Selected quad for the lemma: love_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
love_n death_n heart_n see_v 3,246 5 3.1254 3 false
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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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i_o out_o of_o this_o calamitous_a estate_n this_o deplorable_a nothing_o disengage_v i_o from_o under_o this_o burden_n of_o mortality_n and_o corruption_n so_o as_o i_o may_v walk_v light_o and_o cheerful_o or_o rather_o i_o may_v fly_v swifth_v even_o to_o thou_o pardon_v all_o my_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v not_o terrify_v i_o and_o banish_v i_o from_o thy_o throne_n stop_v the_o course_n of_o my_o iniquity_n that_o they_o may_v not_o hinder_v my_o prayer_n from_o mount_v up_o before_o thou_o let_v i_o not_o still_o continue_v to_o render_v myself_o unworthy_a of_o thy_o favour_n by_o the_o ill_a usage_n i_o make_v of_o thou_o nor_o to_o grieve_v thy_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o uncleanness_n of_o my_o life_n that_o only_o can_v inspire_v i_o with_o the_o ardour_n i_o seek_v after_o that_o only_o can_v render_v my_o soul_n devout_a and_o it_o be_v presence_n only_o can_v warm_v my_o affection_n but_o will_v it_o be_v please_v to_o bring_v its_o light_n into_o a_o soul_n so_o pollute_v and_o so_o dark_a as_o i_o prepare_v for_o thyself_o o_o my_o god_n a_o lodging_n within_o i_o worthy_a so_o great_a a_o guest_n and_o stranger_n that_o it_o may_v come_v and_o enliven_v i_o that_o i_o may_v live_v and_o love-thee_a that_o i_o may_v burn_v with_o the_o fire_n of_o thy_o love_n and_o with_o that_o of_o devotion_n chap_n ii_o touch_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n the_o second_o source_n of_o indevotion_n behold_v one_o of_o the_o great_a reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o few_o devout_a in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v because_o all_o be_v in_o love_n with_o the_o world_n and_o this_o love_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o efficacious_a temptation_n wherewith_o the_o devil_n serve_v himself_o to_o distract_v and_o call_v we_o elsewhere_o this_o love_n have_v pierce_v our_o very_a marrow_n and_o entrail_n and_o see_v it_o be_v the_o master_n of_o our_o heart_n can_v the_o love_n of_o god_n dwell_v there_o can_v darkness_n and_o light_n can_v fire_n and_o water_n life_n and_o death_n be_v comparable_a together_o in_o he_o that_o love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n do_v not_o dwell_v where_o there_o be_v no_o love_n of_o god_n how_o can_v there_o be_v any_o of_o devotion_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o love_n what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v up_o the_o fire_n and_o the_o zeal_n of_o devout_a people_n but_o love_n what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v the_o desire_n spring_v up_o of_o union_n with_o god_n in_o devout_a soul_n but_o love_n what_o make_v we_o find_v a_o gusto_n in_o the_o possession_n the_o same_o love_n what_o do_v endue_v good_a soul_n with_o a_o readiness_n and_o alacrity_n to_o serve_v god_n be_v it_o not_o love_n that_o render_v every_o thing_n easy_a to_o he_o that_o love_v but_o as_o much_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n succour_n and_o help_v devotion_n so_o much_o do_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n cruel_o cross_v it_o it_o extinguish_v heat_n it_o stifle_v the_o desire_n it_o estrange_n from_o god_n it_o take_v away_o the_o taste_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n it_o purloin_v the_o heart_n from_o itself_o and_o carry_v it_o elsewhere_o lot_n wife_n advance_v towards_o the_o mountain_n but_o have_v her_o heart_n in_o sodom_n she_o turn_v her_o eye_n thither_o the_o superior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v in_o love_n with_o heaven_n make_v some_o effort_n to_o lift_v itself_o up_o to_o god_n but_o this_o same_o low_a part_n wherein_o the_o passion_n reign_v turn_v its_o eye_n towards_o the_o world_n and_o wheedle_n the_o heart_n out_o of_o the_o commerce_n whereinto_o it_o enter_v with_o its_o god_n rachel_n in_o crave_v her_o father_n house_n carry_v along_o with_o she_o his_o antic_a image_n in_o quit_v the_o world_n to_o enter_v into_o our_o closet_n we_o bring_v with_o we_o its_o idol_n that_o be_v its_o idea_n and_o vain_a image_n and_o from_o thence_o proceed_v our_o distraction_n and_o those_o unhappy_a thought_n that_o traverse_v we_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o devotion_n these_o be_v the_o idol_n of_o gold_n &_o silver_n the_o devil_n of_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n which_o a_o hundred_o time_n pass_v and_o repass_v in_o our_o mind_n in_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n to_o distract_v we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o prayer_n our_o head_n be_v fill_v with_o a_o thousand_o i_o deas_fw-mi of_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o desire_n and_o fear_n of_o danger_n and_o distrust_n of_o hope_n and_o despair_n of_o joy_n and_o divertise_v ment_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o vain_a object_n a_o soul_n at_o this_o rate_n take_v up_o and_o employ_v can_v it_o give_v place_n to_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n greatness_n of_o his_o majesty_n goodness_n mercy_n and_o love_n i'faith_o repentance_n charity_n zeal_n hope_n acknowledgement_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o virtue_n which_o compose_v or_o at_o least_o help_v devotion_n can_v they_o agree_v well_o with_o these_o emotion_n that_o the_o commerce_n of_o the_o world_n communicate_v to_o we_o we_o scarce_o ever_o think_v of_o thing_n but_o such_o as_o possess_v our_o heart_n if_o we_o love_v ●●e_z worldless_a it_o will_v not_o come_v so_o often_o into_o ourmind_n we_o be_v hurry_v away_o with_o it_o it_o be_v a_o daemon_n we_o know_v ●ot_n how_o to_o lay_v we_o can_v find_v a_o sanctuary_n against_o its_o persecution_n the_o solitude_n and_o affrightful_a object_n of_o the_o desert_n can_v banish_v it_o a_o ancient_n tell_v we_o that_o ●mid_a his_o maceration_n his_o mind_n sometime_o transport_v he_o out_o of_o his_o solitude_n into_o the_o company_n of_o young_a woman_n a_o dance_n i_o say_v then_o we_o ought_v to_o employ_v 〈◊〉_d our_o strength_n to_o dry_v up_o this_o second_o source_n if_o we_o ●ould_v be_v devout_a my_o little_a child_n love_v not_o the_o world_n or_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v crucify_v ●he_n old-man_n if_o we_o will_v present_v ourselves_o to_o god_n a_o ●ving_n holy_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v our_o reasonable_a service_n so_o that_o one_o of_o the_o most_o profitable_a me●itations_n by_o which_o we_o can_v prepare_v ourselves_o for_o ●rayer_n be_v that_o of_o the_o world_n vanity_n it_o be_v good_a to_o en●er_v into_o ourselves_o to_o consider_v the_o brevity_n of_o humane_a ●●fe_n the_o inconstancy_n of_o the_o world_n glory_n which_o flovish_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o fade_v and_o wither_v in_o the_o eve●ing_n it_o be_v good_a to_o repeat_v frequent_o to_o our_o heart_n ●hat_n the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v say_v heretofore_o all_o flesh_n 〈◊〉_d as_o grass_n and_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n as_o the_o flower_n of_o ●rass_n the_o grass_n wither_v and_o the_o flower_n thereof_o fade_v ●way_n as_o for_o man_n his_o day_n be_v as_o grass_n as_o a_o flower_n of_o be_v field_n so_o he_o flourish_v for_o the_o wind_n pass_v over_o it_o and_o 〈◊〉_d be_v go_v and_o the_o place_n thereof_o shall_v know_v it_o no_o more_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n be_v of_o few_o day_n and_o full_a of_o couble_n he_o come_v forth_o like_o a_o flower_n and_o be_v cut_v down_o 〈◊〉_d flee_v also_o as_o a_o shadow_n and_o continue_v not_o his_o riches_n ●anish_v away_o and_o his_o sin_n continue_v his_o honour_n abandon_v he_o but_o his_o torment_n do_v not_o quit_v he_o thus_o by_o ●rying_a with_o a_o loud_a voice_n vanity_n of_o vanity_n in_o a_o heart_n infect_v by_o the_o bad_a air_n of_o the_o world_n it_o may_v chase_v away_o those_o worldly_a thought_n and_o fright_v away_o those_o ●irds_n which_o come_v to_o spoil_v our_o sacrifice_n and_o devour_v good_a seed_n of_o piety_n which_o the_o heavenly_a sower_n have_v 〈◊〉_d into_o our_o heart_n meditation_n how_o miserable_a be_o i_o i_o can_v stouth_n cry_v vanity_n of_o vanity_n to_o my_o hea●●_n deprave_v and_o corrupt_v with_o the_o love_n 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n and_o yet_o still_o it_o be_v never_o th●_n better_o i_o be_o sufficient_o persuade_v of_o a●●_n that_o be_v tell_v i_o i_o know_v mighty_a well_o th●●_n the_o world_n be_v only_o make_v up_o of_o appearance_n i_o know_v it_o have_v very_o much_o gall_n an●_n wormwood_n for_o a_o little_a honey_n i_o kno●_n that_o pleasure_n be_v twist_n that_o snarl_v an●_n entangle_v the_o soul_n and_o train_v it_o to_o death_n but_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o acquaint_v how_o the●_n knowledge_n remain_v in_o my_o understanding_n and_o make_v no_o manner_n of_o impression_n upo●_n my_o will._n i_o believe_v i_o see_v and_o i_o do_v nothing_o i_o see_v a_o thousand_o and_o a_o thousand_o people_n which_o the_o world_n plunge_v into_o corruption_n and_o bring_v to_o hell_n i_o see_v it_o be_v a_o great_a en●_n my_o of_o my_o saviour_n and_o that_o the_o chief_a thin●_n which_o it_o compass_n upon_o they_o that_o giu_v themselves_o
myself_o before_o thou_o with_o little_a reverence_n part_n ii_o of_o the_o source_n of_o indevotion_n chap._n i._o of_o impurity_n of_o life_n the_o first_o source_n of_o indevotion_n since_o indevotion_n be_v so_o great_a a_o evil_a let_v we_o try_v to_o find_v out_o its_o source_n that_o we_o may_v cut_v up_o this_o evil_n by_o the_o very_a root_n now_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a one_o be_v impurity_n of_o life_n nothing_o disconcert_v a_o heart_n so_o as_o a_o evil_a estate_n of_o conscience_n nothing_o more_o extinguish_v the_o fire_n of_o piety_n than_o the_o loathsome_a and_o muddy_a water_n of_o sin_n fire_n do_v not_o easy_o take_v in_o thing_n soak_v in_o water_n devotion_n can_v easy_o be_v bring_v to_o fit_a soul_n penetrate_v with_o vice_n one_o flame_n put_v out_o another_o and_o the_o fire_n of_o covetuousness_n choke_v that_o of_o zeal_n as_o the_o flame_n of_o gunpowder_n extinguish_v that_o of_o a_o candle_n devotion_n be_v a_o certain_a alacrity_n of_o heart_n that_o dispose_v we_o to_o draw_v nea●_n to_o god_n with_o confidence_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o have_v this_o disposition_n when_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o vice_n in_o go_v to_o present_a god_n with_o such_o offering_n as_o we_o ourselves_o know_v aught_o to_o be_v abominable_a to_o he_o for_o we_o know_v that_o god_n do_v not_o care_n for_o a_o sullied_a and_o unclean_a sacrifice_n go_v say_v he_o i_o hate_v i_o despise_v your_o solemn_a feast_n your_o meat-offering_n and_o sit_v beast_n i_o receive_v they_o as_o the_o price_n of_o whoredom_n as_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o swine_n and_o as_o a_o dog_n head_n alas_o the_o most_o spotless_a man_n be_v not_o enough_o so_o to_o present_v himself_o before_o god_n with_o assurance_n and_o the_o prophet_n can_v say_v woe_n be_v i_o for_o i_o be_o undo_v because_o i_o be_o a_o man_n of_o unclean_a lip_n my_o eye_n have_v see_v the_o king_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n it_o be_v impossible_a therefore_o that_o he_o who_o have_v not_o the_o wedding-garment_n on_o who_o vestment_n be_v stain_v with_o the_o spot_n of_o the_o flesh_n must_v needs_o be_v put_v into_o a_o vast_a consternation_n in_o think_v of_o he_o before_o who_o the_o star_n and_o the_o angel_n be_v unclean_a and_o how_o can_v this_o fear_n or_o to_o speak_v better_a this_o horour_n agree_v with_o devotion_n which_o be_v all_o love_n and_o all_o assurance_n let_v we_o go_v with_o confidence_n say_v the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n to_o all_o devout_a soul_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v find_v mercy_n in_o the_o time_n of_o need_n to_o bring_v to_o god_n a_o criminal_a conscience_n be_v to_o bring_v to_o he_o a_o witness_n against_o ourselves_o to_o make_v our_o own_o process_n it_o be_v to_o deliver_v we_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o severe_a justice_n we_o need_v not_o therefore_o be_v startle_v if_o the_o wicked_a be_v indevout_a and_o fly_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o since_o impurity_n of_o life_n will_v do_v nothing_o else_o than_o take_v away_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v hear_v this_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o hinder_v and_o stifle_v all_o devotion_n all_o the_o virtue_n be_v interest_v and_o he_o that_o will_v take_v away_o hope_v take_v their_o very_a life_n away_o how_o then_o can_v a_o wicked_a creature_n that_o know_v god_n will_v not_o hear_v he_o pray_v devout_o when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n from_o you_o yea_o when_o you_o make_v your_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v your_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o st._n paul_n will_v have_v we_o lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o murmur_a and_o david_n say_v if_o i_o have_v iniquity_n in_o i_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o have_v hear_v i_o it_o be_v for_o this_o cause_n he_o profess_v elsewhere_o that_o he_o wash_v his_o hand_n in_o innocency_n before_o he_o go_v to_o god_n altar_n and_o why_o shall_v god_n have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o those_o that_o have_v none_o for_o his_o commandment_n upon_o these_o principle_n the_o wicked_a man_n say_v to_o himself_o why_o shall_v i_o present_v myself_o before_o god_n have_v not_o my_o iniquity_n bar_v up_o against_o i_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o why_o shall_v i_o go_v to_o ask_v of_o he_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o refuse_v i_o unprofitable_a devotion_n will_v these_o be_v and_o submission_n that_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o hasten_v my_o punishment_n i_o can_v have_v the_o impudence_n to_o desire_v any_o thing_n without_o promise_v to_o myself_o somewhat_o but_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o bridle_v nothing_o within_o i_o and_o to_o continue_v in_o this_o way_n of_o live_v it_o be_v better_o therefore_o that_o every_o one_o hold_v where_o he_o be_v devotion_n be_v of_o a_o great_a extent_n it_o take_v up_o the_o whole_a heart_n it_o can_v dwell_v in_o a_o soul_n divide_v betwixt_o avarice_n ambition_n violence_n pleasure_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n wherefore_o if_o you_o sometime_o see_v those_o worldly_a person_n who_o refuse_v nothing_o to_o their_o heart_n to_o have_v their_o day_n of_o devotion_n well_o regulate_v and_o even_o sometime_o to_o shed_v more_o tear_n and_o fetch_v up_o more_o sigh_n than_o the_o faithful_a you_o may_v without_o hesitate_v conclude_v that_o these_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o pretend_a zealot_n who_o will_v pay_v god_n with_o physiognomy_n and_o posture_n and_o cheat_v the_o world_n with_o fine_a appearance_n perhaps_o some_o there_o be_v who_o believe_v they_o be_v not_o such_o bad_o devout_a people_n when_o they_o atone_v for_o a_o month_n debauch_v with_o a_o day_n of_o fast_v but_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o true_a devotion_n be_v not_o unequal_a nor_o full_a of_o sally_n it_o do_v not_o resemble_v those_o summer-torrent_n which_o roll_n with_o a_o headlong_a impetuosity_n and_o do_v not_o continue_v but_o for_o a_o day_n so_o that_o holiness_n of_o life_n be_v a_o preliminary_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o obtain_v devotion_n this_o virtue_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o excellent_a grace_n that_o we_o receive_v from_o heaven_n &_o one_o of_o the_o most_o precious_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o it_o be_v a_o pearl_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v cast_v before_o swine_n it_o be_v a_o ennamel_n only_o to_o be_v lay_v upon_o silver_n or_o gold_n it_o be_v in_o one_o word_n a_o favour_n communicate_v only_o to_o privilege_a soul_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o the_o pure_a and_o clean_a in_o heart_n but_o as_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o touch_v again_o upon_o this_o subject_n in_o another_o rencounter_n we_o will_v not_o drain_v it_o dry_a here_o meditation_n who_o can_v express_v the_o evil_n and_o the_o disorder_n that_o sin_n have_v cause_v in_o my_o soul_n who_o can_v recount_v all_o the_o mischief_n wherein_o the_o impurity_n of_o my_o heart_n engage_v i_o over_o and_o above_o all_o other_o evil_n it_o bring_v i_o this_o too_o it_o render_v i_o incapable_a of_o devotion_n sin_n have_v put_v a_o separation_n between_o my_o god_n and_o myself_o and_o therefore_o i_o be_o dead_a for_o god_n be_v my_o life_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o my_o soul_n i_o be_o blind_a for_o god_n be_v my_o light_n separate_v from_o he_o i_o be_o poor_a for_o he_o be_v my_o treasure_n and_o make_v up_o all_o my_o riches_n i_o be_o naked_a for_o he_o alone_o give_v i_o raiment_n sick_a i_o be_o for_o my_o health_n and_o strength_n come_v from_o that_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n who_o carry_v heal_v in_o his_o wing_n sin_n have_v robe_v i_o of_o he_o and_o have_v eclipse_v he_o as_o to_o i_o and_o i_o continue_v languish_v away_o be_v far_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o my_o life_n in_o this_o faintness_n i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o produce_v those_o vigorous_a movement_n of_o devotion_n that_o elevate_v the_o soul_n and_o carry_v it_o towards_o paradise_n sin_n be_v a_o thick_a foggy_a heavy_a wet_a that_o stick_v to_o my_o wing_n it_o be_v a_o weight_n which_o oppress_v i_o arrest_v all_o my_o soaring_n and_o render_v all_o my_o effort_n useless_a i_o feel_v a_o la●_n in_o my_o member_n which_o war_n and_o oppo●ses_n itself_o to_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n and_o make_v i_o the_o slave_n of_o sin_n insomuch_o a●_n i_o do_v not_o the_o good_a that_o i_o will_v yet_o i_o do_v the_o ill_a that_o i_o will_v not_o prayer_n o_o divine_a sun_n of_o my_o soul_n break_v out_o and_o dissipate_v these_o cloud_n thou_o great_a deliverer_n break_v these_o iron_n open_v this_o prison_n and_o free_v i_o from_o this_o bondage_n and_o captivity_n thou_o be_v most_o pure_a let_v i_o not_o be_v unclean_a almighty_a let_v i_o not_o be_v miserable_a all_o life_n let_v i_o not_o be_v dead_a draw_v
they_o mingle_v themselves_o in_o all_o company_n they_o will_v be_v engage_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o pleasure_n they_o be_v see_v in_o ball_n and_o comedy_n tremble_v with_o weakness_n they_o can_v see_v to_o distinguish_v red_a from_o black_a nor_o four_o from_o two_o but_o play_v they_o will_v at_o card_n and_o die_n with_o spectacle_n in_o sum_n after_o have_v be_v the_o idol_n of_o the_o world_n they_o punish_v it_o for_o the_o crime_n they_o have_v make_v it_o commit_v they_o become_v its_o punishment_n and_o its_o curse_n these_o be_v the_o spectres_n and_o phantome_n that_o follow_v it_o it_o fly_v they_o and_o have_v they_o in_o horror_n and_o detestation_n be_v man_n more_o wise_a than_o woman_n do_v not_o we_o see_v of_o the_o other_o old_a sinner_n that_o have_v their_o member_n wear_v and_o waste_v by_o debauchery_n but_o who_o concupiscence_n within_o be_v as_o young_a and_o boil_a as_o ever_o their_o inclination_n be_v always_o vicious_a but_o their_o member_n can_v no_o 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content_v to_o defend_v it_o by_o plurality_n of_o voice_n they_o will_v maintain_v it_o by_o reason_n god_n and_o nature_n say_v they_o make_v nothing_o in_o vain_a the_o earth_n be_v cover_v with_o live_a creature_n the_o sea_n fill_v with_o fish_n the_o air_n people_v with_o bird_n and_o the_o universe_n be_v full_a of_o delight_n be_v it_o possible_a say_v they_o that_o god_n have_v make_v so_o many_o thing_n for_o our_o use_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o the_o use_n of_o they_o have_v the_o author_n of_o nature_n make_v so_o many_o sensible_a wonder_n to_o fill_v the_o sense_n with_o illusion_n and_o to_o excite_v criminal_a passion_n have_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n write_v upon_o every_o creature_n touch_v i_o not_o at_o this_o rate_n the_o condition_n of_o man_n be_v now_o very_o forlorn_a and_o miserable_a when_o he_o be_v in_o paradise_n he_o have_v but_o one_o tree_n who_o access_n be_v not_o permit_v he_o and_o lo_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n be_v become_v 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away_o from_o the_o soul_n do_v you_o not_o withal_o take_v life_n away_o too_o do_v you_o not_o bury_v it_o alive_a do_v you_o not_o make_v of_o man_n life_n a_o sad_a and_o gloomy_a night_n in_o a_o word_n do_v not_o you_o render_v man_n the_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o creature_n they_o say_v last_o that_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o serve_v not_o so_o horrid_o beset_v with_o thorn_n as_o some_o will_v make_v one_o believe_v if_o we_o ascend_v even_o to_o the_o source_n we_o find_v it_o say_v they_o more_o pure_a and_o more_o dissengage_v from_o those_o rigour_n wherewith_o superstition_n have_v invest_v it_o the_o saint_n have_v have_v their_o debauch_n they_o have_v thank_v god_n he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o table_n cover_v with_o delicious_a meat_n a_o full_a bowl_n and_o overflow_a cup._n they_o have_v say_v that_o wine_n be_v intend_v to_o make_v glad_a the_o heart_n of_o man_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o author_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n have_v his_o feast_n and_o be_v frequent_o at_o such_o he_o be_v at_o the_o marriage_n in_o cana_n of_o galilee_n and_o there_o he_o make_v excellent_a wine_n to_o please_v the_o guest_n thus_o do_v they_o plead_v for_o voluptuousness_n and_o the_o unhappiness_n be_v that_o these_o maxim_n do_v not_o obtain_v only_o in_o the_o world_n they_o try_v to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o church_n they_o have_v put_v guide_n and_o directour_n that_o dress_v up_o a_o religion_n of_o flower_n and_o cry_v prepare_v the_o way_n make_v the_o path_n plain_a enlarge_v the_o way_n and_o make_v a_o great_a road_n that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v come_v into_o it_o these_o make_v our_o devotion_n easy_a and_o they_o cry_v my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n light_n love_n render_v the_o yoke_n of_o our_o lord_n easy_a for_o it_o be_v altogether_o sweet_a and_o easy_a to_o he_o that_o love_v but_o these_o ill_a doctor_n render_v their_o yoke_n easy_a in_o dispense_n with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o permit_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o search_n after_o please_v the_o sense_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o both_o in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v so_o few_o devout_a because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o voluptuous_a person_n meditation_n alas_o what_o a_o wretched_a creature_n i_o be_o i_o do_v not_o the_o good_a i_o will_v but_o the_o evil_n i_o will_v not_o that_o do_v i._o i_o understand_v well_o the_o strength_n of_o reason_n on_o piety_n side_n that_o call_v upon_o i_o to_o renounce_v the_o vain_a pleasure_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o weakness_n i_o perceive_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o advocate_n of_o pleasure_n but_o those_o good_a reason_n of_o piety_n find_v the_o gate_n lock_v for_o that_o my_o heart_n revolt_v against_o they_o and_o the_o bad_a reason_n that_o maintain_v the_o use_n of_o sensuality_n enter_v easy_o since_o they_o be_v ally_v to_o the_o corruption_n of_o my_o heart_n my_o flesh_n be_v loath_a to_o find_v the_o reason_n of_o piety_n so_o strong_a it_o have_v rather_o those_o for_o voluptuousness_n be_v the_o better_a and_o on_o the_o other_o part_n my_o mind_n be_v trouble_v while_o it_o see_v the_o force_n of_o truth_n to_o perceive_v in_o it_o that_o resistance_n against_o be_v overcome_v i_o serious_o bemoan_v this_o that_o in_o view_v the_o weakness_n of_o reason_n which_o draw_v i_o on_o pleasure_n side_n yet_o nevertheless_o i_o shall_v suffer_v myself_o to_o be_v carry_v away_o as_o if_o they_o be_v very_o strong_a for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v piety_n and_o reason_n may_v join_v their_o force_n but_o it_o be_v passion_n become_v victorious_a o_o my_o soul_n thou_o idolatrize_v sensuality_n thou_o may_v indeed_o change_v place_n but_o thy_o god_n thou_o ever_o carry_v along_o with_o thou_o if_o thou_o renounce_v some_o pleasure_n thou_o do_v not_o quit_v thy_o idol_n thou_o do_v nought_o but_o change_n for_o the_o love_n of_o pleasure_n find_v the_o mean_n to_o lose_v nothing_o when_o one_o object_n be_v take_v away_o from_o it_o it_o straight_o cast_v its_o self_n upon_o another_o judge_v ●hen_o of_o what_o nature_n can_v thy_o devotion_n be_v see_v thou_o divide_v they_o always_o between_o ●his_fw-la idol_n and_o the_o true_a god_n take_v one_o side_n o_o my_o soul_n choose_v and_o take_v that_o good_a part_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o thou_o ●hou_fw-mi can_v not_o serve_v two_o master_n the_o world_n ●nd_v god_n it_o may_v be_v thou_o bless_v thyself_o ●n_o that_o thou_o have_v forsake_v the_o pleasure_n of_o youth_n in_o that_o thou_o love_v not_o play_n nor_o ball_n nor_o comedy_n any_o more_o but_o thou_o do_v not_o perceive_v that_o thy_o corruption_n tie_v ●hee_o to_o other_o object_n and_o thou_o
flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o taste_v nothing_o but_o what_o flatter_v this_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o therefore_o among_o sensual_a pleasure_n there_o be_v permit_v our_o devout_a person_n only_o those_o which_o be_v moderate_a the_o sense_n love_v to_o receive_v strong_a impression_n of_o object_n provide_v there_o be_v no_o wound_n in_o the_o case_n the_o imagination_n love_v also_o to_o be_v powerful_o move_v but_o all_o these_o emotion_n make_v such_o mighty_a impression_n upon_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o hardly_o can_v come_v to_o itself_o again_o and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v but_o if_o we_o will_v have_v more_o sensible_a proof_n that_o the_o heart_n the_o passion_n and_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o to_o be_v consult_v about_o the_o choice_n of_o pleasure_n let_v we_o hear_v experience_n and_o cast_v a_o eye_n upon_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o world_n such_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o blindness_n in_o man_n who_o follow_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o sense_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o good_n and_o pleasure_n why_o do_v the_o first_o woman_n lie_v hold_v on_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n because_o it_o be_v good_a and_o pleasant_a to_o the_o eye_n she_o hearken_v to_o her_o heart_n and_o sense_n how_o do_v corruption_n arise_v to_o that_o high_a pitch_n in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o force_v god_n justice_n to_o bring_v upon_o it_o a_o terrible_a deiuge_n because_o the_o son_n of_o god_n see_v the_o daughter_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v fair_a they_o stop_v their_o ear_n to_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n which_o call_v upon_o they_o they_o heark'n_v to_o the_o solicitation_n of_o their_o own_o sensual_a heart_n they_o take_v they_o wife_n of_o all_o which_o they_o choose_v and_o corrupt_v themselves_o with_o they_o do_v not_o david_n commit_v adultery_n and_o murder_n in_o a_o little_a time_n because_o he_o give_v ear_n to_o his_o sense_n and_o heart_n and_o let_v his_o passion_n seduce_v he_o do_v not_o solomon_n become_v a_o idolater_n because_o his_o sinful_a love_n for_o woman_n have_v blind_v his_o eye_n separate_v he_o from_o god_n and_o stop_v the_o ear_n of_o his_o soul_n so_o as_o his_o mind_n hear_v only_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o his_o sense_n last_o do_v not_o st._n peter_n deny_v his_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o that_o his_o heart_n his_o sense_n his_o imagination_n make_v he_o see_v present_a death_n in_o a_o affrightful_a posture_n and_o he_o consult_v neither_o god_n nor_o his_o own_o reason_n we_o seem_v here_o to_o blend_v and_o confound_v innocence_n with_o sin_n in_o speak_v of_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o sense_n as_o common_a source_n of_o our_o error_n since_o that_o the_o sense_n may_v seem_v rather_o to_o be_v unhappy_a and_o unfortunate_a than_o criminal_a and_o sinful_a true_o the_o sense_n be_v subject_a to_o two_o unhappiness_n the_o first_o be_v to_o be_v force_v to_o receive_v object_n which_o be_v sinful_a and_o capable_a of_o transfer_v image_n of_o corruption_n to_o the_o heart_n such_o be_v evil_a example_n scandalous_a action_n and_o word_n the_o other_o misfortune_n of_o the_o sense_n be_v that_o they_o take_v in_o innocent_a object_n and_o sometime_o in_o a_o innocent_a manner_n and_o these_o image_n do_v spoil_v and_o corrupt_v themselves_o in_o the_o heart_n nevertheless_o i_o think_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o separate_v the_o sense_n from_o the_o heart_n they_o make_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n this_o be_v a_o match_n at_o the_o end_n of_o which_o lie_v a_o great_a heap_n of_o gunpowder_n the_o hear_v and_o the_o imagination_n be_v the_o inward_a extremity_n of_o this_o match_n they_o be_v the_o magazine_n of_o powder_n the_o sense_n be_v the_o other_o end_n to_o which_o the_o object_n set_v fire_n this_o fire_n slide_v or_o rather_o it_o fly_v along_o the_o match_n it_o enkindle_v the_o imagination_n and_o put_v the_o heart_n into_o a_o flame_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a spirit_n put_v for_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o one_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o one_o eye_n in_o short_a if_o we_o will_v be_v perfect_o assure_v that_o our_o heart_n and_o sense_n be_v evil_a counsellor_n in_o this_o affair_n hear_v what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n say_v it_o consider_v our_o heart_n as_o the_o root_n of_o all_o our_o evil_n every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v evil_a thought_n murder_n adultery_n fornication_n theft_n false_a witness_n blasphemy_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o defile_v a_o man._n the_o holy_a ghost_n represent_v the_o heart_n to_o we_o as_o blind_a wrap_v up_o in_o a_o thick_a cloud_n and_o profound_a darkness_n it_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o kind_n of_o death_n it_o be_v of_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v carnal_a how_o then_o canan_o heart_n thus_o compose_v and_o frame_v judge_n of_o the_o true_a good_n and_o pleasure_n how_o can_v there_o come_v any_o thing_n good_a from_o a_o poison_a spring_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o wife_n man_n put_v this_o maxim_n among_o the_o member_n of_o those_o we_o be_v to_o detest_v and_o abominate_a walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o eye_n i_o shall_v end_v here_o be_v it_o unnecessary_a to_o take_v off_o one_o scandal_n that_o may_v be_v take_v at_o what_o we_o have_v say_v that_o sensual_a pleasure_n be_v a_o good_a and_o even_o a_o good_a for_o the_o soul_n for_o in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o soul_n be_v that_o not_o only_o which_o perceive_v and_o which_o taste_v pleasure_n and_o if_o pleasure_n be_v a_o good_a it_o be_v a_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a than_o some_o will_v say_v we_o be_v to_o seek_v and_o love_v it_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v a_o good_a of_o the_o body_n only_o that_o be_v not_o absolute_o true_a it_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n because_o the_o soul_n taste_v it_o further_o if_o this_o good_a be_v only_o for_o the_o body_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o shall_v therefore_o be_v of_o necessity_n unlawful_a since_o we_o be_v not_o always_o forbid_v to_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o the_o body_n but_o we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o consider_v a_o thing_n in_o its_o self_n to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a we_o must_v consider_v it_o in_o its_o cause_n and_o its_o effect_n in_o what_o precede_v it_o what_o may_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v that_o the_o pleasure_n which_o come_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o body_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o good_a consider_v in_o itself_o look_v upon_o its_o source_n and_o see_v to_o what_o it_o produce_v the_o source_n be_v sin_n be_v impurity_n be_v rebellion_n against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o creator_n what_o it_o produce_v be_v a_o disunion_n between_o god_n and_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o pawn_n ourselves_o to_o death_n it_o be_v the_o pain_n of_o everlasting_a burn_n how_o can_v we_o under_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o good_a conceive_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v encompass_v about_o by_o so_o many_o moral_a impurity_n and_o such_o real_a mischief_n if_o therefore_o bodily_a pleasure_n can_v be_v call_v a_o good_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a sentiment_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o evil_a in_o all_o other_o regard_v it_o be_v a_o evil_a to_o speak_v absolute_o and_o therefore_o the_o wife_a man_n of_o all_o age_n have_v place_v it_o among_o the_o false_a good_n for_o a_o true_a good_a aught_o to_o be_v good_a on_o every_o side_n we_o view_v it_o the_o soul_n than_o have_v no_o true_a pleasure_n but_o what_o arise_v from_o its_o union_n with_o god_n and_o this_o union_n be_v fortify_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o we_o loosen_v ourselves_o from_o sensible_a thing_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n not_o of_o those_o verity_n which_o philosophy_n seek_v after_o and_o never_o find_v with_o any_o certainty_n but_o of_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o faith_n discover_v to_o we_o of_o those_o wholesome_a verity_n which_o be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o soul_n thy_o word_n be_v a_o lamp_n to_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n to_o my_o path_n it_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o make_v wise_a the_o simple_a the_o second_o bond_n whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n be_v virtue_n the_o practice_n of_o which_o render_v we_o like_a to_o our_o creator_n renew_v his_o image_n in_o we_o and_o make_v we_o to_o be_v the_o copy_n of_o that_o beauty_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o original_a the_o three_o cord_n be_v
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 offend_v god_n scandalise_v his_o neighbour_n he_o undo_v other_o as_o well_o as_o himself_o i_o shut_v up_o all_o then_o with_o counsel_v our_o devout_a person_n to_o affect_v nothing_o yet_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o hide_v his_o devotion_n under_o the_o veil_n of_o indifference_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o libertine_n to_o be_v a_o exact_a frequenter_a of_o holy_a assembly_n to_o hear_v with_o attention_n to_o pray_v with_o ardour_n not_o to_o dispense_v himself_o from_o the_o external_a action_n of_o humility_n but_o without_o be_v excessive_o give_v to_o appearance_n after_o this_o let_v he_o set_v himself_o above_o the_o judgement_n of_o indevout_a people_n god_n who_o see_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n will_v reward_v he_o and_o punish_v those_o rash_a judge_n most_o severe_o meditation_n what_o extravagance_n be_v it_o to_o fear_v more_o the_o rash_a judgement_n of_o man_n than_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n yet_o my_o own_o heart_n reproach_n i_o with_o 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 right_a hand_n o_o lord_n jesus_n conduct_v i_o by_o thy_o good_a spirit_n in_o this_o rugged_a and_o difficult_a path_n the_o world_n be_v a_o dangerous_a sea_n it_o be_v always_o beat_v with_o tempest_n and_o no_o calm_n be_v see_v there_o it_o be_v full_a of_o shelf_n and_o rock_n famous_a for_o a_o prodigious_a number_n of_o shipwreck_n o_o lord_n jesus_n be_v thou_o my_o pilot_n be_v thou_o my_o north-star_n in_o this_o perilous_a navigation_n that_o i_o may_v escape_v so_o many_o abyss_n which_o continual_o open_v their_o gape_a mouth_n upon_o i_o shine_v upon_o i_o in_o this_o darksome_a night_n that_o i_o may_v not_o wander_v and_o that_o leave_v on_o one_o hand_n the_o path_n so_o beat_v and_o so_o frequent_v by_o worldling_n i_o may_v walk_v in_o the_o highway_n as_o forsake_v and_o untrod_a as_o i_o perceive_v it_o be_v that_o i_o may_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n and_o devotion_n which_o thou_o have_v mark_v out_o to_o i_o that_o by_o those_o 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
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
heart_n of_o i_o be_v make_v i_o think_v of_o marble_n and_o ice_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a it_o shall_v continue_v insensible_a amid_o so_o many_o object_n which_o be_v capable_a to_o move_v it_o how_o can_v it_o be_v ungrateful_a when_o it_o be_v environ_v with_o so_o many_o favour_n from_o heaven_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a it_o shall_v not_o tremble_v before_o he_o who_o presence_n make_v the_o angel_n to_o tremble_v why_o do_v not_o my_o soul_n that_o be_v change_v and_o destitute_a of_o all_o good_a run_v with_o ardour_n to_o a_o source_n so_o pure_a and_o so_o refresh_v one_o tear_v i_o can_v draw_v from_o my_o eye_n nor_o one_o sigh_n from_o my_o heart_n every_o day_n i_o present_v myself_o before_o my_o god_n with_o dry_a eye_n with_o a_o humble_a body_n but_o with_o a_o proud_a soul_n and_o frequent_o with_o so_o great_a a_o air_n of_o negligence_n that_o the_o tone_n of_o my_o voice_n the_o posture_n of_o my_o member_n and_o general_o all_o that_o be_v see_v and_o hear_v in_o i_o speak_v my_o indevotion_n when_o have_v i_o insult_v over_o my_o own_o heart_n how_o often_o have_v i_o say_v to_o myself_o thou_o wicked_a soul_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o quake_v and_o shiver_v within_o i_o why_o do_v thou_o not_o fear_v he_o who_o none_o can_v fear_v enough_o and_o why_o do_v thou_o not_o love_v he_o infinite_o who_o have_v infinite_o love_v thou_o if_o thou_o love_v and_o fear'd_v this_o god_n as_o thou_o ought_v this_o god_n sovereign_o adorable_a who_o the_o angel_n love_n and_o fear_n thou_o can_v not_o be_v cold_a in_o his_o service_n nor_o adore_v he_o in_o so_o languish_v a_o manner_n prayer_n alas_o my_o god_n thou_o see_v how_o i_o groan_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o my_o corruption_n an●_n of_o my_o indevotion_n help_v i_o then_o to_o rid_v myself_o of_o they_o so_o that_o those_o motion_n of_o piety_n and_o zeal_n which_o thou_o love_v so_o much_o may_v henceforth_o be_v as_o frequent_v in_o my_o soul_n as_o they_o have_v be_v rareby_o till_o this_o prese●●_n that_o the_o movement_n of_o my_o devotion_n may_v not_o resemble_v those_o spark_n which_o fly_v up_o from_o a_o great_a company_n of_o embers_o and_o then_o grow_v cold_a and_o be_v extinguish_v but_o be_v of_o those_o pure_a slame_n which_o burn_v perpetual_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o water_n and_o resist_v the_o storm●_n and_o tempest_n of_o temptation_n corruption_n and_o bad_a example_n and_o that_o be_v far_o from_o suffer_v myself_o to_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o torrent_n of_o corruption_n and_o indevotion_n which_o obtain_v even_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n i_o may_v cause_v my_o righteousness_n to_o shine_v like_o a_o candle_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o darkness_n chap._n v._o that_o indevotion_n be_v a_o far_o great_a crime_n than_o it_o be_v common_o think_v touch_v the_o indevotion_n of_o the_o profane_a i_o do_v no_o speak_v but_o of_o those_o that_o will_v be_v call_v th●t_a child_n of_o god_n i_o speak_v of_o all_o those_o neglect_n and_o coldness_n of_o all_o those_o distraction_n and_o vain_a and_o carnal_a thought_n which_o traverse_v the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n the_o principal_a reason_n of_o the_o commonness_n of_o this_o crime_n be_v the_o opinion_n which_o people_n have_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a fault_n there_o be_v nothing_o which_o they_o do_v not_o say_v and_o imagine_v to_o flatter_v themselves_o in_o this_o vice_n one_o say_v it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v active_a and_o boil_a we_o can_v fix_v it_o upon_o one_o only_a object_n it_o take_v fire_n and_o evaporate_n even_o when_o we_o believe_v we_o can_v holdit_v it_o be_v say_v they_o a_o malady_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o which_o itself_o be_v not_o culpable_a ah_o certain_o if_o it_o be_v a_o evil_n entire_o unvoluntary_a it_o will_v very_o well_o deserve_v we_o shall_v deplore_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o strange_a irregularity_n and_o a_o proof_n that_o sin_n be_v cause_v within_o by_o great_a disorder_n if_o you_o see_v a_o man_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o discourse_n of_o good_a sense_n wander_v all_o on_o a_o sudden_a and_o speak_v a_o thousand_o impertinence_n and_o extravagant_a thing_n will_v not_o you_o say_v he_o have_v a_o desultory_a wit_n and_o a_o ill-biassed_a spirit_n be_v it_o not_o a_o proof_n of_o a_o great_a disorder_n in_o the_o heart_n to_o perceive_v one_o self_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o one_o devout_a thought_n to_o evaporate_v to_o go_v and_o take_v a_o leap_n from_o one_o self_n and_o the_o subject_a to_o fall_v into_o a_o thousand_o chimerical_a imagination_n but_o further_a i_o say_v there_o be_v as_o much_o of_o a_o crime_n as_o of_o misery_n in_o this_o evil._n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o know_v that_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o disorder_n to_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v sin_n in_o it_o the_o product_n of_o a_o criminal_a cause_n can_v be_v innocent_a and_o i_o fancy_v that_o the_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v corrupt_v by_o sin_n be_v like_a to_o marish_a and_o fenny_a place_n from_o whence_o vapour_n be_v continual_o elevate_v to_o heaven_n which_o oftentimes_o obscure_v the_o sun_n our_o passion_n it_o be_v true_a do_v raise_v up_o the_o cloud_n of_o vain_a and_o evil_a thought_n that_o rob_v our_o heart_n of_o the_o sun_n sight_n but_o what_o of_o this_o do_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o great_a evil_n do_v not_o all_o crime_n come_v from_o this_o source_n and_o be_v they_o therefore_o the_o less_o to_o be_v condemn_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v be_v fix_v which_o be_v false_a and_o a_o thousand_o experiment_n can_v show_v we_o the_o contrary_a be_v you_o to_o appear_v before_o a_o great_a prince_n to_o defend_v your_o life_n you_o will_v think_v so_o eager_o and_o earnest_o upon_o the_o business_n that_o no_o other_o thing_n will_v be_v allow_v admittance_n into_o the_o thought_n in_o speak_v to_o he_o you_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o least_o distraction_n the_o niggard_n that_o count_v his_o treasure_n do_v not_o hear_v when_o any_o one_o come_v to_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o his_o cabinet_n a_o man_n that_o be_v upon_o a_o important_a affair_n and_o give_v up_o his_o mind_n to_o it_o never_o find_v these_o wander_n of_o imagination_n it_o be_v true_a then_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o hinder_v this_o levity_n of_o mind_n whereof_o we_o complain_v as_o of_o a_o incurable_a evil_n thus_o in_o the_o vice_n of_o indevotion_n there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o pride_n of_o be_v unwilling_a to_o humble_v ourselves_o worthy_o before_o god_n in_o who_o presence_n all_o nature_n tremble_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o a_o king_n will_v take_v it_o well_o that_o in_o do_v he_o reverence_n one_o shall_v turn_v his_o back_n upon_o he_o or_o that_o one_o shall_v do_v he_o homage_n with_o a_o air_n of_o disdain_n and_o this_o be_v what_o we_o do_v to_o god_n we_o give_v he_o not_o the_o very_a moiety_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o slight_v and_o despise_v he_o who_o the_o angel_n adore_v can_v it_o be_v call_v a_o peccadillo_n the_o lord_n reign_v let_v the_o earth_n be_v move_v be_v very_o rare_a word_n in_o our_o mouth_n and_o see_v that_o god_n do_v not_o immediate_o avenge_v himself_o on_o the_o great_a contemner_n of_o his_o majesty_n without_o fear_n we_o take_v up_o a_o habit_n of_o defy_v he_o unquestionable_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o in_o indevotion_n beside_o the_o crime_n of_o disobedience_n it_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o render_v we_o worthy_a of_o all_o the_o most_o severe_a punishment_n we_o know_v mighty_a well_o that_o god_n command_v we_o ardour_n and_o zeal_n and_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a how_o he_o call_v we_o to_o take_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o violence_n we_o hear_v it_o say_v every_o day_n that_o he_o cast_v up_o the_o lukewarm_a out_o of_o his_o mouth_n we_o read_v every_o where_o that_o the_o way_n of_o the_o faithful_a aught_o to_o be_v in_o a_o swift_a course_n and_o not_o a_o slow_a walk_n and_o in_o short_a we_o know_v very_o well_o that_o he_o will_v have_v we_o be_v eat_v up_o with_o the_o zeal_n of_o his_o house_n maugre_o all_o these_o command_n and_o order_n still_o cold_a we_o be_v and_o languish_v who_o then_o shall_v be_v obey_v if_o god_n be_v not_o he_o who_o make_v his_o angel_n spirit_n and_o his_o minister_n a_o flame_a fire_n he_o who_o have_v so_o many_o mean_n to_o revenge_v himself_o upon_o rebel_n and_o to_o reward_v the_o obedient_a he_o last_o who_o command_n be_v ever_o just_a and_o ever_o holy_a let_v no_o one_o tell_v i_o then_o that_o this_o be_v a_o light_a fault_n since_o it_o be_v a_o
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 nor_o reason_n to_o day_n we_o be_v all_o fire_n to_o morrow_n all_o ice_n a_o upright_a soul_n instant_o pursue_v and_o awaken_v its_o self_n think_v on_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v inflame_v it_o it_o examine_v its_o own_o conscience_n to_o see_v whether_o it_o have_v commit_v any_o thing_n to_o dissorder_n its_o heart_n and_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n it_o find_v nothing_o whereof_o it_o can_v accuse_v its_o self_n and_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o it_o have_v this_o coldness_n whence_o then_o proceed_v these_o inequality_n perhaps_o from_o the_o changeable_a nature_n of_o man_n who_o be_v not_o always_o himself_o and_o peradventure_o from_o the_o temperament_n too_o as_o well_o as_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o air._n as_o the_o soul_n imprison_v in_o the_o body_n do_v not_o act_v but_o by_o its_o organ_n and_o depend_v extreme_o on_o the_o motion_n of_o its_o humour_n it_o be_v very_o manifest_a that_o devotion_n also_o depend_v on_o these_o dusty_a spring_n and_o wheel_n who_o pace_n be_v frequent_o seduce_v and_o spoil_v and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o devil_n find_v his_o time_n and_o amid_o the_o good_a seed_n sow_v his_o tare_n in_o our_o field_n in_o some_o perhaps_o god_n holy_a spirit_n the_o author_n of_o every_o good_a thought_n have_v hide_v himself_o for_o sometime_o this_o drought_n and_o barrenness_n of_o the_o soul_n may_v proceed_v from_o that_o god_n have_v lock_v up_o the_o source_n of_o those_o water_n spring_v up_o to_o eternal_a life_n however_o it_o be_v this_o mischief_n do_v cause_v much_o trouble_n to_o devout_a soul_n we_o need_v not_o for_o a_o cure_n employ_v any_o other_o remedy_n but_o prayer_n and_o tear_n the_o soul_n must_v say_v come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v thou_o son_n of_o my_o soul_n disperse_v this_o darkness_n make_v the_o morning_n starr_n to_o rise_v in_o my_o heart_n why_o do_v thou_o hide_v thyself_o i_o have_v seek_v thou_o in_o the_o night_n and_o find_v thou_o not_o open_v thy_o fountain_n and_o make_v thy_o river_n of_o water_n to_o flow_v on_o i_o that_o i_o may_v quench_v my_o thirst_n and_o be_v refresh_v make_v haste_n o_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n meditation_n what_o negligence_n be_v this_o i_o find_v in_o myself_o i_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n well_o which_o respect_v the_o present_a life_n but_o i_o take_v very_o little_a care_n of_o do_v the_o only_a and_o main_a thing_n well_o for_o which_o i_o ought_v to_o labour_v to_o make_v a_o progress_n in_o a_o art_n i_o exercise_v it_o often_o i_o consult_v master_n i_o make_v reflection_n on_o my_o fault_n that_o i_o may_v not_o fall_v into_o they_o again_o but_o alas_o my_o soul_n thou_o do_v not_o use_v thyself_o so_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n very_o rare_o it_o be_v thou_o do_v they_o and_o frequent_o without_o reflection_n and_o therefore_o thou_o do_v they_o ill_o thou_o do_v they_o rare_o because_o thou_o do_v they_o without_o pleasure_n and_o thou_o do_v they_o without_o any_o good_a because_o thou_o do_v they_o in_o a_o careless_a fashion_n and_o not_o with_o thy_o whole_a bent_n of_o heart_n return_v to_o they_o often_o and_o thou_o shall_v find_v such_o delight_n in_o they_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v conceive_v prayer_n o_o my_o god_n my_o divine_a saviour_n open_v the_o fountain_n of_o thy_o grace_n and_o let_v river_n flow_v upon_o i_o make_v i_o sensible_a of_o the_o advantage_n of_o possess_v thou_o and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o enjoy_v thou_o so_o that_o i_o may_v not_o draw_v myself_o both_o seldom_o and_o difficult_o to_o the_o place_n where_o thou_o speak_v to_o i_o and_o i_o to_o thou_o in_o thy_o temple_n or_o in_o the_o retreat_n of_o my_o closet_n draw_v i_o that_o i_o may_v run_v after_o thou_o when_o i_o design_v to_o approach_v thou_o by_o the_o action_n of_o my_o devotion_n be_v not_o thou_o far_o from_o i_o i_o know_v i_o be_o unworthy_a thou_o shall_v come_v under_o my_o roof_n it_o be_v not_o long_a since_o my_o heart_n be_v a_o den_n of_o thief_n and_o the_o haunt_n of_o unclean_a spirit_n but_o these_o filthy_a guest_n have_v leave_v some_o remainder_n of_o impurity_n behind_o they_o which_o render_v this_o tabernacle_n unworthy_a of_o thy_o holiness_n nevertheless_o thou_o sun_n of_o my_o soul_n who_o ray_n can_v be_v soil_v nor_o defile_v by_o the_o impurity_n of_o the_o place_n through_o which_o they_o pass_v pierce_v even_o to_o my_o marrow_n put_v thy_o fire_n within_o i_o which_o may_v purge_v i_o and_o kindle_v i_o with_o the_o flame_n of_o thy_o love_n if_o i_o sleep_v in_o security_n awaken_v i_o if_o i_o tumble_v into_o neglect_n and_o happen_v to_o break_v off_o the_o holy_a exercise_n of_o piety_n so_o necessary_a to_o conserve_v devotion_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o my_o heart_n to_o make_v i_o vigilant_a and_o watchful_a and_o if_o the_o hammer_n of_o thy_o word_n be_v not_o sufficient_a spare_v not_o even_o that_o of_o affliction_n rend_a i_o inpiece_n rather_o than_o leave_v i_o in_o my_o own_o natural_a hardness_n for_o thy_o blow_n will_v not_o wound_v my_o head_n they_o will_v be_v to_o i_o sweet_a than_o balm_n come_v to_o my_o help_n o_o my_o redeemer_n to_o accomplish_v the_o victory_n over_o my_o infirmity_n i_o be_o heavy_a and_o material_a make_v i_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a the_o motion_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o devotion_n which_o lift_v i_o up_o on_o high_a be_v opposite_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o nature_n that_o pull_v i_o down_o in_o this_o duel_n toss_v i_o be_o grievous_o and_o turmoild_v betwixt_o two_o contrary_n nature_n have_v the_o insolence_n to_o oppose_v grace_n and_o this_o combat_n make_v the_o exercise_n of_o my_o devotion_n to_o be_v so_o few_o but_o render_v they_o o_o holy_a spirit_n easy_a and_o pleasant_a to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v return_v to_o they_o frequent_o part_n iii_o chap._n i._o that_o pleasure_n be_v the_o mortal_a enemy_n of_o devotion_n what_o be_v the_o sentiment_n and_o maxim_n of_o the_o world_n about_o 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
prayer_n let_v thy_o meat_n be_v to_o do_v both_o night_n and_o day_n the_o will_n of_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n abstain_v as_o he_o do_v from_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n take_v his_o cross_n upon_o thou_o and_o mortify_v thy_o sin_n in_o thy_o flesh_n since_o thy_o saviour_n have_v mortify_v it_o in_o he_o if_o any_o one_o love_v i_o say_v he_o let_v he_o come_v after_o i_o and_o follow_v i_o alas_o my_o soul_n how_o far_o off_o be_v thou_o from_o he_o how_o imperfect_a thy_o imitation_n and_o how_o much_o do_v thou_o sink_v below_o thy_o example_n but_o lose_v no_o courage_n labour_n walk_v on_o let_v the_o thing_n alone_o that_o be_v behind_o and_o tend_v to_o those_o which_o be_v before_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v send_v by_o thy_o saviour_n will_v conduct_v thou_o in_o the_o most_o difficult_a path_n as_o in_o a_o smooth_a and_o even_a country_n if_o thou_o can_v not_o attain_v the_o perfection_n of_o that_o great_a example_n god_n have_v set_v before_o thy_o eye_n at_o least_o approach_n as_o near_o to_o it_o as_o thou_o be_v able_a for_o in_o short_a if_o thou_o will_v be_v happy_a with_o he_o thou_o must_v with_o he_o be_v righteous_a and_o holy_a thou_o must_v enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o mortification_n to_o arrive_v at_o that_o life_n whereof_o he_o be_v both_o the_o author_n and_o the_o source_n the_o soul_n of_o thy_o saviour_n do_v not_o only_o continue_v void_a of_o all_o sensual_a pleasure_n but_o it_o be_v penetrate_v by_o the_o most_o pierce_a dolour_n to_o imitate_v he_o renounce_v fleshly_a pleasure_n and_o submit_v thyself_o to_o the_o anguish_v of_o repentance_n prayer_n o_o my_o divine_a redeemer_n my_o jesus_n my_o saviour_n and_o my_o god_n thou_o will_v i_o shall_v imitate_v thou_o thou_o have_v say_v unto_o i_o learn_v of_o i_o and_o thy_o apostle_n say_v look_v up_o to_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o your_o faith_n be_v you_o imitator_n of_o we_o as_o we_o be_v of_o christ_n it_o be_v fit_a o_o my_o saviour_n i_o shall_v imitate_v thou_o thou_o have_v take_v my_o infirmity_n that_o i_o may_v glory_v in_o possess_v thy_o virtue_n but_o if_o this_o be_v glorious_a how_o difficult_a be_v that_o i_o can_v do_v all_o by_o thou_o who_o strengthene_v i_o and_o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o by_o myself_o give_v i_o therefore_o grace_v necessary_a to_o fulfil_v that_o which_o thou_o command_v i_o and_o after_o this_o command_n whatever_o thou_o will_v thou_o have_v make_v thyself_o like_o unto_o i_o in_o take_v upon_o thou_o my_o flesh_n make_v i_o like_a unto_o thou_o by_o give_v i_o thy_o spirit_n i_o be_o thy_o image_n o_o my_o god_n but_o a_o deface_v corrupt_v one_o over_o which_o the_o devil_n have_v display_v his_o infamous_a character_n cleanse_v i_o again_o and_o repass_v the_o pencil_n of_o thy_o grace_n over_o those_o effaced_a line_n of_o this_o image_n and_o wash_v away_o all_o the_o impurity_n which_o the_o world_n have_v pour_v upon_o it_o if_o i_o can_v follow_v thou_o draw_v i_o that_o i_o may_v run_v after_o thou_o give_v i_o the_o wing_n of_o thy_o love_n that_o i_o may_v fly_v to_o thou_o give_v i_o o_o my_o saviour_n the_o desire_n of_o imitate_v thou_o for_o i_o will_v imitate_v thou_o i_o will_v it_o o_o my_o god_n but_o it_o do_v not_o come_v from_o a_o victorious_a but_o a_o slavish_a will_n i_o will_v it_o but_o i_o do_v it_o not_o and_o i_o see_v by_o this_o that_o i_o will_v it_o not_o lord_n give_v i_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v my_o flesh_n think_v the_o way_n thou_o have_v walk_v in_o rough_a and_o uneasy_a it_o recoil_v and_o start_v back_o at_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o difficulty_n how_o wanton_a loose_a and_o wicked_a be_v this_o unhappy_a flesh_n how_o will_v it_o have_v do_v have_v thou_o indispensible_o command_v it_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o forerunner_n john_n baptist_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o have_v for_o one_o habitation_n a_o grott_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o a_o mountain_n or_o the_o trunk_n or_o shadow_n of_o a_o old_a oak_n to_o have_v a_o raiment_n of_o hair_n to_o dine_v on_o locust_n and_o a_o little_a wild_a honey_n for_o a_o great_a meal_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o lead_v this_o sort_n of_o life_n thyself_o it_o be_v to_o spare_v we_o and_o not_o make_v we_o imitate_v a_o life_n almost_o inimitable_a these_o be_v only_o the_o outfide_n of_o piety_n which_o may_v sometime_o be_v the_o mantle_n of_o hypocrisy_n but_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o to_o imitate_v the_o great_a example_n of_o real_a solid_a and_o internal_a virtue_n if_o thou_o command_v i_o not_o to_o wear_v a_o hair_n garment_n thou_o will_v that_o i_o shall_v put_v on_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n bowel_n of_o mercy_n and_o a_o patient_a mind_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o send_v i_o into_o the_o desert_n thou_o will_v have_v i_o retire_v into_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o heart_n for_o to_o conversewith_o thou_o and_o comprehend_v the_o truth_n which_o thou_o will_v reveal_v unto_o i_o if_o thou_o oblige_v i_o not_o to_o eat_v only_a locust_n at_o lest_o it_o be_v thy_o good_a pleasure_n i_o shall_v oftentimes_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o tear_n and_o mingle_v my_o drink_n with_o weep_v thou_o will_v that_o i_o make_v my_o repast_n near_o the_o fountain_n of_o haran_n upon_o jacob_n well_o profound_a in_o mystery_n full_a of_o live_a water_n consolation_n and_o joy_n that_o i_o seek_v my_o delight_n in_o thou_o o_o my_o saviour_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o water_n bubble_v up_o to_o eternal_a life_n thou_o will_v that_o i_o feast_v myself_o with_o thy_o love_n and_o that_o i_o find_v no_o pleasure_n but_o in_o thou_o do_v this_o therefore_o o_o bless_a jesus_n take_v the_o taste_n away_o from_o i_o of_o all_o the_o worldly_a pleasure_n make_v my_o heart_n to_o be_v entire_o employ_v about_o these_o that_o in_o embrace_v thou_o i_o may_v taste_v a_o pleasure_n that_o may_v so_o fill_v the_o capacity_n of_o my_o soul_n as_o it_o may_v cry_v out_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o sweetness_n i_o be_o fill_v as_o it_o be_v with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n chap._n iu._n what_o may_v be_v account_v innocent_a pleasure_n that_o devotion_n be_v no_o disquiet_v and_o uneasy_a thing_n nor_o a_o enemy_n to_o pleasure_n in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n i_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o not_o only_o to_o those_o pleasure_n which_o it_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n be_v criminal_a but_o to_o those_o too_o that_o we_o call_v innocent_a one_o in_o this_o rank_n i_o have_v place_v the_o continual_a divertisement_n whereunto_o the_o high_a part_n of_o mankind_n give_v '_o emselve_n up_o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o explain_v and_o unfold_v a_o question_n which_o may_v be_v start_v here_o to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o renousce_v all_o sort_n of_o pleasure_n to_o be_v christianly_o and_o true_o pious_a now_o in_o one_o word_n the_o answer_n can_v be_v return_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o nice_a and_o delicate_a matter_n in_o christian_a morality_n i_o say_v therefore_o first_o of_o all_o that_o devotion_n be_v no_o enemy_n to_o joy_n it_o suffer_v we_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o innocent_a and_o sinful_a pleasure_n it_o be_v neither_o fierce_a nor_o brutish_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v courteous_a civil_a sweet_a and_o modest_a it_o fly_v softness_n nor_o do_v it_o invest_v itself_o with_o flower_n yet_o it_o affect_v not_o to_o appear_v beset_v with_o thorn_n nor_o habilimented_a with_o prickle_n in_o short_a it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o a_o faithful_a person_n to_o be_v sincere_o devout_a shall_v nourish_v in_o himself_o a_o pensive_a and_o lumpish_a melancholy_n on_o the_o contrary_a piety_n be_v all_o gay_a and_o free_a the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a man_n be_v a_o continual_a feast_n our_o lord_n jesus_n will_v not_o have_v we_o affect_v a_o gloomy_a visage_n or_o a_o abase_v air_n he_o command_v we_o even_o when_o we_o fast_o and_o be_v mortify_v ourselves_o to_o anoint_v our_o head_n when_o we_o must_v be_v see_v by_o man_n that_o we_o may_v avoid_v ostentation_n in_o our_o piety_n to_o know_v what_o be_v innocent_a pleasure_n we_o be_v to_o dis●nguish_v with_o exactness_n and_o make_v a_o short_a but_o general_a review_n over_o all_o sort_n of_o pleasure_n first_o all_o the_o pleasure_n be_v either_o of_o the_o mind_n or_o of_o the_o sense_n among_o the_o sense_n some_o be_v more_o visible_a y_v to_o matter_n other_o be_v more_o disengage_v from_o they_o of_o the_o first_o order_n be_v the_o taste_n and_o touch_v of_o the_o latter_a he_o sight_n
have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n abuse_v but_o above_o all_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o strong_a the_o habit_n of_o luxury_n and_o debauchery_n do_v become_v when_o we_o permit_v they_o to_o take_v root_n and_o let_v they_o arrive_v even_o to_o old_a age._n the_o young_a plant_n which_o may_v be_v pluck_v up_o with_o one_o hand_n be_v now_o a_o trunk_n of_o immense_a greatness_n which_o resist_v the_o hatchet_n and_o wedge_n this_o little_a monster_n the_o love_n of_o voluptuousness_n which_o may_v have_v be_v easy_o stifle_v at_o its_o birth_n be_v become_v so_o great_a and_o so_o terrible_a as_o there_o be_v now_o no_o attacking_z nor_o fight_v with_o it_o sin_n simple_o consider_v do_v not_o become_v more_o strong_a by_o age_n their_o number_n be_v multiply_v these_o be_v snowball_n that_o wax_v big_a and_o big_a in_o roll_a these_o be_v torrent_n which_o swell_v big_a the_o far_o they_o remove_v from_o their_o springhead_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n at_o first_o to_o pass_v over_o 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solitary_a person_n admire_v the_o folly_n of_o this_o old_a man_n till_o the_o angel_n take_v up_o his_o speech_n and_o say_v thou_o se_v this_o old_a man_n he_o be_v the_o emblem_n of_o worldling_n they_o heap_v sin_n upon_o sin_n a_o design_n of_o lift_v themselves_o up_o to_o god_n come_v across_o present_o they_o sink_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n they_o begin_v again_o to_o commit_v new_a crime_n as_o if_o this_o burden_n by_o increase_n will_v become_v much_o light_a when_o they_o have_v push_v on_o their_o excess_n a_o good_a way_n a_o new_a desire_n of_o devote_v themselves_o to_o god_n overtake_v they_o but_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v become_v very_o great_a and_o consequent_o the_o motion_n of_o elevation_n be_v the_o more_o difficult_a this_o parable_n be_v compose_v for_o our_o subject_n and_o against_o those_o unhappy_a people_n that_o dedicate_v their_o youthful_a year_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o remit_v the_o practice_n of_o devotion_n and_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o their_o soul_n to_o god_n to_o another_o time_n st_o austin_n in_o expound_v the_o history_n of_o lazarus_n his_o resurrection_n ask_v why_o our_o lord_n employ_v sigh_n tear_n prayer_n and_o a_o loud_a voice_n to_o raise_v he_o again_o from_o the_o dead_a which_o he_o do_v not_o do_v for_o the_o other_o who_o he_o revive_v as_o for_o the_o young_a man_n of_o naim_n who_o bier_n he_o touch_v only_o and_o jairus_n daughter_n to_o who_o he_o only_o say_v talitha_n cumi_fw-la maid_n arise_v it_o be_v say_z he_o because_o lazarus_n have_v be_v dead_a four_o day_n our_o lord_n will_v give_v we_o a_o image_n of_o the_o difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v withal_o in_o a_o smners_n conversion_n when_o he_o be_v confirm_v in_o his_o sin_n the_o first_o day_n say_v that_o father_n be_v that_o of_o pleasure_n which_o we_o taste_v in_o the_o sin_n the_o second_o be_v that_o of_o consent_n the_o three_o be_v that_o of_o love_n and_o application_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o four_o be_v mere_a custom_n and_o habit._n when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o this_o we_o can_v be_v raise_v again_o we_o can_v be_v convert_v to_o god_n but_o by_o cry_n and_o tear_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n fruitfal_n in_o miracle_n this_o methinks_v make_v we_o comprehend_v well_o the_o interest_n we_o have_v to_o think_v on_o god_n in_o due_a time_n and_o to_o consecrate_v our_o youth_n to_o devotion_n 〈◊〉_d know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o end_n obtain_v the_o crown_n but_o i_o know_v too_o that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o high_a importance_n to_o begin_v well_o that_o we_o may_v end_v happy_o a_o arrow_n which_o wander_v and_o slide_v from_o towards_o the_o butt_n just_a as_o it_o part_v from_o the_o bow_n will_v be_v find_v at_o a_o monstrous_a distance_n from_o the_o butt_n before_o it_o come_v to_o its_o journey_n end_n one_o that_o in_o his_o youth_n be_v plunge_v into_o debauchery_n and_o abandon_v himself_o to_o sensual_a pleasure_n will_v find_v himself_o far_o remove_v from_o god_n in_o his_o old_a age_n he_o must_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n to_o bring_v himself_o back_o again_o from_o such_o a_o aloof_o and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v with_o the_o wise_a man_n young_a man_n remember_v thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n meditation_n why_o do_v thou_o delay_v o_o my_o soul_n after_o these_o consideration_n do_v not_o thou_o apprehend_v the_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o consecrate_v thyself_o without_o any_o shift_a or_o linger_a to_o the_o service_n of_o thy_o god_n thou_o evermore_o say_v to_o morrow_n to_o morrow_n but_o this_o morrow_n never_o come_v and_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n will_v come_v in_o a_o hour_n when_o thou_o look_v not_o for_o it_o when_o thy_o god_n call_v upon_o thou_o thou_o tell_v he_o the_o word_n of_o a_o slothful_a and_o sleepy_a person_n present_o i_o say_v present_o 5._o st._n august_n confess_v l._n 8._o cap._n 5._o let_v i_o alone_o a_o little_a but_o one_o moment_n long_o but_o this_o present_o never_o come_v and_o this_o moment_n be_v a_o everlasting_a one_o i_o see_v thou_o be_v displease_v at_o oblige_v thou_o to_o give_v up_o thyself_o so_o soon_o to_o god_n this_o be_v too_o soon_o say_v thou_o to_o begin_v and_o will_v it_o not_o be_v time_n enough_o some_o year_n hence_o wicked_a and_o ungrateful_a can_v thou_o think_v too_o soon_o on_o thy_o god_n it_o be_v just_a thou_o shall_v think_v of_o he_o assoon_o as_o thou_o begin_v to_o be_v and_o to_o know_v thyself_o since_o he_o think_v on_o thou_o and_o thy_o salvation_n from_o eternity_n his_o essence_n have_v no_o beginning_n and_o his_o love_n for_o thou_o have_v none_o too_o both_o eternal_a what_o do_v thou_o do_v to_o this_o great_a god_n to_o engage_v he_o to_o love_v thou_o so_o long_o a_o while_n before_o he_o love_v thou_o before_o thou_o be_v amiable_a he_o see_v thou_o in_o thy_o nothing_o and_o in_o the_o abyss_n of_o thy_o corruption_n and_o from_o all_o eternity_n he_o prepare_v mean_n for_o thou_o to_o get_v out_o of_o that_o abyss_n he_o prepare_v thou_o a_o redeemer_n he_o do_v not_o reserve_v one_o moment_n in_o eternity_n which_o he_o have_v not_o give_v thou_o and_o thou_o will_v retrench_v from_o he_o many_o year_n of_o this_o short_a and_o uncertain_a life_n whereof_o thou_o have_v the_o use_n here_o below_o perhaps_o thou_o will_v say_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unjust_a if_o thy_o time_n be_v divide_v betwixt_o thy_o god_n and_o thou_o and_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o give_v all_o one_o have_v without_o reserve_v any_o thing_n to_o one_o self_n but_o do_v not_o thou_o consider_v that_o thy_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o all_o thing_n he_o have_v give_v thou_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n the_o field_n rivers_n fountain_n plant_n tree_n and_o fruit_n have_v he_o reserve_v any_o thing_n to_o himself_o have_v not_o he_o give_v himself_o too_o entire_o to_o thou_o have_v he_o not_o give_v thou_o his_o only_a son_n and_o still_o have_v not_o he_o give_v he_o up_o to_o death_n itself_o for_o thou_o will_v not_o thou_o then_o be_v very_o ungrateful_a o_o my_o soul_n if_o thou_o will_v divide_v with_o god_n and_o rob_v he_o of_o any_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v but_o alas_o when_o thou_o think_v and_o speak_v thus_o thou_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v thy_o own_o interest_n thou_o suppose_v that_o thou_o lose_v from_o thyself_o all_o the_o time_n thou_o give_v to_o thy_o god_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n thou_o save_v only_o those_o moment_n from_o shipwreck_n which_o thou_o consecrate_v to_o he_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o thy_o time_n be_v l●st_o be_v
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 my_o will_n to_o work_v evil_a be_v voluntary_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o the_o less_o strong_a nor_o the_o less_o easy_a to_o be_v dissolve_v my_o corruption_n be_v in_o my_o will_n and_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d can_v conquer_v it_o by_o my_o will_n alone_o thy_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o but_o without_o it_o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o come_v then_o conmy_a deliverer_n and_o break_v these_o chain_n under_o which_o i_o groan_v i_o will_v not_o let_v thou_o go_v till_o thou_o have_v bless_v i_o create_v in_o i_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o i_o let_v thy_o free_a spirit_n sustain_v i_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o seek_v counsel_n ●nd_v aid_n to_o promote_v and_o succour_v my_o devotion_n without_o thou_o ●esigns_n fail_v of_o their_o success_n and_o council_n be_v unprofitable_a we_o can_v scarce_o guard_v city_n or_o build_v house_n unless_o thou_o rich_a unless_o thou_o put_v to_o thy_o hand_n all_o our_o care_n and_o ●●our_n become_v vain_a 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
a_o hundred_o other_o lesson_n but_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o compare_v with_o the_o knowledge_n to_o be_v have_v from_o the_o read_n of_o that_o other_o book_n which_o god_n have_v dictate_v to_o his_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n it_o be_v there_o thou_o may_v see_v the_o abyss_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n the_o infinity_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o mercy_n without_o engage_v thyself_o very_o deep_o in_o these_o abysses_n what_o fruit_n can_v thou_o not_o reap_v from_o the_o death_n of_o my_o saviour_n and_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o cross_n thou_o will_v learn_v there_o how_o thou_o be_v to_o love_n for_o that_o be_v the_o school_n of_o love_n thou_o will_v view_v thy_o divine_a saviour_n eat_v up_o with_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n house_n burn_v with_o the_o flame_n of_o charity_n he_o so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o death_n for_o the_o world_n and_o that_o to_o a_o shameful_a cruel_a and_o torment_a death_n even_o that_o of_o the_o cross_n he_o expose_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o arrow_n of_o god_n wrath_n he_o suck_v the_o venom_n and_o undergo_v the_o weight_n of_o his_o indignation_n and_o for_o who_o for_o his_o enemy_n it_o be_v thus_o o_o my_o soul_n thou_o must_v love_v this_o be_v but_o a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o the_o thing_n thou_o may_v learn_v in_o that_o heavenly_a book_n prayer_n but_o o_o lord_n i_o read_v in_o vain_a i_o meditate_v without_o success_n o_o my_o sun_n infuse_v thy_o ray_n into_o my_o heart_n open_v my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n make_v thy_o word_n to_o be_v in_o i_o like_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v of_o my_o soul_n my_o joint_n and_o marrow_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n sanctify_v i_o by_o thy_o truth_n let_v my_o heart_n burn_v within_o i_o when_o thou_o speak_v and_o declare_v to_o i_o the_o scripture_n let_v i_o receive_v thy_o word_n with_o a_o thirsty_a soul_n and_o let_v it_o become_v unto_o i_o a_o spring_n of_o live_a water_n bubble_v up_o to_o eternal_a life_n that_o i_o may_v be_v conduct_v by_o the_o river_n of_o thy_o grace_n to_o the_o ocean_n of_o glory_n chap._n ix_o the_o four_o particular_a help_n to_o devotion_n the_o use_n of_o prayer_n i_o do_v not_o design_n here_o to_o make_v any_o commendation_n of_o prayer_n nor_o to_o display_v all_o its_o uses_n which_o both_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n have_v do_v very_o ample_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sure_a mean_n to_o purify_v the_o soul_n since_o there_o be_v no_o action_n whereby_o we_o approach_v near_o to_o god_n no_o time_n wherein_o he_o communicate_v himself_o more_o to_o we_o he_o have_v be_v very_o often_o observe_v to_o give_v his_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n in_o prayer_n in_o pray_v st_n peter_n fall_v into_o a_o ecstasy_n paul_n be_v ravish_v to_o the_o three_o heaven_n cornelius_n in_o his_o prayer_n receive_v the_o vision_n of_o a_o angel_n monica_n st_n augustine_n mother_n after_o her_o prayer_n and_o tear_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o her_o son_n have_v in_o her_o dream_n that_o excellent_a revelation_n of_o his_o conversion_n a_o angel_n tell_v she_o afflict_v not_o thyself_o thy_o son_n be_v with_o thou_o as_o god_n be_v the_o sun_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o jet_v his_o beam_n perpendicular_o into_o our_o heart_n he_o must_v necessary_o clarify_v and_o heat_v they_o he_o disperse_v the_o vapour_n of_o the_o inferior_a part_n and_o draw_v his_o own_o image_n there_o now_o this_o communication_n of_o the_o ray_n of_o grace_n be_v never_o make_v more_o than_o in_o prayer_n i_o shall_v not_o stay_v to_o examine_v any_o further_a the_o condition_n with_o which_o prayer_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o be_v devout_a it_o be_v already_o show_v enough_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v attentive_a persevere_v and_o ardent_a i_o shall_v only_o give_v here_o two_o advice_n the_o one_o to_o avoid_v weariness_n the_o other_o to_o avoid_v distraction_n first_o i_o say_v that_o few_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o long_a prayer_n for_o to_o render_v a_o prayer_n perfect_o devout_a there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o extreme_a contention_n of_o mind_n a_o extraordinary_a elevation_n and_o a_o entire_a loosen_a one_o self_n from_o the_o world_n now_o these_o action_n do_v a_o kind_n of_o violence_n to_o the_o soul_n which_o natural_o tend_v to_o a_o release_n of_o itself_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v of_o any_o long_a continuance_n if_o we_o give_v no_o relaxation_n to_o the_o heart_n it_o take_v it_o and_o ramble_n some_o where_o or_o other_o in_o spite_n of_o our_o tooth_n so_o as_o i_o will_v have_v the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n to_o be_v long_o though_o divide_v into_o little_a space_n of_o time_n that_o they_o have_v many_o part_n and_o each_o of_o they_o be_v short_a devotion_n be_v compose_v of_o three_o principal_a act_n reading_n meditation_n and_o prayer_n each_o of_o these_o need_v not_o be_v do_v present_o so_o as_o to_o follow_v one_o another_o but_o they_o may_v be_v mingle_v for_o we_o must_v allow_v some_o grain_n to_o the_o soul_n weakness_n and_o we_o must_v keep_v it_o from_o disgust_n by_o variety_n a_o little_a read_n may_v be_v the_o first_o degree_n of_o its_o elevation_n a_o little_a meditation_n on_o that_o read_n will_v lift_v it_o a_o degree_n high_o and_o after_o the_o read_n and_o meditation_n a_o short_a prayer_n will_v lead_v it_o to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o forget_v the_o world_n after_o which_o it_o will_v return_v whole_o new_a to_o read_v and_o meditation_n in_o the_o same_o order_n in_o prayer_n it_o will_v fly_v through_o the_o air_n by_o the_o force_n of_o its_o own_o wing_n and_o at_o its_o return_n to_o read_v it_o will_v do_v like_o those_o bird_n that_o weary_a with_o fly_v come_v to_o repose_v themselves_o not_o on_o the_o earth_n but_o some_o very_a high_a tree_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n so_o our_o devout_a soul_n will_v come_v to_o rest_v itself_o not_o by_o fall_v on_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o will_v never_o set_v foot_n there_o nor_o permit_v the_o mind_n to_o return_v to_o the_o world_n but_o it_o will_v continue_v elevate_v upon_o the_o prop_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n ur_fw-la and_o aaron_n will_v sustain_v it_o lift_v up_o towards_o the_o heaven_n and_o from_o thence_o take_v its_o flight_n it_o will_v by_o little_a and_o little_o rise_v upon_o the_o wing_n of_o meditation_n until_o it_o return_v by_o prayer_n whither_o it_o be_v first_o lift_v up_o this_o method_n undoubted_o will_v give_v it_o time_n to_o renew_v its_o strength_n it_o can_v hold_v out_o long_o if_o its_o course_n be_v push_v on_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o its_o vigour_n but_o by_o take_v breath_n and_o march_v fair_o on_o from_o time_n to_o time_n it_o will_v make_v a_o very_a great_a advance_v in_o a_o day_n the_o other_o direction_n i_o will_v give_v regard_v those_o who_o have_v not_o be_v busy_v about_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v less_o proper_a for_o the_o great_a elevation_n these_o people_n ordinary_o make_v their_o devotion_n in_o prayer_n pronounce_v by_o heart_n from_o which_o way_n distraction_n be_v almost_o inseparable_a these_o i_o will_v counsel_v to_o endeavour_v to_o untie_v themselves_o from_o word_n and_o hold_v only_o to_o the_o sense_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o in_o their_o family-prayer_n they_o shall_v dispense_v themselves_o from_o their_o form_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o all_o the_o world_n have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o form_v their_o thought_n and_o put_v they_o into_o a_o order_n which_o may_v edify_v the_o public_a but_o for_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o closet_n they_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v make_v by_o heart_n than_o by_o the_o tongue_n when_o the_o imagination_n do_v not_o make_v some_o endeavour_n for_o the_o production_n of_o its_o thought_n and_o the_o choice_n of_o its_o word_n in_o follow_v the_o beat_a road_n which_o it_o fear_v not_o to_o lose_v it_o never_o fail_v of_o go_v somewhither_o else_o as_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o the_o place_n where_o we_o will_v retain_v it_o but_o when_o it_o give_v attention_n to_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o express_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o heart_n have_v conceive_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o imagination_n unite_n their_o force_n make_v up_o a_o complete_a attention_n i_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v some_o say_v that_o all_o the_o world_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o compose_v all_o be_v not_o able_a to_o compose_v for_o man_n but_o to_o compose_v for_o god_n they_o be_v able_a let_v we_o make_v never_o such_o effort_n to_o speak_v well_o we_o stammer_v in_o the_o mouth_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o
duty_n of_o piety_n we_o can_v be_v in_o the_o kitchen_n and_o the_o closet_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o while_o the_o soul_n be_v employ_v in_o its_o room_n about_o seethe_a and_o digest_v its_o victual_n and_o distribute_v its_o nourishment_n it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n to_o be_v transport_v in_o place_n destine_v to_o contemplation_n and_o meditation_n it_o lie_v grovel_v beneath_o thick_a cloud_n and_o foggy_a vapour_n which_o render_v the_o heart_n unfit_a to_o lift_v itself_o up_o the_o abundance_n of_o delicious_a meat_n say_v a_o father_n send_v smoky_a exhalation_n like_o cloud_n that_o interrupt_v the_o illumination_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o understanding_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherefore_o moses_n that_o he_o may_v see_v god_n without_o a_o cloud_n stay_v forty_o day_n upon_o the_o mount_n without_o eat_v or_o drink_v with_o design_n that_o the_o superior_a part_n of_o his_o soul_n may_v remain_v disengage_v from_o trouble_n and_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o low_a part_n ease_n and_o abundance_n of_o bread_n cause_n the_o sin_n of_o sodom_n and_o uncleanness_n of_o of_o life_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o mouth_n be_v excess_n after_o the_o use_n of_o many_o delicate_a meat_n and_o drink_n the_o blood_n be_v all_o over_o inflame_v which_o give_v a_o disposition_n to_o all_o carnal_a action_n and_o a_o inclination_n to_o worldly_a joy_n which_o be_v ever_o immoderate_a the_o people_n sit_v down_o to_o eat_v and_o to_o drink_v and_o rose_n up_o to_o play_v we_o must_v therefore_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n observe_v the_o rule_n of_o sobriety_n and_o nourish_v the_o body_n only_o for_o life_n sake_n we_o must_v give_v it_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o deny_v it_o superfluity_n that_o it_o be_v never_o able_a to_o rebel_v against_o we_o and_o frequent_o we_o must_v retrench_v even_o the_o necessary_a thing_n that_o we_o may_v master_v it_o the_o more_o for_o the_o flesh_n when_o keep_v under_o contribute_v much_o to_o make_v the_o heart_n contrite_a and_o the_o less_o tie_v the_o soul_n have_v to_o the_o body_n the_o more_o easy_o it_o lift_v itself_o up_o to_o god_n when_o we_o fast_o our_o devotion_n be_v not_o interrupt_v by_o sleep_n they_o be_v not_o corrupt_v by_o involuntary_a motion_n they_o be_v not_o vitiated_a by_o dishonest_a thought_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n touch_v the_o practice_n and_o use_v of_o fast_v divers_a advice_n may_v be_v give_v first_o we_o be_v not_o to_o hold_v it_o for_o a_o part_n of_o devotion_n and_o as_o a_o worship_n wherewith_o we_o serve_v god_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v neither_o meat_n nor_o drink_n it_o be_v only_o a_o help_n to_o devotion_n this_o first_o consideration_n furnish_v we_o with_o a_o other_o which_o be_v that_o we_o use_v not_o fast_v as_o devotion_n itself_o for_o to_o fast_o whilst_o we_o be_v travel_v or_o about_o our_o employment_n be_v no_o work_n of_o great_a merit_n or_o great_a use_n the_o first_o consideration_n have_v a_o three_o still_o that_o spring_v from_o it_o and_o that_o be_v that_o fast_v be_v not_o to_o be_v employ_v no_o far_o in_o devotion_n than_o as_o it_o may_v be_v a_o aid_n to_o it_o and_o by_o consequence_n we_o can_v give_v any_o certain_a rule_n either_o for_o the_o practice_n or_o the_o duration_n of_o it_o some_o temper_n there_o be_v so_o weak_a that_o fast_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o help_n to_o devotion_n as_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a let_v to_o it_o because_o it_o immediate_o cast_v the_o body_n into_o a_o certain_a negligence_n which_o hinder_v the_o soul_n from_o soar_v up_o again_o there_o be_v those_o can_v be_v tame_v but_o by_o long_a mortification_n and_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o spare_v themselves_o other_o master_n '_o emselve_n more_o easy_o and_o these_o must_v know_v themselves_o but_o nevertheless_o they_o be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o body_n do_v not_o serve_v for_o a_o pretext_n to_o dispense_v themselves_o from_o necessary_a mortification_n yet_o we_o can_v approve_v those_o cruelty_n which_o some_o use_n towards_o the_o body_n in_o treat_v it_o like_o a_o declare_a enemy_n without_o spare_v either_o fire_n or_o sword_n we_o put_v not_o on_o here_o the_o spirit_n of_o controversy_n we_o leave_v every_o one_o to_o his_o own_o conscience_n we_o say_v only_o that_o although_o those_o excess_n be_v not_o new_a they_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o all_o that_o eccesiastical_a history_n supply_v we_o with_o example_n enough_o i_o confess_v of_o these_o extravagant_a mortification_n but_o i_o have_v rather_o stand_v to_o the_o dicision_n of_o st._n basil_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suspect_v in_o this_o cause_n since_o he_o be_v a_o great_a associate_n in_o fast_n and_o mortification_n however_o he_o repeat_v many_o time_n the_o precept_n of_o mediocrity_n and_o insist_o very_o long_o upon_o it_o he_o deny_v his_o virgin_n and_o his_o hermit_n the_o use_n of_o excessive_a mortification_n even_o to_o his_o save_a in_o the_o book_n of_o virginity_n that_o the_o burden_n of_o heavy_a and_o excessive_o pamper_a flesh_n do_v not_o bring_v more_o encumbrance_n to_o the_o elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o sick_a body_n thin_v by_o a_o long_a and_o excessive_a mortification_n and_o therefore_o he_o express_o order_n that_o necessity_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o fast_v and_o abstinence_n and_o now_o follow_v another_o necessary_a direction_n upon_o this_o subject_a that_o bodily_a mortification_n and_o fast_v do_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o the_o soul_n nor_o mortify_v all_o sort_n of_o vice_n a_o ancient_n say_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v not_o able_a to_o lay_v hold_n or_o take_v possession_n of_o a_o body_n master_v by_o great_a mortification_n seize_v upon_o the_o soul_n all_o naked_a and_o by_o it_o and_o in_o it_o begins_z and_o consummate_v the_o carnal_a desire_n if_o the_o soul_n without_o the_o body_n be_v capable_a of_o act_v and_o commit_v bodily_a sin_n though_o mortification_n be_v in_o the_o way_n how_o shall_v it_o heal_v itself_o by_o this_o mean_n of_o those_o disease_n which_o be_v entire_o in_o it_o as_o envy_n pride_n and_o self-love_n so_o we_o see_v these_o passion_n reign_v very_o often_o and_o very_o imperious_o in_o those_o man_n of_o scourge_v and_o sackcloth_n this_o so_o bloody_a war_n which_o be_v wage_v against_o the_o body_n and_o in_o appearance_n renounce_v all_o self-love_n can_v be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o most_o part_n than_o a_o self-love_n very_o delicate_a which_o lead_v to_o glory_n by_o extraordinary_a path_n that_o it_o may_v arrive_v there_o the_o more_o sure_o from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o mortification_n which_o st._n paul_n require_v of_o we_o when_o he_o say_v mortify_v your_o member_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o which_o we_o have_v judge_v necessary_a for_o devotion_n go_v much_o far_a than_o bodily_a mortification_n to_o stifle_v that_o self-love_n that_o pride_n those_o jealousy_n harred_n envy_n and_o even_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n there_o be_v need_n of_o another_o sort_n of_o fast_v that_o be_v a_o abstinence_n from_o all_o action_n which_o may_v nourish_v those_o vice_n so_o i_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o those_o incomparable_a word_n of_o the_o father_n beware_v of_o define_v the_o excellence_n of_o fast_v by_o a_o sole_a abstinence_n from_o meat_n and_o drink_n for_o true_a fast_n consist_v in_o abstain_v from_o evil._n thou_o do_v not_o eat_v flesh_n but_o thou_o tear_v thy_o brother_n in_o piece_n thou_o abstain_v from_o wine_n but_o thou_o abstain_v not_o from_o do_v outrage_n thou_o wait_v till_o the_o evening_n to_o eat_v but_o thou_o spend_v the_o day_n in_o a_o law_n suit_n woe_n to_o those_o that_o be_v drink_v though_o not_o with_o wine_n anger_n inebriate_v the_o soul_n and_o as_o well_o as_o wine_n cast_v it_o out_o of_o the_o limit_n of_o reason_n meditation_n this_o of_o wine_n i_o confess_v be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a drunkenness_n and_o gluttony_n be_v a_o most_o filthy_a sin_n these_o sin_n be_v great_a enemy_n to_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o fast_v abstinence_n and_o sobriety_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o succour_v and_o nourish_v piety_n but_o o_o my_o soul_n take_v care_n of_o thyself_o these_o vice_n regard_v the_o body_n chief_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o drunkenness_n and_o gluttony_n which_o immediate_o concern_v the_o soul_n and_o be_v it_o may_v be_v still_o more_o dangerous_a this_o drunkenness_n be_v pride_n and_o this_o gluttony_n be_v avarice_n and_o ambition_n how_o many_o soul_n do_v i_o see_v in_o the_o world_n make_v drink_v with_o vanity_n and_o a_o high_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o they_o be_v fly-blown_a with_o pride_n that_o all_o the_o earth_n can_v contain_v they_o they_o stretch_v themselves_o so_o far_o