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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
mind_n good_a heart_n spirit_n 4,269 5 4.8041 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A93395 The Christians guide to devotion with rules and directions for the leading an holy life : as also meditations and prayers suitable to all occasions / S. Smith. Smith, Samuel, 1588-1665. 1685 (1685) Wing S4164A; ESTC R43930 141,697 240

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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 th●_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 pe●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 g●●_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 whi●●_n boil_v in_o their_o vein_n hence_o also_o it_o come_v that_o th●_n constitution_n where_o the_o blood_n have_v the_o ascenda●●●_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 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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 of●en_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o same_o ●our_n that_o thy_o heart_n shall_v be_v intite_n in_o ●eaven_n at_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o devotion_n and_o ●ravers_n thou_o think_v on_o onion_n garlic_n ●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 th●_n world_n thou_o have_v not_o yet_o taste_v th●_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 th●_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 wit●_n joy_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o torment_n an●_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 m●_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 jo●_n that_o come_v not_o from_o he_o terminate_v a●_n length_n in_o grief_n saddness_n lamentation_n d●spair_n and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n what_o do●_n my_o heart_n wish_v for_o what_o do_v it_o hunger_n an●_n thirst_v after_o do_v thou_o love_v beauty_n in_o go●_n thou_o will_v find_v it_o and_o god_n will_v give_v it_o th●_n thyself_o for_o thou_o will_v become_v glorious_a an●_n full_a of_o light_n by_o the_o commerce_n thou_o sha●_n have_v with_o he_o do_v thou_o love_v life_n an●_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
that_o every_o moment_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o repeat_v they_o to_o our_o own_o heart_n we_o shall_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a habituate_v our_o mind_n not_o to_o conceive_v its_o thought_n and_o form_v its_o meditation_n but_o in_o the_o term_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v in_o the_o psalm_n to_o the_o read_n of_o holy_a scripture_n it_o will_v be_v profitable_a to_o add_v that_o of_o other_o good_a book_n and_o herein_o i_o will_v give_v a_o direction_n which_o some_o people_n have_v find_v very_o good_a which_o be_v to_o choose_v such_o place_n and_o chapter_n of_o devotion_n which_o have_v once_o warm_v you_o and_o to_o return_v often_o to_o the_o same_o place_n that_o your_o heart_n may_v get_v a_o habit_n of_o awaken_n itself_o at_o that_o view_n it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a turn_v of_o all_o mind_n to_o join_v certain_a motion_n of_o heart_n with_o certain_a image_n so_o as_o that_o assoon_o as_o the_o image_n present_v '_o emselve_n to_o the_o mind_n those_o motion_n 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motion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o read_v in_o holy_a book_n as_o in_o profane_a these_o please_v the_o first_o time_n the_o second_o the_o pleasure_n cease_v but_o the_o three_o they_o be_v most_o insupportable_a the_o same_o thing_n perhaps_o may_v happen_v if_o you_o read_v a_o book_n of_o devotion_n for_o divertisement_n to_o see_v there_o the_o neatness_n of_o phrase_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o thought_n as_o this_o way_n of_o read_v be_v for_o the_o mind_n and_o not_o for_o the_o heart_n one_o thing_n will_v not_o please_v you_o a_o second_o time_n this_o thought_n discover_v a_o mystery_n to_o we_o somewhat_o obscure_a why_o that_o which_o touch_v some_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o same_o influence_n over_o other_o now_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o all_o do_v not_o read_v with_o the_o same_o disposition_n and_o the_o same_o intention_n a_o preacher_n that_o will_v preach_v a_o hour_n upon_o a_o pious_a subject_n will_v read_v book_n which_o may_v instruct_v he_o 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the_o latter_a thou_o will_v see_v the_o emblem_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o in_o the_o former_a the_o messenger_n of_o his_o vengeance_n and_o the_o instrument_n of_o his_o fury_n the_o one_o will_v lead_v thou_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o the_o other_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o mercy_n if_o thou_o descende_v to_o the_o earth_n thou_o will_v discover_v almost_o every_o where_o around_o thou_o a_o incredible_a multitude_n of_o sundry_a object_n that_o will_v instruct_v thou_o divers_a way_n some_o as_o well_o as_o the_o heaven_n will_v speak_v to_o thou_o of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o power_n other_o will_v tell_v thou_o of_o thy_o own_o weakness_n and_o vanity_n of_o death_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o die_v of_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o humane_a thing_n and_o will_v give_v thou_o
heart_n into_o a_o good_a condition_n to_o hope_v a_o good_a success_n of_o its_o worship_n though_o never_o so_o much_o prepare_v it_o can_v be_v too_o good_a for_o he_o to_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o present_v it_o it_o will_v be_v a_o acceptable_a thing_n to_o be_v receive_v in_o this_o estate_n and_o what_o on_o the_o contrary_n can_v we_o expect_v in_o present_v to_o he_o a_o indevout_a soul_n but_o a_o shameful_a and_o sad_a refusal_n god_n do_v not_o hear_v our_o prayer_n unless_o the_o heart_n be_v dispose_v to_o make_v they_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v say_v our_o lord_n but_o seek_v with_o zeal_n otherwise_o you_o shall_v not_o find_v god_n say_v once_o i_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v i_o not_o but_o this_o do_v not_o happen_v every_o day_n this_o be_v but_o one_o of_o those_o singular_a event_n whereby_o general_a rule_n be_v not_o establish_v but_o the_o law_n in_o common_a bear_n ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v lay_v hold_n on_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o thou_o shall_v obtain_v it_o to_o what_o be_v not_o devotion_n useful_a it_o be_v of_o use_n in_o all_o place_n all_o time_n and_o all_o thing_n as_o well_o in_o the_o closet_n as_o the_o church_n thereby_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n pronounce_v by_o man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v true_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o dry_a and_o chap_a earth_n do_v the_o rain_n hereby_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n touch_v we_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n love_n inflame_v we_o his_o promise_n comfort_v we_o his_o threaten_n terrify_v we_o and_o his_o consolation_n have_v their_o efficacy_n upon_o we_o without_o this_o the_o word_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o two-edged_a sword_n recoil_v and_o turn_v its_o edge_n on_o the_o hardness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o without_o this_o we_o join_v the_o sin_n of_o insensibility_n to_o that_o of_o impenitence_n by_o this_o we_o look_v upon_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n with_o veneration_n the_o 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soul_n that_o god_n honour_n with_o such_o sacred_a entertainment_n now_o he_o do_v never_o do_v this_o but_o when_o call_v upon_o if_o not_o force_v by_o a_o ardent_a devotion_n these_o desire_n of_o devotion_n may_v be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o spouse_n whereof_o it_o be_v say_v turn_v away_o thy_o eye_n from_o i_o for_o they_o have_v overcome_v i_o far_o be_v from_o hence_o those_o profane_a wretch_n that_o know_v not_o the_o use_n of_o devotion_n they_o say_v that_o valour_n be_v the_o rampart_n of_o estate_n and_o the_o tutelary_a angel_n of_o the_o public_a and_o of_o private_n that_o liberality_n sweeten_v the_o misfortune_n of_o the_o miserable_a that_o justice_n be_v the_o nurse_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o ligament_n of_o society_n that_o temperance_n cause_v tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o health_n of_o body_n but_o say_v they_o devotion_n it_o be_v alone_a that_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o render_v the_o mind_n weak_a and_o effeminate_a and_o to_o depress_v the_o 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they_o to_o despise_v peril_n and_o in_o its_o occasion_n mannage_n nothing_o wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v not_o concern_v meditation_n see_fw-la one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o my_o lukewarmness_n and_o one_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o my_o soul_n be_v little_a devout_a the_o necessity_n of_o devotion_n it_o comprehend_v not_o whereas_o it_o know_v that_o food_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o conservation_n of_o its_o bodily_a life_n it_o desire_v nourishment_n with_o a_o great_a ardour_n and_o search_v after_o it_o with_o a_o marvellous_a diligence_n but_o negligent_a it_o be_v in_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o serve_v to_o nourish_v piety_n and_o the_o flame_n of_o devotion_n since_o it_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v of_o any_o great_a use_n thou_o se_v o_o my_o soul_n some_o who_o save_o themselves_o with_o a_o languish_a piety_n and_o go_v to_o heaven_n at_o a_o very_a slow_a pace_n thou_o persuade_v thyself_o that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v more_o rigorous_a to_o thou_o and_o that_o there_o will_v not_o be_v more_o exact_v from_o thou_o than_o from_o other_o but_o alas_o what_o a_o error_n and_o fallacy_n be_v there_o in_o this_o reason_n such_o a_o one_o as_o thou_o believe_v to_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v a_o march_v towards_o hell_n there_o be_v such_o a_o way_n that_o seem_v right_a to_o man_n the_o end_n of_o which_o nevertheless_o be_v death_n these_o chill_a devotion_n wherewith_o people_n believe_v god_n be_v well_o pay_v be_v oftentimes_o very_o fruitless_a they_o may_v think_v it_o fine_a one_o day_n to_o say_v we_o have_v pray_v to_o thou_o we_o have_v invoke_v thy_o name_n we_o have_v serve_v thou_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o answer_v i_o do_v not_o know_v who_o you_o be_v go_v far_o from_o i_o you_o that_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v cast_v you_o up_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n prayer_n my_o god_n conduct_v my_o soul_n in_o the_o sure_a path_n i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o sound_v thy_o mercy_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v how_o far_o the_o severity_n of_o thy_o juctice_n will_v carry_v itself_o and_o no_o further_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o thou_o will_v pardon_v so_o many_o people_n that_o serve_v thou_o with_o so_o little_a zeal_n and_o so_o much_o indevotion_n that_o which_o i_o know_v be_v that_o they_o be_v unworthy_a of_o thy_o clemency_n an●_n that_o they_o can_v be_v save_v unless_o they_o sincere_o repent_v of_o have_v serve_v thou_o with_o so_o much_o indifference_n let_v the_o candle_n of_o my_o soul_n th●_n holy_a spirit_n which_o have_v enlighten_v thy_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o the_o faithful_a at_o all_o time_n inspire_v i_o with_o such_o frankincense_n of_o devotion_n as_o with_o which_o i_o know_v that_o one_o may_v be_v save_v and_o without_o which_o i_o know_v not_o if_o one_o ca●_n be_v save_v kindle_v my_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o altar_n where_o a_o eternal_a fire_n may_v burn_v in_o which_o all_o my_o sacrifice_n may_v be_v consume_v and_o which_o may_v make_v all_o my_o prayer_n as_o th●_n perfume_v of_o incense_n to_o mount_v up_o in_o thy_o presence_n chap._n iu._n that_o devotion_n be_v extreme_o rare_a and_o neglect_v here_o be_v a_o exception_n to_o the_o general_a rule_n that_o thing_n rare_a be_v esteem_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n more_o rare_a than_o devotion_n and_o nothing_o more_o neglect_v herein_o man_n do_v not_o sin_n through_o ignorance_n they_o know_v very_o well_o what_o we_o have_v say_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n that_o without_o these_o devout_a disposition_n or_o prayer_n they_o can_v please_v god_n nevertheless_o one_o can_v express_v the_o horrible_a negligence_n with_o which_o they_o perform_v this_o pious_a duty_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o
neglect_v the_o other_o life_n as_o if_o it_o be_v never_o to_o come_v i_o believe_v o_o my_o god_n but_o help_v thou_o my_o unbeleif_n make_v i_o to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o eternal_a life_n that_o i_o may_v flight_v the_o present_a life_n that_o i_o may_v make_v i_o such_o friend_n as_o may_v receive_v i_o into_o everlasting_a habitation_n that_o i_o may_v acquire_v such_o riches_n as_o i_o may_v carry_v along_o with_o i_o and_o that_o i_o may_v make_v choice_n of_o that_o good_a part_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o i_o chap._n vi_o the_o custom_n of_o let_v the_o mind_n ramble_v 〈◊〉_d different_a object_n a_o six_o source_n of_o indevotion_n i_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v also_o another_o source_n of_o 〈◊〉_d indevotion_n and_o especial_o of_o our_o distraction_n during_o prayer_n we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o fire_v o●●_n heart_n our_o mind_n wander_v and_o our_o attention_n i●_n lose_v whence_o proceed_v this_o but_o from_o a_o pernicious_a custom_n we_o have_v of_o give_v a_o soar_a vaunt_n to_o our_o imagination_n it_o be_v in_o man_n what_o quicksilver_n be_v in_o mertals_n it_o roll_v it_o run_v glib_o up_o and_o down_o a_o little_a fire_n make_v it_o evaporate_v and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o vanish_v into_o smoak_n it_o become_v so_o subtle_a we_o suffer_v it_o to_o 〈◊〉_d what_o ever_o it_o please_v when_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o wing_n sometime_o it_o fly_v from_o east_n to_o west_n from_o south_n to_o north_n from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n and_o as_o if_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v too_o narrow_a for_o it_o it_o overpasses_a they_o and_o lose_v its_o self_n in_o the_o innumerable_a whirlpool_a of_o des-cartes_n and_o no_o more_o can_v it_o contain_v itself_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o time_n it_o fly_v to_o eternity_n and_o ask_v what_o it_o be_v it_o will_v know_v what_o be_v when_o there_o be_v nothing_o if_o it_o keep_v its_o self_n within_o this_o world_n amid_o this_o great_a space_n it_o curvet_v over_o all_o being_n it_o swim_v over_o all_o matter_n and_o the_o compound_n of_o it_o different_o modify_v and_o yet_o penetrate_v none_o of_o they_o and_o as_o if_o the_o prodigio●_n mass_n of_o creature_n do_v not_o furnish_v employment_n enough_o to_o its_o action_n it_o labour_v in_o the_o production_n or_o rather_o creation_n of_o being_n of_o its_o own_o form_n it_o imagine_v chimaera_n phantome_n it_o make_v mountain_n of_o gold_n world_n in_o the_o moon_n centaur_n and_o hippogryphick_n and_o these_o motion_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v of_o such_o quick_a dispatch_n that_o in_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n ramble_v we_o find_v ●ur_n self_n so_o far_o off_o that_o the_o great_a part_v man_n in_o ●●e_z world_n can_v never_o guess_v by_o our_o last_o thought_n what_o be_v the_o first_o and_o after_o this_o shall_v we_o ask_v from_z whence_o ●ome_v those_o aberration_n of_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o exercise_n of_o piety_n can_v we_o expect_v that_o a_o soul_n accustom_v to_o wander_v can_v fix_v and_o arrest_v itself_o all_o at_o once_o it_o be_v a_o horse_n that_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o receive_v the_o bite_v it_o do_v nothing_o night_n or_o day_n but_o kick_n and_o skip_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o meadow_n when_o one_o will_v put_v the_o saddle_n upon_o the_o back_n or_o the_o rein_n in_o the_o mouth_n it_o fly_v out_o and_o struggle_v it_o throw_v down_o he_o that_o get_v up_o and_o return_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v when_o we_o will_v gather_v ourselves_o together_o it_o dissipate_v its_o self_n like_o a_o flame_n it_o abandon_v we_o it_o break_v the_o rein_n of_o piety_n and_o before_o that_o we_o espy_v the_o first_o way_n it_o take_v we_o find_v it_o plunge_v in_o the_o diversity_n of_o its_o vain_a thought_n st._n augustine●acknowledges_n ●acknowledges_z that_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o distraction_n when_o our_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o these_o phantasin_n sau_v he_o and_o that_o incessant_o it_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o vain_a thought_n thence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o our_o prayer_n be_v oftentimes_o trouble_v and_o interrupt_v thereby_o and_o that_o when_o be_v in_o thy_o presence_n o_o god_n we_o endeavour_v to_o make_v thou_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o our_o heart_n a_o action_n of_o such_o importance_n be_v frequent_o traverse_v by_o frivolous_a imagination_n which_o come_v from_o i_o know_v not_o whence_o to_o break_v into_o the_o crowd_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o we_o do_v well_o comprise_v the_o nature_n of_o evil_a we_o may_v easy_o conceive_v the_o remedy_n evil_n ought_v to_o be_v cure_v by_o their_o contrary_n so_o that_o let_v we_o learn_v to_o give_v bound_n to_o our_o imagination_n and_o not_o permit_v it_o to_o go_v so_o far_o that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o less_o trouble_n to_o bring_v it_o back_o again_o that_o be_v to_o say_v for_o the_o dispose_n our_o heart_n to_o devotion_n we_o ought_v to_o accustom_v our_o mind_n to_o think_v a_o little_a of_o thing_n and_o of_o good_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o mercury_n that_o must_v fix_v itself_o in_o be_v apply_v to_o silver_n or_o gold_n it_o be_v a_o lively_a faculty_n whereto_o we_o must_v give_v the_o bridle_n and_o the_o rein._n 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o not_o imagine_v that_o the_o secret_a to_o cure_v this_o mala●●_n of_o the_o soul_n consist_v in_o retain_v our_o mind_n in_o a_o privat●●●_n of_o all_o thought_n this_o be_v not_o profitable_a to_o nature_n nor_o use●●●_n to_o grace_n the_o imagination_n of_o man_n be_v too_o active_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o hold_v it_o from_o do_v nothing_o it_o be_v to_o bring_v 〈◊〉_d death_n upon_o it_o to_o leave_v it_o without_o employment_n sinc●_n it_o live_v no_o long_o than_o it_o act_n god_n have_v not_o give_v 〈◊〉_d such_o noble_a faculty_n to_o bury_v they_o in_o a_o inglorious_a a●●_n shameful_a idleness_n in_o short_a a_o mind_n that_o be_v habituate_v to_o think_v on_o nothing_o will_v nevertheless_o find_v it_o as_o mu●●_n trouble_v to_o fix_v itself_o upon_o the_o work_n of_o piety_n as_o o●●_n will_v to_o withdraw_v it_o from_o its_o rambling_n and_o course_n that_o it_o former_o use_v from_o all_o which_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o employment_n of_o letter_v and_o know_v man_n be_v perhaps_o the_o most_o destructive_a to_o devotion_n as_o any_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o eye_n be_v scarce_o ever_o weary_a with_o see_v nor_o the_o ea●_n with_o hear_v and_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o count_v this_o among_o defect_n that_o we_o reckon_v it_o a_o great_a virtue_n unde●_n favour_n to_o those_o great_a name_n of_o science_n of_o fine_a knowledge_n of_o curious_a researche_n of_o sublime_a speculation_n of_o miraculous_a discovery_n there_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n a_o method_n to_o mince_v the_o soul_n and_o almost_o infinite_o to_o subdivide_v it_o without_o remedy_n will_v to_o god_n experience_n do_v not_o give_v we_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v very_o certain_a and_o very_a well_o know_v that_o atheist_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o crowd_n of_o the_o common_a people_n the_o epicure_n the_o protagoras_n and_o diagoras_n be_v know_v man_n of_o great_a wit._n the_o thing_n be_v pass_v into_o a_o proverb_n and_o they_o say_v that_o they_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o art_n whereof_o they_o make_v profession_n be_v oblige_v to_o study_v nature_n and_o the_o second_o cause_n very_o much_o do_v ●ix_v themselves_o so_o strong_o thereto_o that_o they_o forget_v to_o ascend_v to_o the_o first_o cause_n these_o man_n so_o well_o read_v in_o antiquity_n and_o that_o make_v so_o great_a a_o noise_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o learning_n for_o their_o knowledge_n make_v none_o at_o ●ll_a in_o the_o church_n for_o their_o great_a devotion_n the_o study_n only_o of_o heavenly_a thing_n can_v inspire_v a_o habit_n of_o piety_n we_o also_o see_v enough_o great_a divine_n continue_v bad_a christian_n because_o they_o refer_v not_o their_o labour_n to_o god_n nor_o to_o his_o glory_n all_o their_o industry_n be_v for_o themselves_o and_o they_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o their_o own_o watch_n i_o will_v never_o ●herefore_o advise_v he_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v very_o devout_a ●o_o embrace_v so_o many_o thing_n nor_o to_o fill_v his_o head_n with_o conjecture_n and_o his_o memory_n with_o these_o may-bee_n whereof_o those_o rare_a science_n so_o call_v be_v compose_v beside_o that_o this_o acquisition_n bring_v in_o a_o habit_n of_o self-conceited_a pride_n and_o surly_a scorn_n a_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n and_o it_o put_v the_o virtuoso_n up_o with_o pyrrhonism_n and_o doubt_n which_o from_o philosophy_n pass_v into_o divinity_n and_o whereas_o some_o find_v nothing_o
whereas_o in_o religion_n all_o be_v divine_a and_o intellectual_a the_o object_n of_o their_o worship_n be_v most_o a_o agnus_n dei_fw-la a_o relic_n or_o a_o image_n and_o god_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o our_o devotion_n have_v scarce_o any_o share_n in_o their_o veneration_n i_o do_v require_v our_o christian_a to_o be_v learn_v and_o that_o he_o have_v prey_v either_o into_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n or_o also_o into_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o grace_n by_o a_o over-exact_a and_o curious_a research_n i_o hold_v that_o that_o be_v more_o disadvantageous_a than_o prositable_a to_o devotion_n but_o the_o devout_a soul_n must_v be_v spiritual_a enough_o to_o lift_v itself_o up_o above_o the_o sense_n by_o meditation_n meditation_n be_v a_o excellent_a operation_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o penetrate_v the_o outside_n of_o object_n and_o sound_v they_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n it_o be_v a_o reflect_a action_n that_o roll_v its_o subject_n upon_o the_o heart_n till_o it_o make_v deep_a impression_n it_o be_v a_o happy_a prospect_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n every_o moment_n discover_v more_o and_o more_o wonder_n in_o that_o which_o it_o be_v about_o but_o these_o discovery_n be_v not_o nice_a speculation_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o other_o they_o be_v particular_a sentiment_n and_o application_n which_o the_o soul_n make_v and_o which_o be_v only_o for_o it_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o this_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o devotion_n for_o this_o do_v not_o embrace_v its_o subject_n but_o proportionable_o as_o meditation_n make_v it_o to_o enter_v therein_o devotion_n be_v a_o agitation_n of_o a_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a soul_n whereby_o we_o be_v lift_v up_o to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o sovereign_a good_a and_o therefore_o the_o more_o devotion_n apply_v we_o to_o this_o great_a object_n and_o let_v we_o see_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o goodness_n the_o more_o ardent_a do_v devotion_n become_v so_o that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a subject_n of_o our_o contemplation_n god_n be_v good_a either_o in_o himself_o or_o in_o respect_n have_v to_o we_o in_o himself_o because_o he_o be_v great_a majestic_a bounteous_a merciful_a if_o we_o do_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o these_o divine_a virtue_n nevertheless_o god_n will_v not_o cease_v to_o possess_v they_o and_o consequent_o he_o will_v be_v infinite_o amiable_a we_o can_v think_v too_o often_o on_o these_o attribute_n of_o god_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o efficacious_a mean_n which_o david_n use_v to_o awaken_v his_o drowsy_a devotion_n awake_v o_o my_o tongue_n say_v he_o and_o thereupon_o he_o sing_v god_n almighty_n power_n in_o his_o work_n his_o majesty_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o heaven_n his_o justice_n in_o his_o judgement_n his_o wisdom_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n his_o mercy_n towards_o man._n but_o because_o interest_n have_v so_o great_a a_o sway_n with_o we_o we_o be_v to_o join_v to_o this_o consideration_n that-of-god_n benefit_n to_o descend_v into_o the_o abysses_n of_o his_o love_n and_o to_o consider_v he_o in_o jesus_n christ_n reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o himself_o we_o must_v essay_n to_o dive_v if_o possible_a it_o be_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o mercy_n which_o be_v find_v every_o where_n and_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n above_o all_o we_o can_v fix_v ourselves_o too_o much_o upon_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n we_o shall_v see_v there_o a_o thousand_o object_n able_a to_o mollify_v our_o soul_n fince_n god_n love_n to_o mankind_n appear_v there_o in_o all_o it_o be_v extension_n from_o general_a consideration_n it_o be_v good_a to_o come_v to_o particular_a application_n we_o ought_v to_o conceive_v how_o much_o we_o stand_v indebt_v to_o god_n for_o free_v we_o from_o so_o many_o misery_n to_o raise_v we_o up_o to_o such_o glorious_a hope_n in_o short_a and_o to_o speak_v all_o in_o a_o word_n the_o object_n of_o our_o meditation_n be_v as_o vast_a as_o god_n nature_n and_o grace_n altogether_o for_o there_o be_v no_o flower_n in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o may_v gather_v honey_n from_o they_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v therefore_o that_o we_o can_v drain_v a_o subject_a of_o so_o great_a a_o bigness_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v then_o our_o meditation_n be_v frequent_o so_o dry_a and_o our_o recollection_n so_o barren_a it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o seed_n but_o from_o the_o bad_a ground_n whence_o come_v it_o say_v a_o ancient_a father_n that_o our_o mind_n be_v find_v destitute_a of_o good_a thought_n as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o well-pleasing_a to_o god_n wherewith_o we_o can_v entertain_v ourselves_o this_o come_v not_o say_v he_o but_o from_o a_o carelessness_n of_o spirit_n for_o the_o subject_n be_v inexhaustible_a and_o if_o the_o eye_n can_v reach_v the_o end_n of_o wonder_n to_o be_v see_v much_o less_o can_v the_o mind_n attain_v it_o in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v conceive_v if_o the_o eye_n cease_v to_o see_v the_o light_n when_o it_o be_v day_n it_o be_v not_o for_o that_o the_o light_n be_v extinguish_v but_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o dissipation_n of_o the_o sight_n if_o you_o pierce_v and_o open_v a_o field_n in_o all_o ●arts_n with_o a_o ploughshare_n it_o will_v render_v you_o a_o abundant_a harvest_n otherwise_o it_o will_v continue_v barren_a and_o even_o if_o you_o penetrate_v very_o deep_o you_o may_v find_v spring_n of_o live_a water_n in_o like_a manner_n if_o you_o open_v this_o great_a subject_n to_o wit_n god_n and_o his_o work_n by_o profound_a and_o frequent_a meditation_n there_o will_v proceed_v from_o thence_o source_n of_o consolation_n and_o instruction_n last_o make_v no_o difficulty_n to_o repass_v oft_o upon_o the_o same_o subject_n for_o to_o make_v it_o familiar_a to_o you_o our_o soul_n be_v depend_v upon_o the_o body_n during_o the_o time_n we_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o the_o most_o spiritual_a idea_n be_v form_v in_o we_o by_o bodily_a motion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v high_o useful_a to_o let_v the_o thought_n of_o thing_n divine_a pass_n and_o repass_v frequent_o in_o ourselves_o to_o the_o intent_n we_o may_v give_v a_o inclination_n to_o the_o animal_n spirit_n which_o may_v carry_v they_o that_o aways_o and_o at_o length_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o will_v go_v natural_o in_o that_o road_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o without_o design_n and_o before_o we_o be_v aware_a we_o shall_v think_v on_o good_a thing_n i_o shall_v say_v one_o word_n more_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o those_o mind_n which_o be_v not_o capable_a either_o of_o a_o pierce_a infight_n or_o a_o strong_a application_n and_o that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v grieve_v if_o they_o do_v not_o find_v themselves_o forcible_a enough_o to_o drive_v on_o their_o reason_n so_o far_o and_o if_o conception_n fail_v they_o provide_v this_o come_v not_o from_o any_o coldness_n some_o short_a but_o frequent_a meditation_n whereby_o a_o faithful_a person_n of_o the_o mean_a sort_n do_v often_o apply_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o author_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o god_n benefit_n may_v serve_v instead_o of_o long_a reflection_n when_o one_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o they_o to_o help_v devotion_n we_o be_v without_o doubt_n to_o call_v in_o the_o read_n of_o good_a book_n for_o we_o must_v not_o imagine_v we_o can_v draw_v all_o from_o our_o own_o well_o and_o among_o those_o book_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v as_o much_o above_o all_o other_o as_o god_n be_v above_o man_n and_o the_o sun_n above_o the_o star_n of_o the_o six_o magnitude_n this_o be_v that_o word_n which_o be_v as_o powerful_a and_o pierce_a as_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n this_o be_v that_o fire_n which_o can_v warm_v our_o entrail_n and_o make_v we_o say_v do_v not_o our_o heart_n burn_v within_o we_o one_o only_a passage_n in_o st._n paul_n let_v we_o walk_v honest_o as_o in_o the_o day_n not_o in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n not_o in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n not_o in_o strife_n and_o envy_v but_o put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v the_o conversion_n of_o st._n austin_n in_o every_o page_n of_o this_o book_n we_o shall_v find_v god_n benefit_n and_o his_o excellent_a promise_n so_o proper_a to_o awaken_v devotion_n we_o shall_v find_v there_o many_o example_n of_o heavenly_a meditation_n fit_a to_o lift_v up_o the_o soul_n and_o guide_v we_o in_o our_o own_o especial_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n be_v a_o inestimable_a treasure_n for_o devout_a soul_n and_o if_o we_o can_v prize_v it_o and_o say_v of_o it_o beyond_o what_o the_o ancient_n do_v we_o can_v never_o say_v enough_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o this_o treasure_n be_v lay_v up_o entire_o in_o our_o memory_n
the_o christian_n guide_n to_o devotion_n print_a for_o h._n rhodes_n near_o bride_n lane_n in_o fleet_v ●●●nford_v sc_n the_o christian_n guide_v to_o devotion_n with_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n as_o also_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n suitable_a to_o all_o occasion_n by_o s._n smith_n the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o hen._n rhodes_n next_o door_n to_o the_o bear-tavern_n in_o fleetstreet_n near_o fleet-bridge_n 1685._o a_o table_n of_o the_o content_n in_o this_o tract_n part_n i._o of_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o devotion_n chap._n 1._o wherein_o devotion_n general_o consist_v pag._n 1._o chap._n 2._o of_o its_o effect_n pag._n 6._o chap._n 3._o the_o high_a necessity_n of_o devotion_n pag._n 14._o chap._n 4._o of_o its_o great_a decay_n and_o neglect_v pag._n 20._o chap._n 5._o that_o indevotion_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n than_o it_o be_v common_o account_v pag._n 26._o part_n ii_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o indevotion_n chap._n 1._o first_o impurity_n of_o life_n pag._n 34._o chap._n 2._o second_o love_n of_o the_o world_n pag._n 39_o chap._n 3._o three_o the_o too_o great_a passion_n we_o have_v for_o earthly_a pleasure_n pag._n 45._o chap._n 4._o four_o worldly_a care_n and_o trouble_n pag._n 52._o chap._n 5._o five_o excessive_a business_n pag._n 59_o chap._n 6._o six_o the_o custom_n of_o let_v the_o mind_n wander_v upon_o different_a object_n pag._n 66._o chap._n 7._o last_o the_o rareness_n and_o interruption_n of_o holy_a duty_n pag._n 73._o part_n iii_o of_o the_o great_a source_n of_o indevotion_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o love_n of_o pleasure_n chap._n 1._o that_o voluptuousness_n be_v a_o mortal_a enemy_n to_o devotion_n what_o be_v the_o sentiment_n and_o maxim_n of_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o pleasure_n and_o sensuality_n pag._n 81._o chap._n 2._o that_o sensual_a pleasure_n do_v not_o either_o in_o their_o use_n or_o in_o their_o abuse_n agree_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o of_o devotion_n pag._n 94._o chap._n 3._o the_o same_o truth_n more_o particular_o and_o full_o discuss_v pag._n 104._o chap._n 4._o what_o may_v be_v account_v innocent_a pleasure_n that_o devotion_n be_v no_o uneasy_a thing_n nor_o a_o enemy_n to_o pleasure_n pag._n 116._o chap._n 5._o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o consult_v our_o own_o heart_n and_o sense_n upon_o the_o choice_n of_o pleasure_n that_o devotion_n lead_v we_o to_o true_a pleasure_n pag._n 131._o chap._n 6._o that_o young_a people_n have_v not_o any_o privilege_n to_o use_v sensual_a pleasure_n nor_o to_o dispense_v themselves_o from_o devotion_n pag._n 147._o part_n iv_o of_o direction_n and_o help_n conducive_a to_o devotion_n chap._n 1._o first_o general_n direction_n to_o will_n desire_n and_o ask_v it_o pag._n 159._o chap._n 2._o second_o to_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n and_o practice_v all_o the_o virtue_n pag._n 165._o chap._n 3._o three_o to_o be_v watchful_a over_o the_o sense_n and_o not_o to_o let_v the_o heart_n loose_a pag._n 172._o chap._n 4._o four_o to_o persevere_v in_o holy_a duty_n and_o not_o to_o startle_v at_o any_o difficulty_n pag._n 177._o chap._n 5._o five_o to_o have_v god_n always_o before_o our_o eye_n pag._n 183._o chap._n 6._o first_o particular_a direction_n to_o have_v our_o hour_n of_o devotion_n well_o choose_v and_o order_v pag._n 189._o chap._n 7._o the_o second_o help_n solitude_n and_o religious_a assembly_n pag._n 196._o chap._n 8._o the_o three_o read_v and_o meditation_n pag._n 203._o chap._n 9_o the_o four_o prayer_n pag._n 212._o chap._n 10._o the_o five_o fast_v and_o mortification_n pag._n 218._o chap._n 11._o touch_v the_o rash_a judgement_n which_o be_v make_v of_o devout_a people_n pag._n 226._o part_n i._n chap._n i._n what_o devotion_n be_v and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v this_o be_v not_o a_o subject_a to_o be_v define_v according_a to_o rule_n it_o have_v less_o of_o the_o school_n than_o the_o closet_n and_o good_a ignorant_a soul_n can_v instruct_v we_o better_o in_o it_o than_o those_o who_o have_v more_o knowledge_n than_o integrity_n yet_o the_o school_n which_o busy_a themselves_o every_o where_o undertake_v to_o define_v devotion_n as_o well_o as_o other_o thing_n some_o will_v define_v it_o by_o a_o tenderness_n of_o heart_n and_o 〈◊〉_d mollify_v spirit_n other_o by_o a_o internal_a comfort_n which_o the_o devout_a be_v sensible_a of_o in_o their_o practice_n of_o piety_n a_o three_o sort_n say_v it_o be_v a_o quickness_n and_o promptitude_n of_o mind_n whereby_o holy_a people_n be_v carry_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n some_o there_o be_v who_o make_v it_o ●o_o consist_v in_o a_o unspeakable_a and_o a_o glorious_a joy_n which_o ●lls_v the_o faithful_a and_o make_v they_o say_v my_o soul_n be_v satisfy_v ●s_n with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n other_o have_v define_v it_o ●y_a the_o affection_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o all_o this_o i_o say_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o piece_n of_o rashness_n to_o go_v about_o to_o de●ne_v a_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o how_o well_o to_o express_v since_o 〈◊〉_d be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o which_o can_v well_o be_v con●●ived_v but_o by_o they_o who_o feel_v it_o nor_o can_v well_o be_v describe_v although_o one_o conceive_v it_o nevertheless_o we_o can_v define_v it_o by_o one_o word_n alone_o nor_o by_o one_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v compose_v of_o all_o the_o species_n of_o passion_n it_o admit_v of_o contrary_a sentiment_n 〈◊〉_d have_v desire_n and_o it_o have_v fear_n terror_n and_o hope_n 〈◊〉_d love_n and_o hatred_n joy_n and_o sadness_n ardour_n and_o zea●_n quickness_n and_o alacrity_n it_o have_v desire_n every_o devout_a soul_n vehement_o desire_v to_o be_v well_o with_o go●_n and_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o t●●_n water-brook_n so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n 〈◊〉_d soul_n thirst_v for_o god_n for_o the_o live_a god_n when_o shall_v come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n it_o admit_v of_o fear_n for_o good_a soul_n be_v ever_o afraid_a of_o its_o unworthiness_n to_o posset_v the_o grace_n which_o it_o so_o passionate_o desire_v i_o be_o 〈◊〉_d worthy_a say_v it_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o thou_o shall_v co●●_n under_o my_o roof_n if_o it_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o its_o god_n it_o fe●●_n to_o lose_v he_o it_o watch_v even_o in_o sleep_n i_o sleep_v but_o 〈◊〉_d heart_n wake_v fear_v lest_o something_o shall_v ravi●●_n away_o its_o belove_a terror_n also_o enter_v into_o the_o compound_v of_o th●_n virtue_n namely_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v fall_v into_o so●●_n great_a sin_n the_o presence_n of_o its_o god_n astonish_v it_o and_o 〈◊〉_d majesty_n fill_v it_o with_o horrible_a apprehension_n a●●_n without_o this_o the_o devout_a soul_n never_o present_v it_o 〈◊〉_d before_o god_n but_o it_o remember_v that_o before_o he_o 〈◊〉_d angel_n tremble_v and_o it_o say_v oh_o how_o terrible_a be_v t●_n place_n this_o be_v the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n moreover_o love_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o and_o we_o may_v say_v that_o lo●●_n be_v as_o the_o source_n and_o basis_n of_o devotion_n in_o consider_v both_o the_o beauty_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n it_o be_v touch_v with_o a_o violent_a desire_n of_o union_n it_o say_v with_o the_o spo●●_n let_v he_o kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n for_o his_o l●●_n be_v sweet_a than_o wine_n there_o be_v also_o hatred_n for_o 〈◊〉_d devout_a soul_n can_v love_v god_n unless_o it_o renounce_v s●_n love_n and_o hate_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o which_o be_v inc●patible_a with_o that_o of_o god_n there_o be_v joy_n too_o for_o ●●ty_n have_v its_o feast_n and_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v the_o hea●_n a_o just_a man_n be_v a_o continual_a banquet_n thou_o have_v put_v say_v david_n more_o joy_n in_o my_o heart_n than_o the_o wicked_a have_v of_o their_o abundance_n my_o heart_n be_v glad_a my_o glory_n rejoice_v my_o flesh_n also_o shall_v rest_v in_o hope_n yet_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o this_o light_n be_v not_o altogether_o pure_a devotion_n have_v its_o melancholy_n amid_o its_o joy_n and_o frequent_o it_o sigh_v at_o the_o sense_n of_o its_o infirmity_n the_o last_o ingredient_n of_o devotion_n be_v promptitude_n and_o ardour_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o devotion_n and_o appear_v more_o than_o the_o rest_n in_o a_o devout_a soul_n it_o have_v a_o inconceivable_a cheerfulness_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n it_o hear_v the_o word_n it_o pray_v it_o read_v it_o meditate_v it_o communicate_v as_o other_o do_v the_o most_o pleasant_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o run_v it_o fly_v to_o these_o action_n and_o undertake_v they_o with_o a_o gaiety_n of_o heart_n do_v they_o with_o great_a ease_n these_o
certain_a in_o humane_a science_n they_o take_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o doubt_v of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o judge_v of_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n for_o to_o condemn_v whatever_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o it_o ●nd_v we_o be_v rash_a enough_o to_o introduce_v that_o principle_n into_o the_o church_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v leave_v in_o the_o school_n i_o do_v not_o say_v this_o as_o if_o i_o will_v be_v the_o advocate_n of_o ignorance_n see_v we_o be_v citizen_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v allow_v we_o to_o inquire_v a_o little_a of_o what_o be_v do_v ●here_o but_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n whereof_o we_o make_v a_o part_n make_v we_o see_v plain_o with_o what_o discretion_n and_o advisedness_n we_o ought_v to_o advance_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o ●er_n secret_n he_o have_v not_o show_v we_o but_o the_o effect_n and_o have_v hide_v from_o we_o almost_o all_o the_o cause_n which_o teach_v ●s_a that_o we_o may_v easy_o be_v without_o these_o knowledge_n by_o reason_n that_o hide_a thing_n be_v not_o for_o we_o i_o know_v not_o too_o whether_o a_o little_a ignorance_n will_v not_o make_v more_o for_o ●he_n glory_n of_o our_o creator_n if_o we_o understand_v nature_n ●s_v well_o as_o we_o will_v understand_v it_o perhaps_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o less_o admiration_n for_o its_o great_a author_n for_o as_o they_o say_v admiration_n be_v the_o daughter_n of_o ignorant_a and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o get_v a_o habit_n of_o not_o admiri●_n the_o fine_a and_o most_o wonderful_a thing_n because_o we_o see_v 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v over-acquainted_n with_o they_o the_o desire_n of_o knowledge_n deceive_v we_o but_o let_v 〈◊〉_d guard_v ourselves_o from_o its_o surprise_v our_o first_o parent_n stead_n the_o effect_n on_o it_o sufficient_o for_o their_o liquorish_a ha●_n ker_v after_o a_o equal_a knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a 〈◊〉_d the_o go_n when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o good_a state_n th●_n know_v not_o even_o if_o they_o be_v naked_a and_o they_o acquit_v not_o this_o knowledge_n with_o the_o rest_n but_o in_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o innocence_n only_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d subject_a matter_n and_o end_n of_o our_o labour_n and_o this_o be_v imply_v mean_v enough_o for_o our_o whole_a life_n bless_a be_v he_o that_o know_v thou_o say_v st._n austin_n though_o he_o know_v nothing_o else_o and_o 〈◊〉_d ed_z be_v that_o creature_n that_o know_v every_o thing_n with_o know_v thou_o but_o he_o who_o know_v thou_o and_o every_o 〈◊〉_d else_o be_v happy_a not_o because_o he_o know_v those_o other_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d because_o he_o know_v thou_o run_v not_o therefore_o o_o my_o so●_n after_o those_o vain_a shadow_n of_o science_n or_o if_o thou_o ru●●_n after_o they_o let_v it_o be_v as_o after_o shadow_n without_o fi_fw-la 〈◊〉_d and_o without_o love_n fix_v thyself_o only_o to_o the_o com●_n plation_n of_o thy_o god_n he_o be_v a_o admirable_a object_n he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d finite_o great_a than_o all_o the_o creature_n together_o 〈◊〉_d vertheless_o this_o vast_a object_n will_v not_o cause_v that_o dissipa●_n so_o inseparable_a from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o creature_n it_o be_v infinite_a but_o contract_v itself_o in_o a_o point_n it_o 〈◊〉_d sun_n that_o reunites_a all_o its_o ray_n in_o the_o bottom_n of_o 〈◊〉_d heart_n to_o fill_v it_o both_o with_o light_n and_o flame_n let_v the_o 〈◊〉_d vout_z soul_n say_v st._n basil_n be_v a_o mirror_n and_o a_o pure_a g●_n that_o it_o may_v not_o receive_v the_o image_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o its_o 〈◊〉_d vine_n spouse_n let_v it_o continue_v whole_o employ_v and_o t●_n up_o by_o this_o image_n so_o as_o foreign_a thing_n approach_v nigh_o 〈◊〉_d not_o find_v a_o place_n there_o to_o paint_v and_o contemplate_v themsel●●_n thou_o eternal_a star_n say_v another_o who_o be_v the_o source_n all_o create_a light_n pierce_v through_o my_o heart_n with_o 〈◊〉_d thy_o beam_n which_o may_v purify_v i_o and_o make_v i_o glad_a which_o may_v illuminate_v and_o quicken_v my_o soul_n to_o unite_v all_o its_o power_n to_o thou_o if_o we_o do_v some_o violence_n to_o our_o mind_n to_o fasten_v it_o upon_o this_o one_o and_o sole_a object_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o good_a we_o expect_v and_o seek_v after_o it_o be_v a_o remedy_n against_o our_o indevout_a distraction_n when_o we_o have_v a_o long_a time_n hold_v this_o slippery_a and_o evaporate_v soul_n in_o the_o chain_n of_o divine_a meditation_n it_o will_v become_v more_o stay_v and_o weighty_a it_o will_v not_o escape_v we_o with_o so_o much_o ease_n and_o as_o in_o fly_v we_o it_o do_v not_o take_v its_o flight_n but_o in_o its_o know_a road_n and_o stumble_v only_o on_o the_o idea_n that_o be_v familiar_a with_o it_o whilst_o that_o divers_a thought_n will_v become_v estrange_v from_o it_o by_o the_o little_a commerce_n it_o will_v have_v with_o they_o it_o will_v not_o easy_o be_v able_a to_o get_v away_o meditation_n how_o little_o do_v man_n know_v themselves_o or_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o embrace_v so_o many_o object_n at_o once_o do_v thou_o o_o my_o soul_n become_v wise_a by_o the_o fault_n of_o thy_o neighbour_n thou_o have_v enough_o wherewith_o to_o busy_v thyself_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o thy_o god_n labour_n to_o know_v he_o only_o and_o if_o thou_o aim_v to_o know_v other_o thing_n do_v it_o in_o such_o a_o sort_n as_o that_o all_o other_o knowledge_n may_v conduct_v thou_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o god_n vain_a be_v thy_o hope_n to_o join_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n with_o that_o of_o heaven_n thy_o heart_n be_v already_o too_o little_a for_o that_o god_n that_o be_v infinite_a and_o for_o that_o object_n which_o have_v no_o bound_n and_o if_o once_o thou_o suffer_v thyself_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o image_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n where_o will_v thou_o find_v room_n for_o god_n image_n the_o eye_n of_o owl_n be_v accustom_v to_o darkness_n can_v endure_v the_o brightness_n and_o splendour_n of_o the_o sun_n a_o mind_n always_o take_v up_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o bodily_a thing_n can_v sustain_v the_o brightness_n of_o that_o be_v of_o being_n of_o that_o pure_a spirit_n that_o shine_v with_o so_o great_a a_o lustre_n prayer_n o_o invisible_a and_o glorious_a sun_n that_o discover_v not_o thy_o beaury_n but_o to_o soul_n purify_v from_o the_o vain_a image_n of_o the_o world_n cleanse_v my_o soul_n by_o the_o purity_n of_o thy_o beam_n chase_v away_o that_o darkness_n that_o blind_v my_o eye_n and_o from_o my_o imagination_n banish_v the_o vain_a phantom_n which_o hinder_v i_o from_o contemplate_v sole_o the_o pure_a light_n of_o thy_o truth_n i_o know_v thou_o o_o my_o god_n because_o it_o have_v please_v thou_o to_o reveal_v thyself_o unto_o i_o but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o i_o know_v of_o thy_o greatness_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o be_v real_o and_o what_o may_v be_v know_v of_o it_o i_o see_v the_o obscurity_n i_o form_n to_o myself_o a_o idea_n of_o thy_o essence_n and_o majesty_n which_o sink_v infinite_o below_o thy_o very_a self_n i_o do_v thou_o this_o wrong_n o_o my_o god_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o blame-worthy_a for_o i_o can_v do_v otherwise_o i_o ask_v thou_o forgiveness_n i_o be_o very_o sensible_a i_o do_v not_o know_v thou_o as_o thou_o be_v it_o be_v rather_o the_o fault_n of_o my_o mind_n than_o of_o my_o heart_n purify_v my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v behold_v thou_o which_o as_o vigorous_a a_o aspect_n as_o that_o of_o a_o eagle_n which_o look_v upon_o the_o sun_n let_v the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o beauty_n charm_v i_o and_o fill_v i_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o that_o i_o may_v conceive_v a_o holy_a distaste_n for_o all_o that_o be_v call_v in_o the_o world_n rare_a knowledge_n and_o great_a literature_n let_v i_o not_o scatter_v myself_o in_o the_o circumference_n let_v all_o my_o look_n be_v towards_o thou_o who_o be_v the_o centre_n from_o whence_o flow_v all_o the_o beauty_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o world_n let_v i_o but_o see_v thou_o and_o in_o see_v thou_o shall_v i_o see_v all_o that_o can_v be_v see_v let_v my_o soul_n rally_v and_o recollect_v itself_o upon_o this_o object_n only_o that_o it_o may_v penetrate_v it_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a o_o god_n aid_v i_o in_o this_o design_n make_v thyself_o visible_a make_v i_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o thy_o mystery_n and_o into_o the_o secret_n of_o thy_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o i_o may_v slight_v and_o despise_v as_o unworthy_a of_o i_o all_o the_o curious_a science_n whereof_o the_o man_n of_o the_o age_n make_v so_o great_a a_o mystery_n chap._n vii_o the_o rareness_n and_o interruption_n of_o holy_a
come_v near_o the_o number_n of_o thy_o offence_n the_o moment_n wherein_o god_n have_v make_v i_o to_o enjoy_v most_o of_o his_o blessing_n have_v be_v those_o wherein_o i_o have_v render_v myself_o the_o most_o sinful_a by_o the_o abuse_n of_o my_o prosperity_n and_o the_o least_o sin_n i_o commit_v in_o one_o of_o those_o moment_n deserve_v pain_n of_o a_o infinite_a duration_n prayer_n almighty_a god_n who_o make_v all_o thing_n with_o a_o profound_a wisdom_n i_o find_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o thy_o work_n all_o that_o thou_o have_v make_v be_v good_a but_o i_o mourn_v for_o my_o iniquity_n and_o bewail_v my_o corruption_n good_a be_v in_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o evil_a and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v permit_v i_o be_v so_o near_o to_o those_o that_o be_v forbid_v i_o that_o if_o i_o forget_v innocent_a pleasure_n but_o a_o little_a i_o straight_o pass_v into_o sinful_a one_o at_o all_o passage_n the_o devil_n lie_v in_o ambush_n and_o my_o concupiscence_n lay_v snare_n for_o i_o every_o where_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n and_o border_n on_o precipice_n i_o know_v lord_n that_o thy_o goodness_n be_v infinite_a and_o thou_o do_v not_o exact_v from_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v evermore_o in_o grief_n thou_o allow_v some_o grain_n to_o the_o fesh_n as_o rebellious_a as_o it_o be_v against_o thou_o but_o how_o difficult_a and_o dargerous_a be_v it_o to_o mark_v out_o precise_o the_o bound_n that_o distinguish_v permit_v from_o forbid_a pleasure_n if_o i_o give_v ear_n to_o my_o concupiscence_n it_o will_v stretch_v the_o limit_n far_o beyond_o all_o reason_n it_o will_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v i_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v agreeable_a can_v be_v bad_a whether_o i_o eat_v or_o drink_v be_o asleep_a or_o awake_a be_o idle_a or_o at_o work_n i_o be_o always_o in_o the_o temptation_n and_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o excess_n thy_o providence_n will_v that_o i_o pass_v through_o all_o these_o danger_n thou_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o conduct_v i_o safe_o through_o this_o difficult_a path_n let_v thy_o spirit_n lead_v i_o as_o in_o a_o even_o plain_a let_v i_o turn_v neither_o to_o the_o right_a nor_o to_o the_o left_a here_o be_v two_o extremity_n to_o fly_v thou_o hate_v carnal_a pleasure_n but_o it_o may_v be_v thou_o do_v not_o love_v excessive_a austerity_n bodily_a exercise_n profit_v little_a but_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v i_o know_v o_o my_o god_n that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o dangerous_a to_o fall_v into_o one_o excess_n than_o into_o the_o other_o all_o thou_o say_v of_o bodily_a exercise_n be_v that_o it_o be_v profitable_a but_o to_o a_o few_o thing_n but_o as_o to_o the_o other_o excess_n to_o wit_n of_o pleasure_n it_o hurt_v and_o incommode_n all_o thing_n it_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o conscience_n it_o corrupt_v the_o heart_n ruin_v the_o body_n grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o it_o separate_v the_o soul_n from_o thou_o o_o lord_n it_o be_v incomparable_o more_o safe_a to_o renounce_v all_o pleasure_n in_o general_a than_o to_o choose_v some_o and_o expose_v one_o self_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o take_v those_o that_o be_v unlawful_a o_o thou_o who_o hold_v in_o thy_o hand_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n as_o the_o river_n of_o water_n turn_v i_o into_o the_o safe_a way_n wherein_o i_o be_o certain_a not_o to_o offend_v thou_o and_o that_o be_v the_o privation_n of_o all_o sensual_a pleasure_n take_v from_o i_o that_o taste_v of_o all_o voluptuousness_n wherewith_o i_o be_o enchant_v cast_v off_o from_o the_o daemon_n of_o pleasure_n that_o mask_n which_o cover_v he_o and_o that_o fade_a beauty_n which_o charm_v i_o that_o i_o may_v see_v all_o his_o vgliness_n and_o deformity_n and_o detest_v and_o fly_v it_o since_o the_o body_n which_o thou_o oblige_v i_o to_o hale_v after_o i_o to_o nourish_v and_o conserve_v bind_v i_o to_o do_v action_n conjoin_v with_o pleasure_n give_v i_o the_o grace_n to_o do_v those_o action_n to_o satisfy_v necessity_n and_o not_o to_o serve_v sensuality_n discover_v to_o i_o the_o snare_n that_o lust_n lay_v for_o i_o under_o the_o cloak_n of_o necessity_n let_v i_o not_o by_o a_o ill_a habit_n make_v that_o necessary_a which_o be_v superfluous_a according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n that_o my_o soul_n under_o thy_o guidance_n may_v keep_v its_o body_n under_o as_o a_o slave_n and_o not_o serve_v it_o as_o its_o master_n chap._n v._o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o consult_v our_o heart_n and_o sense_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o pleasure_n that_o devotion_n lead_v we_o to_o true_a pleasure_n it_o be_v observe_v that_o for_o the_o obtain_v any_o thing_n we_o must_v ask_v much_o more_o than_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o get_v and_o that_o to_o bring_v man_n to_o just_a sentiment_n in_o withdraw_v they_o from_o their_o error_n it_o be_v good_a to_o carry_v they_o a_o little_a into_o the_o other_o extremity_n that_o in_o their_o return_n they_o may_v abide_v at_o least_o in_o a_o reasonable_a middle_n this_o perhaps_o have_v make_v so_o many_o christian_a author_n and_o preacher_n to_o imitate_v the_o style_n of_o the_o stoic_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n these_o people_n say_v that_o pain_n be_v no_o evil_a and_o pleasure_n be_v not_o a_o good_a we_o can_v say_v they_o be_v perfect_o happy_a in_o the_o burn_a bull_n of_o phalar_n be_v and_o perfect_o unhappy_a in_o taste_v the_o great_a pleasure_n this_o method_n be_v not_o it_o may_v be_v so_o good_a as_o we_o imagine_v we_o soil_n and_o dishearten_v man_n mind_n by_o require_v too_o much_o of_o they_o and_o nothing_o be_v persuasive_a when_o truth_n be_v invest_v with_o paradox_n which_o awake_v curiosity_n but_o distemper_n the_o mind_n after_o all_o we_o can_v never_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o feel_v cicero_n tell_v we_o of_o one_o of_o these_o philosopher_n who_o have_v be_v blind_v by_o the_o pompous_a reason_n of_o his_o sect_n but_o a_o great_a rheum_n fall_v upon_o his_o eye_n which_o put_v he_o to_o horrible_a torture_n prevail_v over_o the_o illusion_n of_o his_o philosophy_n and_o make_v he_o abandon_v it_o when_o we_o see_v one_o of_o these_o sage_n cruel_o torment_v upon_o his_o bed_n with_o the_o gout_n or_o stone_n and_o hear_v he_o say_v thou_o may_v do_v as_o thou_o will_v o_o pain_n but_o thou_o shall_v never_o make_v i_o confess_v thou_o be_v a_o evil_a we_o can_v keep_v ourselves_o from_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o comedy_n and_o profound_a hypocrisy_n reason_n can_v do_v nought_o against_o experience_n nor_o against_o a_o sense_n so_o lively_a as_o that_o of_o pain_n the_o martyr_n i_o conceive_v may_v be_v happy_a amid_o their_o punishment_n because_o they_o do_v not_o feel_v all_o their_o pain_n for_o i_o hold_v that_o their_o soul_n by_o the_o help_n of_o grace_n be_v so_o strong_o take_v up_o with_o the_o glory_n and_o crown_n they_o be_v about_o to_o receive_v that_o hardly_o any_o 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