coufound_v in_o that_o mighty_a abyss_n of_o what_o be_v past_a but_o the_o moment_n thou_o give_v to_o thy_o god_n be_v put_v in_o reserve_n thou_o will_v find_v they_o they_o will_v come_v before_o thou_o at_o the_o great_a judgement_n they_o will_v be_v put_v to_o thy_o account_n and_o for_o some_o moment_n of_o devotion_n thou_o shall_v receive_v eternal_a glory_n do_v not_o therefore_o hang_v in_o suspense_n any_o long_o o_o my_o soul_n delay_v no_o more_o to_o renounce_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o all_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o age_n for_o to_o follow_v thy_o god_n only_o in_o he_o be_v the_o well_o of_o life_n in_o his_o light_n thou_o shall_v see_v light_a thou_o shall_v be_v fat_v with_o the_o fat_a of_o his_o house_n and_o quench_v thy_o thirst_n in_o the_o flood_n of_o his_o pleasure_n in_o thy_o old_a age_n thou_o shall_v not_o regret_n the_o loss_n of_o thy_o youth_n thy_o day_n shall_v not_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o thou_o to_o condemn_v thou_o when_o thou_o shall_v be_v old_a and_o on_o the_o brink_n of_o death_n the_o thought_n of_o thy_o god_n shall_v not_o put_v thou_o into_o a_o affright_n thou_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o judge_n who_o come_v to_o demand_v a_o account_n of_o so_o many_o year_n consume_v in_o vain_a pleasure_n but_o a_o deliverer_n who_o will_v come_v to_o break_v thy_o iron_n and_o as_o a_o rewarder_n bring_v day_n of_o refreshment_n instead_o of_o painful_a and_o dolorous_a year_n which_o the_o world_n will_v make_v thou_o pass_v through_o prayer_n o_o most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a lord_n thou_o guide_v of_o my_o youth_n thou_o light_v to_o the_o blind_a thou_o instructor_n of_o the_o ignorant_a who_o enlightene_v the_o simple_a bring_v back_o those_o that_o have_v wander_v into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o perfect_a praise_n out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o babe_n and_o suckling_n teach_v i_o thy_o way_n and_o draw_v i_o out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o the_o world_n make_v haste_n that_o i_o may_v do_v so_o too_o leave_v i_o not_o any_o long_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o sin_n by_o the_o effusion_n of_o thy_o grace_n into_o my_o soul_n make_v my_o heart_n to_o desire_v thou_o that_o in_o desire_v thou_o it_o may_v seek_v thou_o and_o in_o seek_v thou_o it_o may_v find_v thou_o in_o find_v thou_o it_o may_v love_v thou_o and_o in_o love_v thou_o it_o may_v find_v in_o that_o love_n a_o sovereign_a joy_n it_o be_v now_o too_o long_o a_o time_n i_o have_v consume_v myself_o in_o my_o vain_a desire_n i_o will_v go_v to_o thou_o but_o i_o find_v not_o strength_n to_o vanquish_v those_o habit_n wherein_o i_o be_o engage_v by_o custom_n come_v therefore_o and_o tear_v i_o o_o my_o god_n out_o of_o the_o arm_n of_o voluptuousness_n suffer_v not_o these_o delay_n of_o i_o and_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v yet_o a_o little_a while_n stay_v a_o little_a long_o draw_v i_o by_o thy_o powerful_a word_n and_o say_v unto_o i_o awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v arise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o christ_n shall_v give_v thou_o light_n if_o word_n be_v not_o efficacious_a enough_o to_o raise_v i_o up_o touch_v the_o bier_n strike_v the_o body_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v bury_v it_o sleep_v in_o its_o tomb_n or_o rather_o it_o be_v dead_a bodily_a pleasure_n have_v overwhelm_v or_o slay_v it_o smite_v therefore_o the_o body_n that_o the_o soul_n may_v awake_v for_o it_o be_v better_a that_o i_o enter_v into_o life_n have_v but_o one_o eye_n than_o have_v two_o eye_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell-fire_n it_o be_v better_a that_o my_o flesh_n here_o below_o suffer_v some_o pain_n and_o that_o my_o soul_n one_o day_n taste_v those_o infinite_a pleasure_n which_o thou_o prepare_v for_o it_o on_o high_a i_o abide_v in_o sodom_n and_o i_o love_v my_o abode_n thou_o send_v thy_o angel_n to_o draw_v i_o thence_o thy_o word_n and_o thy_o mnister_n to_o make_v i_o depart_v before_o the_o terrible_a day_n come_v in_o which_o thou_o will_v tumble_v down_o torrent_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n upon_o this_o wicked_a world_n but_o i_o ever_o find_v pretext_n to_o delay_v lay_v hold_v then_o of_o my_o hand_n and_o draw_v i_o out_o by_o the_o force_n of_o thy_o grace_n that_o i_o perish_v not_o among_o the_o wicked_a show_v i_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o holy_a hill_n that_o i_o may_v save_v myself_o and_o thence_o without_o danger_n behold_v the_o deluge_n of_o corruption_n which_o overspread_v the_o country_n and_o the_o torrent_n of_o thy_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n which_o sudden_o and_o amazing_o overwhelm_v the_o world_n alas_o if_o it_o will_v please_v thou_o o_o my_o god_n to_o make_v i_o taste_v the_o speritual_a delight_n of_o thy_o love_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o earthly_a pleasure_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o linger_v so_o long_o to_o seek_v thou_o for_o i_o most_o ardent_o wish_v after_o happiness_n if_o therefore_o i_o know_v that_o my_o beatitude_n lie_v in_o thou_o i_o shall_v fly_v to_o find_v in_o thou_o that_o happiness_n which_o i_o seek_v o_o lord_n since_o pleasure_n be_v the_o only_a loadstone_n capable_a of_o draw_v my_o soul_n make_v i_o taste_v a_o little_a of_o that_o joy_n which_o i_o ought_v to_o find_v in_o thou_o make_v i_o to_o feel_v thy_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o without_o delay_n i_o may_v run_v after_o thou_o and_o consecrate_v myself_o to_o thy_o service_n walk_v in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n and_o set_v my_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o that_o when_o christ_n who_o be_v my_o life_n and_o pleasure_n shall_v appear_v i_o may_v also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n part_n iv_o of_o help_n towards_o devotion_n chap._n i._n the_o first_o general_n advice_n be_v to_o will_v desire_n and_o ask_v devotion_n we_o have_v see_v from_o how_o many_o source_n indevotion_n spring_v let_v we_o now_o try_v to_o vanquish_v those_o difficulty_n by_o some_o advice_n that_o may_v lead_v we_o to_o devotion_n those_o advice_n i_o will_v give_v here_o be_v either_o general_a or_o particular_a but_o before_o i_o pass_v further_o we_o be_v to_o presuppose_v that_o he_o who_o we_o will_v make_v devout_a must_v have_v a_o mind_n himself_o to_o become_v so_o he_o that_o have_v not_o this_o disposition_n will_v very_o unprofitable_o pass_v far_o how_o many_o indevout_a person_n have_v we_o in_o the_o world_n that_o do_v not_o desire_v devotion_n for_o themselves_o and_o contemn_v it_o in_o other_o of_o this_o sort_n we_o find_v some_o that_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o they_o have_v a_o religion_n i_o be_o it_o may_v be_v say_v one_o as_o religious_a as_o another_o though_o i_o laugh_v at_o devotion_n and_o devout_a person_n if_o they_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v most_o assure_o they_o cheat_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o these_o people_n be_v real_o profane_a other_o there_o be_v that_o esteem_n devotion_n in_o another_o and_o yet_o like_o it_o not_o for_o themselves_o it_o do_v not_o fit_a right_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n which_o they_o make_v their_o idol_n they_o approve_v the_o better_a side_n they_o admire_v it_o but_o they_o fancy_n as_o to_o their_o own_o particular_a they_o may_v be_v save_v with_o less_o trouble_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o these_o be_v better_o than_o the_o former_a yet_o they_o be_v a_o little_a near_o to_o the_o disposition_n we_o seek_v after_o but_o still_o alas_o in_o how_o bad_a a_o condition_n be_v their_o conscience_n they_o be_v in_o this_o worse_a than_o the_o former_a that_o they_o sin_n against_o their_o own_o sentiment_n they_o know_v their_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o do_v too_o much_o provide_v they_o be_v save_v it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a importance_n how_o what_o a_o thought_n be_v this_o be_v not_o paradise_n worth_a the_o purchase_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o some_o tear_n some_o prayer_n some_o hour_n of_o humiliation_n and_o how_o can_v we_o imagine_v we_o can_v obtain_v heaven_n by_o the_o less_o since_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o hard_a task_n to_o arrive_v thither_o by_o the_o great_a if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v do_v you_o believe_v you_o backward_o and_o lukewarm_a soul_n that_o a_o true_o devout_a person_n have_v too_o much_o righteousness_n to_o open_a to_o himself_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n do_v not_o you_o know_v that_o all_o the_o world_n praise_v that_o say_v of_o st._n austin_n woe_n to_o the_o most_o praiseworthy_a life_n if_o it_o be_v examine_v without_o mercy_n and_o what_o the_o psalmist_n say_v if_o thou_o shall_v mark_v iniquity_n o_o lord_n who_o shall_v stand_v i_o
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 â—â—â—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 â—o_o consist_v in_o a_o unspeakable_a and_o a_o glorious_a joy_n which_o â—lls_v the_o faithful_a and_o make_v they_o say_v my_o soul_n be_v satisfy_v â—s_n with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n other_o have_v define_v it_o â—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 deâ—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 conâ—â—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 zeaâ—_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 goâ—_n and_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o tâ—â—_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 coâ—â—_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 feâ—â—_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 raviâ—â—_n away_o its_o belove_a terror_n also_o enter_v into_o the_o compound_v of_o thâ—_n virtue_n namely_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v fall_v into_o soâ—â—_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 aâ—â—_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 tâ—_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 loâ—â—_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 spoâ—â—_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 lâ—â—_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 sâ—_n love_n and_o hate_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o which_o be_v incâ—patible_a with_o that_o of_o god_n there_o be_v joy_n too_o for_o â—â—ty_n have_v its_o feast_n and_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v the_o heaâ—_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
be_v methinks_v the_o movement_n that_o compose_v devotion_n but_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o in_o all_o people_n they_o be_v not_o evermore_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n always_o some_o one_o of_o they_o do_v reign_v sometime_o joy_n bear_v sway_v another_o while_n grief_n oftentimes_o alacrity_n other_o time_n the_o desire_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o devout_a upon_o the_o nature_n of_o devotion_n they_o will_v answer_v we_o very_o different_o because_o every_o one_o will_v say_v that_o he_o feel_v within_o himself_o and_o that_o every_o one_o feel_v within_o himself_o thing_n very_o different_a from_o those_o of_o other_o man_n it_o happen_v also_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o soul_n feel_v a_o different_a devotion_n at_o divers_a time_n the_o motion_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v rule_v by_o turn_v to_o day_n a_o faithful_a person_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o hope_n in_o the_o view_n of_o a_o blessing_n to_o come_v and_o to_o morrow_n with_o joy_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o present_a good_a one_o time_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o sin_n sadness_n shall_v domineer_v another_o time_n the_o desire_n shall_v reign_v and_o this_o alteration_n proceed_v from_o the_o diversity_n of_o estate_n wherein_o the_o conscience_n find_v itself_o and_o the_o variety_n of_o prospect_n which_o meditation_n present_v it_o withal_o in_o consider_v god_n some_o time_n with_o respect_n have_v to_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n other_o time_n to_o his_o severity_n and_o justice_n frequent_o too_o he_o will_v eye_n his_o conscience_n both_o in_o its_o strong_a and_o in_o its_o weak_a part_n and_o this_o may_v change_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o agitation_n of_o his_o devotion_n cheerfulness_n likewise_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o very_a essence_n and_o soul_n of_o this_o virtue_n be_v not_o inseparable_a from_o it_o and_o sometime_o the_o most_o heavenly_a soul_n find_v themselves_o under_o a_o gloomy_a and_o sad_a weight_n but_o when_o this_o briskness_n be_v absent_a its_o place_n be_v possess_v by_o a_o sting_a displeasure_n for_o its_o absence_n meditation_n alas_o my_o soul_n how_o ignorant_a be_v thou_o in_o thing_n divine_a the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o these_o be_v profound_a abysses_n which_o thou_o can_v not_o sound_v thy_o light_n be_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n but_o yet_o astonish_v it_o be_v not_o that_o thou_o know_v not_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o and_o lock_v up_o in_o his_o own_o breast_n it_o be_v more_o strange_a thou_o know_v not_o what_o god_n do_v in_o this_o and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o divine_a thing_n which_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n vain_a and_o haughty_a as_o thou_o be_v with_o the_o advantage_n which_o nature_n have_v give_v thou_o above_o the_o visible_a creature_n thou_o say_v thou_o be_v a_o incarnate_a angel_n say_v rather_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o angel_n imprison_v in_o a_o dark_a and_o dismal_a mansion_n who_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o se_v but_o in_o part_n obscure_o and_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n through_o the_o thick_a veil_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n prayer_n o_o my_o god_n thou_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n open_v my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n i_o be_o a_o stranger_n upon_o earth_n and_o a_o sojourner_n oh_o hide_v not_o from_o i_o thy_o commandment_n i_o be_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o devotion_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o know_v it_o without_o thou_o in_o vain_a shall_v i_o search_v for_o it_o in_o the_o work_n of_o another_o unless_o i_o find_v it_o in_o my_o own_o heart_n i_o do_v not_o find_v what_o i_o seek_v for_o there_o where_o then_o shall_v i_o find_v it_o even_o in_o thou_o my_o god_n who_o be_v the_o source_n of_o what_o i_o look_v for_o raise_v therefore_o in_o my_o heart_n those_o flame_n of_o zeal_n and_o piety_n that_o be_v fill_v therewith_o my_o soul_n may_v not_o need_v but_o to_o study_v itself_o to_o attain_v this_o knowledge_n and_o after_o the_o attainment_n may_v be_v able_a to_o love_v it_o and_o make_v other_o do_v so_o too_o let_v it_o sparkle_v and_o shine_v in_o all_o my_o word_n and_o action_n like_o a_o torch_n that_o light_v my_o neighbour_n and_o let_v it_o kindle_v in_o they_o the_o holy_a flame_n of_o devotion_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o devotion_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o devotion_n in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n we_o insinuate_v all_o its_o effect_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o nor_o unprofitable_a to_o unfold_v they_o a_o little_a more_o for_o these_o effect_n well_o understand_v will_v lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o serve_v we_o for_o a_o touchstone_n whereby_o pious_a soul_n may_v try_v both_o the_o purity_n and_o the_o progress_n of_o their_o devotion_n the_o first_o of_o these_o effect_n be_v a_o vehement_a passion_n to_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o pour_v forth_o our_o grief_n into_o his_o bosom_n to_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o gauge_n of_o his_o love_n in_o his_o sacrament_n you_o see_v this_o disposition_n in_o david_n who_o sigh_v after_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o find_v nothing_o in_o his_o exile_n more_o insupportable_a than_o his_o banishment_n from_o the_o court_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n jealous_a he_o be_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o swallow_n that_o build_v their_o nest_n there_o he_o will_v be_v a_o doorkeeper_n in_o this_o house_n and_o never_o stir_v from_o thence_o my_o soul_n have_v a_o desire_n to_o enter_v into_o thy_o court_n say_v he_o i_o have_v ask_v one_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o may_v dwell_v in_o his_o house_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n he_o avow_v that_o the_o hope_n of_o see_v god_n again_o in_o his_o house_n do_v sustain_v he_o and_o keep_v he_o from_o fall_v into_o despair_n i_o have_v faint_v unless_o i_o have_v believe_v to_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n the_o faithful_a soul_n have_v no_o less_o passion_n for_o the_o solitude_n of_o its_o closet_n than_o david_n have_v for_o the_o temple_n of_o his_o god_n it_o look_v upon_o those_o hour_n as_o lose_v which_o it_o be_v oblige_v to_o throw_v away_o upon_o the_o world_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o can_v withdraw_v itself_o from_o the_o hurry_n and_o bustle_v of_o affair_n it_o run_v to_o the_o bosom_n of_o its_o god_n as_o the_o hart_n to_o the_o water-brook_n as_o a_o covetous_a person_n to_o the_o search_n of_o riches_n as_o a_o courtier_n watch_v for_o the_o hour_n and_o place_n to_o see_v his_o prince_n and_o to_o be_v see_v and_o receive_v from_o he_o considerable_a favour_n a_o second_o effect_n be_v a_o joy_n which_o we_o may_v call_v inconceivable_a when_o the_o devout_a in_o their_o devotion_n feel_v their_o heart_n display_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n appear_v with_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o his_o consolation_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v inquire_v of_o such_o a_o soul_n why_o it_o be_v so_o satisfy_v perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o it_o to_o tell_v he_o but_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o this_o joy_n be_v that_o god_n do_v exert_n in_o it_o his_o comfortable_a and_o wholesome_a ray_n which_o be_v ever_o accompany_v with_o a_o plenary_a happiness_n the_o pleasure_n which_o a_o avaricious_a man_n take_v in_o count_v his_o money_n which_o the_o ambitious_a taste_n in_o hope_v for_o new_a grandeurs_fw-fr which_o the_o epicurean_a find_v in_o his_o feast_n and_o debauch_n all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v unsavoury_a and_o of_o a_o bad_a taste_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o joy_n which_o the_o pious_a soul_n perceive_v in_o communicate_v with_o its_o god_n this_o be_v a_o ocean_n which_o overwhelm_v and_o drown_v all_o the_o perplexity_n and_o trouble_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o persecute_v find_v here_o their_o sanctuary_n the_o poor_a riches_n the_o sick-man_n health_n the_o contemptible_a glory_n the_o humble_a grandeur_n and_o the_o miserable_a a_o general_a oblivion_n of_o all_o his_o calamity_n this_o be_v that_o wherein_o a_o soul_n tire_v with_o the_o world_n find_v that_o heavenly_a repose_n which_o make_v it_o with_o indignation_n and_o yet_o with_o pity_n look_v upon_o the_o cruel_a agitation_n of_o worldly_a man_n that_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o rack_a wheel_n and_o stone_n of_o ixion_n and_o sisyphus_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o labour_n that_o always_o return_v and_o never_o have_v a_o end_n hence_o spring_v another_o effect_n of_o devotion_n namely_o to_o forget_v this_o world_n when_o the_o devout_a person_n shut_v the_o door_n
and_o which_o death_n at_o least_o will_v have_v infallible_o ravish_v from_o thou_o do_v thou_o not_o know_v that_o the_o world_n and_o its_o fortune_n be_v all_o of_o glass_n they_o shine_v but_o they_o be_v brittle_a the_o least_o blow_n shatter_v they_o and_o make_v they_o to_o fly_v into_o a_o thousand_o piece_n why_o then_o shall_v thou_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o glass_n shall_v break_v between_o thy_o finger_n why_o be_v thou_o so_o sensible_a of_o injury_n and_o offence_n and_o why_o do_v thou_o make_v the_o malignity_n of_o another_o thy_o own_o misery_n why_o do_v thou_o so_o bitter_o lament_v the_o loss_n of_o some_o person_n that_o death_n have_v take_v up_o from_o thou_o they_o be_v not_o thou_o they_o be_v god_n who_o lend_v they_o thou_o and_o have_v retake_v they_o in_o short_a why_o be_v thou_o so_o prodigal_a of_o tear_n whereof_o thou_o reape_v no_o fruit_n that_o be_v to_o employ_v one_o labour_n in_o that_o which_o profit_v not_o when_o thou_o bewail_v o_o my_o soul_n thy_o misfortune_n thy_o tear_n do_v not_o make_v thy_o misfortune_n to_o cease_v but_o mourn_v for_o thy_o sin_n and_o thy_o tear_n will_v destroy_v they_o they_o will_v whirl_v they_o away_o like_o a_o torrent_n or_o a_o deluge_n and_o they_o will_v be_v find_v no_o more_o thy_o carnal_a anxiety_n trouble_v thy_o devotion_n but_o the_o grief_n which_o thou_o shall_v have_v for_o thy_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n will_v augment_v it_o and_o god_n will_v comfort_v thou_o prayer_n come_v therefore_o thou_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n who_o be_v promise_v to_o we_o by_o the_o son_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o father_n come_v sweeten_v my_o bitter_a anguish_n by_o thy_o delight_n and_o mercy_n come_v and_o recompense_v my_o loss_n by_o thy_o riches_n give_v i_o such_o joy_n as_o pass_v all_o understanding_n give_v i_o piety_n that_o i_o may_v have_v contentment_n of_o mind_n and_o that_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v join_v together_o may_v be_v great_a gain_n to_o i_o and_o compose_v my_o sovereign_a happiness_n come_v and_o place_v my_o soul_n in_o so_o firm_a a_o seat_n and_o posture_n that_o it_o may_v never_o be_v jog_v or_o stagger_v even_o by_o the_o rude_a blow_n come_v and_o restore_v back_o to_o i_o what_o i_o have_v lose_v good_n possession_n house_n husband_n wife_n child_n kindred_n and_o my_o dear_a friend_n come_v my_o dear_a saviour_n and_o let_v i_o possess_v thou_o perfect_o instead_o of_o all_o thing_n the_o world_n have_v take_v away_o all_o it_o have_v give_v i_o but_o it_o can_v ravish_v from_o i_o what_o thou_o shall_v bestow_v upon_o i_o i_o make_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o thou_o of_o all_o the_o good_n which_o i_o have_v lose_v if_o i_o have_v not_o lose_v they_o for_o thy_o name_n yet_o at_o least_o i_o at_o present_a patient_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o they_o for_o thy_o name_n be_v sake_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v thou_o will_v reward_v i_o as_o if_o i_o have_v lose_v they_o for_o thou_o in_o this_o hope_n i_o banish_v my_o care_n and_o trouble_v far_o from_o i_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v come_v no_o more_o to_o disturb_v and_o interrupt_v my_o repose_n o_o my_o god_n make_v the_o wall_n of_o my_o closet_n impenetrable_a rampart_n such_o as_o can_v be_v pierce_v by_o the_o dart_n of_o my_o persecute_v enemy_n so_o that_o i_o may_v be_v there_o in_o thy_o presence_n as_o in_o a_o quiet_a and_o safe_a haven_n against_o the_o tempest_n wherein_o my_o life_n be_v lose_v and_o that_o so_o the_o commerce_n which_o my_o soul_n will_v have_v with_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v interrupt_v by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o my_o misfortune_n but_o i_o may_v forget_v all_o my_o grief_n and_o calamity_n in_o thy_o presence_n chap._n v._o of_o excessive_a business_n a_o five_o source_n of_o indevotion_n this_o be_v also_o another_o branch_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o another_o let_v and_o hindrance_n to_o devotion_n we_o love_v the_o world_n and_o give_v up_o ourselves_o entire_o to_o its_o employment_n one_o employ_v himself_o in_o traffic_n and_o think_v of_o nothing_o else_o another_z he_o be_v oppress_v with_o the_o affair_n of_o other_o man_n which_o he_o make_v his_o own_o through_o interest_n he_o plead_v as_o he_o say_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o justice_n but_o it_o be_v too_o often_o for_o iniquity_n and_o though_o he_o gain_v his_o cause_n yet_o he_o lose_v his_o conscience_n a_o physician_n visit_v his_o patient_n with_o a_o design_n to_o make_v they_o pay_v dear_a for_o his_o service_n and_o attendance_n the_o man_n of_o business_n be_v ever_o thumb_n his_o arithmetic_n the_o mechanic_n exercise_v his_o trade_n the_o husbandman_n agriculture_n and_o to_o these_o several_a way_n go_v the_o great_a and_o best_a part_n of_o their_o time_n and_o so_o much_o be_v the_o world_n corrupt_v as_o they_o think_v they_o deserve_v praise_n in_o that_o among_o the_o sundry_a way_n of_o spend_v time_n this_o be_v the_o most_o innocent_a but_o it_o become_v criminal_a as_o soon_o as_o it_o rob_v we_o of_o our_o god_n and_o slacken_v our_o piety_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v so_o make_v as_o it_o can_v vigorous_o tend_v but_o to_o one_o mark_v it_o can_v ardent_o will_v but_o one_o thing_n insomuch_o as_o if_o thou_o give_v up_o the_o ardour_n and_o force_n of_o thy_o desire_n to_o thy_o family_n and_o thy_o occupation_n god_n will_v but_o partake_v of_o the_o relic_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o thy_o languish_a motion_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v here_o as_o if_o person_n of_o all_o condition_n can_v give_v up_o themselves_o whole_o to_o contemplation_n this_o contemplative_a life_n be_v the_o life_n of_o angel_n and_o not_o of_o man_n and_o since_o that_o we_o be_v in_o part_n body_n we_o must_v also_o live_v after_o a_o manner_n partly_o corporal_a a_o bird_n let_v its_o wing_n be_v never_o so_o strong_a can_v always_o be_v fly_v a_o soul_n have_v not_o strength_n enough_o to_o be_v evermore_o lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n i_o know_v moreover_o we_o ought_v to_o serve_v the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n in_o a_o word_n i_o do_v not_o oppose_v the_o order_n that_o man_n have_v receive_v from_o god_n to_o eat_v his_o bread_n by_o the_o sweat_n of_o his_o brow_n and_o by_o his_o labour_n six_o day_n in_o the_o week_n all_o i_o aim_v at_o be_v that_o the_o employment_n of_o martha_n may_v not_o hinder_v the_o work_n of_o mary_n and_o that_o the_o body_n be_v the_o worse_a part_n of_o we_o may_v not_o carry_v away_o the_o better_a part_n of_o our_o time_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n wherein_o we_o ought_v to_o laud_n and_o praise_v the_o great_a condescension_n of_o god_n to_o we_o it_o be_v in_o this_o all_o our_o time_n be_v he_o but_o he_o please_v to_o give_v we_o six_o part_n in_o seven_o six_o day_n shall_v thou_o labour_v and_o on_o the_o seven_o rest_n see_v he_o have_v forgo_v so_o much_o we_o ought_v at_o least_o to_o be_v very_o exact_a to_o pay_v he_o this_o tithe_n of_o our_o time_n one_o day_n in_o seven_o one_o hour_n in_o 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speak_v of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o righteous_a if_o those_o true_o devout_a person_n have_v not_o overmuch_o righteousness_n you_o will_v strange_o want_v it_o then_o who_o come_v so_o much_o behind_o they_o but_o you_o say_v god_n will_v supply_v what_o be_v lack_v for_o this_o do_v christ_n jesus_n die_v that_o we_o may_v obtain_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o infirmity_n but_o how_o do_v you_o know_v that_o the_o bless_a jesus_n will_v this_o do_v not_o he_o do_v what-liketh_a he_o best_o with_o his_o own_o you_o ought_v therefore_o to_o take_v the_o sure_a side_n what_o assurance_n have_v you_o that_o god_n give_v his_o grace_n thus_o to_o those_o that_o slight_a it_o although_o you_o can_v do_v it_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v employ_v enough_o and_o your_o righteousness_n though_o push_v on_o to_o the_o extremity_n of_o your_o strength_n will_v still_o have_v need_n of_o supplement_n to_o attain_v to_o glory_n there_o be_v 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thou_o with_o the_o pure_a love_n and_o to_o enjoy_v thou_o o_o my_o god_n in_o who_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v find_v a_o solid_a and_o true_a joy_n but_o this_o new_a will_n which_o be_v but_o still-born_a be_v not_o capable_a of_o conquer_a that_o other_o which_o have_v fortify_v itself_o by_o a_o long_a habit_n in_o sin_n behold_v the_o picture_n of_o a_o christian_a soul_n that_o wish_n to_o be_v true_o devout_a will_v only_o think_v on_o god_n and_o love_n he_o but_o can_v nevertheless_o how_o happy_a be_v such_o a_o soul_n and_o near_a to_o devotion_n when_o we_o seek_v god_n we_o be_v on_o the_o eve_n of_o find_v he_o this_o be_v that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n to_o which_o the_o lord_n promise_v a_o refreshment_n these_o desire_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o grace_n but_o if_o nature_n do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a with_o much_o strong_a reason_n do_v grace_n these_o desire_v therefore_o can_v be_v fruitless_a they_o will_v obtain_v their_o end_n they_o will_v be_v fill_v one_o day_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n but_o wherein_o the_o vigour_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o desire_n hit_v their_o mark_n and_o hereby_o rather_o than_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o army_n do_v the_o great_a alexander_n vanquish_v the_o world_n gain_v so_o many_o battle_n take_v so_o many_o city_n and_o trample_v on_o the_o neck_n of_o conquer_a nation_n when_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o design_n fail_v he_o the_o vigour_n of_o his_o courage_n that_o be_v the_o force_n of_o his_o desire_n serve_v instead_o of_o they_o if_o the_o desire_n can_v perform_v so_o much_o in_o thing_n without_o we_o and_o independent_a on_o our_o will_n what_o can_v they_o do_v in_o that_o which_o depend_v thereon_o and_o be_v virtual_o our_o will_n itself_o to_o make_v these_o pious_a desire_n succeed_v we_o be_v to_o call_v god_n to_o our_o aid_n these_o be_v youngling_n that_o he_o have_v cause_v to_o be_v bear_v and_o it_o be_v his_o interest_n to_o nourish_v they_o these_o be_v the_o aurora_n of_o that_o sun_n who_o do_v not_o fail_v to_o come_v and_o full_o enlighten_v we_o provide_v he_o be_v invoke_v with_o fervour_n here_o be_v therefore_o another_o adviso_n which_o be_v but_o a_o corollary_n and_o a_o deduction_n from_o the_o former_a we_o must_v ask_v of_o god_n the_o grace_n of_o devotion_n and_o in_o his_o presence_n groan_v after_o what_o we_o have_v not_o if_o there_o be_v any_o favour_n of_o our_o vow_n and_o tear_n if_o there_o be_v any_o gift_n that_o come_v immediate_o from_o heaven_n it_o be_v this_o virtue_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o pure_a and_o more_o elevate_v among_o â—he_n christian_n virtue_n if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n say_v st._n james_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_a and_o upbraid_v not_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v â—y_a part_n of_o christian_a wisdom_n more_o desirable_a than_o this_o of_o god_n we_o ask_v our_o daily_a bread_n our_o food_n and_o raiment_n health_n of_o body_n and_o cure_v of_o our_o disease_n but_o â—e_v soul_n be_v sick_a poor_a and_o die_v when_o deprive_v of_o deâ—tion_n which_o be_v its_o fire_n soul_n life_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v noâ—ing_v to_o which_o we_o may_v more_o assure_o apply_v the_o proâ—ise_n of_o st._n james_n that_o god_n refuse_v no_o body_n but_o give_v â—o_o all_o liberal_o since_o it_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o world_n â—hich_v be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o he_o because_o it_o tend_v wholâ—_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n we_o ask_v of_o god_n â—hat_n he_o will_v please_v to_o enter_v into_o we_o and_o that_o we_o â—ay_v enter_v into_o he_o to_o be_v perfect_o unite_v to_o he_o by_o a_o â—tual_a tie_n and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v well-pleasing_a to_o god_n see_v our_o lord_n christ_n himself_o the_o model_n of_o our_o â—oughts_n and_o action_n have_v ask_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o we_o that_o i_o may_v be_v in_o they_o and_o they_o in_o i_o that_o they_o may_v be_v â—ade_v perfect_a in_o one_o here_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o begin_v â—r_o instruction_n and_o the_o faithful_a be_v to_o begin_v their_o work_n for_o if_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v without_o god_n of_o what_o â—â—th_v not_o regard_v he_o how_o can_v we_o do_v that_o without_o he_o which_o depend_v immediate_o upon_o he_o and_o be_v terminate_v in_o he_o meditation_n 〈◊〉_d consult_v my_o own_o heart_n to_o know_v whether_o i_o can_v true_o 〈◊〉_d say_v my_o soul_n faint_v for_o the_o court_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o â—art-panteth_a after_o the_o water_n brooks_n so_o my_o soul_n thirst_v 〈◊〉_d the_o live_a god_n my_o soul_n be_v
the_o recital_n of_o which_o have_v divert_v they_o we_o be_v careful_o to_o guard_v out_o heart_n say_v a_o father_n of_o the_o church_n and_o never_o to_o let_v the_o thought_n of_o god_n to_o abandon_v it_o for_o fear_v the_o memory_n of_o god_n wonderful_a do_n shall_v be_v stifle_v under_o the_o crowd_n of_o vain_a thought_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o in_o such_o sort_n that_o by_o a_o continual_a remembrance_n the_o thought_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v fix_v in_o we_o like_o the_o indelible_a impression_n of_o a_o seal_n and_o wax_n this_o be_v not_o so_o impossible_a as_o some_o at_o first_o sight_n may_v imagine_v it_o for_o a_o soul_n true_o devout_a think_v on_o god_n not_o only_o without_o any_o trouble_n but_o frequent_o without_o perceive_v what_o lead_v it_o to_o think_v on_o he_o thy_o praise_n say_v holy_a david_n shall_v be_v continual_o in_o my_o mouth-upon_a which_o the_o same_o author_n who_o we_o have_v occasion_n for_o almost_o every_o where_n make_v this_o question_n how_o can_v this_o be_v do_v can_v a_o man_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o humane_a affair_n and_o conversation_n have_v the_o praise_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o mouth_n when_o he_o sleep_v when_o he_o drink_v when_o he_o eat_v and_o even_o when_o he_o hold_v his_o peace_n can_v he_o sing_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v say_v he_o there_o be_v within_o man_n a_o intellectual_a mouth_n whereby_o he_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o life_n which_o be_v his_o heavenly_a bread_n nought_o hinder_v he_o from_o have_v always_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n in_o his_o mouth_n and_o i_o say_v that_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n be_v engrave_v and_o as_o it_o be_v seal_v one_o the_o upper_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v call_v a_o praise_n that_o never_o leave_v the_o heart_n in_o short_a we_o can_v conceive_v how_o mighty_a a_o help_n to_o devotion_n this_o be_v when_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v god_n a_o far_o off_o the_o soul_n wander_v in_o the_o way_n but_o if_o it_o hold_v god_n always_o near_o it_o it_o can_v be_v to_o seek_v for_o he_o oâ—_n how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o put_v the_o heart_n into_o the_o step_n of_o devotion_n and_o the_o way_n of_o its_o saviour_n when_o it_o never_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o he_o if_o you_o let_v a_o furnace_n grow_v whole_o cold_a it_o can_v be_v heat_v again_o without_o great_a trouble_n and_o cost_n but_o if_o you_o take_v care_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o fire_n with_o a_o little_a refresh_n you_o will_v conserve_v that_o degree_n of_o heat_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o it_o if_o our_o soul_n in_o like_a manner_n relent_v itself_o and_o make_v a_o interruption_n from_o think_v on_o god_n we_o must_v take_v much_o pain_n to_o kindle_v the_o flame_n of_o devotion_n afresh_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v ever_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o exercise_n this_o continual_a think_n on_o god_n be_v a_o most_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n unto_o he_o like_v to_o the_o morning_n and_o evening_n sacrifice_n which_o be_v call_v also_o the_o continual_a sacrifice_n like_v to_o that_o holy_a fire_n which_o evermore_o burn_v â—on_v the_o altar_n it_o be_v like_a last_o to_o a_o eternal_a invocasion_n for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v st._n basil_n that_o thou_o may_v pray_v incessant_o not_o in_o bring_v forth_o word_n of_o invocation_n but_o in_o do_v work_n of_o imitation_n if_o thy_o conduct_n aim_v only_o at_o make_v thou_o like_a and_o unite_v to_o god_n thy_o life_n will_v be_v a_o perpetual_a and_o a_o constant_a prayer_n but_o let_v we_o not_o doubt_v that_o these_o continual_a crifice_n this_o incense_n always_o smoke_v and_o these_o â—plicit_a and_o indirect_a prayer_n which_o come_v from_o our_o art_n in_o all_o place_n and_o at_o all_o time_n be_v the_o most_o effitious_a mean_n to_o render_v god_n accessible_a to_o we_o insomuch_o as_o every_o time_n we_o will_v unite_v ourselves_o still_o be_v strait_o to_o he_o by_o more_o express_a devotion_n and_o â—ayers_n he_o will_v forthwith_o be_v find_v near_o we_o and_o fillâ—g_v we_o with_o his_o light_n will_v lead_v we_o along_o with_o he_o â—d_a honour_n we_o with_o his_o holy-communication_n meditation_n man_n be_v very_o strange_o compose_v he_o put_v himself_o to_o much_o trouble_v not_o to_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o he_o neglect_v easy_a thing_n because_o god_n comâ—inds_v they_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o easy_a as_o to_o think_v upâ—_n god_n and_o nevertheless_o nothing_o be_v seldome_a do_v seem_v as_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a not_o to_o think_v on_o he_o â—â—ce_v all_o object_n that_o fall_v under_o our_o sense_n speak_v to_o we_o the_o divinity_n do_v not_o thou_o see_v o_o my_o soul_n his_o â—nes_n his_o character_n his_o trace_n every_o where_o but_o est_fw-la thou_o not_o he_o in_o thy_o own_o conscience_n and_o be_v he_o â—t_a in_o the_o breast_n of_o every_o one_o of_o we_o it_o be_v easy_a than_o â—_o think_v on_o god_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v more_o sweet_a than_o easy_a 〈◊〉_d my_o soul_n if_o thou_o be_v as_o spiritual_a and_o as_o much_o sty_v from_o matter_n as_o thou_o shall_v be_v thou_o will_v â—â—ch_a thy_o delight_n and_o sovereign_a pleasure_n from_o this_o meditation_n this_o great_a god_n this_o good_a god_n be_v the_o â—â—ef_a beauty_n as_o well_o as_o the_o only_a good_n my_o eye_n adâ—â—re_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o regularity_n of_o his_o moâ—ons_n the_o virtue_n of_o his_o heat_n the_o just_a and_o equal_a revolution_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n we_o admire_v thâ—_n beauty_n and_o wit_n in_o man_n who_o force_n and_o elevation_n appear_v angelical_a unto_o we_o but_o thou_o be_v to_o know_v 〈◊〉_d my_o soul_n that_o these_o beauty_n do_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o be_v only_o feeble_a image_n of_o he_o that_o the_o sun_n be_v light_a iâ—_n mere_a darkness_n in_o comparison_n to_o he_o and_o that_o the_o best_a and_o most_o elevate_a soul_n be_v earthly_a and_o grovel_a if_o vie_v with_o his_o understanding_n if_o thou_o sawesâ—_n he_o in_o his_o glory_n thou_o will_v be_v ravish_v into_o a_o ecstasy_n thou_o will_v say_v it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o to_o be_v here_o 〈◊〉_d will_v build_v here_o a_o tabernaele_n but_o alas_o thou_o can_v noâ—_n see_v he_o he_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o thou_o see_v or_o have_v thâ—_n sense_n of_o he_o be_v not_o corporeal_a light_n nor_o colour_n for_o thâ—_n eye_n he_o be_v not_o a_o sound_n nor_o voice_n for_o thy_o ear_n hâ—_n be_v no_o savour_n for_o thy_o palate_n nor_o a_o odour_n for_o thâ—_n smell_a in_o short_a he_o be_v not_o a_o solid_a body_n to_o bâ—_n touch_v thou_o see_v no_o part_n of_o he_o yet_o thou_o may'_v find_v he_o whole_a think_v on_o he_o and_o thy_o meditation_n will_v make_v thou_o hold_v and_o possess_v he_o with_o thy_o spiriâ—_n tual_a eye_n shall_v thou_o see_v a_o intellectual_a light_n which_o put_v down_o all_o the_o beauty_n of_o visible_a light_n thou_o shalâ—_n hear_v a_o divine_a harmony_n that_o surpass_v all_o the_o charm_n oâ—_n music_n thou_o shall_v taste_v such_o food_n as_o the_o delicacy_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o be_v far_o above_o all_o imagination_n anâ—_n thou_o will_v say_v come_v and_o taste_v how_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v thâ—_n heart_n be_v never_o so_o much_o please_v as_o when_o near_o its_o treaâ—_n sure_a know_v o_o my_o soul_n that_o god_n be_v thy_o true_a richeâ—_n and_o treasure_n and_o therefore_o run_v after_o he_o continual_o seek_v he_o ever_o and_o when_o thou_o shall_v have_v hold_n oâ—_n he_o never_o leave_v he_o nor_o forsake_v he_o ought_v a_o woâ—man_n to_o have_v a_o more_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a thought_n than_o that_o of_o her_o husband_n when_o he_o be_v absent_a thy_o maâ—ker_n be_v thy_o husband_n thy_o god_n have_v espouse_v thou_o in_o hiâ—_n great_a compassion_n be_v not_o thou_o therefore_o to_o aspire_v to_o possess_v and_o to_o seek_v his_o chaste_a and_o divine_a embrace_n now_o thou_o can_v not_o obtain_v this_o favour_n but_o by_o fix_v thy_o spirit_n upon_o his_o divine_a essence_n and_o infinite_a perfeâ—ctions_n by_o a_o perpetual_a meditation_n get_v you_o far_o away_o 〈◊〉_d vain_a object_n that_o rob_v i_o of_o the_o object_n of_o my_o love_n â—d_a the_o sinful_a employment_n that_o hinder_v i_o from_o â—â—nking_v on_o my_o god_n prayer_n 〈◊〉_d seek_v thou_o o_o my_o god_n be_v please_v also_o to_o seek_v i_o that_o i_o may_v immediate_o meet_v with_o thou_o draw_v near_o to_o 〈◊〉_d i_o lay_v thy_o hand_n upon_o my_o head_n for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o trance_n love_n thou_o put_v a_o veil_n over_o thy_o face_n thou_o hide_v â—e_v most_o part_n from_o i_o of_o the_o beam_n of_o thy_o glory_n because_o â—eyes_n be_v still_o impure_a and_o can_v look_v upon_o thou_o they_o â—e_v weak_a they_o can_v sustain_v the_o
of_o his_o closet_n we_o may_v say_v he_o shut_v the_o door_n to_o the_o world_n say_v to_o himself_o get_v you_o go_v you_o worldly_a thought_n retire_v you_o object_n of_o vanity_n and_o approach_v not_o near_o this_o place_n let_v i_o rejoice_v in_o the_o quiet_a of_o this_o secure_a sanctuary_n and_o suffer_v i_o to_o give_v myself_o whole_o up_o to_o my_o god_n the_o pious_a soul_n after_o this_o manner_n die_v many_o time_n a_o day_n for_o death_n do_v not_o more_o efface_v the_o image_n of_o worldly_a thing_n than_o devotion_n when_o it_o take_v a_o christian_a out_o of_o the_o world_n this_o soul_n may_v say_v at_o such_o a_o time_n the_o world_n be_v crucify_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o the_o world_n i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o and_o the_o life_n which_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v if_o the_o world_n quit_v the_o place_n in_o this_o moment_n since_o i_o suppose_v that_o it_o before_o take_v up_o but_o very_o little_a room_n in_o the_o soul_n whereof_o i_o speak_v god_n come_v to_o possess_v it_o whole_o of_o which_o he_o have_v before_o the_o better_a for_o the_o devout_a heart_n venture_v to_o say_v the_o whole_a be_v in_o god_n and_o god_n be_v in_o every_o part_n in_o this_o state_n if_o by_o peradventure_o it_o cast_v its_o eye_n upon_o the_o world_n it_o look_v down_o from_o on_o high_a and_o with_o a_o eye_n of_o contempt_n alas_o what_o be_v these_o same_o riches_n say_v the_o faithful_a soul_n these_o honour_n and_o advantage_n which_o frequent_o terminate_v in_o eternal_a death_n to_o compare_v with_o the_o riches_n that_o god_n here_o bestow_v upon_o i_o but_o near_o to_o god_n himself_o who_o i_o possess_v these_o earthly_a good_n will_v vanish_v and_o be_v lose_v but_o i_o will_v never_o lose_v he_o who_o hold_v i_o and_o who_o i_o hold_v and_o death_n which_o will_v disrobe_v the_o live_n of_o their_o pomp_n will_v invest_v i_o with_o new_a glory_n the_o four_o effect_n of_o devotion_n be_v a_o alacrity_n in_o run_v and_o advance_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n a_o general_n fly_v to_o the_o combat_n when_o he_o see_v a_o assure_a victory_n but_o the_o devout_a person_n have_v other_o kind_n of_o wing_n which_o make_v he_o fly_v whither_o devotion_n conduct_n he_o he_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v the_o droop_a and_o weight_n of_o the_o body_n that_o retain_v they_o who_o be_v call_v to_o travel_v he_o have_v not_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o sluggard_n who_o roll_v upon_o his_o bed_n as_o a_o gate_n upon_o its_o hinge_n who_o fight_v battle_n with_o his_o bolster_n and_o wage_n war_n with_o sleep_n and_o idleness_n with_o a_o design_n to_o be_v vanquish_v he_o be_v one_o of_o those_o eagle_n of_o which_o some_o think_v our_o saviour_n speak_v where_o the_o dead_a body_n be_v thither_o will_v the_o eagle_n be_v gather_v together_o he_o know_v that_o he_o shall_v find_v his_o jesus_n once_o dead_a but_o now_o alive_a either_o in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o his_o closet_n he_o fly_v thither_o with_o the_o swiftness_n of_o a_o hungry_a eagle_n nothing_o be_v capable_a of_o stop_v he_o friend_n enemy_n employ_v occupation_n prayer_n menace_n fear_n and_o danger_n all_o useless_a for_o in_o post_v he_o can_v surmount_v all_o obstaeles_n in_o the_o way_n another_o effect_n of_o devotion_n be_v a_o certain_a elevation_n of_o soul_n which_o i_o can_v term_v otherwise_o than_o a_o sort_n of_o ecstasy_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v ravish_v from_o its_o self_n it_o be_v so_o knit_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o celestial_a object_n that_o not_o only_o it_o have_v no_o more_o intelligence_n of_o earthly_a thing_n but_o it_o have_v no_o sense_n no_o ear_n no_o eye_n it_o see_v not_o it_o understand_v not_o st._n peter_n while_o he_o pray_v see_v the_o heaven_n open_v and_o a_o certain_a vessel_n descend_v to_o the_o earth_n as_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a sheet_n knit_v at_o the_o four_o corner_n st._n paul_n in_o prayer_n be_v ravish_v even_o to_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o the_o devout_a even_o at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n have_v their_o ecstasy_n they_o see_v with_o stephen_n the_o heaven_n open_v they_o be_v lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n with_o st._n paul_n for_o they_o enter_v into_o a_o secret_a commerce_n with_o god_n the_o soul_n inward_o be_v so_o take_v up_o that_o it_o see_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o what_o pass_v without_o and_o contribute_v its_o whole_a force_n to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n no_o wonder_n it_o have_v no_o more_o for_o other_o object_n bless_a be_v they_o say_v st._n basil_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o and_o enfold_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o this_o true_a beauty_n since_o be_v bind_v to_o it_o by_o the_o cord_n of_o charity_n and_o of_o a_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a love_n they_o forget_v their_o parent_n friend_n house_n they_o forget_v even_o the_o necessity_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o now_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v so_o in_o the_o office_n of_o piety_n when_o every_o day_n this_o happen_v to_o we_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n while_o we_o be_v strong_o fix_v to_o read_v to_o disentangle_v a_o crabbed_a and_o knotty_a matter_n while_o we_o answer_v a_o adversary_n a_o thousand_o object_n pass_v before_o our_o eye_n whereof_o we_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n the_o devout_a soul_n be_v so_o shut_v into_o itself_o so_o well_o gather_v up_o and_o compact_v that_o no_o external_a thing_n be_v able_a to_o move_v it_o if_o it_o pray_v it_o be_v entire_o in_o heaven_n if_o it_o hear_v it_o be_v whole_o tie_v up_o to_o the_o tongue_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v if_o it_o read_v its_o heart_n be_v always_o where_o the_o eye_n terminate_v themselves_o if_o it_o meditate_v it_o be_v all_o over_o plunge_v in_o its_o subject_n and_o if_o a_o flock_n of_o bird_n of_o vain_a and_o light_a thought_n come_v to_o soil_v its_o sacrifice_n as_o that_o of_o abraham_n it_o scare_n they_o away_o incontinent_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o understand_v by_o the_o ecstasy_n of_o devotion_n otherwise_o if_o you_o take_v this_o term_n for_o effectual_a ravishment_n which_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o saint_n of_o the_o first_o order_n i_o must_v take_v a_o infinite_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o roman_a cloister_n do_v oblige_v god_n as_o some_o will_v fain_o persuade_v we_o so_o ordinary_o to_o communicate_v such_o extraordinary_a grace_n now_o a_o day_n we_o do_v not_o see_v those_o devotion_n which_o lift_v up_o not_o only_o the_o soul_n but_o make_v the_o body_n to_o lose_v its_o earth_n and_o raise_v it_o to_o the_o very_a cloud_n nevertheless_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v some_o who_o call_v themselves_o good_a author_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a the_o last_o effect_n of_o devotion_n that_o i_o shall_v mention_v be_v a_o certain_a fire_n that_o warm_v the_o heart_n one_o can_v well_o conceive_v it_o unless_o one_o have_v feel_v it_o and_o i_o can_v express_v it_o otherwise_o than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o holy_a man_n do_v not_o our_o heart_n burn_v within_o we_o while_o he_o talk_v with_o we_o and_o while_o he_o open_v to_o we_o the_o scripture_n my_o heart_n be_v hot_a within_o i_o while_o i_o be_v meditate_v the_o fire_n burn_v then_o speak_v i_o with_o my_o tongue_n we_o be_v tell_v how_o the_o face_n of_o the_o saint_n have_v be_v oftentimes_o see_v to_o be_v bright_a and_o inflame_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o devotion_n which_o can_v not_o proceed_v but_o from_o the_o glow_a and_o fiery_a affection_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o manifest_v itself_o according_o in_o the_o countenance_n this_o fire_n we_o may_v call_v a_o fermentation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o piety_n which_o not_o seldom_o make_v impression_n even_o in_o the_o eye_n and_o hence_o it_o may_v be_v come_v the_o shine_a of_o st._n stephen_n face_n of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o his_o enemy_n see_v it_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o face_n of_o a_o angel_n his_o zeal_n and_o his_o devotion_n be_v evident_a in_o his_o eye_n and_o render_v they_o sparkle_v now_o this_o lightning_n be_v not_o without_o its_o rain_n i_o mean_v that_o this_o fire_n be_v ordinary_o accompany_v with_o tear_n the_o heart_n be_v heat_v blow_v up_o that_o heat_n make_v it_o grow_v big_a than_o itself_o grow_v tender_a and_o at_o last_o the_o eye_n melt_v into_o tear_n st._n austin_n represent_v himself_o in_o one_o of_o these_o illumination_n or_o rather_o inflammation_n of_o heart_n after_o say_v he_o that_o a_o strong_a meditation_n
have_v draw_v out_o all_o my_o misery_n from_o the_o bottom_n where_o it_o lay_v hide_v to_o present_v it_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o my_o heart_n there_o arise_v a_o great_a tempest_n which_o be_v follow_v by_o a_o great_a shower_n of_o tear_n this_o weep_a do_v not_o always_o come_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v sometime_o cause_v by_o a_o jar_a diversity_n of_o thought_n and_o a_o confusion_n of_o good_a emotion_n which_o cast_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o sort_n of_o disorder_n but_o which_o be_v much_o better_a than_o the_o great_a calm_a meditation_n how_o be_v it_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o man_n be_v as_o holy_a as_o they_o be_v eloquent_a and_o know_v pourtraict_n they_o make_v but_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o original_n i_o see_v plain_o that_o the_o character_n of_o true_a devotion_n be_v curious_a and_o ravish_a but_o alas_o the_o more_o i_o enter_v into_o this_o meditation_n the_o more_o do_v i_o continue_v confuse_v when_o i_o consider_v what_o i_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o be_v devout_a and_o i_o examine_v what_o i_o myself_o be_o i_o find_v that_o i_o be_o nothing_o or_o that_o i_o be_o not_o just_a what_o i_o shall_v be_v i_o do_v not_o find_v in_o myself_o those_o ardent_a desire_n to_o be_v with_o my_o god_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o he_o by_o holy_a prayer_n and_o meditation_n my_o soul_n languish_v but_o it_o be_v not_o after_o the_o house_n of_o my_o god_n nor_o after_o the_o solitude_n of_o my_o cabinet_n it_o languish_v for_o it_o be_v feeble_a and_o weak_a in_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o piety_n i_o do_v violence_n to_o my_o own_o heart_n in_o draw_v it_o out_o of_o the_o clutch_n of_o the_o world_n to_o put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n i_o enter_v into_o my_o closet_n to_o do_v my_o exercise_n of_o piety_n rather_o to_o acquit_v myself_o of_o a_o duty_n which_o i_o have_v impose_v on_o myself_o than_o to_o follow_v my_o own_o inclination_n where_o be_v that_o joy_n which_o i_o ought_v to_o taste_v in_o the_o act_n of_o my_o devotion_n where_o be_v that_o be_v unbound_v from_o the_o world_n renounce_v of_o all_o carnal_a thought_n where_o be_v that_o fervour_n and_o alacrity_n the_o ecstasy_n the_o flame_n the_o illumination_n of_o that_o heavenly_a fire_n whereof_o i_o be_o a_o read_v the_o description_n all_o be_v dead_a in_o i_o if_o i_o will_v quit_v the_o world_n to_o enter_v into_o my_o closet_n i_o carry_v it_o still_o along_o with_o i_o in_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o my_o soul_n i_o feel_v a_o monstrous_a weight_n and_o dulness_n which_o arrest_v all_o my_o elevation_n and_o make_v i_o tumble_v down_o back_o again_o to_o the_o earth_n my_o jerting_n up_o be_v feeble_a and_o of_o a_o short_a durance_n they_o hardly_o go_v half_a way_n to_o heaven_n prayer_n have_v pity_n on_o my_o sad_a estate_n my_o father_n and_o my_o god_n draw_v i_o and_o i_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o why_o shall_v i_o remain_v in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n thou_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n that_o carry_v heal_v in_o thy_o wing_n raise_v i_o up_o and_o quicken_v i_o let_v the_o east_n from_o on_o high_a visit_v i_o with_o the_o bowel_n of_o his_o mercy_n let_v my_o heart_n burn_v within_o i_o whilst_o i_o read_v thy_o scripture_n and_o hear_v thy_o word_n let_v my_o prayer_n be_v ardent_a and_o my_o piety_n constant_o sustain_v by_o the_o force_n and_o flame_n of_o thy_o grace_n and_o love_a kindness_n and_o thou_o my_o soul_n do_v not_o attend_v this_o love_a kindness_n with_o arm_n across_o go_v meet_v it_o call_v and_o say_v come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o o_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n awaken_v my_o heart_n awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o christ_n shall_v give_v thou_o life_n chase_v away_o sloth_n let_v it_o no_o long_o lie_v in_o the_o bed_n of_o security_n banish_v all_o coldness_n rid_v thyself_o of_o that_o burdensome_a weight_n that_o oppress_v thou_o take_v the_o wing_n of_o a_o eagle_n and_o to_o heaven_n fly_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o thy_o saviour_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v sweet_n which_o thou_o have_v never_o yet_o taste_v never_o see_v never_o hear_v of_o and_o which_o never_o enter_v into_o thy_o imagination_n to_o conceive_v chap._n iii_o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o devotion_n who_o can_v doubt_v on_o it_o and_o be_v it_o not_o sufficient_a bare_o to_o know_v and_o to_o describe_v it_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o it_o devotion_n be_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o very_a life_n of_o piety_n it_o be_v that_o which_o set_v a_o price_n and_o value_n upon_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o faithful_a soul_n a_o due_a preparation_n be_v necessary_a to_o every_o thing_n a_o orator_n who_o be_v to_o speak_v in_o public_a first_o amass_v his_o matter_n together_o and_o then_o assay_v to_o put_v it_o into_o a_o good_a form_n a_o soldier_n be_v to_o fight_v prepare_v his_o army_n and_o rouze_v his_o courage_n he_o that_o go_v to_o a_o marriage_n put_v on_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o why_o then_o do_v we_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o present_v ourselves_o before_o god_n in_o prayer_n in_o read_v or_o in_o hear_v his_o word_n in_o implore_v his_o assistance_n or_o render_v he_o action_n of_o gratitude_n without_o have_v the_o holy_a disposition_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n that_o be_v before_o he_o of_o so_o great_a price_n we_o do_v ever_o that_o thing_n well_o which_o we_o do_v hearty_o but_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v no_o party_n in_o the_o business_n it_o avail_v nothing_o the_o soldier_n who_o carry_v not_o his_o heart_n along_o with_o he_o turn_v his_o back_n in_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n and_o the_o orator_n who_o heart_n be_v not_o touch_v with_o what_o he_o say_v will_v never_o touch_v that_o of_o other_o if_o without_o the_o heart_n we_o can_v perform_v the_o work_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o of_o the_o hand_n how_o shall_v the_o work_n of_o the_o heart_n itself_o be_v do_v without_o the_o heart_n this_o be_v what_o i_o call_v the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n a_o lute_n can_v it_o be_v play_v upon_o unless_o it_o be_v string_v and_o tune_v can_v a_o bow_n shoot_v unless_o it_o be_v bend_v the_o heart_n be_v a_o instrument_n and_o a_o lute_n the_o sound_n whereof_o charm_n the_o ear_n of_o the_o almighty_a but_o it_o must_v be_v string_v with_o all_o its_o virtue_n as_o with_o string_n and_o devotion_n must_v be_v to_o it_o a_o kind_n of_o soul_n that_o make_v every_o thing_n else_o to_o act_v prayer_n be_v a_o arrow_n that_o fly_v to_o the_o heaven_n but_o devotion_n only_o give_v it_o both_o strength_n and_o feather_n prayer_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n and_o a_o offering_n of_o the_o heart_n we_o must_v not_o therefore_o present_a common_a riches_n to_o god_n without_o preparation_n and_o choice_n and_o the_o passover-lamb_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o flock_n four_o day_n before_o its_o immolation_n let_v not_o the_o sinner_n then_o offer_v to_o god_n dirty_a and_o soil_v prayer_n but_o pure_a and_o devout_a one_o let_v he_o separate_v his_o heart_n from_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o folly_n of_o his_o vain_a thought_n if_o he_o will_v be_v well-pleasing_a to_o god_n without_o devotion_n the_o soul_n be_v dead_a the_o heart_n be_v but_o in_o its_o body_n as_o in_o its_o grave_a what_o rashness_n then_o to_o lay_v a_o dead_a and_o corrupt_a beast_n upon_o the_o altar_n of_o god_n will_v not_o god_n say_v i_o hate_v your_o oblation_n the_o peace-offering_n of_o your_o fat_a beast_n and_o the_o perfume_n of_o your_o incense_n i_o can_v away_o with_o they_o devotion_n be_v a_o fire_n without_o which_o our_o sacrifice_n can_v not_o be_v consume_v it_o be_v a_o fire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o emanation_n of_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v what_o must_v lift_v up_o the_o smoke_n of_o our_o incense_n to_o heay'n_v assure_v thyself_o thou_o christian_a soul_n that_o thy_o offering_n be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n and_o that_o the_o flame_n of_o devotion_n be_v alone_o capable_a of_o pierce_v those_o cloud_n thicken_v by_o iniquity_n that_o separate_v we_o from_o god_n the_o matter_n that_o make_v thunderbolt_n so_o massy_a and_o heavy_a will_v not_o always_o be_v mount_v in_o the_o middle_a region_n of_o the_o air_n from_o whence_o we_o see_v they_o hurl_v down_o upon_o the_o earth_n be_v it_o not_o carry_v upon_o the_o wing_n of_o some_o inflame_a exhalation_n in_o like_a manner_n our_o earthly_a prayer_n as_o well_o as_o our_o heart_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o mount_v the_o sky_n do_v not_o the_o flame_n of_o devotion_n lift_v they_o up_o so_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o put_v our_o
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 preacher_n as_o the_o ambassador_n of_o the_o gospel_n his_o word_n as_o the_o voice_n of_o heaven_n the_o faithful_a as_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o troop_n of_o angel_n that_o always_o rejoice_v in_o his_o presence_n the_o sacrament_n as_o precious_a vessel_n the_o appearance_n whereof_o be_v contemptible_a but_o which_o do_v contain_v the_o treasure_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n it_o be_v devotion_n that_o make_v our_o closet_n to_o become_v little_a church_n whether_o the_o divinity_n descend_v and_o upon_o which_o it_o extend_v its_o wing_n like_o the_o cherubim_v over_o the_o mercy-seat_n where_o god_n speak_v to_o our_o heart_n as_o we_o speak_v to_o his_o ear_n where_o he_o make_v we_o understand_v his_o oracle_n and_o taste_v his_o consolation_n where_o he_o say_v to_o we_o in_o a_o still_o small_a voice_n my_o son_n or_o my_o daughter_n be_v of_o good_a cheer_n arise_v thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o oh_o how_o bless_a be_v the_o faithful_a 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 spirit_n do_v not_o call_v so_o universal_a a_o virtue_n unprofitable_a without_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v mere_a shadow_n for_o he_o that_o have_v not_o a_o habit_n of_o devotion_n do_v not_o refer_v all_o his_o virtue_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v a_o bad_a good_a man_n do_v not_o call_v that_o a_o useless_a virtue_n which_o appease_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v away_o the_o tempest_n fly_v over_o state_n a_o virtue_n which_o have_v draw_v sodom_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n have_v there_o be_v find_v there_o but_o ten_o devout_a person_n like_o abraham_n who_o will_v have_v devout_o with_o he_o intercede_v for_o it_o a_o virtue_n which_o save_v the_o church_n so_o often_o from_o shipwreck_n a_o virtue_n which_o in_o the_o conscience_n raise_v up_o and_o establish_v a_o profound_a peace_n and_o a_o divine_a light_n do_v not_o faith_n that_o it_o soften_v the_o mind_n see_v it_o confirm_v the_o courage_n make_v man_n run_v to_o death_n as_o to_o a_o feast_n make_v 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 anâ—_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 thâ—_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 caâ—_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 thâ—_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
myself_o before_o thou_o with_o little_a reverence_n part_n ii_o of_o the_o source_n of_o indevotion_n chap._n i._o of_o impurity_n of_o life_n the_o first_o source_n of_o indevotion_n since_o indevotion_n be_v so_o great_a a_o evil_a let_v we_o try_v to_o find_v out_o its_o source_n that_o we_o may_v cut_v up_o this_o evil_n by_o the_o very_a root_n now_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a one_o be_v impurity_n of_o life_n nothing_o disconcert_v a_o heart_n so_o as_o a_o evil_a estate_n of_o conscience_n nothing_o more_o extinguish_v the_o fire_n of_o piety_n than_o the_o loathsome_a and_o muddy_a water_n of_o sin_n fire_n do_v not_o easy_o take_v in_o thing_n soak_v in_o water_n devotion_n can_v easy_o be_v bring_v to_o fit_a soul_n penetrate_v with_o vice_n one_o flame_n put_v out_o another_o and_o the_o fire_n of_o covetuousness_n choke_v that_o of_o zeal_n as_o the_o flame_n of_o gunpowder_n extinguish_v that_o of_o a_o candle_n devotion_n be_v a_o certain_a alacrity_n of_o heart_n that_o dispose_v we_o to_o draw_v neaâ—_n to_o god_n with_o confidence_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o have_v this_o disposition_n when_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o vice_n in_o go_v to_o present_a god_n with_o such_o offering_n as_o we_o ourselves_o know_v aught_o to_o be_v abominable_a to_o he_o for_o we_o know_v that_o god_n do_v not_o care_n for_o a_o sullied_a and_o unclean_a sacrifice_n go_v say_v he_o i_o hate_v i_o despise_v your_o solemn_a feast_n your_o meat-offering_n and_o sit_v beast_n i_o receive_v they_o as_o the_o price_n of_o whoredom_n as_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o swine_n and_o as_o a_o dog_n head_n alas_o the_o most_o spotless_a man_n be_v not_o enough_o so_o to_o present_v himself_o before_o god_n with_o assurance_n and_o the_o prophet_n can_v say_v woe_n be_v i_o for_o i_o be_o undo_v because_o i_o be_o a_o man_n of_o unclean_a lip_n my_o eye_n have_v see_v the_o king_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n it_o be_v impossible_a therefore_o that_o he_o who_o have_v not_o the_o wedding-garment_n on_o who_o vestment_n be_v stain_v with_o the_o spot_n of_o the_o flesh_n must_v needs_o be_v put_v into_o a_o vast_a consternation_n in_o think_v of_o he_o before_o who_o the_o star_n and_o the_o angel_n be_v unclean_a and_o how_o can_v this_o fear_n or_o to_o speak_v better_a this_o horour_n agree_v with_o devotion_n which_o be_v all_o love_n and_o all_o assurance_n let_v we_o go_v with_o confidence_n say_v the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n to_o all_o devout_a soul_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v find_v mercy_n in_o the_o time_n of_o need_n to_o bring_v to_o god_n a_o criminal_a conscience_n be_v to_o bring_v to_o he_o a_o witness_n against_o ourselves_o to_o make_v our_o own_o process_n it_o be_v to_o deliver_v we_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o severe_a justice_n we_o need_v not_o therefore_o be_v startle_v if_o the_o wicked_a be_v indevout_a and_o fly_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o since_o impurity_n of_o life_n will_v do_v nothing_o else_o than_o take_v away_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v hear_v this_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o hinder_v and_o stifle_v all_o devotion_n all_o the_o virtue_n be_v interest_v and_o he_o that_o will_v take_v away_o hope_v take_v their_o very_a life_n away_o how_o then_o can_v a_o wicked_a creature_n that_o know_v god_n will_v not_o hear_v he_o pray_v devout_o when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n from_o you_o yea_o when_o you_o make_v your_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v your_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o st._n paul_n will_v have_v we_o lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o murmur_a and_o david_n say_v if_o i_o have_v iniquity_n in_o i_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o have_v hear_v i_o it_o be_v for_o this_o cause_n he_o profess_v elsewhere_o that_o he_o wash_v his_o hand_n in_o innocency_n before_o he_o go_v to_o god_n altar_n and_o why_o shall_v god_n have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o those_o that_o have_v none_o for_o his_o commandment_n upon_o these_o principle_n the_o wicked_a man_n say_v to_o himself_o why_o shall_v i_o present_v myself_o before_o god_n have_v not_o my_o iniquity_n bar_v up_o against_o i_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o why_o shall_v i_o go_v to_o ask_v of_o he_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o refuse_v i_o unprofitable_a devotion_n will_v these_o be_v and_o submission_n that_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o hasten_v my_o punishment_n i_o can_v have_v the_o impudence_n to_o desire_v any_o thing_n without_o promise_v to_o myself_o somewhat_o but_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o bridle_v nothing_o within_o i_o and_o to_o continue_v in_o this_o way_n of_o live_v it_o be_v better_o therefore_o that_o every_o one_o hold_v where_o he_o be_v devotion_n be_v of_o a_o great_a extent_n it_o take_v up_o the_o whole_a heart_n it_o can_v dwell_v in_o a_o soul_n divide_v betwixt_o avarice_n ambition_n violence_n pleasure_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n wherefore_o if_o you_o sometime_o see_v those_o worldly_a person_n who_o refuse_v nothing_o to_o their_o heart_n to_o have_v their_o day_n of_o devotion_n well_o regulate_v and_o even_o sometime_o to_o shed_v more_o tear_n and_o fetch_v up_o more_o sigh_n than_o the_o faithful_a you_o may_v without_o hesitate_v conclude_v that_o these_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o pretend_a zealot_n who_o will_v pay_v god_n with_o physiognomy_n and_o posture_n and_o cheat_v the_o world_n with_o fine_a appearance_n perhaps_o some_o there_o be_v who_o believe_v they_o be_v not_o such_o bad_o devout_a people_n when_o they_o atone_v for_o a_o month_n debauch_v with_o a_o day_n of_o fast_v but_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o true_a devotion_n be_v not_o unequal_a nor_o full_a of_o sally_n it_o do_v not_o resemble_v those_o summer-torrent_n which_o roll_n with_o a_o headlong_a impetuosity_n and_o do_v not_o continue_v but_o for_o a_o day_n so_o that_o holiness_n of_o life_n be_v a_o preliminary_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o obtain_v devotion_n this_o virtue_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o excellent_a grace_n that_o we_o receive_v from_o heaven_n &_o one_o of_o the_o most_o precious_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o it_o be_v a_o pearl_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v cast_v before_o swine_n it_o be_v a_o ennamel_n only_o to_o be_v lay_v upon_o silver_n or_o gold_n it_o be_v in_o one_o word_n a_o favour_n communicate_v only_o to_o privilege_a soul_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o the_o pure_a and_o clean_a in_o heart_n but_o as_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o touch_v again_o upon_o this_o subject_n in_o another_o rencounter_n we_o will_v not_o drain_v it_o dry_a here_o meditation_n who_o can_v express_v the_o evil_n and_o the_o disorder_n that_o sin_n have_v cause_v in_o my_o soul_n who_o can_v recount_v all_o the_o mischief_n wherein_o the_o impurity_n of_o my_o heart_n engage_v i_o over_o and_o above_o all_o other_o evil_n it_o bring_v i_o this_o too_o it_o render_v i_o incapable_a of_o devotion_n sin_n have_v put_v a_o separation_n between_o my_o god_n and_o myself_o and_o therefore_o i_o be_o dead_a for_o god_n be_v my_o life_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o my_o soul_n i_o be_o blind_a for_o god_n be_v my_o light_n separate_v from_o he_o i_o be_o poor_a for_o he_o be_v my_o treasure_n and_o make_v up_o all_o my_o riches_n i_o be_o naked_a for_o he_o alone_o give_v i_o raiment_n sick_a i_o be_o for_o my_o health_n and_o strength_n come_v from_o that_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n who_o carry_v heal_v in_o his_o wing_n sin_n have_v robe_v i_o of_o he_o and_o have_v eclipse_v he_o as_o to_o i_o and_o i_o continue_v languish_v away_o be_v far_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o my_o life_n in_o this_o faintness_n i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o produce_v those_o vigorous_a movement_n of_o devotion_n that_o elevate_v the_o soul_n and_o carry_v it_o towards_o paradise_n sin_n be_v a_o thick_a foggy_a heavy_a wet_a that_o stick_v to_o my_o wing_n it_o be_v a_o weight_n which_o oppress_v i_o arrest_v all_o my_o soaring_n and_o render_v all_o my_o effort_n useless_a i_o feel_v a_o laâ—_n in_o my_o member_n which_o war_n and_o oppoâ—ses_n itself_o to_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n and_o make_v i_o the_o slave_n of_o sin_n insomuch_o aâ—_n i_o do_v not_o the_o good_a that_o i_o will_v yet_o i_o do_v the_o ill_a that_o i_o will_v not_o prayer_n o_o divine_a sun_n of_o my_o soul_n break_v out_o and_o dissipate_v these_o cloud_n thou_o great_a deliverer_n break_v these_o iron_n open_v this_o prison_n and_o free_v i_o from_o this_o bondage_n and_o captivity_n thou_o be_v most_o pure_a let_v i_o not_o be_v unclean_a almighty_a let_v i_o not_o be_v miserable_a all_o life_n let_v i_o not_o be_v dead_a draw_v
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 remember_v he_o to_o who_o we_o speak_v can_v we_o doubt_v also_o that_o our_o slackness_n do_v not_o come_v from_o the_o little_a love_n we_o have_v for_o god_n one_o friend_n do_v not_o visit_v another_o nor_o a_o lover_n his_o mistress_n with_o such_o a_o air_n of_o negligence_n as_o we_o show_v in_o god_n service_n if_o we_o be_v kindle_v with_o love_n all_o our_o motion_n will_v receive_v impression_n from_o that_o heavenly_a fire_n in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n have_v touch_v our_o heart_n we_o shall_v not_o go_v so_o slow_o to_o he_o of_o who_o we_o think_v to_o receive_v celestial_a happiness_n but_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o this_o can_v be_v count_v among_o the_o source_n of_o indevotion_n since_o that_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n be_v indevotion_n itself_o to_o conclude_v we_o must_v confess_v that_o we_o often_o find_v ourselves_o in_o some_o certain_a indisposition_n of_o heart_n whereof_o we_o can_v render_v no_o account_n nor_o reason_n to_o day_n we_o be_v all_o fire_n to_o morrow_n all_o ice_n a_o upright_a soul_n instant_o pursue_v and_o awaken_v its_o self_n think_v on_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v inflame_v it_o it_o examine_v its_o own_o conscience_n to_o see_v whether_o it_o have_v commit_v any_o thing_n to_o dissorder_n its_o heart_n and_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n it_o find_v nothing_o whereof_o it_o can_v accuse_v its_o self_n and_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o it_o have_v this_o coldness_n whence_o then_o proceed_v these_o inequality_n perhaps_o from_o the_o changeable_a nature_n of_o man_n who_o be_v not_o always_o himself_o and_o peradventure_o from_o the_o temperament_n too_o as_o well_o as_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o air._n as_o the_o soul_n imprison_v in_o the_o body_n do_v not_o act_v but_o by_o its_o organ_n and_o depend_v extreme_o on_o the_o motion_n of_o its_o humour_n it_o be_v very_o manifest_a that_o devotion_n also_o depend_v on_o these_o dusty_a spring_n and_o wheel_n who_o pace_n be_v frequent_o seduce_v and_o spoil_v and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o devil_n find_v his_o time_n and_o amid_o the_o good_a seed_n sow_v his_o tare_n in_o our_o field_n in_o some_o perhaps_o god_n holy_a spirit_n the_o author_n of_o every_o good_a thought_n have_v hide_v himself_o for_o sometime_o this_o drought_n and_o barrenness_n of_o the_o soul_n may_v proceed_v from_o that_o god_n have_v lock_v up_o the_o source_n of_o those_o water_n spring_v up_o to_o eternal_a life_n however_o it_o be_v this_o mischief_n do_v cause_v much_o trouble_n to_o devout_a soul_n we_o need_v not_o for_o a_o cure_n employ_v any_o other_o remedy_n but_o prayer_n and_o tear_n the_o soul_n must_v say_v come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v thou_o son_n of_o my_o soul_n disperse_v this_o darkness_n make_v the_o morning_n starr_n to_o rise_v in_o my_o heart_n why_o do_v thou_o hide_v thyself_o i_o have_v seek_v thou_o in_o the_o night_n and_o find_v thou_o not_o open_v thy_o fountain_n and_o make_v thy_o river_n of_o water_n to_o flow_v on_o i_o that_o i_o may_v quench_v my_o thirst_n and_o be_v refresh_v make_v haste_n o_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n meditation_n what_o negligence_n be_v this_o i_o find_v in_o myself_o i_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n well_o which_o respect_v the_o present_a life_n but_o i_o take_v very_o little_a care_n of_o do_v the_o only_a and_o main_a thing_n well_o for_o which_o i_o ought_v to_o labour_v to_o make_v a_o progress_n in_o a_o art_n i_o exercise_v it_o often_o i_o consult_v master_n i_o make_v reflection_n on_o my_o fault_n that_o i_o may_v not_o fall_v into_o they_o again_o but_o alas_o my_o soul_n thou_o do_v not_o use_v thyself_o so_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n very_o rare_o it_o be_v thou_o do_v they_o and_o frequent_o without_o reflection_n and_o therefore_o thou_o do_v they_o ill_o thou_o do_v they_o rare_o because_o thou_o do_v they_o without_o pleasure_n and_o thou_o do_v they_o without_o any_o good_a because_o thou_o do_v they_o in_o a_o careless_a fashion_n and_o not_o with_o thy_o whole_a bent_n of_o heart_n return_v to_o they_o often_o and_o thou_o shall_v find_v such_o delight_n in_o they_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v conceive_v prayer_n o_o my_o god_n my_o divine_a saviour_n open_v the_o fountain_n of_o thy_o grace_n and_o let_v river_n flow_v upon_o i_o make_v i_o sensible_a of_o the_o advantage_n of_o possess_v thou_o and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o enjoy_v thou_o so_o that_o i_o may_v not_o draw_v myself_o both_o seldom_o and_o difficult_o to_o the_o place_n where_o thou_o speak_v to_o i_o and_o i_o to_o thou_o in_o thy_o temple_n or_o in_o the_o retreat_n of_o my_o closet_n draw_v i_o that_o i_o may_v run_v after_o thou_o when_o i_o design_v to_o approach_v thou_o by_o the_o action_n of_o my_o devotion_n be_v not_o thou_o far_o from_o i_o i_o know_v i_o be_o unworthy_a thou_o shall_v come_v under_o my_o roof_n it_o be_v not_o long_a since_o my_o heart_n be_v a_o den_n of_o thief_n and_o the_o haunt_n of_o unclean_a spirit_n but_o these_o filthy_a guest_n have_v leave_v some_o remainder_n of_o impurity_n behind_o they_o which_o render_v this_o tabernacle_n unworthy_a of_o thy_o holiness_n nevertheless_o thou_o sun_n of_o my_o soul_n who_o ray_n can_v be_v soil_v nor_o defile_v by_o the_o impurity_n of_o the_o place_n through_o which_o they_o pass_v pierce_v even_o to_o my_o marrow_n put_v thy_o fire_n within_o i_o which_o may_v purge_v i_o and_o kindle_v i_o with_o the_o flame_n of_o thy_o love_n if_o i_o sleep_v in_o security_n awaken_v i_o if_o i_o tumble_v into_o neglect_n and_o happen_v to_o break_v off_o the_o holy_a exercise_n of_o piety_n so_o necessary_a to_o conserve_v devotion_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o my_o heart_n to_o make_v i_o vigilant_a and_o watchful_a and_o if_o the_o hammer_n of_o thy_o word_n be_v not_o sufficient_a spare_v not_o even_o that_o of_o affliction_n rend_a i_o inpiece_n rather_o than_o leave_v i_o in_o my_o own_o natural_a hardness_n for_o thy_o blow_n will_v not_o wound_v my_o head_n they_o will_v be_v to_o i_o sweet_a than_o balm_n come_v to_o my_o help_n o_o my_o redeemer_n to_o accomplish_v the_o victory_n over_o my_o infirmity_n i_o be_o heavy_a and_o material_a make_v i_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a the_o motion_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o devotion_n which_o lift_v i_o up_o on_o high_a be_v opposite_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o nature_n that_o pull_v i_o down_o in_o this_o duel_n toss_v i_o be_o grievous_o and_o turmoild_v betwixt_o two_o contrary_n nature_n have_v the_o insolence_n to_o oppose_v grace_n and_o this_o combat_n make_v the_o exercise_n of_o my_o devotion_n to_o be_v so_o few_o but_o render_v they_o o_o holy_a spirit_n easy_a and_o pleasant_a to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v return_v to_o they_o frequent_o part_n iii_o chap._n i._o that_o pleasure_n be_v the_o mortal_a enemy_n of_o devotion_n what_o be_v the_o sentiment_n and_o maxim_n of_o the_o world_n about_o pleasure_n and_o voluptuosness_n we_o have_v examine_v the_o source_n of_o indevotion_n and_o have_v endeavour_v to_o stop_v and_o stem_v they_o but_o among_o all_o the_o rest_n one_o there_o be_v more_o lively_a more_o green_a and_o more_o abound_v in_o impurite_n and_o by_o consequence_n more_o a_o enemy_n to_o piety_n and_o that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o after_o have_v well_o think_v on_o it_o we_o find_v that_o this_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o love_n of_o pleasure_n and_o sensual_a voluptuousness_n experience_n let_v we_o see_v that_o this_o spirit_n be_v such_o a_o enemy_n to_o devotion_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v animate_v with_o it_o and_o to_o be_v devout_a this_o perpetual_a use_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n do_v fix_v the_o soul_n so_o strong_o to_o matter_n as_o it_o become_v incapable_a of_o any_o elevation_n the_o more_o we_o have_v of_o union_n with_o sensible_a thing_n the_o more_o we_o be_v disunite_v from_o god_n we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o turn_v on_o this_o side_n our_o great_a industry_n and_o endeavour_n to_o strive_v to_o bring_v the_o soul_n back_o to_o god_n and_o make_v that_o strong_a application_n cease_v it_o have_v for_o material_a thing_n so_o as_o it_o may_v lean_v and_o adhere_v to_o god_n and_o employ_v its_o self_n about_o he_o upon_o which_o account_n although_o the_o overgreat_a sensibility_n we_o have_v of_o earthly_a pleasure_n have_v have_v its_o chapter_n above_o among_o the_o other_o source_n of_o indevotion_n we_o believe_v we_o have_v not_o say_v enough_o upon_o so_o great_a and_o so_o important_a a_o subject_n this_o be_v a_o monster_n too_o redoutable_a to_o be_v beat_v and_o quell_v by_o the_o by_o and_o with_o so_o much_o negligence_n if_o we_o can_v
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content_v to_o defend_v it_o by_o plurality_n of_o voice_n they_o will_v maintain_v it_o by_o reason_n god_n and_o nature_n say_v they_o make_v nothing_o in_o vain_a the_o earth_n be_v cover_v with_o live_a creature_n the_o sea_n fill_v with_o fish_n the_o air_n people_v with_o bird_n and_o the_o universe_n be_v full_a of_o delight_n be_v it_o possible_a say_v they_o that_o god_n have_v make_v so_o many_o thing_n for_o our_o use_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o the_o use_n of_o they_o have_v the_o author_n of_o nature_n make_v so_o many_o sensible_a wonder_n to_o fill_v the_o sense_n with_o illusion_n and_o to_o excite_v criminal_a passion_n have_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n write_v upon_o every_o creature_n touch_v i_o not_o at_o this_o rate_n the_o condition_n of_o man_n be_v now_o very_o forlorn_a and_o miserable_a when_o he_o be_v in_o paradise_n he_o have_v but_o one_o tree_n who_o access_n be_v not_o permit_v he_o and_o lo_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n be_v become_v so_o many_o reserve_v and_o mortal_a fruit_n which_o no_o one_o be_v suffer_v to_o touch_v without_o incur_v his_o death_n and_o do_v this_o show_n god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o have_v place_v i_o among_o so_o many_o object_n of_o temptation_n if_o i_o can_v yield_v without_o sin_v be_v not_o there_o a_o natural_a bond_n and_o connexion_n betwixt_o love_n and_o beauty_n betwixt_o the_o desirable_a thing_n and_o the_o desire_n and_o why_o shall_v god_n have_v make_v so_o many_o good_a and_o desirable_a thing_n if_o he_o will_v keep_v i_o from_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o desire_n of_o they_o alas_o say_v they_o be_v there_o not_o enough_o unavoidable_a thing_n but_o we_o must_v seek_v such_o as_o can_v be_v avoid_v and_o since_o worldly_a good_n if_o they_o be_v not_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o bless_a yet_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o unhappy_a why_o will_v we_o not_o enjoy_v those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v the_o sweeten_v refreshment_n of_o our_o pain_n if_o you_o take_v joy_n away_o from_o the_o soul_n do_v you_o not_o withal_o take_v life_n away_o too_o do_v you_o not_o bury_v it_o alive_a do_v you_o not_o make_v of_o man_n life_n a_o sad_a and_o gloomy_a night_n in_o a_o word_n do_v not_o you_o render_v man_n the_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o creature_n they_o say_v last_o that_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o serve_v not_o so_o horrid_o beset_v with_o thorn_n as_o some_o will_v make_v one_o believe_v if_o we_o ascend_v even_o to_o the_o source_n we_o find_v it_o say_v they_o more_o pure_a and_o more_o dissengage_v from_o those_o rigour_n wherewith_o superstition_n have_v invest_v it_o the_o saint_n have_v have_v their_o debauch_n they_o have_v thank_v god_n he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o table_n cover_v with_o delicious_a meat_n a_o full_a bowl_n and_o overflow_a cup._n they_o have_v say_v that_o wine_n be_v intend_v to_o make_v glad_a the_o heart_n of_o man_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o author_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n have_v his_o feast_n and_o be_v frequent_o at_o such_o he_o be_v at_o the_o marriage_n in_o cana_n of_o galilee_n and_o there_o he_o make_v excellent_a wine_n to_o please_v the_o guest_n thus_o do_v they_o plead_v for_o voluptuousness_n and_o the_o unhappiness_n be_v that_o these_o maxim_n do_v not_o obtain_v only_o in_o the_o world_n they_o try_v to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o church_n they_o have_v put_v guide_n and_o directour_n that_o dress_v up_o a_o religion_n of_o flower_n and_o cry_v prepare_v the_o way_n make_v the_o path_n plain_a enlarge_v the_o way_n and_o make_v a_o great_a road_n that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v come_v into_o it_o these_o make_v our_o devotion_n easy_a and_o they_o cry_v my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n light_n love_n render_v the_o yoke_n of_o our_o lord_n easy_a for_o it_o be_v altogether_o sweet_a and_o easy_a to_o he_o that_o love_v but_o these_o ill_a doctor_n render_v their_o yoke_n easy_a in_o dispense_n with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o permit_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o search_n after_o please_v the_o sense_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o both_o in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v so_o few_o devout_a because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o voluptuous_a person_n meditation_n alas_o what_o a_o wretched_a creature_n i_o be_o i_o do_v not_o the_o good_a i_o will_v but_o the_o evil_n i_o will_v not_o that_o do_v i._o i_o understand_v well_o the_o strength_n of_o reason_n on_o piety_n side_n that_o call_v upon_o i_o to_o renounce_v the_o vain_a pleasure_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o weakness_n i_o perceive_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o advocate_n of_o pleasure_n but_o those_o good_a reason_n of_o piety_n find_v the_o gate_n lock_v for_o that_o my_o heart_n revolt_v against_o they_o and_o the_o bad_a reason_n that_o maintain_v the_o use_n of_o sensuality_n enter_v easy_o since_o they_o be_v ally_v to_o the_o corruption_n of_o my_o heart_n my_o flesh_n be_v loath_a to_o find_v the_o reason_n of_o piety_n so_o strong_a it_o have_v rather_o those_o for_o voluptuousness_n be_v the_o better_a and_o on_o the_o other_o part_n my_o mind_n be_v trouble_v while_o it_o see_v the_o force_n of_o truth_n to_o perceive_v in_o it_o that_o resistance_n against_o be_v overcome_v i_o serious_o bemoan_v this_o that_o in_o view_v the_o weakness_n of_o reason_n which_o draw_v i_o on_o pleasure_n side_n yet_o nevertheless_o i_o shall_v suffer_v myself_o to_o be_v carry_v away_o as_o if_o they_o be_v very_o strong_a for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v piety_n and_o reason_n may_v join_v their_o force_n but_o it_o be_v passion_n become_v victorious_a o_o my_o soul_n thou_o idolatrize_v sensuality_n thou_o may_v indeed_o change_v place_n but_o thy_o god_n thou_o ever_o carry_v along_o with_o thou_o if_o thou_o renounce_v some_o pleasure_n thou_o do_v not_o quit_v thy_o idol_n thou_o do_v nought_o but_o change_n for_o the_o love_n of_o pleasure_n find_v the_o mean_n to_o lose_v nothing_o when_o one_o object_n be_v take_v away_o from_o it_o it_o straight_o cast_v its_o self_n upon_o another_o judge_v â—hen_o of_o what_o nature_n can_v thy_o devotion_n be_v see_v thou_o divide_v they_o always_o between_o â—his_fw-la idol_n and_o the_o true_a god_n take_v one_o side_n o_o my_o soul_n choose_v and_o take_v that_o good_a part_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o thou_o â—hou_fw-mi can_v not_o serve_v two_o master_n the_o world_n â—nd_v god_n it_o may_v be_v thou_o bless_v thyself_o â—n_o that_o thou_o have_v forsake_v the_o pleasure_n of_o youth_n in_o that_o thou_o love_v not_o play_n nor_o ball_n nor_o comedy_n any_o more_o but_o thou_o do_v not_o perceive_v that_o thy_o corruption_n tie_v â—hee_o to_o other_o object_n and_o thou_o
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
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
duty_n of_o piety_n we_o can_v be_v in_o the_o kitchen_n and_o the_o closet_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o while_o the_o soul_n be_v employ_v in_o its_o room_n about_o seethe_a and_o digest_v its_o victual_n and_o distribute_v its_o nourishment_n it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n to_o be_v transport_v in_o place_n destine_v to_o contemplation_n and_o meditation_n it_o lie_v grovel_v beneath_o thick_a cloud_n and_o foggy_a vapour_n which_o render_v the_o heart_n unfit_a to_o lift_v itself_o up_o the_o abundance_n of_o delicious_a meat_n say_v a_o father_n send_v smoky_a exhalation_n like_o cloud_n that_o interrupt_v the_o illumination_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o understanding_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherefore_o moses_n that_o he_o may_v see_v god_n without_o a_o cloud_n stay_v forty_o day_n upon_o the_o mount_n without_o eat_v or_o drink_v with_o design_n that_o the_o superior_a part_n of_o his_o soul_n may_v remain_v disengage_v from_o trouble_n and_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o low_a part_n ease_n and_o abundance_n of_o bread_n cause_n the_o sin_n of_o sodom_n and_o uncleanness_n of_o of_o life_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o mouth_n be_v excess_n after_o the_o use_n of_o many_o delicate_a meat_n and_o drink_n the_o blood_n be_v all_o over_o inflame_v which_o give_v a_o disposition_n to_o all_o carnal_a action_n and_o a_o inclination_n to_o worldly_a joy_n which_o be_v ever_o immoderate_a the_o people_n sit_v down_o to_o eat_v and_o to_o drink_v and_o rose_n up_o to_o play_v we_o must_v therefore_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n observe_v the_o rule_n of_o sobriety_n and_o nourish_v the_o body_n only_o for_o life_n sake_n we_o must_v give_v it_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o deny_v it_o superfluity_n that_o it_o be_v never_o able_a to_o rebel_v against_o we_o and_o frequent_o we_o must_v retrench_v even_o the_o necessary_a thing_n that_o we_o may_v master_v it_o the_o more_o for_o the_o flesh_n when_o keep_v under_o contribute_v much_o to_o make_v the_o heart_n contrite_a and_o the_o less_o tie_v the_o soul_n have_v to_o the_o body_n the_o more_o easy_o it_o lift_v itself_o up_o to_o god_n when_o we_o fast_o our_o devotion_n be_v not_o interrupt_v by_o sleep_n they_o be_v not_o corrupt_v by_o involuntary_a motion_n they_o be_v not_o vitiated_a by_o dishonest_a thought_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n touch_v the_o practice_n and_o use_v of_o fast_v divers_a advice_n may_v be_v give_v first_o we_o be_v not_o to_o hold_v it_o for_o a_o part_n of_o devotion_n and_o as_o a_o worship_n wherewith_o we_o serve_v god_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v neither_o meat_n nor_o drink_n it_o be_v only_o a_o help_n to_o devotion_n this_o first_o consideration_n furnish_v we_o with_o a_o other_o which_o be_v that_o we_o use_v not_o fast_v as_o devotion_n itself_o for_o to_o fast_o whilst_o we_o be_v travel_v or_o about_o our_o employment_n be_v no_o work_n of_o great_a merit_n or_o great_a use_n the_o first_o consideration_n have_v a_o three_o still_o that_o spring_v from_o it_o and_o that_o be_v that_o fast_v be_v not_o to_o be_v employ_v no_o far_o in_o devotion_n than_o as_o it_o may_v be_v a_o aid_n to_o it_o and_o by_o consequence_n we_o can_v give_v any_o certain_a rule_n either_o for_o the_o practice_n or_o the_o duration_n of_o it_o some_o temper_n there_o be_v so_o weak_a that_o fast_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o help_n to_o devotion_n as_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a let_v to_o it_o because_o it_o immediate_o cast_v the_o body_n into_o a_o certain_a negligence_n which_o hinder_v the_o soul_n from_o soar_v up_o again_o there_o be_v those_o can_v be_v tame_v but_o by_o long_a mortification_n and_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o spare_v themselves_o other_o master_n '_o emselve_n more_o easy_o and_o these_o must_v know_v themselves_o but_o nevertheless_o they_o be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o body_n do_v not_o serve_v for_o a_o pretext_n to_o dispense_v themselves_o from_o necessary_a mortification_n yet_o we_o can_v approve_v those_o cruelty_n which_o some_o use_n towards_o the_o body_n in_o treat_v it_o like_o a_o declare_a enemy_n without_o spare_v either_o fire_n or_o sword_n we_o put_v not_o on_o here_o the_o spirit_n of_o controversy_n we_o leave_v every_o one_o to_o his_o own_o conscience_n we_o say_v only_o that_o although_o those_o excess_n be_v not_o new_a they_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o all_o that_o eccesiastical_a history_n supply_v we_o with_o example_n enough_o i_o confess_v of_o these_o extravagant_a mortification_n but_o i_o have_v rather_o stand_v to_o the_o dicision_n of_o st._n basil_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suspect_v in_o this_o cause_n since_o he_o be_v a_o great_a associate_n in_o fast_n and_o mortification_n however_o he_o repeat_v many_o time_n the_o precept_n of_o mediocrity_n and_o insist_o very_o long_o upon_o it_o he_o deny_v his_o virgin_n and_o his_o hermit_n the_o use_n of_o excessive_a mortification_n even_o to_o his_o save_a in_o the_o book_n of_o virginity_n that_o the_o burden_n of_o heavy_a and_o excessive_o pamper_a flesh_n do_v not_o bring_v more_o encumbrance_n to_o the_o elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o sick_a body_n thin_v by_o a_o long_a and_o excessive_a mortification_n and_o therefore_o he_o express_o order_n that_o necessity_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o fast_v and_o abstinence_n and_o now_o follow_v another_o necessary_a direction_n upon_o this_o subject_a that_o bodily_a mortification_n and_o fast_v do_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o the_o soul_n nor_o mortify_v all_o sort_n of_o vice_n a_o ancient_n say_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v not_o able_a to_o lay_v hold_n or_o take_v possession_n of_o a_o body_n master_v by_o great_a mortification_n seize_v upon_o the_o soul_n all_o naked_a and_o by_o it_o and_o in_o it_o begins_z and_o consummate_v the_o carnal_a desire_n if_o the_o soul_n without_o the_o body_n be_v capable_a of_o act_v and_o commit_v bodily_a sin_n though_o mortification_n be_v in_o the_o way_n how_o shall_v it_o heal_v itself_o by_o this_o mean_n of_o those_o disease_n which_o be_v entire_o in_o it_o as_o envy_n pride_n and_o self-love_n so_o we_o see_v these_o passion_n reign_v very_o often_o and_o very_o imperious_o in_o those_o man_n of_o scourge_v and_o sackcloth_n this_o so_o bloody_a war_n which_o be_v wage_v against_o the_o body_n and_o in_o appearance_n renounce_v all_o self-love_n can_v be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o most_o part_n than_o a_o self-love_n very_o delicate_a which_o lead_v to_o glory_n by_o extraordinary_a path_n that_o it_o may_v arrive_v there_o the_o more_o sure_o from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o mortification_n which_o st._n paul_n require_v of_o we_o when_o he_o say_v mortify_v your_o member_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o which_o we_o have_v judge_v necessary_a for_o devotion_n go_v much_o far_a than_o bodily_a mortification_n to_o stifle_v that_o self-love_n that_o pride_n those_o jealousy_n harred_n envy_n and_o even_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n there_o be_v need_n of_o another_o sort_n of_o fast_v that_o be_v a_o abstinence_n from_o all_o action_n which_o may_v nourish_v those_o vice_n so_o i_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o those_o incomparable_a word_n of_o the_o father_n beware_v of_o define_v the_o excellence_n of_o fast_v by_o a_o sole_a abstinence_n from_o meat_n and_o drink_n for_o true_a fast_n consist_v in_o abstain_v from_o evil._n thou_o do_v not_o eat_v flesh_n but_o thou_o tear_v thy_o brother_n in_o piece_n thou_o abstain_v from_o wine_n but_o thou_o abstain_v not_o from_o do_v outrage_n thou_o wait_v till_o the_o evening_n to_o eat_v but_o thou_o spend_v the_o day_n in_o a_o law_n suit_n woe_n to_o those_o that_o be_v drink_v though_o not_o with_o wine_n anger_n inebriate_v the_o soul_n and_o as_o well_o as_o wine_n cast_v it_o out_o of_o the_o limit_n of_o reason_n meditation_n this_o of_o wine_n i_o confess_v be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a drunkenness_n and_o gluttony_n be_v a_o most_o filthy_a sin_n these_o sin_n be_v great_a enemy_n to_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o fast_v abstinence_n and_o sobriety_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o succour_v and_o nourish_v piety_n but_o o_o my_o soul_n take_v care_n of_o thyself_o these_o vice_n regard_v the_o body_n chief_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o drunkenness_n and_o gluttony_n which_o immediate_o concern_v the_o soul_n and_o be_v it_o may_v be_v still_o more_o dangerous_a this_o drunkenness_n be_v pride_n and_o this_o gluttony_n be_v avarice_n and_o ambition_n how_o many_o soul_n do_v i_o see_v in_o the_o world_n make_v drink_v with_o vanity_n and_o a_o high_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o they_o be_v fly-blown_a with_o pride_n that_o all_o the_o earth_n can_v contain_v they_o they_o stretch_v themselves_o so_o far_o