_v the_o wound_n which_o his_o bite_n and_o sting_n have_v make_v in_o my_o soul_n uphold_v i_o in_o all_o the_o difficulty_n which_o that_o dangerous_a enemy_n make_v i_o meet_v with_o in_o my_o spiritual_a exercise_n when_o i_o enter_v into_o my_o closet_n or_o thy_o temple_n be_v like_o a_o brazen_a wall_n about_o i_o to_o defend_v i_o from_o the_o access_n of_o evil_a spirit_n so_o as_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o thy_o protection_n and_o love_n i_o may_v live_v during_o these_o moment_n in_o a_o clear_a and_o calm_a air_n in_o a_o profound_a peace_n by_o favour_n whereof_o i_o may_v consecrate_v to_o thou_o all_o my_o thought_n my_o will_n my_o heart_n my_o understanding_n and_o my_o imagination_n and_o nothing_o may_v withdraw_v i_o from_o thou_o chap._n v._o the_o five_o general_a direction_n to_o help_v devotion_n to_o have_v god_n always_o before_o our_o eye_n this_o be_v a_o remedy_n for_o most_o mischief_n but_o it_o be_v particular_o so_o against_o indevotion_n i_o shall_v say_v by_o and_o by_o that_o the_o faithful_a aught_o to_o have_v their_o hour_n of_o devotion_n wherein_o to_o retrace_v express_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o divinity_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o awaken_v it_o to_o remember_v his_o benefit_n and_o grace_n but_o this_o be_v not_o what_o i_o mean_v at_o present_a i_o speak_v of_o that_o continual_a and_o as_o it_o be_v habitual_a thought_n of_o god_n which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v abandon_v it_o be_v a_o delicate_a and_o most_o spiritual_a meditation_n which_o come_v a_o cross_a to_o rob_v our_o worldly_a affair_n of_o those_o moment_n which_v it_o consecrate_v to_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o sublime_a operation_n of_o a_o understanding_n illuminate_v by_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n that_o find_v god_n all_o in_o all_o that_o mix_v he_o in_o all_o our_o action_n and_o spi_v he_o out_o in_o all_o object_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o amid_o humane_a affair_n it_o turn_v 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thought_n of_o thy_o lord_n abasement_n and_o humility_n in_o his_o birth_n a_o unhappy_a person_n that_o suffer_v for_o his_o fin_n will_v bring_v thou_o to_o think_v on_o jesus_n who_o suffer_v for_o thou_o one_o that_o ask_v a_o alm_n will_v ask_v it_o for_o christ_n his_o sake_n or_o will_v tell_v thou_o that_o he_o become_v poor_a that_o thou_o may_v be_v rich_a in_o a_o word_n out_o of_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o thou_o to_o extract_v a_o occasion_n to_o think_v on_o thy_o god_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o the_o object_n of_o nature_n that_o put_v thou_o in_o mind_n of_o he_o almost_o against_o thy_o will_n if_o thou_o rise_v betimes_o thou_o can_v not_o see_v the_o sun_n rise_v without_o think_v on_o he_o that_o have_v make_v this_o work_n and_o without_o be_v reminded_a of_o the_o sun_n of_o thy_o soul_n who_o pour_v forth_o the_o gleam_n of_o his_o grace_n into_o thy_o heart_n to_o disperse_v thence_o all_o darkness_n the_o wood_n the_o river_n the_o mountain_n the_o field_n cover_v with_o harvest_n corn_n the_o tree_n fruit_n flower_n all_o in_o short_a will_v entertain_v and_o compliment_v thou_o with_o thy_o god_n for_o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handy_a work_n the_o fly_n and_o worm_n themselves_o speak_v this_o since_o we_o see_v the_o divinity_n show_v in_o they_o for_o as_o st_n austin_n say_v well_o this_o worker_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n appear_v great_a in_o great_a thing_n that_o he_o do_v not_o appear_v lesss_o great_a in_o the_o least_o of_o his_o work_n we_o be_v therefore_o to_o form_v a_o habit_n to_o ourselves_o of_o think_v on_o god_n even_o while_o we_o do_v every_o thing_n and_o this_o will_v be_v the_o true_a way_n of_o do_v well_o what_o we_o do_v and_o engage_v god_n to_o do_v it_o with_o we_o now_o there_o be_v some_o employment_n which_o take_v not_o the_o soul_n entire_o up_o a_o workman_n at_o his_o work_n or_o a_o woman_n in_o such_o concern_v as_o be_v 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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 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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
with_o relation_n to_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o most_o eloquent_a and_o he_o that_o be_v least_o so_o than_o between_o one_o child_n and_o another_o god_n understand_v all_o language_n and_o all_o style_n he_o require_v no_o order_n nor_o elegance_n the_o most_o confuse_a thought_n that_o come_v in_o a_o crowd_n from_o the_o heart_n be_v often_o most_o please_a to_o he_o he_o hear_v the_o sigh_n of_o the_o dumb_a he_o know_v what_o we_o desire_v better_a than_o we_o can_v speak_v or_o oftentimes_o conceive_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v after_o all_o there_o be_v none_o but_o know_v what_o they_o want_v and_o by_o consequence_n none_o but_o can_v pray_v for_o prayer_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o weave_n of_o desire_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o for_o the_o present_a life_n the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v the_o passion_n be_v eloquent_a and_o the_o imagination_n be_v warm_v by_o its_o sympathy_n with_o the_o heart_n wherefore_o those_o person_n that_o excuse_v themselves_o upon_o the_o smallness_n of_o their_o light_n when_o they_o be_v inflame_v with_o choler_n never_o want_v word_n and_o certain_o if_o their_o heart_n be_v heat_v with_o the_o fire_n of_o devotion_n the_o imagination_n will_v be_v very_o sensible_a of_o it_o and_o they_o can_v complain_v of_o want_n of_o thought_n or_o expression_n meditation_n thou_o have_v never_o well_o comprise_v o_o my_o soul_n how_o much_o honour_n thy_o god_n do_v thou_o in_o permit_v thou_o to_o cast_v thyself_o at_o his_o foot_n thou_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o this_o favour_n thou_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v owe_v thou_o it_o for_o that_o thou_o will_v humble_v thyself_o before_o he_o thou_o remember_v not_o how_o dear_a and_o scarce_o be_v the_o audience_n before_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o yet_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n but_o a_o shadow_n a_o nothing_o the_o king_n of_o king_n be_v please_v to_o lend_v his_o ear_n to_o thou_o to_o hear_v thou_o to_o succour_v thou_o his_o throne_n be_v accessible_a at_o all_o time_n to_o approach_v thither_o there_o be_v no_o need_n either_o of_o favour_n or_o friend_n or_o credit_n or_o painful_a solicitation_n or_o troublesome_a attending_n notwithstanding_o what_o be_v that_o throne_n and_o how_o great_a its_o magnificence_n and_o glory_n thereon_o god_n be_v seat_v environ_v with_o a_o light_n who_o lustre_n dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o seraphim_n all_o around_z million_o of_o angel_n and_o arch-angel_n fall_v upon_o their_o face_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n rivers_n of_o milk_n and_o honey_n which_o his_o child_n drink_v of_o on_o the_o left_a be_v torrent_n of_o fire_n to_o devour_v his_o adversary_n on_o the_o one_o side_n be_v hell_n and_o death_n and_o the_o dreadful_a minister_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n and_o on_o the_o other_o heaven_n and_o paradise_n with_o the_o glorious_a reward_n which_o god_n prepare_v for_o those_o who_o he_o love_v thou_o do_v not_o see_v this_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o therefore_o thou_o be_v the_o less_o touch_v but_o thou_o ought_v to_o believe_v it_o though_o the_o veil_n of_o thy_o flesh_n rob_v thou_o of_o the_o fight_n therefore_o represent_v to_o thyself_o the_o magnificence_n of_o that_o throne_n tremble_v admire_v and_o be_v fill_v with_o gratitude_n for_o that_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o commerce_n thou_o have_v with_o a_o miserable_a body_n abide_v in_o a_o house_n of_o clay_n and_o have_v thy_o seat_n in_o the_o dust_n thou_o can_v nevertheless_o at_o all_o time_n with_o liberty_n present_v thyself_o before_o he_o who_o sit_v upon_o the_o cherubim_n who_o fly_v upon_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n who_o make_v his_o angel_n spirit_n and_o his_o minister_n a_o flame_n of_o fire_n thou_o have_v the_o permission_n to_o pray_v but_o thou_o know_v not_o how_o to_o pray_v and_o that_o because_o thou_o know_v not_o to_o love_v one_o intimate_a friend_n never_o want_v thing_n to_o discourse_v on_o to_o another_o when_o our_o heart_n be_v perfect_o open_v to_o any_o one_o and_o we_o have_v receive_v his_o soul_n into_o our_o breast_n we_o be_v never_o short_a alas_o my_o soul_n if_o thou_o love_v thy_o god_n perfect_o thou_o will_v be_v never_o weary_a with_o entertain_v he_o never_o will_v thy_o imagination_n be_v congeal_v thy_o tongue_n remain_v speechless_a or_o thou_o want_v word_n thy_o mouth_n will_v pour_v itself_o forth_o like_o a_o torrent_n and_o thy_o prayer_n will_v roll_n like_o a_o flame_n but_o thou_o languish_v in_o thy_o prayer_n since_o thou_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o god_n as_o thy_o near_a and_o best_a friend_n the_o barrenness_n of_o thy_o heart_n come_v from_o the_o coldness_n of_o thy_o love_n prayer_n o_o holy_a spirit_n which_o art_n love_v itself_o in_o the_o most_o adorable_a trinity_n o_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n make_v intercession_n for_o i_o with_o dumb_a interrupt_a groan_n and_o such_o as_o can_v be_v express_v teach_v i_o how_o i_o ought_v to_o pray_v i_o know_v almost_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o my_o prayer_n but_o i_o be_o ignorant_a how_o to_o give_v they_o their_o form_n i_o feel_v in_o myself_o a_o chaos_n of_o confuse_a thought_n and_o motion_n which_o i_o can_v unmixe_v or_o disentangle_v the_o light_n be_v find_v blend_v with_o darkness_n worldly_a with_o heavenly_a thought_n o_o holy_a spirit_n which_o at_o the_o world_n beginning_n do_v in_o the_o like_a chaos_n draw_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n and_o order_n out_o of_o confusion_n stretch_v forth_o thy_o wing_n upon_o the_o waver_a water_n of_o my_o thought_n and_o hatch_v they_o into_o well_o conceive_v form_v and_o digest_v prayer_n thou_o make_v the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v and_o give_v eloquence_n to_o those_o that_o be_v slow_a of_o speech_n touch_v my_o tongue_n with_o a_o coal_n from_o thy_o altar_n that_o my_o lip_n may_v be_v purify_v my_o mouth_n open_v and_o i_o may_v declare_v thy_o praise_n warm_a my_o heart_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o devout_a and_o pious_a thought_n that_o from_o the_o abundance_n of_o my_o heart_n my_o mouth_n may_v speak_v and_o thou_o o_o lord_n jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n our_o great_a highpriest_n receive_v my_o prayer_n as_o incense_n and_o carry_v they_o before_o that_o adorable_a throne_n upon_o which_o thy_o father_n sit_v make_v they_o to_o smoke_v before_o he_o make_v they_o a_o sweet_a smell_a odour_n of_o atonement_n that_o these_o calf_n of_o my_o lip_n may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o because_o my_o offering_n be_v imperfect_a cover_v they_o with_o thy_o perfect_a righteousness_n obtain_v through_o thy_o intecession_n what_o my_o prayer_n alone_o will_v never_o obtain_v chap._n x._o the_o five_o particular_a help_n to_o devotion_n fast_v and_o mortification_n none_o can_v deny_v that_o fast_v and_o mortification_n be_v most_o necessary_a help_n to_o devotion_n unless_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o maxim_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n the_o scripture_n seldom_o separate_v prayer_n from_o fast_v it_o give_v to_o both_o joint_o the_o force_n of_o drive_v away_o the_o most_o dangerous_a demon_n this_o kind_n of_o devil_n go_v not_o out_o but_o by_o prayer_n and_o fast_v the_o flesh_n be_v a_o headstrong_a horse_n which_o we_o can_v manage_v but_o by_o hold_v in_o the_o bridle_n it_o be_v a_o lion_n which_o we_o must_v not_o feed_v so_o long_o till_o he_o be_v grow_v fat_a unless_o we_o will_v augment_v his_o cruelty_n and_o cast_v ourselves_o into_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v devour_v by_o he_o the_o body_n if_o we_o mark_v be_v the_o same_o flesh_n whereof_o the_o gospel_n complain_v so_o strong_o and_o in_o so_o many_o place_n of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o its_o fruit_n be_v debauchery_n strife_n sedition_n murder_n hatred_n envy_v ambition_n and_o covetousness_n so_o that_o to_o hinder_v the_o product_n of_o these_o fruit_n it_o be_v good_a to_o keep_v this_o plant_n in_o continual_a great_a dryness_n for_o if_o we_o besprinkle_v this_o root_n of_o bitterness_n with_o carnal_a pleasure_n it_o will_v shoot_v up_o its_o sprout_n on_o high_a and_o turn_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o plant_n which_o be_v very_o tall_a and_o surmount_v their_o neighbour_n leave_v they_o in_o a_o bad_a estate_n in_o suck_v all_o the_o fatness_n of_o the_o earth_n from_o they_o so_o the_o flesh_n grow_v not_o fat_a but_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o it_o deprive_v of_o comfort_n and_o leave_v it_o in_o a_o great_a bareness_n of_o fruit._n a_o great_a meal_n be_v a_o very_a bad_a preparative_n for_o the_o