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 â—â—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 â—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 â—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 â—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 â—he_n old-man_n if_o we_o will_v present_v ourselves_o to_o god_n a_o â—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 meâ—itations_n by_o which_o we_o can_v prepare_v ourselves_o for_o â—rayer_n be_v that_o of_o the_o world_n vanity_n it_o be_v good_a to_o enâ—er_v into_o ourselves_o to_o consider_v the_o brevity_n of_o humane_a â—â—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 eveâ—ing_n it_o be_v good_a to_o repeat_v frequent_o to_o our_o heart_n â—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 â—rass_n the_o grass_n wither_v and_o the_o flower_n thereof_o fade_v â—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 â—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 â—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 â—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 heaâ—â—_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 thâ—_n better_o i_o be_o sufficient_o persuade_v of_o aâ—â—_n that_o be_v tell_v i_o i_o know_v mighty_a well_o thâ—â—_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 anâ—_n wormwood_n for_o a_o little_a honey_n i_o knoâ—_n that_o pleasure_n be_v twist_n that_o snarl_v anâ—_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 theâ—_n knowledge_n remain_v in_o my_o understanding_n and_o make_v no_o manner_n of_o impression_n upoâ—_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 enâ—_n my_o of_o my_o saviour_n and_o that_o the_o chief_a thinâ—_n which_o it_o compass_n upon_o they_o that_o giu_v themselves_o
yourselves_o to_o this_o present_a wicked_a world_n as_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkeness_n make_v â—â—t_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n for_o they_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n go_v to_o now_o i_o say_v â—f_a mirth_n it_o be_v vanity_n and_o of_o laughter_n it_o be_v madness_n it_o â—s_v better_a for_o a_o young_a man_n to_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o mourning_n â—han_o to_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o feast_v for_o that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o â—hen_o and_o the_o live_a will_v lay_v it_o to_o heart_n it_o be_v good_a for_o a_o man_n 〈◊〉_d bear_v the_o yoke_n in_o his_o youth_n i_o say_v in_o my_o heart_n i_o will_v â—reve_n thou_o with_o mirth_n therefore_o enjoy_v pleasure_n and_o behold_v his_o also_o be_v vanity_n rejoice_v o_o young_a man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o south_n but_o know_v that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v he_o unto_o judgement_n and_o now_o in_o good_a earnest_n be_v all_o these_o draught_n of_o the_o character_n of_o we_o christian_n now_o a_o day_n â—â—ese_fw-mi cross_n these_o thorn_n these_o rough_a way_n these_o â—rait_a gate_n this_o yoke_n this_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o â—s_a vanity_n do_v they_o signify_v that_o we_o can_v follow_v our_o lord_n â—esus_fw-la christ_n in_o the_o equipage_n of_o sensuality_n sometime_o â—mong_a feast_n sometime_o dance_n sometime_o at_o comedy_n and_o sometime_o at_o play_n those_o soft_a and_o effeminate_a life_n that_o be_v spend_v at_o card_n and_o dice_n in_o vain_a use_v lewd_a conversation_n in_o the_o intrigue_n of_o fleshly_a love_n â—ave_n they_o any_o resemblance_n with_o the_o combat_n the_o â—rastlings_n the_o raze_n from_o which_o the_o h._n spirit_n take_v his_o emblem_n to_o paint_v out_o to_o we_o the_o life_n of_o the_o faithful_a â—ight_a the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o run_v that_o you_o may_v obtain_v the_o prize_n keep_v under_o your_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n so_o fight_v not_o as_o one_o that_o break_v the_o air._n heaven_n and_o earth_n life_n and_o death_n be_v not_o more_o opposite_a to_o one_o another_o than_o the_o effeminate_a life_n of_o we_o christian_n to_o this_o portrait_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v give_v we_o but_o above_o all_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o the_o spirit_n 〈◊〉_d christianity_n and_o of_o devotion_n love_v nothing_o so_o much_o aâ—_n mortification_n to_o which_o sensible_a pleasure_n be_v mortal_a enemy_n mortify_v your_o member_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n st._n paul_n bid_v we_o do_v they_o mortify_v their_o member_n that_o entertain_v and_o employ_v they_o in_o volptuousness_n in_o lie_v upon_o bed_n of_o down_o in_o pillage_n sea_n and_o land_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o delicate_a meat_n in_o join_v aâ—â—_n to_o nature_n to_o compose_v delicious_a liquor_n for_o they_o and_o in_o run_v after_o all_o that_o may_v enchant_v their_o sense_n some_o will_v say_v that_o by_o these_o member_n whereof_o the_o gospel_n commnad_n the_o mortification_n 〈◊〉_d ought_v to_o understand_v vice_n very_o well_o but_o do_v 〈◊〉_d we_o know_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o origâ—ne_n of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o old_a man_n which_o make_v viceâ—_n we_o can_v kill_v vice_n but_o by_o mortify_v our_o member_n the_o flesh_n be_v that_o unhappy_a field_n accurse_v by_o gâ—â—_n which_o produce_v thorn_n and_o thistle_n the_o more_o yeâ—_n fatten_v this_o earth_n the_o more_o will_v it_o produce_v of_o theâ—_n venomous_a plant_n so_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o keep_v it_o 〈◊〉_d a_o great_a privation_n of_o those_o pleasure_n that_o fomention_n cupisence_n to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v continue_v mighty_a barrâ—_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o unhappy_a product_n the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o of_o devotion_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o strength_n but_o pleasure_n be_v soft_a it_o soften_v the_o soâ—_n and_o effeminate_v the_o courage_n and_o the_o church_n requiâ—â—_n a_o vigorous_a soul_n and_o a_o heart_n of_o a_o temper_n which_o caâ—â—_n not_o be_v wound_v by_o the_o most_o weighty_a blow_n nor_o tâ—â—_n most_o edged_a and_o hack_v gleave_n of_o the_o church_n enemy_n we_o be_v to_o march_v through_o a_o hundred_o and_o â—â—â—dred_n sharp_a sword_n he_o that_o will_v follow_v the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ought_v to_o resolve_v to_o suffer_v persecution_n since_o we_o have_v always_o in_o our_o head_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n but_o can_v a_o soft_a and_o voluptuous_a life_n be_v proper_a to_o dispose_v we_o to_o martyrdom_n in_o go_v out_o of_o a_o perfume_a bed_n in_o rise_v from_o a_o table_n almost_o weigh_v down_o with_o delicious_a meat_n with_o a_o head_n fill_v with_o the_o furne_z of_o a_o debauch_n be_v we_o in_o a_o good_a state_n to_o mount_v scaffold_n to_o enter_v into_o flame_n and_o without_o quake_v look_v upon_o rack_n and_o torture_n whether_o be_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o look_v for_o the_o hero_n of_o jesus_n christ_n capable_a of_o face_v death_n itself_o among_o our_o christian_n that_o overwhelm_v and_o as_o it_o be_v fuddle_v themselves_o in_o pleasure_n or_o among_o those_o who_o austere_a and_o retire_a life_n have_v declare_v war_n to_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n but_o say_v one_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o martyrdom_n and_o according_a to_o all_o appearance_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v it_o may_v be_v so_o but_o still_o it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n we_o shall_v always_o have_v the_o necessary_a disposition_n to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o god_n will_v judge_v we_o not_o only_o according_a to_o what_o we_o do_v but_o also_o according_a to_o what_o we_o will_v do_v furthermore_o do_v any_o one_o believe_v that_o the_o sword_n and_o fire_n of_o the_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o temptation_n we_o imagine_v we_o have_v need_n of_o strength_n and_o courage_n only_o to_o vanquish_v or_o undergo_v such_o torment_n but_o alas_o some_o who_o have_v come_v off_o victorious_a from_o their_o bloody_a bartels_n have_v yet_o fall_v into_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o some_o that_o have_v bear_v the_o mark_n and_o brand_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v become_v child_n of_o hell_n by_o let_v '_o emselves_fw-mi be_v surprise_v by_o the_o devil_n of_o pride_n covetousness_n uncleanness_n or_o heresy_n such_o a_o one_o who_o have_v tear_v a_o young_a lion_n to_o piece_n in_o his_o strength_n break_v the_o band_n of_o the_o philistine_n and_o pile_v heap_n of_o dead_a body_n with_o the_o jawbone_n of_o a_o ass_n fall_v into_o the_o bracelet_n of_o a_o dalilah_n and_o be_v lead_v in_o herchain_n to_o a_o idol_n temple_n this_o truth_n the_o world_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o it_o be_v well_o say_v that_o the_o delight_n of_o capua_n do_v more_o than_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o that_o they_o find_v out_o the_o way_n to_o soften_v and_o break_v those_o hard_a african_n that_o march_v after_o hannibal_n and_o make_v victory_n to_o march_v after_o they_o so_o the_o tranquillity_n god_n bestow_v on_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v we_o sleep_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o voluptuousness_n prosperity_n be_v a_o strong_a temptation_n and_o pleasure_n itself_o be_v a_o monster_n which_o we_o can_v overcome_v without_o a_o vigorous_a resistance_n meditation_n i_o be_o read_v a_o maxim_n that_o make_v i_o tremble_v god_n will_v judge_v we_o both_o according_a to_o what_o we_o do_v and_o according_a to_o what_o we_o will_v have_v do_v if_o we_o have_v be_v expose_v to_o those_o temptation_n which_o may_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n true_a it_o be_v there_o be_v scarce_o room_n for_o doubt_n in_o this_o maxim_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o my_o god_n will_v have_v the_o high_a purity_n of_o heart_n that_o no_o one_o be_v innocent_a in_o his_o sight_n because_o he_o have_v commit_v no_o evil_n but_o because_o he_o have_v not_o the_o inclination_n to_o commit_v it_o he_o sound_v the_o depth_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o search_v the_o reins_o and_o he_o will_v judge_v according_a to_o what_o he_o know_v and_o not_o to_o what_o man_n see_v in_o my_o heart_n he_o see_v crime_n in_o their_o very_a bud_n and_o if_o these_o sin_n have_v not_o shoot_v forth_o by_o reason_n of_o want_n of_o earth_n if_o they_o have_v not_o come_v forth_o for_o want_n of_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n i_o be_o therefore_o the_o more_o innocent_a but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n also_o who_o can_v undergo_v the_o terror_n and_o amazement_n that_o such_o a_o thought_n inspire_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
and_o we_o have_v need_n of_o a_o free_a mind_n they_o make_v real_a joy_n and_o grief_n to_o spring_v up_o for_o imaginary_a adventure_n into_o the_o mind_n they_o put_v idea_n and_o into_o the_o heart_n vain_a motion_n which_o ruin_n the_o holy_a disposition_n that_o we_o will_v establish_v in_o a_o devout_a soul_n the_o same_o i_o say_v of_o a_o play_n a_o fury_n which_o agitate_v man_n like_o a_o kind_n of_o demoniac_a spirit_n a_o man_n see_v his_o life_n and_o his_o death_n that_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v his_o fortune_n and_o his_o misfortune_n a_o roll_a with_o inconceivable_a transport_v and_o inquietude_n his_o soul_n be_v agitate_a at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o a_o thousand_o passion_n with_o fear_n desire_n hope_n and_o his_o heart_n be_v entire_o put_v beside_o the_o seat_n be_v such_o a_o man_n in_o a_o condition_n to_o lift_v up_o his_o soul_n to_o god_n such_o fine_a devotion_n as_o these_o be_v they_o which_o be_v make_v after_o have_v past_a half_n the_o night_n in_o this_o exercise_n the_o tempest_n have_v be_v over_o great_a a_o long_a time_n will_v the_o wave_n be_v move_v the_o soul_n will_v be_v a_o good_a while_n level_v itself_o and_o yet_o after_o this_o the_o sweetness_n devotion_n will_v not_o be_v according_a to_o the_o palate_n for_o thâ—_n they_o be_v not_o carnal_a pleasure_n of_o which_o alone_o it_o sensible_a whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o young_a peâ—ple_n be_v very_o rare_o fit_a for_o the_o elevation_n of_o devotion_n they_o be_v but_o late_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o all_o 〈◊〉_d it_o appear_v mighty_a fine_a these_o pleasure_n they_o gâ—â—_n down_o by_o long_a draught_n and_o nothing_o appear_v plase_v unto_o they_o but_o what_o flatter_v flesh_n and_o blood_n whiâ—â—_n boil_v in_o their_o vein_n hence_o also_o it_o come_v that_o thâ—_n constitution_n where_o the_o blood_n have_v the_o ascendaâ—â—â—_n which_o be_v the_o temperament_n of_o the_o world_n joy_n be_v 〈◊〉_d proper_a for_o devotion_n than_o that_o which_o have_v the_o ingredient_n of_o earth_n and_o melancholy_n the_o former_a be_v like_o 〈◊〉_d matter_n extreme_o combustible_a which_o take_v fire_n 〈◊〉_d the_o least_o sparkle_n but_o the_o latter_a be_v more_o difficul_n to_o be_v move_v be_v less_o sensible_a of_o what_o charm_v other_o and_o that_o which_o pierce_v through_o they_o negligent_o pass_v it_o by_o we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o draw_v man_n out_o of_o this_o erroâ—_n they_o imagine_v they_o can_v divide_v themselves_o betwiâ—â—_n heavenly_a and_o earthly_a joy_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o thâ—_n rank_a of_o unclean_a creature_n the_o law_n place_v those_o amphibious_a bird_n which_o both_o swim_n and_o fly_v and_o live_v in_o 〈◊〉_d double_a element_n of_o air_n and_o water_n this_o be_v the_o eâ—â—blem_n of_o worldly_a man_n evermore_o they_o swim_v in_o fleshly_a pleasure_n and_o sometime_o by_o weak_a soaring_n they_o try_v to_o get_v out_o thence_o and_o reach_v heaven_n but_o it_o happen_v to_o they_o just_a as_o it_o do_v to_o those_o aquatic_a fowl_n who_o flight_n go_v no_o further_a than_o to_o touch_v and_o curl_v the_o superficies_n of_o the_o water_n with_o their_o wing_n and_o then_o they_o forthwith_o fall_v down_o again_o delicate_a and_o rare_a say_v st._n bernard_n be_v the_o divine_a consolation_n it_o be_v a_o chaste_a woman_n but_o jealous_a who_o deserve_v only_o to_o be_v belove_v can_v give_v herself_o to_o he_o that_o run_v after_o strange_a woman_n wherefore_o solomon_n pronounce_v vanity_n upon_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o earth_n whereof_o he_o have_v make_v a_o very_a large_a experience_n it_o be_v for_o this_o also_o that_o david_n declare_v so_o of_o ten_o that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v any_o other_o pleasure_n than_o that_o of_o his_o god_n to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n be_v my_o good_a to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o be_v my_o all._n forsake_v all_o say_v st._n austin_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v all_o for_o that_o man_n will_v find_v all_o in_o god_n that_o despise_v all_o for_o god_n sake_n behold_v here_o one_o of_o the_o main_a counsel_n which_o can_v be_v give_v to_o pious_a mind_n which_o undertake_v to_o dispose_v themselves_o to_o devotion_n renounce_v renounce_v thou_o devout_a soul_n all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o make_v choice_n of_o spiritual_a one_o let_v read_v in_o holy_a write_n charm_v thou_o as_o worldly-minded_n people_n be_v charm_v by_o their_o ill_a book_n let_v religious_a assembly_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n divert_v thou_o as_o much_o as_o they_o divert_v themselves_o by_o their_o criminal_a show_n let_v the_o work_n of_o mercy_n towards_o the_o poor_a and_o afflict_a be_v use_v by_o thou_o as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o age_n use_v their_o vain_a course_n their_o sport_n and_o their_o converse_n and_o if_o thou_o take_v any_o recreation_n and_o refreshment_n let_v honesty_n and_o severe_a virtue_n be_v the_o governess_n of_o all_o thy_o pleasure_n meditation_n how_o unhappy_a be_v thou_o o_o my_o soul_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o egypt_n and_o not_o to_o be_v ensible_a of_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o true_a canaan_n or_o this_o reason_n thou_o turn_v thy_o eye_n so_o ofâ—en_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o same_o â—our_n that_o thy_o heart_n shall_v be_v intite_n in_o â—eaven_n at_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o devotion_n and_o â—ravers_n thou_o think_v on_o onion_n garlic_n â—nd_v fleshpot_n which_o thou_o do_v eat_v when_o thou_o be_v the_o slave_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o thâ—_n world_n thou_o have_v not_o yet_o taste_v thâ—_n delight_n of_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n that_o say_v i_o be_o satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n oh_o how_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v i_o have_v taste_v he_o he_o bring_v i_o into_o his_o banqueting-house_n his_o love_n be_v sweet_a than_o wine_n and_o thâ—_n honey_n let_v he_o kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_v 〈◊〉_d his_o mouth_n will_v to_o god_n i_o be_v honour_v with_o these_o secret_a communication_n whereof_o my_o saviour_n make_v some_o privilege_a soul_n to_o partake_v which_o fill_v they_o witâ—_n joy_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o torment_n anâ—_n make_v they_o find_v music_n in_o prison_n and_o 〈◊〉_d the_o rattle_a of_o their_o iron_n learn_v o_o mâ—_n soul_n learn_v to_o seek_v thy_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n he_o be_v the_o source_n all_o joâ—_n that_o come_v not_o from_o he_o terminate_v aâ—_n length_n in_o grief_n saddness_n lamentation_n dâ—spair_n and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n what_o doâ—_n my_o heart_n wish_v for_o what_o do_v it_o hunger_n anâ—_n thirst_v after_o do_v thou_o love_v beauty_n in_o goâ—_n thou_o will_v find_v it_o and_o god_n will_v give_v it_o thâ—_n thyself_o for_o thou_o will_v become_v glorious_a anâ—_n full_a of_o light_n by_o the_o commerce_n thou_o shaâ—_n have_v with_o he_o do_v thou_o love_v life_n anâ—_n health_n he_o be_v the_o well_o of_o life_n and_o in_o 〈◊〉_d light_n shall_v we_o see_v light_n and_o he_o will_v communicate_v a_o life_n to_o thou_o ever_o healthful_a and_o vigorous_a that_o be_v eternal_a life_n do_v thou_o love_v pleasure_n lo_o he_o will_v make_v thou_o drink_v at_o the_o stream_n of_o his_o delight_n he_o will_v fill_v thou_o with_o the_o wine_n prepare_v by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o say_v i_o have_v mix_v my_o wine_n i_o have_v kill_v my_o fat_a beast_n he_o will_v cause_v thou_o to_o see_v such_o object_n as_o will_v ravish_v thou_o he_o will_v make_v thou_o hear_v a_o sweet_a and_o charm_a music_n in_o the_o consort_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n who_o eternal_o sing_v the_o praise_n of_o our_o god_n after_o so_o many_o blessing_n either_o already_o receive_v or_o already_o possess_v in_o hope_n can_v i_o still_o be_v at_o all_o sensible_a of_o the_o vain_a pleasure_n of_o the_o earth_n prayer_n o_o my_o god_n my_o divine_a saviour_n come_v and_o fill_v my_o soul_n with_o those_o sweetness_n that_o thou_o communicate_a to_o thy_o faithful_a servant_n give_v i_o the_o bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n the_o true_a manna_n and_o bread_n of_o angel_n that_o make_v i_o taste_v of_o pleasure_n which_o stifle_v and_o choke_v the_o sense_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o the_o taste_n of_o sublunary_a divertisement_n let_v thy_o sabbath_n be_v my_o feast_n day_n let_v thy_o word_n be_v sweet_a to_o i_o than_o honey_n and_o than_o the_o drop_n of_o honey_n and_o let_v the_o meditation_n of_o those_o joy_n which_o thou_o prepare_v for_o i_o in_o heaven_n ravish_v i_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o i_o may_v be_v no_o more_o either_o the_o world_n or_o my_o own_o but_o be_v entire_o thou_o make_v heaven_n to_o descend_v upon_o earth_n in_o my_o favour_n enlarge_v my_o heart_n make_v there_o a_o little_a paradise_n shed_v down_o upon_o it_o so_o great_a a_o abundance_n of_o thy_o light_n of_o
to_o he_o appertain_v all_o the_o difference_n of_o time_n the_o past_a present_a future_a but_o among_o these_o he_o love_v the_o present_a time_n and_o he_o say_v i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o or_o he_o who_o be_v and_o not_o he_o who_o shall_v be_v he_o that_o will_v be_v like_o god_n and_o please_v he_o must_v speak_v as_o he_o do_v i_o be_o he_o that_o be_v righteous_a holy_a separate_a from_o sinner_n devote_v to_o god_n consecrate_v to_o his_o service_n heretofore_o god_n require_v our_o first-sruits_a and_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o our_o herd_n and_o likewise_o of_o our_o child_n abraham_n rise_v betimes_o in_o the_o morning_n to_o go_v and_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n and_o god_n command_v that_o a_o immortal_a fire_n shall_v burn_v in_o his_o temple_n for_o the_o perpetual_a sacrifice_n of_o morning_n as_o well_o as_o evening_n this_o signify_v god_n will_v be_v serve_v first_o and_o our_o first_o be_v to_o be_v consecrate_v to_o he_o he_o will_v not_o we_o shall_v say_v to_o he_o come_v and_o follow_v i_o if_o the_o world_n leave_v any_o thing_n remain_v thou_o shall_v have_v it_o he_o love_v not_o those_o people_n that_o say_v unto_o he_o let_v we_o first_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n or_o go_v to_o such_o a_o place_n etc._n etc._n he_o answer_v they_o let_v the_o dead_a bury_v their_o dead_a come_v you_o and_o follow_v i_o for_o have_v put_v your_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n if_o you_o look_v back_o you_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n few_o person_n there_o be_v but_o confess_v that_o one_o time_n or_o other_o in_o one_o life_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o think_v on_o god_n they_o only_o dispute_v about_o the_o time_n one_o say_v i_o will_v become_v a_o good_a christian_a when_o i_o have_v finish_v my_o house_n another_z when_o i_o have_v make_v my_o fortune_n and_o young_a people_n say_v when_o we_o be_v old_a and_o have_v taste_v the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n in_o a_o word_n all_o remit_v this_o great_a affair_n to_o futurity_n since_o they_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o god_n and_o that_o without_o this_o hell_n and_o death_n eternal_a be_v inevitable_a be_v it_o not_o the_o great_a fury_n and_o madness_n to_o deal_v thus_o and_o to_o remit_v a_o affair_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n to_o the_o time_n to_o come_v whereof_o we_o can_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v assure_v young_a people_n you_o idolater_n of_o pleasure_n make_v use_n of_o the_o example_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n who_o say_v in_o the_o evening_n to_o his_o soul_n eat_v drink_v and_o be_v merry_a thou_o have_v lay_v up_o good_n for_o many_o year_n when_o that_o very_a night_n that_o soul_n to_o which_o he_o have_v give_v such_o bad_a counsel_n be_v require_v of_o he_o who_o have_v give_v you_o assurance_n that_o you_o shall_v arrive_v to_o old_a age_n or_o have_v you_o make_v a_o treaty_n with_o god_n that_o in_o what_o estate_n soever_o death_n shall_v surprise_v you_o heaven_n shall_v receive_v you_o if_o death_n re'ncounter_v you_o cover_v with_o vice_n come_v from_o a_o comedy_n at_o the_o theatre_n or_o from_o a_o debauch_n at_o the_o tippling-house_n or_o any_o place_n more_o infamous_a do_v you_o believe_v you_o be_v in_o a_o good_a condition_n to_o say_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o it_o will_v be_v answer_v go_v i_o know_v you_o not_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n you_o will_v say_v without_o doubt_n we_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o against_o thou_o we_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n but_o spare_v we_o and_o impute_v all_o our_o sin_n to_o our_o youth_n this_o will_v do_v nothing_o god_n can_v in_o favour_n of_o youth_n disannul_v that_o irrevocable_a edict_n nothing_o impure_a can_v enter_v into_o my_o holy_a city_n the_o jewish_a doctor_n who_o frequent_o happen_v to_o say_v very_o good_a thing_n say_v remember_v thy_o god_n and_o turn_v to_o he_o only_o one_o day_n before_o thy_o death_n this_o be_v extraordinary_o well_o say_v think_v therefore_o of_o thy_o god_n to_o day_n for_o to_o morrow_n perhaps_o thou_o shall_v die_v what_o do_v we_o do_v then_o when_o we_o dispose_v of_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o say_v to_o morrow_n we_o will_v set_v upon_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o pleasure_n the_o day_n after_o we_o will_v act_v a_o debauch_n we_o will_v live_v in_o this_o manner_n for_o fifty_o or_o sixty_o year_n and_o after_o that_o we_o will_v think_v of_o a_o retreat_n to_o god_n true_o we_o imitate_v those_o ambitious_a and_o visionary_a prince_n who_o upon_o the_o only_a hope_n of_o make_v conquest_n divide_v beforehand_o the_o province_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o government_n which_o be_v none_o of_o their_o own_o to_o who_o belong_v the_o time_n to_o come_v without_o doubt_n to_o god_n only_o who_o hold_v it_o as_o in_o storehouse_n and_o let_v it_o run_v as_o please_v he_o who_o stop_v its_o source_n or_o prolong_v its_o current_n so_o that_o when_o we_o distribute_v the_o time_n to_o come_v we_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o bestow_v what_o be_v god_n and_o none_o of_o our_o own_o and_o which_o perhaps_o never_o will_v be_v and_o yet_o we_o destine_v and_o divide_v it_o beforehand_o to_o sundry_a use_n and_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a folly_n even_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n and_o note_v by_o many_o proverb_n that_o be_v very_o well_o know_v since_o therefore_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o god_n be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v do_v when_o it_o be_v most_o easy_a and_o i_o maintain_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o love_v god_n and_o be_v convert_v to_o he_o when_o we_o be_v young_a than_o in_o old_a age._n this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o paradox_n because_o in_o that_o age_n the_o blood_n boil_v the_o flesh_n be_v vigorous_a and_o sin_n stick_v to_o the_o entrail_n we_o have_v a_o peculiar_a and_o sovereign_a taste_n in_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n true_o indeed_o when_o once_o we_o have_v let_v the_o reins_o lose_v to_o concupiscence_n in_o our_o youth_n it_o be_v well_o nigh_o impossible_a to_o stop_v its_o impetuous_a passion_n and_o fury_n it_o ought_v to_o dry_v up_o the_o spring_n that_o it_o may_v put_v a_o end_n to_o these_o disorder_n but_o if_o in_o good_a time_n we_o turn_v our_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o to_o devotion_n it_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v improve_v therein_o incomparable_o much_o better_a than_o in_o old_a age_n to_o what_o thing_n oever_o young_a man_n be_v carry_v they_o be_v carry_v to_o it_o with_o violence_n and_o ardour_n it_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o that_o age_n if_o there_o be_v a_o good_a conduct_v make_v of_o those_o first_o fâ—â—es_n there_o will_v thence_o arise_v a_o excellent_a zeal_n and_o a_o holy_a fervour_n of_o devotion_n as_o we_o see_v in_o they_o who_o know_v how_o to_o make_v a_o right_a use_n and_o serve_v themselves_o of_o the_o rapidness_n of_o torrent_n and_o river_n to_o turn_v mill_n and_o machine_n of_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o life_n of_o mankind_n on_o the_o contrary_a experience_n teach_v we_o that_o devotion_n relent_v and_o slacken_v with_o age_n and_o old_a man_n be_v more_o put_v to_o it_o to_o chasen_a and_o heat_n their_o heart_n in_o pious_a duty_n their_o soul_n be_v harden_a it_o be_v not_o touch_v nor_o move_v with_o so_o much_o ease_n because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o tender_a as_o it_o be_v the_o fire_n of_o zeal_n seem_v to_o be_v diminish_v by_o the_o diminution_n of_o natural_a heat_n whence_o come_v the_o difficulty_n we_o meet_v withal_o in_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n certain_o none_o of_o they_o there_o be_v but_o what_o augment_v and_o increase_v with_o age._n this_o difficulty_n of_o think_v on_o god_n proceed_v from_o custom_n and_o habit._n now_o custom_n by_o age_n become_v a_o tyrant_n it_o come_v from_o the_o devil_n and_o when_o once_o it_o have_v establish_v its_o tyranny_n by_o a_o long_a possession_n it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o destroy_v it_o at_o first_o it_o come_v alone_o by_o itself_o but_o in_o a_o little_a while_n it_o be_v call_v legion_n and_o such_o a_o devil_n as_o can_v be_v conjure_v out_o by_o a_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n and_o can_v be_v chase_v away_o but_o by_o prayer_n and_o fast_v again_o our_o faculty_n be_v use_v to_o it_o and_o the_o soul_n lose_v its_o strength_n it_o be_v no_o long_o capable_a of_o a_o design_n and_o enterprise_n so_o vigorous_a as_o to_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o break_v with_o sin_n in_o short_a this_o difficulty_n proceed_v from_o that_o god_n leave_v off_o call_v upon_o and_o invite_v and_o offer_v his_o grace_n and_o his_o patience_n be_v change_v into_o a_o just_a fury_n and_o indignation_n when_o it_o
not_o bridle_v and_o keep_v in_o â—hese_fw-mi passion_n they_o will_v raise_v terrible_a tempest_n in_o the_o â—ea_n and_o devotion_n which_o be_v a_o peaceable_a virtue_n will_v â—arce_o be_v hear_v every_o passion_n carry_v the_o heart_n to_o it_o â—elf_n and_o devotion_n be_v a_o stranger_n and_o stand_v only_o by_o itself_o will_v never_o gain_v it_o there_o be_v most_o assure_o a_o very_a near_o relation_n betwixt_o word_n and_o action_n they_o come_v from_o the_o same_o source_n and_o the_o same_o heart_n produce_v they_o wherefore_o i_o think_v we_o can_v better_o employ_v the_o mouth_n than_o â—o_o sing_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o mind_n than_o to_o contemplate_v his_o wonder_n nor_o the_o soul_n than_o to_o lift_v itself_o up_o by_o piety_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n we_o have_v say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v ill_o dispose_v in_o come_v from_o a_o ball_n or_o comedy_n to_o fall_v to_o pious_a ordinance_n on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a i_o say_v that_o in_o return_v from_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v where_o he_o have_v comfort_v the_o afflict_a succour_v the_o miserable_a sustain_v the_o weak_a â—ed_v the_o poor_a and_o defend_v the_o oppress_v he_o find_v himself_o in_o such_o a_o gaiety_n of_o heart_n and_o such_o a_o disposition_n to_o prayer_n as_o be_v inconceivable_a he_o come_v to_o god_n with_o the_o lightness_n and_o alacrity_n of_o a_o servant_n who_o present_v himself_o before_o his_o master_n after_o have_v do_v his_o duty_n to_o obtain_v the_o reward_n for_o although_o he_o acknowledge_v he_o deserve_v nothing_o at_o god_n hand_n yet_o he_o know_v that_o god_n liberal_o recompense_v we_o for_o what_o we_o do_v only_o by_o the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n he_o approach_v to_o the_o altar_n with_o the_o confidence_n of_o a_o subject_a that_o appear_v before_o his_o prince_n with_o present_n which_o he_o know_v be_v capable_a of_o open_v the_o way_n to_o his_o heart_n for_o though_o our_o good_a work_n be_v most_o imperfect_a gift_n that_o hold_v not_o what_o they_o have_v good_a in_o they_o but_o from_o god_n liberality_n nevertheless_o he_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o he_o accept_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v of_o great_a price_n insomuch_o as_o i_o will_v not_o make_v any_o difficulty_n to_o say_v that_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n who_o have_v distinguish_v the_o active_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a from_o the_o contemplative_a and_o have_v believe_v that_o this_o can_v be_v without_o that_o and_o even_o that_o the_o contemplative_a life_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o other_o be_v assure_o in_o a_o great_a error_n for_o by_o separate_a the_o active_a life_n which_o consist_v in_o do_v good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o practise_v charity_n to_o the_o afflict_a and_o miserable_a from_o the_o contemplative_a life_n to_o which_o they_o believe_v they_o can_v give_v themselves_o up_o entire_o they_o have_v certain_o deprive_v devotion_n of_o a_o very_a great_a help_n i_o have_v already_o confess_v there_o to_o be_v no_o need_n that_o the_o employment_n of_o martha_n which_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o bodily_a service_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o member_n shall_v take_v away_o from_o we_o the_o time_n consecrate_v to_o mary_n work_n toread_v meditation_n and_o prayer_n but_o we_o have_v time_n enough_o for_o all_o when_o mary_n shall_v have_v be_v sufficient_o hear_v than_o its_o fit_a she_o take_v the_o place_n of_o martha_n wherefore_o i_o will_v not_o counsel_v he_o that_o will_v attain_v to_o perfect_a devotion_n to_o renounce_v that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o consist_v of_o the_o afflict_a member_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n this_o be_v the_o school_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o so_o far_o be_v it_o that_o this_o practice_n of_o work_n of_o mercy_n can_v distract_v devout_a soul_n that_o it_o be_v the_o ready_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o arrive_v at_o devotion_n the_o idea_n of_o the_o world_n i_o confess_v be_v incompatible_a with_o those_o wherewith_o a_o devout_a soul_n ought_v to_o be_v fill_v a_o tragical_a event_n the_o â—ight_n of_o a_o triumph_n the_o hope_n of_o a_o fortune_n for_o one_o self_n the_o grandeur_n of_o that_o of_o another_o a_o duel_n a_o war_n all_o this_o i_o say_v have_v no_o alliance_n with_o the_o sweet_a image_n of_o god_n of_o his_o love_n and_o benefit_n wherefore_o it_o be_v good_a to_o shut_v and_o bar_v the_o door_n against_o these_o first_o representation_n if_o we_o will_v with_o success_n labour_n to_o establish_v other_o in_o their_o room_n but_o the_o image_n of_o a_o man_n languish_v upon_o the_o bed_n of_o sickness_n or_o another_o that_o suffer_v for_o god_n sake_n agree_v easy_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n suffer_v for_o we_o a_o multitude_n of_o poor_a creature_n to_o who_o thou_o open_v thy_o bowel_n will_v easy_o lead_v thou_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o liberality_n thou_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o aid_n thou_o shall_v lend_v one_o to_o defend_v his_o life_n another_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o reputation_n will_v oblige_v thou_o to_o think_v on_o the_o benefit_n and_o help_n thou_o continual_o receive_v from_o heaven_n thou_o shall_v have_v no-manner_n of_o need_n to_o banish_v the_o thought_n that_o attend_v a_o active_a life_n lodge_v those_o in_o their_o place_n which_o spring_n from_o contemplation_n they_o will_v be_v unite_v in_o the_o same_o heart_n and_o lend_v one_o another_o mutual_a succour_n meditation_n i_o have_v be_v tell_v sometime_o that_o the_o virtue_n be_v sister_n that_o walk_v hand_n in_o hand_n that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o ring_n in_o a_o holy_a chain_n which_o be_v break_v by_o the_o rapture_n of_o one_o of_o those_o ring_n they_o can_v be_v without_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o o_o my_o soul_n thou_o can_v not_o be_v true_o devout_a because_o thou_o be_v not_o true_o virtuous_a and_o thou_o have_v not_o in_o thy_o heart_n the_o practice_n of_o all_o good_a work_n do_v not_o thou_o see_v that_o the_o world_n be_v exact_o â—amed_v to_o furnish_v employ_v to_o thy_o virtue_n and_o to_o soilicit_v thou_o to_o good_a and_o holy_a action_n the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o almighty_a power_n that_o thou_o may_v join_v thy_o voice_n to_o those_o praise_n which_o all_o nature_n ring_v and_o thy_o gratitude_n may_v have_v scope_n to_o act_v upon_o the_o air_n form_v outrageous_a tempest_n make_v the_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n to_o break_v forth_o so_o as_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n may_v spring_v up_o in_o thou_o and_o thou_o may_v tremble_v under_o his_o hand_n which_o make_v the_o mountain_n to_o tremble_v do_v not_o thou_o see_v that_o god_n here_o below_o make_v miserable_a wretch_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o object_n of_o thy_o compassion_n poor_a one_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v liberal_a afflict_v that_o thou_o may_v comfort_v they_o weak_a for_o thou_o to_o uphold_v sick_a that_o thou_o may_v visit_v they_o do_v not_o be_v permit_v too_o even_o that_o there_o be_v sinner_n stray_v like_o lose_a sheep_n that_o thou_o may_v bring_v they_o into_o the_o right_a way_n ignorant_a one_o for_o thou_o to_o instruct_v imprudent_a that_o thou_o may_v be_v their_o director_n some_o that_o fall_v that_o thou_o may_v help_v they_o up_o again_o and_o for_o thyself_o that_o thou_o look_v to_o thy_o step_n and_o even_o wicked_a person_n who_o perish_v that_o thou_o may_v be_v put_v into_o a_o wholesome_a terror_n for_o thyself_o do_v not_o he_o suffer_v example_n of_o vanity_n to_o be_v that_o thou_o may_v slight_v and_o contemn_v the_o world_n sudden_a and_o unlooked_a for_o death_n that_o thou_o shall_v watch_v and_o be_v ever_o upon_o thy_o guard_n proud_a man_n that_o fall_v into_o ruin_n while_o thou_o retaine_v thyself_o in_o humility_n the_o wicked_a who_o be_v punish_v for_o thou_o to_o dread_a sin_n good_a man_n that_o be_v reward_v for_o thou_o to_o seek_v virtue_n yet_o amid_o so_o many_o lesson_n thou_o be_v deaf_a and_o immovable_a thou_o make_v thy_o virtue_n to_o consist_v in_o not_o do_v evil_a that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o do_v nothing_o as_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v make_v life_n to_o confist_n in_o death_n and_o in_o be_v deprive_v of_o motion_n thou_o remember_v not_o that_o the_o barren_a figtree_n be_v cut_v up_o by_o the_o root_n that_o god_n will_v cast_v out_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o will_v banish_v out_o of_o his_o paradise_n both_o he_o that_o have_v lose_v his_o talon_n and_o he_o that_o have_v only_o bury_v it_o in_o the_o earth_n prayer_n come_v then_o o_o my_o divine_a redeemer_n come_v and_o cultivate_v my_o heart_n that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o rocky_a and_o barren_a ground_n soften_v this_o rock_n by_o the_o
with_o relation_n to_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o most_o eloquent_a and_o he_o that_o be_v least_o so_o than_o between_o one_o child_n and_o another_o god_n understand_v all_o language_n and_o all_o style_n he_o require_v no_o order_n nor_o elegance_n the_o most_o confuse_a thought_n that_o come_v in_o a_o crowd_n from_o the_o heart_n be_v often_o most_o please_a to_o he_o he_o hear_v the_o sigh_n of_o the_o dumb_a he_o know_v what_o we_o desire_v better_a than_o we_o can_v speak_v or_o oftentimes_o conceive_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v after_o all_o there_o be_v none_o but_o know_v what_o they_o want_v and_o by_o consequence_n none_o but_o can_v pray_v for_o prayer_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o weave_n of_o desire_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o for_o the_o present_a life_n the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v the_o passion_n be_v eloquent_a and_o the_o imagination_n be_v warm_v by_o its_o sympathy_n with_o the_o heart_n wherefore_o those_o person_n that_o excuse_v themselves_o upon_o the_o smallness_n of_o their_o light_n when_o they_o be_v inflame_v with_o choler_n never_o want_v word_n and_o certain_o if_o their_o heart_n be_v heat_v with_o the_o fire_n of_o devotion_n the_o imagination_n will_v be_v very_o sensible_a of_o it_o and_o they_o can_v complain_v of_o want_n of_o thought_n or_o expression_n meditation_n thou_o have_v never_o well_o comprise_v o_o my_o soul_n how_o much_o honour_n thy_o god_n do_v thou_o in_o permit_v thou_o to_o cast_v thyself_o at_o his_o foot_n thou_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o this_o favour_n thou_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v owe_v thou_o it_o for_o that_o thou_o will_v humble_v thyself_o before_o he_o thou_o remember_v not_o how_o dear_a and_o scarce_o be_v the_o audience_n before_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o yet_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n but_o a_o shadow_n a_o nothing_o the_o king_n of_o king_n be_v please_v to_o lend_v his_o ear_n to_o thou_o to_o hear_v thou_o to_o succour_v thou_o his_o throne_n be_v accessible_a at_o all_o time_n to_o approach_v thither_o there_o be_v no_o need_n either_o of_o favour_n or_o friend_n or_o credit_n or_o painful_a solicitation_n or_o troublesome_a attending_n notwithstanding_o what_o be_v that_o throne_n and_o how_o great_a its_o magnificence_n and_o glory_n thereon_o god_n be_v seat_v environ_v with_o a_o light_n who_o lustre_n dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o seraphim_n all_o around_z million_o of_o angel_n and_o arch-angel_n fall_v upon_o their_o face_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n rivers_n of_o milk_n and_o honey_n which_o his_o child_n drink_v of_o on_o the_o left_a be_v torrent_n of_o fire_n to_o devour_v his_o adversary_n on_o the_o one_o side_n be_v hell_n and_o death_n and_o the_o dreadful_a minister_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n and_o on_o the_o other_o heaven_n and_o paradise_n with_o the_o glorious_a reward_n which_o god_n prepare_v for_o those_o who_o he_o love_v thou_o do_v not_o see_v this_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o therefore_o thou_o be_v the_o less_o touch_v but_o thou_o ought_v to_o believe_v it_o though_o the_o veil_n of_o thy_o flesh_n rob_v thou_o of_o the_o fight_n therefore_o represent_v to_o thyself_o the_o magnificence_n of_o that_o throne_n tremble_v admire_v and_o be_v fill_v with_o gratitude_n for_o that_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o commerce_n thou_o have_v with_o a_o miserable_a body_n abide_v in_o a_o house_n of_o clay_n and_o have_v thy_o seat_n in_o the_o dust_n thou_o can_v nevertheless_o at_o all_o time_n with_o liberty_n present_v thyself_o before_o he_o who_o sit_v upon_o the_o cherubim_n who_o fly_v upon_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n who_o make_v his_o angel_n spirit_n and_o his_o minister_n a_o flame_n of_o fire_n thou_o have_v the_o permission_n to_o pray_v but_o thou_o know_v not_o how_o to_o pray_v and_o that_o because_o thou_o know_v not_o to_o love_v one_o intimate_a friend_n never_o want_v thing_n to_o discourse_v on_o to_o another_o when_o our_o heart_n be_v perfect_o open_v to_o any_o one_o and_o we_o have_v receive_v his_o soul_n into_o our_o breast_n we_o be_v never_o short_a alas_o my_o soul_n if_o thou_o love_v thy_o god_n perfect_o thou_o will_v be_v never_o weary_a with_o entertain_v he_o never_o will_v thy_o imagination_n be_v congeal_v thy_o tongue_n remain_v speechless_a or_o thou_o want_v word_n thy_o mouth_n will_v pour_v itself_o forth_o like_o a_o torrent_n and_o thy_o prayer_n will_v roll_n like_o a_o flame_n but_o thou_o languish_v in_o thy_o prayer_n since_o thou_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o god_n as_o thy_o near_a and_o best_a friend_n the_o barrenness_n of_o thy_o heart_n come_v from_o the_o coldness_n of_o thy_o love_n prayer_n o_o holy_a spirit_n which_o art_n love_v itself_o in_o the_o most_o adorable_a trinity_n o_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n make_v intercession_n for_o i_o with_o dumb_a interrupt_a groan_n and_o such_o as_o can_v be_v express_v teach_v i_o how_o i_o ought_v to_o pray_v i_o know_v almost_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o my_o prayer_n but_o i_o be_o ignorant_a how_o to_o give_v they_o their_o form_n i_o feel_v in_o myself_o a_o chaos_n of_o confuse_a thought_n and_o motion_n which_o i_o can_v unmixe_v or_o disentangle_v the_o light_n be_v find_v blend_v with_o darkness_n worldly_a with_o heavenly_a thought_n o_o holy_a spirit_n which_o at_o the_o world_n beginning_n do_v in_o the_o like_a chaos_n draw_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n and_o order_n out_o of_o confusion_n stretch_v forth_o thy_o wing_n upon_o the_o waver_a water_n of_o my_o thought_n and_o hatch_v they_o into_o well_o conceive_v form_v and_o digest_v prayer_n thou_o make_v the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v and_o give_v eloquence_n to_o those_o that_o be_v slow_a of_o speech_n touch_v my_o tongue_n with_o a_o coal_n from_o thy_o altar_n that_o my_o lip_n may_v be_v purify_v my_o mouth_n open_v and_o i_o may_v declare_v thy_o praise_n warm_a my_o heart_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o devout_a and_o pious_a thought_n that_o from_o the_o abundance_n of_o my_o heart_n my_o mouth_n may_v speak_v and_o thou_o o_o lord_n jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n our_o great_a highpriest_n receive_v my_o prayer_n as_o incense_n and_o carry_v they_o before_o that_o adorable_a throne_n upon_o which_o thy_o father_n sit_v make_v they_o to_o smoke_v before_o he_o make_v they_o a_o sweet_a smell_a odour_n of_o atonement_n that_o these_o calf_n of_o my_o lip_n may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o because_o my_o offering_n be_v imperfect_a cover_v they_o with_o thy_o perfect_a righteousness_n obtain_v through_o thy_o intecession_n what_o my_o prayer_n alone_o will_v never_o obtain_v chap._n x._o the_o five_o particular_a help_n to_o devotion_n fast_v and_o mortification_n none_o can_v deny_v that_o fast_v and_o mortification_n be_v most_o necessary_a help_n to_o devotion_n unless_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o maxim_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n the_o scripture_n seldom_o separate_v prayer_n from_o fast_v it_o give_v to_o both_o joint_o the_o force_n of_o drive_v away_o the_o most_o dangerous_a demon_n this_o kind_n of_o devil_n go_v not_o out_o but_o by_o prayer_n and_o fast_v the_o flesh_n be_v a_o headstrong_a horse_n which_o we_o can_v manage_v but_o by_o hold_v in_o the_o bridle_n it_o be_v a_o lion_n which_o we_o must_v not_o feed_v so_o long_o till_o he_o be_v grow_v fat_a unless_o we_o will_v augment_v his_o cruelty_n and_o cast_v ourselves_o into_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v devour_v by_o he_o the_o body_n if_o we_o mark_v be_v the_o same_o flesh_n whereof_o the_o gospel_n complain_v so_o strong_o and_o in_o so_o many_o place_n of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o its_o fruit_n be_v debauchery_n strife_n sedition_n murder_n hatred_n envy_v ambition_n and_o covetousness_n so_o that_o to_o hinder_v the_o product_n of_o these_o fruit_n it_o be_v good_a to_o keep_v this_o plant_n in_o continual_a great_a dryness_n for_o if_o we_o besprinkle_v this_o root_n of_o bitterness_n with_o carnal_a pleasure_n it_o will_v shoot_v up_o its_o sprout_n on_o high_a and_o turn_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o plant_n which_o be_v very_o tall_a and_o surmount_v their_o neighbour_n leave_v they_o in_o a_o bad_a estate_n in_o suck_v all_o the_o fatness_n of_o the_o earth_n from_o they_o so_o the_o flesh_n grow_v not_o fat_a but_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o it_o deprive_v of_o comfort_n and_o leave_v it_o in_o a_o great_a bareness_n of_o fruit._n a_o great_a meal_n be_v a_o very_a bad_a preparative_n for_o the_o