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life_n believe_v jesus_n lord_n 8,211 5 3.8236 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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in_o a_o entire_a privation_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n fancy_n death_n as_o a_o messenger_n that_o bring_v he_o good_a news_n as_o a_o deliverer_n that_o be_v come_v to_o throw_v down_o the_o four_o wall_n of_o his_o prison_n down_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o will_v leave_v a_o passage_n free_a on_o all_o side_n to_o fly_v away_o to_o heaven_n the_o voluptuous_a they_o must_v be_v drag_v to_o death_n they_o lay_v hold_v on_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o way_n to_o stop_v themselves_o they_o give_v place_n to_o necessity_n but_o they_o do_v it_o with_o a_o awkward_a and_o ill_a grace_n these_o therefore_o who_o multiply_v the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o sense_n make_v themselves_o chain_n the_o break_v whereof_o will_v cost_v they_o many_o a_o groan_n and_o many_o a_o tear_n but_o pious_a people_n who_o have_v renounce_v the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n can_v be_v in_o pain_n to_o forsake_v the_o present_a life_n since_o they_o have_v quit_v that_o which_o life_n have_v most_o agreeable_a i_o shall_v say_v here_o that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n be_v enemy_n to_o devotion_n because_o they_o absolute_o take_v away_o the_o taste_n of_o the_o spiritual_a pleasure_n which_o the_o faithful_a find_v in_o the_o commerce_n they_o have_v with_o god_n but_o that_o i_o have_v say_v it_o already_o and_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a both_o in_o reason_n and_o experience_n we_o know_v that_o those_o slave_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n look_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v say_v of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o devotion_n as_o mere_a idle_a story_n speak_v to_o they_o of_o the_o delight_n which_o the_o faithful_a soul_n taste_v when_o god_n speak_v to_o it_o within_o its_o heart_n and_o during_o the_o silence_n of_o its_o passion_n of_o the_o sweetness_n it_o find_v in_o meditate_v on_o the_o love_n he_o have_v for_o we_o and_o in_o contemplate_v on_o its_o mystery_n all_o this_o will_v appear_v to_o they_o as_o dream_n and_o vision_n undoubted_o one_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o in_o proportion_n as_o he_o have_v renounce_v those_o 〈◊〉_d the_o body_n and_o therefore_o we_o christian_n be_v all_o so_o little_o touch_v with_o spiritual_a pleasure_n with_o prayer_n meditation_n contemplation_n because_o we_o be_v not_o of_o those_o who_o have_v perfect_o renounce_v sensual_a pleasure_n in_o this_o respect_n we_o must_v confess_v rich_a and_o great_a man_n be_v expose_v to_o great_a temptation_n their_o condition_n say_v they_o oblige_v they_o to_o draw_v after_o they_o a_o great_a equipage_n of_o pleasure_n if_o it_o be_v so_o they_o be_v very_o unhappy_a and_o in_o prospect_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v our_o saviour_n say_v how_o hard_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n riches_n and_o grandeur_n be_v continual_a temptation_n to_o voluptuousness_n and_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a for_o he_o that_o be_v always_o tempt_v not_o to_o yield_v sometime_o but_o although_o moderation_n and_o temperance_n be_v praiseworthy_a when_o they_o be_v keep_v amid_o so_o many_o enemy_n that_o conspire_v their_o ruin_n it_o be_v very_o rare_o so_o and_o therefore_o devotion_n be_v not_o so_o common_a among_o they_o who_o by_o their_o rank_n fancy_n themselves_o oblige_v to_o live_v evermore_o in_o pleasure_n in_o short_a if_o it_o be_v permit_v we_o to_o draw_v proof_n from_o example_n as_o without_o doubt_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v we_o may_v easy_o prove_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n and_o christianity_n be_v enemy_n to_o sensual_a pleasure_n whether_o be_v the_o christian_n of_o our_o age_n that_o live_v with_o a_o freedom_n which_o austere_a morality_n call_v libertinage_n better_o enter_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n than_o the_o christian_n of_o former_a age_n who_o lead_v a_o most_o severe_a and_o rigorous_a life_n many_o there_o have_v be_v who_o not_o find_v a_o retreat_n secure_a enough_o in_o the_o world_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o 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have_v his_o life_n any_o thing_n common_a with_o sensual_a pleasure_n you_o see_v he_o bear_v in_o a_o stable_a bring_v up_o in_o the_o house_n of_o a_o carpenter_n you_o see_v he_o fast_o forty_o day_n in_o the_o wilderness_n you_o see_v he_o live_v on_o the_o alm_n of_o woman_n that_o follow_v he_o we_o hear_v he_o declare_v that_o he_o have_v not_o whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n we_o see_v he_o go_v on_o foot_n and_o without_o equipage_n from_o city_n to_o city_n and_o do_v this_o now_o relish_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o delicious_a life_n who_o can_v know_v better_a what_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n than_o our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o devotion_n but_o he_o who_o be_v perfect_o devote_v to_o his_o father_n after_o this_o let_v none_o tell_v i_o that_o our_o lord_n be_v no_o enemy_n to_o pleasure_n because_o he_o be_v present_a at_o feast_n and_o nuptial_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v at_o all_o our_o feast_n we_o shall_v not_o see_v insolence_n and_o debauchery_n to_o reign_v there_o wisdom_n temperance_n sobriety_n and_o the_o high_a moderation_n will_v march_v in_o his_o train_n meditation_n see_v thou_o be_v compass_v about_o o_o my_o soul_n with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o thou_o see_v so_o many_o so_o holy_a so_o excellent_a example_n have_v go_v before_o thou_o thou_o must_v follow_v and_o imitate_v they_o will_v thou_o follow_v a_o elias_n in_o the_o desert_n a_o moses_n on_o the_o mountain_n fast_v forty_o day_n and_o not_o feed_v but_o on_o the_o bread_n of_o raven_n nor_o drink_v but_o of_o the_o water_n of_o a_o torrent_n but_o these_o be_v particular_a vocation_n that_o do_v not_o refer_v to_o thou_o nevertheless_o if_o any_o one_o will_v imitate_v john_n baptist_n wear_v sackcloth_n with_o he_o be_v clothe_v with_o camel_n hair_n and_o eat_v locust_n and_o 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to_o remember_v he_o to_o who_o we_o speak_v can_v we_o doubt_v also_o that_o our_o slackness_n do_v not_o come_v from_o the_o little_a love_n we_o have_v for_o god_n one_o friend_n do_v not_o visit_v another_o nor_o a_o lover_n his_o mistress_n with_o such_o a_o air_n of_o negligence_n as_o we_o show_v in_o god_n service_n if_o we_o be_v kindle_v with_o love_n all_o our_o motion_n will_v receive_v impression_n from_o that_o heavenly_a fire_n in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n have_v touch_v our_o heart_n we_o shall_v not_o go_v so_o slow_o to_o he_o of_o who_o we_o think_v to_o receive_v celestial_a happiness_n but_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o this_o can_v be_v count_v among_o the_o source_n of_o indevotion_n since_o that_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n be_v indevotion_n itself_o to_o conclude_v we_o must_v confess_v that_o we_o often_o find_v ourselves_o in_o some_o certain_a indisposition_n of_o heart_n whereof_o we_o can_v render_v no_o account_n 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pleasure_n and_o voluptuosness_n we_o have_v examine_v the_o source_n of_o indevotion_n and_o have_v endeavour_v to_o stop_v and_o stem_v they_o but_o among_o all_o the_o rest_n one_o there_o be_v more_o lively_a more_o green_a and_o more_o abound_v in_o impurite_n and_o by_o consequence_n more_o a_o enemy_n to_o piety_n and_o that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o after_o have_v well_o think_v on_o it_o we_o find_v that_o this_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o love_n of_o pleasure_n and_o sensual_a voluptuousness_n experience_n let_v we_o see_v that_o this_o spirit_n be_v such_o a_o enemy_n to_o devotion_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v animate_v with_o it_o and_o to_o be_v devout_a this_o perpetual_a use_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n do_v fix_v the_o soul_n so_o strong_o to_o matter_n as_o it_o become_v incapable_a of_o any_o elevation_n the_o more_o we_o have_v of_o union_n with_o sensible_a thing_n the_o more_o we_o be_v disunite_v from_o god_n we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o turn_v on_o this_o side_n our_o great_a industry_n and_o endeavour_n to_o strive_v to_o bring_v the_o soul_n back_o to_o god_n and_o make_v that_o strong_a application_n cease_v it_o have_v for_o material_a thing_n so_o as_o it_o may_v lean_v and_o adhere_v to_o god_n and_o employ_v its_o self_n about_o he_o upon_o which_o account_n although_o the_o overgreat_a sensibility_n we_o have_v of_o earthly_a pleasure_n have_v have_v its_o chapter_n above_o among_o the_o other_o source_n of_o indevotion_n we_o believe_v we_o have_v not_o say_v enough_o upon_o so_o great_a and_o so_o important_a a_o subject_n this_o be_v a_o monster_n too_o redoutable_a to_o be_v beat_v and_o quell_v by_o the_o by_o and_o with_o so_o much_o negligence_n if_o we_o can_v
coufound_v in_o that_o mighty_a abyss_n of_o what_o be_v past_a but_o the_o moment_n thou_o give_v to_o thy_o god_n be_v put_v in_o reserve_n thou_o will_v find_v they_o they_o will_v come_v before_o thou_o at_o the_o great_a judgement_n they_o will_v be_v put_v to_o thy_o account_n and_o for_o some_o moment_n of_o devotion_n thou_o shall_v receive_v eternal_a glory_n do_v not_o therefore_o hang_v in_o suspense_n any_o long_o o_o my_o soul_n delay_v no_o more_o to_o renounce_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o all_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o age_n for_o to_o follow_v thy_o god_n only_o in_o he_o be_v the_o well_o of_o life_n in_o his_o light_n thou_o shall_v see_v light_a thou_o shall_v be_v fat_v with_o the_o fat_a of_o his_o house_n and_o quench_v thy_o thirst_n in_o the_o flood_n of_o his_o pleasure_n in_o thy_o old_a age_n thou_o shall_v not_o regret_n the_o loss_n of_o thy_o youth_n thy_o day_n shall_v not_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o thou_o to_o condemn_v thou_o when_o thou_o shall_v be_v old_a and_o on_o the_o brink_n of_o death_n the_o thought_n of_o thy_o god_n shall_v not_o put_v thou_o into_o a_o affright_n thou_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o judge_n who_o come_v to_o demand_v a_o account_n of_o so_o many_o year_n consume_v in_o vain_a pleasure_n but_o a_o deliverer_n who_o will_v come_v to_o break_v thy_o iron_n and_o as_o a_o rewarder_n bring_v day_n of_o refreshment_n instead_o of_o painful_a and_o dolorous_a year_n which_o the_o world_n will_v make_v thou_o pass_v through_o prayer_n o_o most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a lord_n thou_o guide_v of_o my_o youth_n thou_o light_v to_o the_o blind_a thou_o instructor_n of_o the_o ignorant_a who_o enlightene_v the_o simple_a bring_v back_o those_o that_o have_v wander_v into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o perfect_a praise_n out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o babe_n and_o suckling_n teach_v i_o thy_o way_n and_o draw_v i_o out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o the_o world_n make_v haste_n that_o i_o may_v do_v so_o too_o leave_v i_o not_o any_o long_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o sin_n by_o the_o effusion_n of_o thy_o grace_n into_o my_o soul_n make_v my_o heart_n to_o desire_v thou_o that_o in_o desire_v thou_o it_o may_v seek_v thou_o and_o in_o seek_v thou_o it_o may_v find_v thou_o in_o find_v thou_o it_o may_v love_v thou_o and_o in_o love_v thou_o it_o may_v find_v in_o that_o love_n a_o sovereign_a joy_n it_o be_v now_o too_o long_o a_o time_n i_o have_v consume_v myself_o in_o my_o vain_a desire_n i_o will_v go_v to_o thou_o but_o i_o find_v not_o strength_n to_o vanquish_v those_o habit_n wherein_o i_o be_o engage_v by_o custom_n come_v therefore_o and_o tear_v i_o o_o my_o god_n out_o of_o the_o arm_n of_o voluptuousness_n suffer_v not_o these_o delay_n of_o i_o and_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v yet_o a_o little_a while_n stay_v a_o little_a long_o draw_v i_o by_o thy_o powerful_a word_n and_o say_v unto_o i_o awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v arise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o christ_n shall_v give_v thou_o light_n if_o word_n be_v not_o efficacious_a enough_o to_o raise_v i_o up_o touch_v the_o bier_n strike_v the_o body_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v bury_v it_o sleep_v in_o its_o tomb_n or_o rather_o it_o be_v dead_a bodily_a pleasure_n have_v overwhelm_v or_o slay_v it_o smite_v therefore_o the_o body_n that_o the_o soul_n may_v awake_v for_o it_o be_v better_a that_o i_o enter_v into_o life_n have_v but_o one_o eye_n than_o have_v two_o eye_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell-fire_n it_o be_v better_a that_o my_o flesh_n here_o below_o suffer_v some_o pain_n and_o that_o my_o soul_n one_o day_n taste_v those_o infinite_a pleasure_n which_o thou_o prepare_v for_o it_o on_o high_a i_o abide_v in_o sodom_n and_o i_o love_v my_o abode_n thou_o send_v thy_o angel_n to_o draw_v i_o thence_o thy_o word_n and_o thy_o mnister_n to_o make_v i_o depart_v before_o the_o terrible_a day_n come_v in_o which_o thou_o will_v tumble_v down_o torrent_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n upon_o this_o wicked_a world_n but_o i_o ever_o find_v pretext_n to_o delay_v lay_v hold_v then_o of_o my_o hand_n and_o draw_v i_o out_o by_o the_o force_n of_o thy_o grace_n that_o i_o perish_v not_o among_o the_o wicked_a show_v i_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o holy_a hill_n that_o i_o may_v save_v myself_o and_o thence_o without_o danger_n behold_v the_o deluge_n of_o corruption_n which_o overspread_v the_o country_n and_o the_o torrent_n of_o thy_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n which_o sudden_o and_o amazing_o overwhelm_v the_o world_n alas_o if_o it_o will_v please_v thou_o o_o my_o god_n to_o make_v i_o taste_v the_o speritual_a delight_n of_o thy_o love_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o earthly_a pleasure_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o linger_v so_o long_o to_o seek_v thou_o for_o i_o most_o ardent_o wish_v after_o happiness_n if_o therefore_o i_o know_v that_o my_o beatitude_n lie_v in_o thou_o i_o shall_v fly_v to_o find_v in_o thou_o that_o happiness_n which_o i_o seek_v o_o lord_n since_o pleasure_n be_v the_o only_a loadstone_n capable_a of_o draw_v my_o soul_n make_v i_o taste_v a_o little_a of_o that_o joy_n which_o i_o ought_v to_o find_v in_o thou_o make_v i_o to_o feel_v thy_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o without_o delay_n i_o may_v run_v after_o thou_o and_o consecrate_v myself_o to_o thy_o service_n walk_v in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n and_o set_v my_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o that_o when_o christ_n who_o be_v my_o life_n and_o pleasure_n shall_v appear_v i_o may_v also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n part_n iv_o of_o help_n towards_o devotion_n chap._n i._n the_o first_o general_n advice_n be_v to_o will_v desire_n and_o ask_v devotion_n we_o have_v see_v from_o how_o many_o source_n indevotion_n spring_v let_v we_o now_o try_v to_o vanquish_v those_o difficulty_n by_o some_o advice_n that_o may_v lead_v we_o to_o devotion_n those_o advice_n i_o will_v give_v here_o be_v either_o general_a or_o particular_a but_o before_o i_o pass_v further_o we_o be_v to_o presuppose_v that_o he_o who_o we_o will_v make_v devout_a must_v have_v a_o mind_n himself_o to_o become_v so_o he_o that_o have_v not_o this_o disposition_n will_v very_o unprofitable_o pass_v far_o how_o many_o indevout_a person_n have_v we_o in_o the_o world_n that_o do_v not_o desire_v devotion_n for_o themselves_o and_o contemn_v it_o in_o other_o of_o this_o sort_n we_o find_v some_o that_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o they_o have_v a_o religion_n i_o be_o it_o may_v be_v say_v one_o as_o religious_a as_o another_o though_o i_o laugh_v at_o devotion_n and_o devout_a person_n if_o they_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v most_o assure_o they_o cheat_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o these_o people_n be_v real_o profane_a other_o there_o be_v that_o esteem_n devotion_n in_o another_o and_o yet_o like_o it_o not_o for_o themselves_o it_o do_v not_o fit_a right_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n which_o they_o make_v their_o idol_n they_o approve_v the_o better_a side_n they_o admire_v it_o but_o they_o fancy_n as_o to_o their_o own_o particular_a they_o may_v be_v save_v with_o less_o trouble_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o these_o be_v better_o than_o the_o former_a yet_o they_o be_v a_o little_a near_o to_o the_o disposition_n we_o seek_v after_o but_o still_o alas_o in_o how_o bad_a a_o condition_n be_v their_o conscience_n they_o be_v in_o this_o worse_a than_o the_o former_a that_o they_o sin_n against_o their_o own_o sentiment_n they_o know_v their_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o do_v too_o much_o provide_v they_o be_v save_v it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a importance_n how_o what_o a_o thought_n be_v this_o be_v not_o paradise_n worth_a the_o purchase_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o some_o tear_n some_o prayer_n some_o hour_n of_o humiliation_n and_o how_o can_v we_o imagine_v we_o can_v obtain_v heaven_n by_o the_o less_o since_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o hard_a task_n to_o arrive_v thither_o by_o the_o great_a if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v do_v you_o believe_v you_o backward_o and_o lukewarm_a soul_n that_o a_o true_o devout_a person_n have_v too_o much_o righteousness_n to_o open_a to_o himself_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n do_v not_o you_o know_v that_o all_o the_o world_n praise_v that_o say_v of_o st._n austin_n woe_n to_o the_o most_o praiseworthy_a life_n if_o it_o be_v examine_v without_o mercy_n and_o what_o the_o psalmist_n say_v if_o thou_o shall_v mark_v iniquity_n o_o lord_n who_o shall_v stand_v i_o
be_v methinks_v the_o movement_n that_o compose_v devotion_n but_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o in_o all_o people_n they_o be_v not_o evermore_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n always_o some_o one_o of_o they_o do_v reign_v sometime_o joy_n bear_v sway_v another_o while_n grief_n oftentimes_o alacrity_n other_o time_n the_o desire_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o devout_a upon_o the_o nature_n of_o devotion_n they_o will_v answer_v we_o very_o different_o because_o every_o one_o will_v say_v that_o he_o feel_v within_o himself_o and_o that_o every_o one_o feel_v within_o himself_o thing_n very_o different_a from_o those_o of_o other_o man_n it_o happen_v also_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o soul_n feel_v a_o different_a devotion_n at_o divers_a time_n the_o motion_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v rule_v by_o turn_v to_o day_n a_o faithful_a person_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o hope_n in_o the_o view_n of_o a_o blessing_n to_o come_v and_o to_o morrow_n with_o joy_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o present_a good_a one_o time_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o sin_n sadness_n shall_v domineer_v another_o time_n the_o desire_n shall_v reign_v and_o this_o alteration_n proceed_v from_o the_o diversity_n of_o estate_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n find_v itself_o and_o the_o variety_n of_o prospect_n which_o meditation_n present_v it_o withal_o in_o consider_v god_n some_o time_n with_o respect_n have_v to_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n other_o time_n to_o his_o severity_n and_o justice_n frequent_o too_o he_o will_v eye_n his_o conscience_n both_o in_o its_o strong_a and_o in_o its_o weak_a part_n and_o this_o may_v change_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o agitation_n of_o his_o devotion_n cheerfulness_n likewise_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o very_a essence_n and_o soul_n of_o this_o virtue_n be_v not_o inseparable_a from_o it_o and_o sometime_o the_o most_o heavenly_a soul_n find_v themselves_o under_o a_o gloomy_a and_o sad_a weight_n but_o when_o this_o briskness_n be_v absent_a its_o place_n be_v possess_v by_o a_o sting_a displeasure_n for_o its_o absence_n meditation_n alas_o my_o soul_n how_o ignorant_a be_v thou_o in_o thing_n divine_a the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o these_o be_v profound_a abysses_n which_o thou_o can_v not_o sound_v thy_o light_n be_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n but_o yet_o astonish_v it_o be_v not_o that_o thou_o know_v not_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o and_o lock_v up_o in_o his_o own_o breast_n it_o be_v more_o strange_a thou_o know_v not_o what_o god_n do_v in_o this_o and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o divine_a thing_n which_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n vain_a and_o haughty_a as_o thou_o be_v with_o the_o advantage_n which_o nature_n have_v give_v thou_o above_o the_o visible_a creature_n thou_o say_v thou_o be_v a_o incarnate_a angel_n say_v rather_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o angel_n imprison_v in_o a_o dark_a and_o dismal_a mansion_n who_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o se_v but_o in_o part_n obscure_o and_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n through_o the_o thick_a veil_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n prayer_n o_o my_o god_n thou_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_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 i_o be_o a_o stranger_n upon_o earth_n and_o a_o sojourner_n oh_o hide_v not_o from_o i_o thy_o commandment_n i_o be_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o devotion_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o know_v it_o without_o thou_o in_o vain_a shall_v i_o search_v for_o it_o in_o the_o work_n of_o another_o unless_o i_o find_v it_o in_o my_o own_o heart_n i_o do_v not_o find_v what_o i_o seek_v for_o there_o where_o then_o shall_v i_o find_v it_o even_o in_o thou_o my_o god_n who_o be_v the_o source_n of_o what_o i_o look_v for_o raise_v therefore_o in_o my_o heart_n those_o flame_n of_o zeal_n and_o piety_n that_o be_v fill_v therewith_o my_o soul_n may_v not_o need_v but_o to_o study_v itself_o to_o attain_v this_o knowledge_n and_o after_o the_o attainment_n may_v be_v able_a to_o love_v it_o and_o make_v other_o do_v so_o too_o let_v it_o sparkle_v and_o shine_v in_o all_o my_o word_n and_o action_n like_o a_o torch_n that_o light_v my_o neighbour_n and_o let_v it_o kindle_v in_o they_o the_o holy_a flame_n of_o devotion_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o devotion_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n we_o insinuate_v all_o its_o effect_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o nor_o unprofitable_a to_o unfold_v they_o a_o little_a more_o for_o these_o effect_n well_o understand_v will_v lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o serve_v we_o for_o a_o touchstone_n whereby_o pious_a soul_n may_v try_v both_o the_o purity_n and_o the_o progress_n of_o their_o devotion_n the_o first_o of_o these_o effect_n be_v a_o vehement_a passion_n to_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o pour_v forth_o our_o grief_n into_o his_o bosom_n to_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o gauge_n of_o his_o love_n in_o his_o sacrament_n you_o see_v this_o disposition_n in_o david_n who_o sigh_v after_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o find_v nothing_o in_o his_o exile_n more_o insupportable_a than_o his_o banishment_n from_o the_o court_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n jealous_a he_o be_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o swallow_n that_o build_v their_o nest_n there_o he_o will_v be_v a_o doorkeeper_n in_o this_o house_n and_o never_o stir_v from_o thence_o my_o soul_n have_v a_o desire_n to_o enter_v into_o thy_o court_n say_v he_o i_o have_v ask_v one_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o may_v dwell_v in_o his_o house_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n he_o avow_v that_o the_o hope_n of_o see_v god_n again_o in_o his_o house_n do_v sustain_v he_o and_o keep_v he_o from_o fall_v into_o despair_n i_o have_v faint_v unless_o i_o have_v believe_v to_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n the_o faithful_a soul_n have_v no_o less_o passion_n for_o the_o solitude_n of_o its_o closet_n than_o david_n have_v for_o the_o temple_n of_o his_o god_n it_o look_v upon_o those_o hour_n as_o lose_v which_o it_o be_v oblige_v to_o throw_v away_o upon_o the_o world_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o can_v withdraw_v itself_o from_o the_o hurry_n and_o bustle_v of_o affair_n it_o run_v to_o the_o bosom_n of_o its_o god_n as_o the_o hart_n to_o the_o water-brook_n as_o a_o covetous_a person_n to_o the_o search_n of_o riches_n as_o a_o courtier_n watch_v for_o the_o hour_n and_o place_n to_o see_v his_o prince_n and_o to_o be_v see_v and_o receive_v from_o he_o considerable_a favour_n a_o second_o effect_n be_v a_o joy_n which_o we_o may_v call_v inconceivable_a when_o the_o devout_a in_o their_o devotion_n feel_v their_o heart_n display_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n appear_v with_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o his_o consolation_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v inquire_v of_o such_o a_o soul_n why_o it_o be_v so_o satisfy_v perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o it_o to_o tell_v he_o but_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o this_o joy_n be_v that_o god_n do_v exert_n in_o it_o his_o comfortable_a and_o wholesome_a ray_n which_o be_v ever_o accompany_v with_o a_o plenary_a happiness_n the_o pleasure_n which_o a_o avaricious_a man_n take_v in_o count_v his_o money_n which_o the_o ambitious_a taste_n in_o hope_v for_o new_a grandeurs_fw-fr which_o the_o epicurean_a find_v in_o his_o feast_n and_o debauch_n all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v unsavoury_a and_o of_o a_o bad_a taste_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o joy_n which_o the_o pious_a soul_n perceive_v in_o communicate_v with_o its_o god_n this_o be_v a_o ocean_n which_o overwhelm_v and_o drown_v all_o the_o perplexity_n and_o trouble_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o persecute_v find_v here_o their_o sanctuary_n the_o poor_a riches_n the_o sick-man_n health_n the_o contemptible_a glory_n the_o humble_a grandeur_n and_o the_o miserable_a a_o general_a oblivion_n of_o all_o his_o calamity_n this_o be_v that_o wherein_o a_o soul_n tire_v with_o the_o world_n find_v that_o heavenly_a repose_n which_o make_v it_o with_o indignation_n and_o yet_o with_o pity_n look_v upon_o the_o cruel_a agitation_n of_o worldly_a man_n that_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o rack_a wheel_n and_o stone_n of_o ixion_n and_o sisyphus_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o labour_n that_o always_o return_v and_o never_o have_v a_o end_n hence_o spring_v another_o effect_n of_o devotion_n namely_o to_o forget_v this_o world_n when_o the_o devout_a person_n shut_v the_o door_n
neglect_v the_o other_o life_n as_o if_o it_o be_v never_o to_o come_v i_o believe_v o_o my_o god_n but_o help_v thou_o my_o unbeleif_n make_v i_o to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o eternal_a life_n that_o i_o may_v flight_v the_o present_a life_n that_o i_o may_v make_v i_o such_o friend_n as_o may_v receive_v i_o into_o everlasting_a habitation_n that_o i_o may_v acquire_v such_o riches_n as_o i_o may_v carry_v along_o with_o i_o and_o that_o i_o may_v make_v choice_n of_o that_o good_a part_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o i_o chap._n vi_o the_o custom_n of_o let_v the_o mind_n ramble_v 〈◊〉_d different_a object_n a_o six_o source_n of_o indevotion_n i_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v also_o another_o source_n of_o 〈◊〉_d indevotion_n and_o especial_o of_o our_o distraction_n during_o prayer_n we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o fire_v o●●_n heart_n our_o mind_n wander_v and_o our_o attention_n i●_n lose_v whence_o proceed_v this_o but_o from_o a_o pernicious_a custom_n we_o have_v of_o give_v a_o soar_a vaunt_n to_o our_o imagination_n it_o be_v in_o man_n what_o quicksilver_n be_v in_o mertals_n it_o roll_v it_o run_v glib_o up_o and_o down_o a_o little_a fire_n make_v it_o evaporate_v and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o vanish_v into_o smoak_n it_o become_v so_o subtle_a we_o suffer_v it_o to_o 〈◊〉_d what_o ever_o it_o please_v when_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o wing_n sometime_o it_o fly_v from_o east_n to_o west_n from_o south_n to_o north_n from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n and_o as_o if_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v too_o narrow_a for_o it_o it_o overpasses_a they_o and_o lose_v its_o self_n in_o the_o innumerable_a whirlpool_a of_o des-cartes_n and_o no_o more_o can_v it_o contain_v itself_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o time_n it_o fly_v to_o eternity_n and_o ask_v what_o it_o be_v it_o will_v know_v what_o be_v when_o there_o be_v nothing_o if_o it_o keep_v its_o self_n within_o this_o world_n amid_o this_o great_a space_n it_o curvet_v over_o all_o being_n it_o swim_v over_o all_o matter_n and_o the_o compound_n of_o it_o different_o modify_v and_o yet_o penetrate_v none_o of_o they_o and_o as_o if_o the_o prodigio●_n mass_n of_o creature_n do_v not_o furnish_v employment_n enough_o to_o its_o action_n it_o labour_v in_o the_o production_n or_o rather_o creation_n of_o being_n of_o its_o own_o form_n it_o imagine_v chimaera_n phantome_n it_o make_v mountain_n of_o gold_n world_n in_o the_o moon_n centaur_n and_o hippogryphick_n and_o these_o motion_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v of_o such_o quick_a dispatch_n that_o in_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n ramble_v we_o find_v ●ur_n self_n so_o far_o off_o that_o the_o great_a part_v man_n in_o ●●e_z world_n can_v never_o guess_v by_o our_o last_o thought_n what_o be_v the_o first_o and_o after_o this_o shall_v we_o ask_v from_z whence_o ●ome_v those_o aberration_n of_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o exercise_n of_o piety_n can_v we_o expect_v that_o a_o soul_n accustom_v to_o wander_v can_v fix_v and_o arrest_v itself_o all_o at_o once_o it_o be_v a_o horse_n that_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o receive_v the_o bite_v it_o do_v nothing_o night_n or_o day_n but_o kick_n and_o skip_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o meadow_n when_o one_o will_v put_v the_o saddle_n upon_o the_o back_n or_o the_o rein_n in_o the_o mouth_n it_o fly_v out_o and_o struggle_v it_o throw_v down_o he_o that_o get_v up_o and_o return_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v when_o we_o will_v gather_v ourselves_o together_o it_o dissipate_v its_o self_n like_o a_o flame_n it_o abandon_v we_o it_o break_v the_o rein_n of_o piety_n and_o before_o that_o we_o espy_v the_o first_o way_n it_o take_v we_o find_v it_o plunge_v in_o the_o diversity_n of_o its_o vain_a thought_n st._n augustine●acknowledges_n ●acknowledges_z that_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o distraction_n when_o our_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o these_o phantasin_n sau_v he_o and_o that_o incessant_o it_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o vain_a thought_n thence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o our_o prayer_n be_v oftentimes_o trouble_v and_o interrupt_v thereby_o and_o that_o when_o be_v in_o thy_o presence_n o_o god_n we_o endeavour_v to_o make_v thou_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o our_o heart_n a_o action_n of_o such_o importance_n be_v frequent_o traverse_v by_o frivolous_a imagination_n which_o come_v from_o i_o know_v not_o whence_o to_o break_v into_o the_o crowd_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o we_o do_v well_o comprise_v the_o nature_n of_o evil_a we_o may_v easy_o conceive_v the_o remedy_n evil_n ought_v to_o be_v cure_v by_o their_o contrary_n so_o that_o let_v we_o learn_v to_o give_v bound_n to_o our_o imagination_n and_o not_o permit_v it_o to_o go_v so_o far_o that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o less_o trouble_n to_o bring_v it_o back_o again_o that_o be_v to_o say_v for_o the_o dispose_n our_o heart_n to_o devotion_n we_o ought_v to_o accustom_v our_o mind_n to_o think_v a_o little_a of_o thing_n and_o of_o good_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o mercury_n that_o must_v fix_v itself_o in_o be_v apply_v to_o silver_n or_o gold_n it_o be_v a_o lively_a faculty_n whereto_o we_o must_v give_v the_o bridle_n and_o the_o rein._n 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o not_o imagine_v that_o the_o secret_a to_o cure_v this_o mala●●_n of_o the_o soul_n consist_v in_o retain_v our_o mind_n in_o a_o privat●●●_n of_o all_o thought_n this_o be_v not_o profitable_a to_o nature_n nor_o use●●●_n to_o grace_n the_o imagination_n of_o man_n be_v too_o active_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o hold_v it_o from_o do_v nothing_o it_o be_v to_o bring_v 〈◊〉_d death_n upon_o it_o to_o leave_v it_o without_o employment_n sinc●_n it_o live_v no_o long_o than_o it_o act_n god_n have_v not_o give_v 〈◊〉_d such_o noble_a faculty_n to_o bury_v they_o in_o a_o inglorious_a a●●_n shameful_a idleness_n in_o short_a a_o mind_n that_o be_v habituate_v to_o think_v on_o nothing_o will_v nevertheless_o find_v it_o as_o mu●●_n trouble_v to_o fix_v itself_o upon_o the_o work_n of_o piety_n as_o o●●_n will_v to_o withdraw_v it_o from_o its_o rambling_n and_o course_n that_o it_o former_o use_v from_o all_o which_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o employment_n of_o letter_v and_o know_v man_n be_v perhaps_o the_o most_o destructive_a to_o devotion_n as_o any_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o eye_n be_v scarce_o ever_o weary_a with_o see_v nor_o the_o ea●_n with_o hear_v and_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o count_v this_o among_o defect_n that_o we_o reckon_v it_o a_o great_a virtue_n unde●_n favour_n to_o those_o great_a name_n of_o science_n of_o fine_a knowledge_n of_o curious_a researche_n of_o sublime_a speculation_n of_o miraculous_a discovery_n there_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n a_o method_n to_o mince_v the_o soul_n and_o almost_o infinite_o to_o subdivide_v it_o without_o remedy_n will_v to_o god_n experience_n do_v not_o give_v we_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v very_o certain_a and_o very_a well_o know_v that_o atheist_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o crowd_n of_o the_o common_a people_n the_o epicure_n the_o protagoras_n and_o diagoras_n be_v know_v man_n of_o great_a wit._n the_o thing_n be_v pass_v into_o a_o proverb_n and_o they_o say_v that_o they_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o art_n whereof_o they_o make_v profession_n be_v oblige_v to_o study_v nature_n and_o the_o second_o cause_n very_o much_o do_v ●ix_v themselves_o so_o strong_o thereto_o that_o they_o forget_v to_o ascend_v to_o the_o first_o cause_n these_o man_n so_o well_o read_v in_o antiquity_n and_o that_o make_v so_o great_a a_o noise_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o learning_n for_o their_o knowledge_n make_v none_o at_o ●ll_a in_o the_o church_n for_o their_o great_a devotion_n the_o study_n only_o of_o heavenly_a thing_n can_v inspire_v a_o habit_n of_o piety_n we_o also_o see_v enough_o great_a divine_n continue_v bad_a christian_n because_o they_o refer_v not_o their_o labour_n to_o god_n nor_o to_o his_o glory_n all_o their_o industry_n be_v for_o themselves_o and_o they_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o their_o own_o watch_n i_o will_v never_o ●herefore_o advise_v he_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v very_o devout_a ●o_o embrace_v so_o many_o thing_n nor_o to_o fill_v his_o head_n with_o conjecture_n and_o his_o memory_n with_o these_o may-bee_n whereof_o those_o rare_a science_n so_o call_v be_v compose_v beside_o that_o this_o acquisition_n bring_v in_o a_o habit_n of_o self-conceited_a pride_n and_o surly_a scorn_n a_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n and_o it_o put_v the_o virtuoso_n up_o with_o pyrrhonism_n and_o doubt_n which_o from_o philosophy_n pass_v into_o divinity_n and_o whereas_o some_o find_v nothing_o
dream_n which_o vanish_v away_o a_o smoke_n which_o be_v consume_v in_o its_o lift_n up_o and_o as_o it_o speak_v of_o it_o with_o contempt_n so_o it_o will_v also_o that_o we_o have_v little_a care_n of_o it_o take_v no_o care_n of_o the_o body_n say_v st._n paul_n to_o obey_v the_o lust_n thereof_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o the_o morrow_n the_o morrow_n shall_v take_v think_v for_o the_o thing_n of_o its_o self_n be_v in_o little_a pain_n for_o what_o you_o shall_v eat_v or_o wherewithal_o you_o shall_v be_v clothe_v as_o for_o the_o soul_n the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v have_v we_o turn_v all_o our_o care_n on_o that_o side_n he_o will_v have_v we_o vigilant_a and_o sober_a because_o the_o devil_n watch_v about_o it_o as_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v to_o devour_v it_o he_o command_v we_o to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a solicitude_n about_o it_o he_o order_v we_o to_o nourish_v it_o with_o the_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n sincere_a and_o without_o deceit_n and_o that_o we_o furnish_v it_o with_o strong_a meat_n he_o wish_v we_o to_o entertain_v it_o continual_o in_o a_o holy_a joy_n he_o will_v have_v we_o search_v after_o those_o sovereign_a pleasure_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n which_o be_v only_o for_o the_o soul_n the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o to_o embellish_v it_o and_o that_o we_o labour_v to_o adorn_v it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v find_v a_o glorious_a spouse_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n worthy_a to_o be_v present_v to_o its_o head_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n examine_v the_o conduct_n of_o voluptuous_a man_n it_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o this_o they_o act_v as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o flesh_n and_o as_o if_o their_o soul_n be_v only_a salt_n to_o keep_v the_o body_n from_o corrupt_v all_o the_o idea_n they_o have_v of_o pleasure_n derive_v from_o the_o sense_n and_o the_o imagination_n and_o without_o a_o metaphor_n they_o be_v as_o they_o call_v themselves_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o they_o conceive_v no_o more_o what_o we_o call_v spiritual_a pleasure_n than_o blind_a man_n do_v colour_n as_o therefore_o they_o never_o taste_v other_o delight_n than_o bodily_a one_o they_o believe_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o the_o body_n for_o all_o their_o happiness_n and_o in_o effect_n so_o it_o be_v for_o at_o the_o time_n when_o they_o taste_v carnal_a pleasure_n we_o can_v say_v they_o be_v unhappy_a since_o happiness_n consist_v in_o pleasure_n and_o joy_n and_o they_o have_v they_o at_o that_o moment_n so_o that_o because_o we_o entire_o love_v what_o we_o consider_v as_o the_o source_n of_o our_o felicity_n we_o can_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o these_o worldly_a people_n love_v their_o body_n perfect_o which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o only_a source_n of_o their_o pleasure_n we_o see_v also_o that_o these_o man_n have_v the_o same_o sentiment_n for_o their_o body_n as_o holy_a man_n have_v for_o god_n who_o be_v their_o sovereign_a good_a and_o in_o who_o they_o find_v their_o sovereign_a pleasure_n they_o adore_v this_o body_n of_o they_o they_o cherish_v they_o perfume_v it_o they_o offer_v incense_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o it_o if_o one_o shall_v give_v a_o blow_n or_o a_o gird_n to_o this_o same_o body_n oh_o how_o jealous_a they_o be_v on_o it_o as_o of_o a_o divinity_n more_o indignation_n they_o have_v against_o he_o that_o shall_v hurt_v this_o flesh_n than_o against_o a_o blasphemer_n or_o a_o sacrilegious_a person_n in_o a_o word_n their_o body_n hold_v so_o much_o of_o a_o divinity_n that_o they_o sacrifice_n unto_o it_o even_o their_o very_a conscience_n nay_o and_o god_n himself_o but_o nothing_o be_v more_o opposite_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o devotion_n than_o this_o sentiment_n for_o the_o true_o faithful_a one_o be_v oblige_v to_o slight_v the_o body_n to_o sacrifice_v it_o to_o god_n to_o see_v it_o tear_v in_o piece_n for_o his_o name_n and_o to_o renounce_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n for_o his_o glory_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o devotion_n absolute_o tend_v to_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o voluptuousness_n and_o sensuality_n to_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n how_o must_v we_o love_v the_o world_n when_o it_o caress_n we_o and_o be_v mighty_a kind_n and_o pleasurable_a to_o we_o if_o we_o love_v it_o when_o it_o persecute_v we_o and_o steep_v we_o in_o gall_n the_o world_n be_v a_o mere_a cheat_n and_o gull_n and_o a_o undeniable_a source_n of_o delusion_n it_o mask_n itself_o and_o will_v be_v see_v by_o we_o under_o the_o image_n of_o fleshly_a pleasure_n it_o embrace_v we_o under_o the_o habit_n of_o flower_n but_o under_o these_o flower_n be_v a_o thousand_o thorn_n we_o do_v not_o see_v these_o thorn_n we_o only_o smell_v the_o flower_n we_o be_v sensible_a of_o such_o pleasure_n and_o love_n that_o cause_v they_o but_o all_o the_o world_n know_v nought_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o devotion_n than_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o we_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v elsewhere_o so_o as_o by_o consequence_n nothing_o be_v more_o opposite_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o devotion_n than_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o spirit_n of_o christian_a religion_n will_v inspire_v a_o contempt_n of_o the_o present_a and_o a_o desire_n after_o the_o other_o life_n now_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o nothing_o tie_v man_n so_o much_o to_o life_n as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n the_o saint_n say_v and_o aught_o to_o say_v i_o desire_v to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a i_o know_v when_o this_o earthly_a house_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o house_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v clothe_v upon_o with_o our_o house_n which_o be_v from_o heaven_n none_o of_o these_o thing_n move_v neither_o count_v i_o my_o life_n dear_a unto_o myself_o as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water-brook_n so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o man_n who_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a use_n of_o voluptuousness_n shall_v have_v these_o thought_n every_o one_o wish_n to_o be_v happy_a and_o when_o once_o he_o be_v or_o at_o least_o believe_v he_o be_v so_o he_o can_v renounce_v what_o he_o fancy_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o felicity_n these_o carnal-minded_n man_n think_v themselves_o happy_a at_o such_o time_n as_o they_o enjoy_v their_o pleasure_n they_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o any_o other_o beatitude_n but_o of_o that_o they_o enjoy_v in_o this_o present_a life_n they_o can_v every_o day_n speak_v both_o about_o another_o life_n and_o another_o happiness_n but_o they_o have_v get_v a_o habit_n not_o to_o let_v themselves_o be_v touch_v but_o by_o sense_n and_o imagination_n and_o so_o because_o this_o life_n and_o this_o happiness_n do_v not_o fall_v under_o their_o sense_n nor_o can_v be_v imagine_v by_o they_o they_o can_v consider_v they_o but_o as_o imaginary_a being_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o they_o because_o they_o have_v not_o any_o idea_n of_o they_o in_o their_o mind_n moreover_o their_o heart_n meet_v in_o this_o life_n with_o a_o fat_a land_n that_o be_v much_o prosperity_n do_v take_v very_o deep_a root_n there_o their_o affection_n be_v thorough_o engage_v in_o carnal_a pleasure_n bind_v themselves_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o sensible_a object_n they_o wish_v for_o nothing_o more_o beside_o for_o that_o no_o body_n wish_n for_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o know_v and_o whereof_o he_o have_v no_o clear_a and_o certain_a idea_n the_o earth_n become_v their_o country_n they_o naturalize_v themselves_o here_o every_o thing_n else_o be_v a_o strange_a and_o unknown_a land_n let_v people_n say_v what_o they_o please_v but_o questionless_a we_o have_v a_o ill_a preparation_n for_o death_n in_o the_o continual_a use_n of_o those_o pleasure_n who_o innocence_n the_o world_n maintain_v o_o death_n say_v a_o wise_a man_n how_o cruel_a be_v the_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o to_o he_o that_o live_v quiet_o among_o his_o possession_n one_o live_v indeed_o more_o commodious_o in_o a_o palace_n than_o in_o a_o prison_n but_o one_o find_v it_o more_o trouble_n to_o die_v in_o that_o than_o in_o this_o how_o insupportable_a be_v the_o thought_n of_o death_n his_o presence_n how_o affrightful_a to_o he_o who_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o pleasure_n he_o look_n upon_o death_n as_o a_o judge_n that_o come_v to_o pronounce_v on_o he_o a_o dismal_a sentence_n or_o a_o executioner_n that_o seize_v he_o to_o be_v lead_v to_o punishment_n but_o the_o faithful_a one_o who_o have_v ever_o hold_v his_o flesh_n
not_o bridle_v and_o keep_v in_o ●hese_fw-mi passion_n they_o will_v raise_v terrible_a tempest_n in_o the_o ●ea_n and_o devotion_n which_o be_v a_o peaceable_a virtue_n will_v ●arce_o be_v hear_v every_o passion_n carry_v the_o heart_n to_o it_o ●elf_n and_o devotion_n be_v a_o stranger_n and_o stand_v only_o by_o itself_o will_v never_o gain_v it_o there_o be_v most_o assure_o a_o very_a near_o relation_n betwixt_o word_n and_o action_n they_o come_v from_o the_o same_o source_n and_o the_o same_o heart_n produce_v they_o wherefore_o i_o think_v we_o can_v better_o employ_v the_o mouth_n than_o ●o_o sing_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o mind_n than_o to_o contemplate_v his_o wonder_n nor_o the_o soul_n than_o to_o lift_v itself_o up_o by_o piety_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n we_o have_v say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v ill_o dispose_v in_o come_v from_o a_o ball_n or_o comedy_n to_o fall_v to_o pious_a ordinance_n on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a i_o say_v that_o in_o return_v from_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v where_o he_o have_v comfort_v the_o afflict_a succour_v the_o miserable_a sustain_v the_o weak_a ●ed_v the_o poor_a and_o defend_v the_o oppress_v he_o find_v himself_o in_o such_o a_o gaiety_n of_o heart_n and_o such_o a_o disposition_n to_o prayer_n as_o be_v inconceivable_a he_o come_v to_o god_n with_o the_o lightness_n and_o alacrity_n of_o a_o servant_n who_o present_v himself_o before_o his_o master_n after_o have_v do_v his_o duty_n to_o obtain_v the_o reward_n for_o although_o he_o acknowledge_v he_o deserve_v nothing_o at_o god_n hand_n yet_o he_o know_v that_o god_n liberal_o recompense_v we_o for_o what_o we_o do_v only_o by_o the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n he_o approach_v to_o the_o altar_n with_o the_o confidence_n of_o a_o subject_a that_o appear_v before_o his_o prince_n with_o present_n which_o he_o know_v be_v capable_a of_o open_v the_o way_n to_o his_o heart_n for_o though_o our_o good_a work_n be_v most_o imperfect_a gift_n that_o hold_v not_o what_o they_o have_v good_a in_o they_o but_o from_o god_n liberality_n nevertheless_o he_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o he_o accept_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v of_o great_a price_n insomuch_o as_o i_o will_v not_o make_v any_o difficulty_n to_o say_v that_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n who_o have_v distinguish_v the_o active_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a from_o the_o contemplative_a and_o have_v believe_v that_o this_o can_v be_v without_o that_o and_o even_o that_o the_o contemplative_a life_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o other_o be_v assure_o in_o a_o great_a error_n for_o by_o separate_a the_o active_a life_n which_o consist_v in_o do_v good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o practise_v charity_n to_o the_o afflict_a and_o miserable_a from_o the_o contemplative_a life_n to_o which_o they_o believe_v they_o can_v give_v themselves_o up_o entire_o they_o have_v certain_o deprive_v devotion_n of_o a_o very_a great_a help_n i_o have_v already_o confess_v there_o to_o be_v no_o need_n that_o the_o employment_n of_o martha_n which_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o bodily_a service_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o member_n shall_v take_v away_o from_o we_o the_o time_n consecrate_v to_o mary_n work_n toread_v meditation_n and_o prayer_n but_o we_o have_v time_n enough_o for_o all_o when_o mary_n shall_v have_v be_v sufficient_o hear_v than_o its_o fit_a she_o take_v the_o place_n of_o martha_n wherefore_o i_o will_v not_o counsel_v he_o that_o will_v attain_v to_o perfect_a devotion_n to_o renounce_v that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o consist_v of_o the_o afflict_a member_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n this_o be_v the_o school_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o so_o far_o be_v it_o that_o this_o practice_n of_o work_n of_o mercy_n can_v distract_v devout_a soul_n that_o it_o be_v the_o ready_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o arrive_v at_o devotion_n the_o idea_n of_o the_o world_n i_o confess_v be_v incompatible_a with_o those_o wherewith_o a_o devout_a soul_n ought_v to_o be_v fill_v a_o tragical_a event_n the_o ●ight_n of_o a_o triumph_n the_o hope_n of_o a_o fortune_n for_o one_o self_n the_o grandeur_n of_o that_o of_o another_o a_o duel_n a_o war_n all_o this_o i_o say_v have_v no_o alliance_n with_o the_o sweet_a image_n of_o god_n of_o his_o love_n and_o benefit_n wherefore_o it_o be_v good_a to_o shut_v and_o bar_v the_o door_n against_o these_o first_o representation_n if_o we_o will_v with_o success_n labour_n to_o establish_v other_o in_o their_o room_n but_o the_o image_n of_o a_o man_n languish_v upon_o the_o bed_n of_o sickness_n or_o another_o that_o suffer_v for_o god_n sake_n agree_v easy_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n suffer_v for_o we_o a_o multitude_n of_o poor_a creature_n to_o who_o thou_o open_v thy_o bowel_n will_v easy_o lead_v thou_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o liberality_n thou_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o aid_n thou_o shall_v lend_v one_o to_o defend_v his_o life_n another_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o reputation_n will_v oblige_v thou_o to_o think_v on_o the_o benefit_n and_o help_n thou_o continual_o receive_v from_o heaven_n thou_o shall_v have_v no-manner_n of_o need_n to_o banish_v the_o thought_n that_o attend_v a_o active_a life_n lodge_v those_o in_o their_o place_n which_o spring_n from_o contemplation_n they_o will_v be_v unite_v in_o the_o same_o heart_n and_o lend_v one_o another_o mutual_a succour_n meditation_n i_o have_v be_v tell_v sometime_o that_o the_o virtue_n be_v sister_n that_o walk_v hand_n in_o hand_n that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o ring_n in_o a_o holy_a chain_n which_o be_v break_v by_o the_o rapture_n of_o one_o of_o those_o ring_n they_o can_v be_v without_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o o_o my_o soul_n thou_o can_v not_o be_v true_o devout_a because_o thou_o be_v not_o true_o virtuous_a and_o thou_o have_v not_o in_o thy_o heart_n the_o practice_n of_o all_o good_a work_n do_v not_o thou_o see_v that_o the_o world_n be_v exact_o ●amed_v to_o furnish_v employ_v to_o thy_o virtue_n and_o to_o soilicit_v thou_o to_o good_a and_o holy_a action_n the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o almighty_a power_n that_o thou_o may_v join_v thy_o voice_n to_o those_o praise_n which_o all_o nature_n ring_v and_o thy_o gratitude_n may_v have_v scope_n to_o act_v upon_o the_o air_n form_v outrageous_a tempest_n make_v the_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n to_o break_v forth_o so_o as_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n may_v spring_v up_o in_o thou_o and_o thou_o may_v tremble_v under_o his_o hand_n which_o make_v the_o mountain_n to_o tremble_v do_v not_o thou_o see_v that_o god_n here_o below_o make_v miserable_a wretch_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o object_n of_o thy_o compassion_n poor_a one_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v liberal_a afflict_v that_o thou_o may_v comfort_v they_o weak_a for_o thou_o to_o uphold_v sick_a that_o thou_o may_v visit_v they_o do_v not_o be_v permit_v too_o even_o that_o there_o be_v sinner_n stray_v like_o lose_a sheep_n that_o thou_o may_v bring_v they_o into_o the_o right_a way_n ignorant_a one_o for_o thou_o to_o instruct_v imprudent_a that_o thou_o may_v be_v their_o director_n some_o that_o fall_v that_o thou_o may_v help_v they_o up_o again_o and_o for_o thyself_o that_o thou_o look_v to_o thy_o step_n and_o even_o wicked_a person_n who_o perish_v that_o thou_o may_v be_v put_v into_o a_o wholesome_a terror_n for_o thyself_o do_v not_o he_o suffer_v example_n of_o vanity_n to_o be_v that_o thou_o may_v slight_v and_o contemn_v the_o world_n sudden_a and_o unlooked_a for_o death_n that_o thou_o shall_v watch_v and_o be_v ever_o upon_o thy_o guard_n proud_a man_n that_o fall_v into_o ruin_n while_o thou_o retaine_v thyself_o in_o humility_n the_o wicked_a who_o be_v punish_v for_o thou_o to_o dread_a sin_n good_a man_n that_o be_v reward_v for_o thou_o to_o seek_v virtue_n yet_o amid_o so_o many_o lesson_n thou_o be_v deaf_a and_o immovable_a thou_o make_v thy_o virtue_n to_o consist_v in_o not_o do_v evil_a that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o do_v nothing_o as_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v make_v life_n to_o confist_n in_o death_n and_o in_o be_v deprive_v of_o motion_n thou_o remember_v not_o that_o the_o barren_a figtree_n be_v cut_v up_o by_o the_o root_n that_o god_n will_v cast_v out_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o will_v banish_v out_o of_o his_o paradise_n both_o he_o that_o have_v lose_v his_o talon_n and_o he_o that_o have_v only_o bury_v it_o in_o the_o earth_n prayer_n come_v then_o o_o my_o divine_a redeemer_n come_v and_o cultivate_v my_o heart_n that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o rocky_a and_o barren_a ground_n soften_v this_o rock_n by_o the_o
my_o bed_n come_v and_o honour_v i_o with_o thy_o presencedure_v the_o absence_n of_o all_o other_o object_n that_o i_o may_v possess_v thou_o only_o and_o nothing_o may_v rob_v my_o soul_n of_o thou_o cause_o the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o rejoice_v to_o display_v a_o heavenly_a fire_n in_o my_o eye_n and_o a_o holy_a gaiety_n over_o my_o countenance_n which_o may_v accompany_v i_o all_o way_n and_o defend_v i_o from_o those_o many_o trouble_n and_o vexation_n whereunto_o i_o be_o expose_v let_v i_o lie_v down_o a●_n night_n as_o in_o thy_o bosom_n and_o let_v i_o cast_v myself_o betwixt_o th●_n arm_n that_o i_o may_v be_v afraid_a of_o nothing_o which_o be_v ghastly_a or_o terrible_a in_o darkness_n chap._n vii_o the_o second_o particular_a help_n solitude_n and_o religious_a assembly_n we_o can_v but_o own_o with_o a_o great_a earnestn_v of_o mind_n that_o devotion_n require_v solitudy_v we_o have_v our_o master_n word_n and_o decisi●●_n in_o the_o case_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o pray_v say_v he_o enter_v in_o thy_o closet_n very_o strange_a prayer_n be_v those_o of_o the_o phyrisee_n that_o pray_v in_o the_o corner_n of_o street_n or_o in_o t●●_n market-place_n our_o lord_n christ_n have_v good_a ground_n 〈◊〉_d indict_v they_o of_o hypocrisy_n solitude_n be_v necessary_a 〈◊〉_d only_o to_o avoid_v that_o pomp_n and_o parade_n which_o god_n 〈◊〉_d much_o detest_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o especial_o in_o devotion_n but_o also_o to_o make_v our_o prayer_n more_o pure_a and_o perfe●_n how_o shall_v the_o soul_n i_o wonder_v be_v recollect_v into_o itself_o if_o a_o thousand_o object_n lie_v hold_v on_o the_o sense_n and_o draw_v it_o abroad_o we_o must_v therefore_o be_v in_o such_o a_o place_n where_o we_o need_v not_o defend_v it_o against_o the_o assault_n which_o sensual_a object_n make_v upon_o it_o let_v we_o retire_v never_o so_o far_o from_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o carry_v enough_o of_o the_o world_n along_o with_o we_o and_o the_o image_n of_o its_o object_n will_v persecute_v we_o sufficient_o without_o be_v voluntary_o expose_v to_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o object_n themselves_o yes_o the_o commerces_fw-la of_o the_o faithful_a soul_n with_o its_o god_n require_v a_o secret_a retiral_n our_o lord_n be_v its_o belove_a who_o cast_v not_o his_o favour_n upon_o the_o crowd_n and_o expose_v they_o not_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n as_o st._n bernard_n say_v he_o love_v shadow_n and_o retreat_n and_o therefore_o the_o spouse_n will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v who_o her_o soul_n love_v until_o she_o have_v bring_v he_o into_o her_o mother_n house_n and_o into_o her_o closet_n if_o we_o have_v a_o design_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n wherein_o be_v need_n of_o application_n we_o seek_v a_o retreat_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v distract_v we_o be_v therefore_o to_o seek_v it_o for_o devotion_n since_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n ask_v a_o more_o fix_a consideration_n far_o from_o all_o witness_n must_v the_o true_o devout_a person_n be_v to_o be_v entire_o free_a in_o all_o respect_n devotion_n have_v its_o action_n and_o its_o word_n it_o impress_n its_o transport_n and_o motion_n upon_o the_o soul_n ●nd_v the_o body_n frequent_o may_v have_v its_o too_o so_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o man_n who_o make_v so_o ill_a judgement_n thereof_o if_o these_o reason_n have_v need_n of_o be_v uphold_v by_o example_n we_o have_v that_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o the_o mountain_n do_v not_o seem_v secret_a or_o solitary_a enough_o since_o he_o add_v to_o they_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n that_o of_o daniel_n who_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o his_o chamber_n to_o pray_v that_o of_o st._n peter_n who_o go_v upon_o the_o housetop_n to_o perform_v his_o devotion_n but_o this_o subject_n be_v so_o little_o dispute_v and_o indeed_o so_o little_o disputable_a as_o we_o need_v not_o dwell_v upon_o it_o long_o the_o necessity_n of_o solitariness_n for_o devotion_n may_v give_v ●●s_o more_o extensive_a prospect_n there_o have_v be_v many_o great_a man_n and_o i_o will_v believe_v many_o great_a saint_n who_o have_v think_v devotion_n and_o solitude_n be_v so_o inseparable_a as_o that_o not_o only_o the_o true_o devout_a be_v to_o set_v aside_o some_o hour_n of_o retreat_n but_o their_o whole_a life_n ought_v to_o be_v consecrate_v to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v this_o sentiment_n which_o sometime_o people_v the_o desert_n of_o thebes_n and_o of_o syria_n with_o so_o many_o anchorite_n they_o flee_v the_o world_n to_o lift_v up_o their_o soul_n more_o easy_o to_o god_n and_o to_o acquire_v a_o habit_n of_o more_o pure_a and_o ardent_a devotion_n and_o hence_o perhaps_o may_v come_v the_o very_a name_n of_o devotion_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o vow_v one_o self_n to_o a_o thing_n because_o those_o christian_n by_o a_o vow_n in_o a_o particular_a manner_n consecrate_v themselves_o to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n extreme_o difficult_a to_o 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forcible_a against_o this_o way_n of_o live_v than_o what_o st._n basil_n himself_o a_o great_a lover_n and_o admirer_n of_o the_o monastic_a life_n have_v write_v thereon_o he_o believe_v that_o that_o sort_n of_o life_n be_v no_o more_o charitable_a than_o it_o be_v prudent_a they_o have_v either_o need_n of_o succour_n themselves_o or_o they_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n to_o give_v it_o to_o other_o if_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n themselves_o it_o be_v a_o imprndence_n to_o be_v confine_v in_o a_o place_n where_o they_o can_v receive_v none_o if_o they_o can_v afford_v it_o to_o other_o this_o be_v to_o want_v charity_n and_o to_o rob_v society_n of_o what_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o it_o and_o with_o good_a reason_n he_o say_v that_o this_o be_v to_o deprive_v one_o self_n of_o the_o hope_n to_o hear_v one_o day_n those_o word_n from_o our_o lord_n mouth_n thou_o give_v meat_n to_o he_o that_o be_v a_o hunger_a drink_v to_o he_o that_o be_v thirsty_a thou_o clothe_a he_o that_o be_v naked_a and_o visit_v he_o that_o be_v in_o prison_n in_o short_a i_o fear_v the_o remark_n of_o this_o father_n in_o the_o same_o place_n be_v not_o over_o true_a that_o this_o life_n so_o far_o out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o humility_n be_v not_o a_o staircase_n to_o pride_n for_o these_o man_n compare_v themselves_o to_o themselves_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v and_o see_v nothing_o more_o accomplish_v than_o themselves_o persuade_v themselves_o they_o be_v perfect_a every_o one_o see_v himself_o too_o near_o to_o know_v himself_o well_o and_o do_v not_o know_v himself_o thorough_o enough_o to_o correct_v himself_o and_o therefore_o a_o anchoret_n who_o use_v not_o the_o eye_n of_o another_o to_o examine_v himself_o let_v we_o many_o sin_n without_o doubt_n escape_v he_o to_o which_o judge_n more_o severe_a than_o we_o be_v to_o ourselves_o will_v not_o have_v do_v that_o favour_n to_o be_v brief_a i_o have_v say_v that_o so_o far_o be_v this_o kind_n of_o live_v from_o any_o great_a use_n to_o devotion_n as_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o impediment_n to_o it_o because_o it_o be_v deprive_v of_o exercise_v the_o work_n of_o mercy_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o man_n in_o the_o desert_n have_v his_o distraction_n and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o soul_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a temper_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v they_o be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o those_o meet_v withal_o in_o the_o world_n a_o mind_n abandon_v without_o any_o guide_n make_v oftentimes_o strange_a slip_n the_o wide_a world_n and_o a_o narrow_a lowliness_n be_v most_o assure_o two_o very_a dangerous_a extremity_n there_o be_v need_n of_o extraordinary_a grace_n to_o thrive_v well_o in_o either_o condition_n so_o that_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v indifferent_a gift_n from_o heaven_n