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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
soul_n world_n worldly_a yield_v 67 3 6.8244 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A93395 The Christians guide to devotion with rules and directions for the leading an holy life : as also meditations and prayers suitable to all occasions / S. Smith. Smith, Samuel, 1588-1665. 1685 (1685) Wing S4164A; ESTC R43930 141,697 240

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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 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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
most_o assure_a proof_n that_o we_o love_v not_o god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o when_o we_o search_v after_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n seek_v for_o wisdom_n say_v the_o wiseman_n as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n ah_o will_v to_o god_n we_o can_v make_v such_o a_o exchange_n of_o sentiment_n as_o tó_n give_v to_o the_o world_n those_o thought_n which_o we_o have_v for_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o to_o render_v to_o heavenly_a thing_n what_o we_o have_v for_o the_o world_n be_v not_o this_o a_o crime_n which_o can_v be_v aggravate_v to_o refuse_v god_n the_o ardour_n the_o attention_n the_o fond_a affection_n we_o have_v for_o the_o earth_n a_o crime_n which_o deprive_v we_o of_o god_n be_v not_o at_o all_o trivial_a a_o sin_n that_o rob_v we_o of_o the_o divine_a consolation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v it_o be_v for_o this_o crime_n we_o taste_v so_o few_o delight_n in_o our_o devotion_n because_o god_n will_v not_o let_v himself_o be_v find_v but_o by_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o bestow_v not_o those_o divine_a consolation_n but_o upon_o such_o soul_n as_o be_v a_o live_a thirst_n after_o they_o as_o the_o hart_n be_v a_o thirst_n after_o the_o run_a water_n but_o suppose_v with_o these_o flatter_a conscience_n that_o the_o distraction_n and_o litherness_n of_o devotion_n be_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o by_o consequence_n less_o severe_o punish_v what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o they_o and_o of_o frequent_a relapse_n will_v this_o be_v take_v for_o nothing_o too_o if_o thou_o slight_a thy_o sin_n because_o they_o be_v little_a one_o fear_v they_o rather_o by_o reason_n they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a number_n say_v st._n augustin_n if_o they_o shall_v appear_v light_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n the_o very_a reckon_n will_v destroy_v we_o since_o in_o a_o word_n we_o return_v to_o they_o every_o day_n than_o grain_n of_o sand_n nothing_o be_v more_o small_a but_o yet_o if_o we_o heap_v they_o together_o we_o may_v in_o time_n make_v up_o a_o mountain_n we_o advance_v step_n after_o step_n towards_o hell_n and_o of_o what_o importance_n be_v it_o what_o bring_v we_o thither_o whether_o a_o great_a sin_n or_o many_o small_a one_o we_o be_v still_o damn_a ne'ertheless_o the_o egyptian_n that_o be_v oftentimes_o trouble_v with_o frog_n and_o fly_n will_v not_o be_v reduce_v till_o the_o uttermost_a extremity_n wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o call_v those_o small_a sin_n which_o find_v a_o place_n in_o hell_n if_o they_o be_v not_o expiate_v by_o repentance_n but_o let_v we_o rather_o say_v with_o a_o doctor_n of_o the_o eleven_o century_n peradventure_o thou_o will_v believe_v some_o of_o thy_o sin_n very_o puny_a and_o small_a will_v to_o god_n that_o our_o severe_a judge_n will_v or_o can_v judge_v they_o such_o but_o alas_o do_v not_o all_o sin_n dishonour_n god_n through_o disobedience_n how_o then_o can_v the_o sinner_n call_v those_o small_a that_o offend_v so_o great_a a_o god_n o_o dry_a and_o sapless_a tree_n unprofitable_a and_o worthy_a of_o eternal_a flame_n what_o will_v thou_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v at_o that_o day_n when_o thou_o shall_v render_v a_o account_n in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n when_o thou_o shall_v put_v every_o moment_n of_o thy_o life_n into_o the_o balance_n and_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v demand_v of_o thou_o in_o what_o thou_o have_v spend_v thy_o time_n then_o shall_v a_o process_n be_v make_v of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v find_v in_o thou_o not_o only_o of_o thy_o word_n but_o of_o thy_o very_a silence_n thy_o least_o thought_n will_v be_v examine_v even_o thy_o life_n will_v be_v a_o part_n of_o thy_o crime_n if_o thou_o have_v not_o live_v for_o thy_o god_n oh_o how_o many_o sin_n will_v start_v then_o out_o of_o some_o place_n where_o thou_o have_v never_o see_v they_o before_o they_o will_v seize_v upon_o thou_o as_o by_o ambuscado_n they_o will_v appear_v to_o thou_o more_o terrible_a and_o in_o a_o great_a number_n the_o work_n which_o thou_o do_v believe_v not_o to_o be_v evil_a nay_o which_o thou_o consider_v as_o good_a shall_v be_v look_v upon_o by_o all_o as_o ghastly_a and_o black_a sin_n this_o difference_n say_v st._n basil_n of_o great_a and_o little_a sin_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n one_o only_a sentence_n be_v pronounce_v against_o all_o he_o that_o do_v sin_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n and_o if_o we_o give_v ourselves_o the_o liberty_n to_o distinguish_v and_o discriminate_a sin_n into_o mortal_a and_o venial_a or_o great_a or_o little_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o we_o call_v all_o sin_n great_a whereby_o we_o be_v overcome_v and_o all_o sin_n little_a which_o we_o be_v arm_v to_o that_o pass_n as_o to_o vanquish_v as_o among_o swordman_n the_o conquer_a be_v ever_o esteem_v the_o more_o feeble_n and_o the_o conqueror_n the_o stout_a how_o happy_a then_o be_v that_o man_n that_o strike_v a_o terror_n into_o himself_o and_o be_v deliver_v from_o this_o dangerous_a prejudice_n that_o indevotion_n be_v a_o light_n and_o a_o pardonable_a crime_n meditation_n alas_o this_o be_v a_o illusion_n against_o which_o i_o have_v great_a need_n to_o defend_v my_o heart_n what_o a_o bend_a and_o a_o inclination_n have_v i_o to_o flatter_v myself_o in_o my_o sin_n and_o to_o believe_v they_o light_n wretched_a soul_n thou_o perceive_v not_o thy_o disease_n thou_o believe_v thyself_o in_o a_o good_a constitution_n of_o health_n and_o it_o may_v be_v thou_o be_v go_v down_o to_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a malady_n this_o to_o fancy_v i_o be_o in_o health_n and_o not_o to_o be_v so_o o_o my_o heart_n open_a thy_o eye_n and_o see_v the_o danger_n whereinto_o thou_o do_v continual_o cast_v i_o to_o day_n my_o sin_n appear_v very_o small_a but_o one_o day_n they_o will_v appear_v to_o i_o very_o great_a let_v i_o not_o wait_v and_o delay_v any_o long_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o greatness_n and_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o they_o so_o that_o from_o this_o present_a i_o may_v have_v they_o in_o detestation_n and_o may_v repent_v of_o they_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n at_o such_o a_o time_n my_o repentance_n will_v be_v too_o late_o i_o shall_v know_v the_o mischief_n but_o can_v find_v no_o more_o remedy_n i_o drink_v sin_n as_o a_o fish_n drink_v water_n i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o affrightful_a because_o i_o be_o so_o accustom_v to_o its_o sight_n and_o i_o fancy_v my_o sin_n small_a for_o that_o i_o compare_v they_o to_o the_o great_a and_o above_o all_o i_o count_v my_o dulness_n and_o my_o indevotion_n for_o nothing_o see_v i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n can_v be_v offend_v but_o by_o impiety_n and_o blasphemy_n prayer_n this_o come_v from_o thence_o o_o my_o god_n that_o i_o do_v not_o conceive_v thou_o so_o great_a as_o real_o thou_o be_v and_o i_o do_v not_o conceive_v thou_o so_o great_a as_o thou_o be_v because_o i_o do_v not_o see_v thou_o i_o tremble_v at_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o man_n set_v upon_o a_o tribunal_n the_o sceptre_n in_o his_o hand_n the_o crown_n on_o his_o head_n environ_v with_o a_o royal_a pomp_n i_o fear_v he_o because_o i_o see_v he_o those_o object_n that_o strike_v my_o eye_n astonish_v my_o soul_n i_o know_v that_o thou_o sit_v between_o the_o cherubim_n that_o the_o angel_n cover_v their_o face_n before_o thou_o unable_a to_o sustain_v the_o brightness_n of_o thy_o majesty_n i_o know_v that_o torrent_n of_o fire_n roll_n about_o thy_o throne_n to_o consume_v thy_o enemy_n i_o know_v there_o be_v nothing_o of_o either_o angelic_a or_o humane_a sight_n that_o can_v withstand_v the_o splendour_n of_o thy_o look_n nor_o the_o fire_n of_o thy_o eye_n but_o i_o believe_v all_o these_o wonder_n though_o i_o see_v they_o not_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v they_o make_v the_o less_o impression_n upon_o my_o heart_n sensible_a i_o be_o not_o but_o of_o present_a thing_n my_o eye_n be_v more_o touch_v during_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n with_o the_o weak_a light_n of_o a_o glitter_a glow-worm_n than_o my_o imaginationis_fw-la move_v with_o all_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n when_o it_o be_v absent_a and_o fill_v the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n with_o heat_n and_o brightness_n take_v therefore_o away_o o_o my_o god_n take_v away_o the_o veil_n make_v i_o to_o view_v thy_o majesty_n redouble_v the_o force_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o my_o soul_n fill_v my_o imagination_n with_o idea_n of_o thy_o greatness_n and_o of_o thy_o divine_a glory_n that_o i_o may_v return_v more_o and_o more_o from_o persuade_v myself_o of_o the_o smallness_n of_o my_o fault_n when_o i_o present_v
i_o out_o of_o this_o calamitous_a estate_n this_o deplorable_a nothing_o disengage_v i_o from_o under_o this_o burden_n of_o mortality_n and_o corruption_n so_o as_o i_o may_v walk_v light_o and_o cheerful_o or_o rather_o i_o may_v fly_v swifth_v even_o to_o thou_o pardon_v all_o my_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v not_o terrify_v i_o and_o banish_v i_o from_o thy_o throne_n stop_v the_o course_n of_o my_o iniquity_n that_o they_o may_v not_o hinder_v my_o prayer_n from_o mount_v up_o before_o thou_o let_v i_o not_o still_o continue_v to_o render_v myself_o unworthy_a of_o thy_o favour_n by_o the_o ill_a usage_n i_o make_v of_o thou_o nor_o to_o grieve_v thy_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o uncleanness_n of_o my_o life_n that_o only_o can_v inspire_v i_o with_o the_o ardour_n i_o seek_v after_o that_o only_o can_v render_v my_o soul_n devout_a and_o it_o be_v presence_n only_o can_v warm_v my_o affection_n but_o will_v it_o be_v please_v to_o bring_v its_o light_n into_o a_o soul_n so_o pollute_v and_o so_o dark_a as_o i_o prepare_v for_o thyself_o o_o my_o god_n a_o lodging_n within_o i_o worthy_a so_o great_a a_o guest_n and_o stranger_n that_o it_o may_v come_v and_o enliven_v i_o that_o i_o may_v live_v and_o love-thee_a that_o i_o may_v burn_v with_o the_o fire_n of_o thy_o love_n and_o with_o that_o of_o devotion_n chap_n ii_o touch_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n the_o second_o source_n of_o indevotion_n behold_v one_o of_o the_o great_a reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o few_o devout_a in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v because_o all_o be_v in_o love_n with_o the_o world_n and_o this_o love_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o efficacious_a temptation_n wherewith_o the_o devil_n serve_v himself_o to_o distract_v and_o call_v we_o elsewhere_o this_o love_n have_v pierce_v our_o very_a marrow_n and_o entrail_n and_o see_v it_o be_v the_o master_n of_o our_o heart_n can_v the_o love_n of_o god_n dwell_v there_o can_v darkness_n and_o light_n can_v fire_n and_o water_n life_n and_o death_n be_v comparable_a together_o in_o he_o that_o love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n do_v not_o dwell_v where_o there_o be_v no_o love_n of_o god_n how_o can_v there_o be_v any_o of_o devotion_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o love_n what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v up_o the_o fire_n and_o the_o zeal_n of_o devout_a people_n but_o love_n what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v the_o desire_n spring_v up_o of_o union_n with_o god_n in_o devout_a soul_n but_o love_n what_o make_v we_o find_v a_o gusto_n in_o the_o possession_n the_o same_o love_n what_o do_v endue_v good_a soul_n with_o a_o readiness_n and_o alacrity_n to_o serve_v god_n be_v it_o not_o love_n that_o render_v every_o thing_n easy_a to_o he_o that_o love_v but_o as_o much_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n succour_n and_o help_v devotion_n so_o much_o do_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n cruel_o cross_v it_o it_o extinguish_v heat_n it_o stifle_v the_o desire_n it_o estrange_n from_o god_n it_o take_v away_o the_o taste_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n it_o purloin_v the_o heart_n from_o itself_o and_o carry_v it_o elsewhere_o lot_n wife_n advance_v towards_o the_o mountain_n but_o have_v her_o heart_n in_o sodom_n she_o turn_v her_o eye_n thither_o the_o superior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v in_o love_n with_o heaven_n make_v some_o effort_n to_o lift_v itself_o up_o to_o god_n but_o this_o same_o low_a part_n wherein_o the_o passion_n reign_v turn_v its_o eye_n towards_o the_o world_n and_o wheedle_n the_o heart_n out_o of_o the_o commerce_n whereinto_o it_o enter_v with_o its_o god_n rachel_n in_o crave_v her_o father_n house_n carry_v along_o with_o she_o his_o antic_a image_n in_o quit_v the_o world_n to_o enter_v into_o our_o closet_n we_o bring_v with_o we_o its_o idol_n that_o be_v its_o idea_n and_o vain_a image_n and_o from_o thence_o proceed_v our_o distraction_n and_o those_o unhappy_a thought_n that_o traverse_v we_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o devotion_n these_o be_v the_o idol_n of_o gold_n &_o silver_n the_o devil_n of_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n which_o a_o hundred_o time_n pass_v and_o repass_v in_o our_o mind_n in_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n to_o distract_v we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o prayer_n our_o head_n be_v fill_v with_o a_o thousand_o i_o deas_fw-mi of_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o desire_n and_o fear_n of_o danger_n and_o distrust_n of_o hope_n and_o despair_n of_o joy_n and_o divertise_v ment_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o vain_a object_n a_o soul_n at_o this_o rate_n take_v up_o and_o employ_v can_v it_o give_v place_n to_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n greatness_n of_o his_o majesty_n goodness_n mercy_n and_o love_n i'faith_o repentance_n charity_n zeal_n hope_n acknowledgement_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o virtue_n which_o compose_v or_o at_o least_o help_v devotion_n can_v they_o agree_v well_o with_o these_o emotion_n that_o the_o commerce_n of_o the_o world_n communicate_v to_o we_o we_o scarce_o ever_o think_v of_o thing_n but_o such_o as_o possess_v our_o heart_n if_o we_o love_v ●●e_z worldless_a it_o will_v not_o come_v so_o often_o into_o ourmind_n we_o be_v hurry_v away_o with_o it_o it_o be_v a_o daemon_n we_o know_v ●ot_n how_o to_o lay_v we_o can_v find_v a_o sanctuary_n against_o its_o persecution_n the_o solitude_n and_o affrightful_a object_n of_o the_o desert_n can_v banish_v it_o a_o ancient_n tell_v we_o that_o ●mid_a his_o maceration_n his_o mind_n sometime_o transport_v he_o out_o of_o his_o solitude_n into_o the_o company_n of_o young_a woman_n a_o dance_n i_o say_v then_o we_o ought_v to_o employ_v 〈◊〉_d our_o strength_n to_o dry_v up_o this_o second_o source_n if_o we_o ●ould_v be_v devout_a my_o little_a child_n love_v not_o the_o world_n or_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v crucify_v ●he_n old-man_n if_o we_o will_v present_v ourselves_o to_o god_n a_o ●ving_n holy_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v our_o reasonable_a service_n so_o that_o one_o of_o the_o most_o profitable_a me●itations_n by_o which_o we_o can_v prepare_v ourselves_o for_o ●rayer_n be_v that_o of_o the_o world_n vanity_n it_o be_v good_a to_o en●er_v into_o ourselves_o to_o consider_v the_o brevity_n of_o humane_a ●●fe_n the_o inconstancy_n of_o the_o world_n glory_n which_o flovish_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o fade_v and_o wither_v in_o the_o eve●ing_n it_o be_v good_a to_o repeat_v frequent_o to_o our_o heart_n ●hat_n the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v say_v heretofore_o all_o flesh_n 〈◊〉_d as_o grass_n and_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n as_o the_o flower_n of_o ●rass_n the_o grass_n wither_v and_o the_o flower_n thereof_o fade_v ●way_n as_o for_o man_n his_o day_n be_v as_o grass_n as_o a_o flower_n of_o be_v field_n so_o he_o flourish_v for_o the_o wind_n pass_v over_o it_o and_o 〈◊〉_d be_v go_v and_o the_o place_n thereof_o shall_v know_v it_o no_o more_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n be_v of_o few_o day_n and_o full_a of_o couble_n he_o come_v forth_o like_o a_o flower_n and_o be_v cut_v down_o 〈◊〉_d flee_v also_o as_o a_o shadow_n and_o continue_v not_o his_o riches_n ●anish_v away_o and_o his_o sin_n continue_v his_o honour_n abandon_v he_o but_o his_o torment_n do_v not_o quit_v he_o thus_o by_o ●rying_a with_o a_o loud_a voice_n vanity_n of_o vanity_n in_o a_o heart_n infect_v by_o the_o bad_a air_n of_o the_o world_n it_o may_v chase_v away_o those_o worldly_a thought_n and_o fright_v away_o those_o ●irds_n which_o come_v to_o spoil_v our_o sacrifice_n and_o devour_v good_a seed_n of_o piety_n which_o the_o heavenly_a sower_n have_v 〈◊〉_d into_o our_o heart_n meditation_n how_o miserable_a be_o i_o i_o can_v stouth_n cry_v vanity_n of_o vanity_n to_o my_o hea●●_n deprave_v and_o corrupt_v with_o the_o love_n 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n and_o yet_o still_o it_o be_v never_o th●_n better_o i_o be_o sufficient_o persuade_v of_o a●●_n that_o be_v tell_v i_o i_o know_v mighty_a well_o th●●_n the_o world_n be_v only_o make_v up_o of_o appearance_n i_o know_v it_o have_v very_o much_o gall_n an●_n wormwood_n for_o a_o little_a honey_n i_o kno●_n that_o pleasure_n be_v twist_n that_o snarl_v an●_n entangle_v the_o soul_n and_o train_v it_o to_o death_n but_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o acquaint_v how_o the●_n knowledge_n remain_v in_o my_o understanding_n and_o make_v no_o manner_n of_o impression_n upo●_n my_o will._n i_o believe_v i_o see_v and_o i_o do_v nothing_o i_o see_v a_o thousand_o and_o a_o thousand_o people_n which_o the_o world_n plunge_v into_o corruption_n and_o bring_v to_o hell_n i_o see_v it_o be_v a_o great_a en●_n my_o of_o my_o saviour_n and_o that_o the_o chief_a thin●_n which_o it_o compass_n upon_o they_o that_o giu_v themselves_o
up_o to_o it_o be_v to_o take_v away_o fro●_n they_o the_o love_n of_o god_n it_o be_v lewd_a '_o t●●_n dangerous_a i_o know_v it_o yet_o notwithstanding_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o break_v the_o cord_n which_o hold_v i_o tie_v to_o it_o i_o fly_v it_o it_o follow_v i_o 〈◊〉_d lay_v hold_v of_o i_o in_o all_o place_n and_o i_o meet_v 〈◊〉_d every_o where_n o_o my_o soul_n make_v one_o ●ast_n and_o utmost_a effort_n to_o break_v these_o mischievous_a chain_n to_o make_v a_o divorce_n with_o his_o enemy_n say_v to_o it_o with_o a_o firm_a voice_n get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n thou_o be_v a_o offence_n unto_o i_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n ●s_v a_o enemy_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o al●o_o interchangeable_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n make_v therefore_o o_o my_o soul_n the_o love_n of_o thy_o god_n ●o_o enter_v into_o thou_o that_o it_o may_v banish_v thence_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n sethese_n two_o enemy_n to_o dagger_n draw_v and_o favour_v his_o side_n who_o will_v save_v thou_o against_o he_o who_o will_v destroy_v thou_o love_v he_o that_o love_v thou_o although_o he_o strike_v thou_o sometime_o as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o love_v thou_o and_o have_v a_o hatred_n for_o he_o that_o hate_v thou_o albeit_o he_o act_v as_o if_o he_o love_v thou_o return_v to_o this_o fervent_a spouse_n a_o love_n as_o great_a as_o he_o have_v for_o thou_o prayer_n but_o without_o thou_o o_o my_o god_n i_o can_v love_v thou_o nor_o cease_v to_o love_v the_o world_n without_o thy_o aid_n pull_v up_o therefore_o this_o harsh_a and_o bitter_a root_n which_o shoot_v up_o and_o turn_v i_o out_o of_o t●●_n way_n of_o salvation_n open_v my_o eye_n take_v th●_n evil_a from_o off_o the_o world_n draw_v away_o the_o ma●_n and_o the_o paint_v wherewith_o it_o be_v cover_v th●_n i_o may_v see_v all_o its_o deformity_n and_o shiver_v at_o th●_n sight_n on_o the_o other_o side_n make_v i_o to_o see_v th●_n face_n and_o thy_o beauty_n that_o my_o soul_n may_v be_v ravish_v and_o i_o may_v no_o more_o run_v after_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n enrich_v i_o with_o thy_o good_a thing_n that_o my_o soul_n be_v fulfil_v may_v wish_v nothing_o more_o and_o that_o my_o desire_n may_v all_o expire_v in_o th●_n joy_n of_o thy_o love_n then_o shall_v i_o run_v in_o thy_o path●_n with_o all_o my_o might_n then_o my_o soul_n be_v inflame_v and_o fulfil_v with_o heavenly_a fire_n shall_v not_o can_v any_o long_o be_v hinder_v from_o lift_v up_o its_o self_n to_o thou_o with_o all_o the_o ardour_n that_o one_o aught_v to_o have_v for_o the_o sovereign_n good_n then_o in_o its_o devotion_n shall_v my_o soul_n be_v no_o more_o trouble_v with_o the_o vain_a idol_n of_o the_o world_n be_v fill_v with_o thou_o and_o with_o thy_o love_n it_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o furnish_v and_o afford_v room_n for_o any_o thing_n else_o chap._n iii_o ●f_n the_o too_o great_a sensibility_n towards_o earthly_a pleasure_n the_o three_o source_n of_o indevotion_n this_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o great_a trunk_n which_o divide_v itself_o into_o many_o branch_n that_o be_v also_o source_n of_o indevotion_n the_o first_o branch_n of_o this_o love_n be_v the_o too_o great_a sensibility_n towards_o earthly_a pleasure_n these_o ●easures_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o be_v high_o criminal_a and_o be_v those_o we_o call_v debauch_n of_o the_o man_n of_o be_v time_n and_o of_o these_o certain_z it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o excessive_a sensibility_n but_o the_o least_o taste_n we_o take_v of_o they_o ●s_v the_o mortal_a enemy_n of_o devotion_n spiritual_a pleasure_n ●●e_v of_o a_o taste_n so_o vast_o different_a from_o carnal_a one_o that_o ●t_a the_o same_o time_n one_o can_v love_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d palate_n imbrue_v with_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n and_o which_o have_v never_o taste_v of_o other_o savour_n can_v en●ure_v our_o sugar_n and_o honey_n a_o man_n sink_v into_o the_o un●voury_a sweetness_n of_o sin_n will_v find_v all_o the_o sweetness_n of_o grace_n of_o ill_a taste_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n who_o innocence_n the_o world_n maintain_v because_o the_o crime_n be_v not_o so_o visible_a they_o be_v call_v innocent_a and_o they_o may_v be_v so_o if_o they_o do_v not_o soon_o become_v criminal_a by_o the_o abuse_n of_o they_o and_o they_o all_o may_v ●e_v great_a obstacle_n to_o devotion_n more_o than_o we_o be_v ●ware_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v call_v the_o comforter_n ●nd_v the_o taste_n which_o the_o pious_a find_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o holiness_n be_v term_v spiritual_a consolation_n but_o to_o who_o be_v the_o comforter_n and_o the_o consolation_n destine_v ●ut_v to_o the_o afflict_a for_o certain_a therefore_o those_o soul_n ●hat_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o receive_v these_o divine_a consolation_n and_o the_o wh●som_a impression_n of_o the_o divine_a comforter_n it_o be_v this_o reason_n the_o ever_o bless_a jesus_n say_v bless_v they_o which_o mourn_v for_o they_o shall_v be_v comfort_v an●_n austin_n say_v to_o god_n thou_o be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o th●_n sovereign_a pleasure_n capable_a of_o fill_v the_o soul_n do_v 〈◊〉_d cast_v far_o from_o i_o all_o those_o false_a pleasure_n and_o at_o the●●_n time_n enter_v thou_o into_o their_o place_n thou_o who_o be_v more_o 〈◊〉_d and_o more_o agreeable_a than_o all_o pleasure_n though_o not_o to_o 〈◊〉_d and_o blood_n the_o manna_n do_v not_o fall_v upon_o the_o israel●_n but_o when_o the_o victual_n they_o have_v bring_v out_o of_o 〈◊〉_d be_v consume_v and_o questionless_a that_o divine_a man●_n grace_n those_o ravishment_n and_o those_o joy_n of_o devot●_n be_v not_o communicate_v to_o those_o that_o have_v a_o mag●_n furnish_v with_o the_o thing_n of_o egypt_n and_o the_o pleasure_n the_o world_n a_o person_n that_o return_v from_o a_o ball_n or_o a_o comb_a very_o much_o indispose_v for_o devotion_n some_o may_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o theatre_n that_o it_o be_v become_v chaste_a 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o we_o see_v there_o more_o lesson_n of_o virtue_n th●_n example_n of_o vice_n but_o other_o may_v say_v that_o the_o pajon_n do_v not_o appear_v there_o animate_v but_o in_o defence_n honour_n and_o that_o there_o be_v produce_v no_o other_o sentime_n but_o those_o of_o generosity_n for_o my_o part_n i_o say_v that_o virtue_n of_o the_o theatre_n be_v crime_n according_a to_o 〈◊〉_d mind_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n go●_n hear_v there_o it_o be_v very_o much_o sully_v by_o the_o impu●●_n of_o the_o lip_n and_o the_o imagination_n through_o which_o pass_v oh_o impiety_n say_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n you_o h●●_n make_v heaven_n to_o descend_v upon_o the_o theatre_n and_o god_n be_v come_v a_o comedy_n oh_o impiety_n we_o may_v say_v in_o imitati●●_n he_o you_o have_v make_v virtue_n to_o mount_v the_o theat_n and_o you_o have_v make_v she_o a_o actress_n our_o saviour_n 〈◊〉_d not_o have_v his_o preacher_n wear_v buskin_n on_o their_o foot_n mask_n on_o their_o face_n tragedy_n say_v st._n cyprian_n make_v ancient_a crime_n to_o revive_v in_o its_o verse_n so_o as_o they_o may_v die_v of_o old_a age_n it_o draw_v they_o out_o from_o under_o the_o tomb_n of_o ten_o or_o twelve_o age_n and_o in_o the_o present_a age_n we_o learn_v such_o crime_n as_o perhaps_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v think_v on_o we_o observe_v that_o what_o have_v be_v do_v heretofore_o may_v also_o be_v do_v to_o day_n so_o we_o make_v example_n of_o those_o action_n which_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v crime_n nevertheless_o the_o innocence_n of_o tragedy_n may_v be_v please_v with_o more_o colour_n the_o lacedaemonian_n be_v wise_a man_n who_o banish_v these_o evil_a art_n from_o among_o they_o by_o reason_n say_v they_o that_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o violate_v the_o law_n even_o in_o appearance_n and_o that_o one_o ought_v to_o respect_v they_o even_o upon_o the_o theatre_n this_o make_v i_o remember_v a_o say_n of_o cicero_n that_o it_o be_v not_o honest_a by_o way_n of_o sport_v the_o mind_n to_o exercise_v one_o philosophy_n and_o rhetoric_n against_o the_o god_n in_o argue_v either_o their_o existence_n or_o their_o providence_n without_o be_v a_o atheist_n this_o veneration_n we_o owe_v to_o they_o of_o not_o divert_v ourselves_o at_o their_o expense_n i_o say_v the_o same_o of_o virtue_n it_o be_v not_o handsome_a to_o please_v one_o self_n in_o see_v virtue_n or_o rejoice_v or_o wrong_v but_o beside_o all_o this_o these_o sight_n be_v absolute_o disagree_v with_o devotion_n since_o they_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o vain_a passion_n
and_o we_o have_v need_n of_o a_o free_a mind_n they_o make_v real_a joy_n and_o grief_n to_o spring_v up_o for_o imaginary_a adventure_n into_o the_o mind_n they_o put_v idea_n and_o into_o the_o heart_n vain_a motion_n which_o ruin_n the_o holy_a disposition_n that_o we_o will_v establish_v in_o a_o devout_a soul_n the_o same_o i_o say_v of_o a_o play_n a_o fury_n which_o agitate_v man_n like_o a_o kind_n of_o demoniac_a spirit_n a_o man_n see_v his_o life_n and_o his_o death_n that_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v his_o fortune_n and_o his_o misfortune_n a_o roll_a with_o inconceivable_a transport_v and_o inquietude_n his_o soul_n be_v agitate_a at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o a_o thousand_o passion_n with_o fear_n desire_n hope_n and_o his_o heart_n be_v entire_o put_v beside_o the_o seat_n be_v such_o a_o man_n in_o a_o condition_n to_o lift_v up_o his_o soul_n to_o god_n such_o fine_a devotion_n as_o these_o be_v they_o which_o be_v make_v after_o have_v past_a half_n the_o night_n in_o this_o exercise_n the_o tempest_n have_v be_v over_o great_a a_o long_a time_n will_v the_o wave_n be_v move_v the_o soul_n will_v be_v a_o good_a while_n level_v itself_o and_o yet_o after_o this_o the_o sweetness_n devotion_n will_v not_o be_v according_a to_o the_o palate_n for_o th●_n they_o be_v not_o carnal_a pleasure_n of_o which_o alone_o it_o sensible_a whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o young_a pe●ple_n be_v very_o rare_o fit_a for_o the_o elevation_n of_o devotion_n they_o be_v but_o late_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o all_o 〈◊〉_d it_o appear_v mighty_a fine_a these_o pleasure_n they_o g●●_n down_o by_o long_a draught_n and_o nothing_o appear_v plase_v unto_o they_o but_o what_o flatter_v flesh_n and_o blood_n whi●●_n boil_v in_o their_o vein_n hence_o also_o it_o come_v that_o th●_n constitution_n where_o the_o blood_n have_v the_o ascenda●●●_n which_o be_v the_o temperament_n of_o the_o world_n joy_n be_v 〈◊〉_d proper_a for_o devotion_n than_o that_o which_o 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 erro●_n they_o imagine_v they_o can_v divide_v themselves_o betwi●●_n heavenly_a and_o earthly_a joy_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o th●_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 e●●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 of●en_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o same_o ●our_n that_o thy_o heart_n shall_v be_v intite_n in_o ●eaven_n at_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o devotion_n and_o ●ravers_n thou_o think_v on_o onion_n garlic_n ●nd_v fleshpot_n which_o thou_o do_v eat_v when_o thou_o be_v the_o slave_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o th●_n world_n thou_o have_v not_o yet_o taste_v th●_n delight_n of_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n that_o say_v i_o be_o satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n oh_o how_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v i_o have_v taste_v he_o he_o bring_v i_o into_o his_o banqueting-house_n his_o love_n be_v sweet_a than_o wine_n and_o th●_n honey_n let_v he_o kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_v 〈◊〉_d his_o mouth_n will_v to_o god_n i_o be_v honour_v with_o these_o secret_a communication_n whereof_o my_o saviour_n make_v some_o privilege_a soul_n to_o partake_v which_o fill_v they_o wit●_n joy_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o torment_n an●_n make_v they_o find_v music_n in_o prison_n and_o 〈◊〉_d the_o rattle_a of_o their_o iron_n learn_v o_o m●_n soul_n learn_v to_o seek_v thy_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n he_o be_v the_o source_n all_o jo●_n that_o come_v not_o from_o he_o terminate_v a●_n length_n in_o grief_n saddness_n lamentation_n d●spair_n and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n what_o do●_n my_o heart_n wish_v for_o what_o do_v it_o hunger_n an●_n thirst_v after_o do_v thou_o love_v beauty_n in_o go●_n thou_o will_v find_v it_o and_o god_n will_v give_v it_o th●_n thyself_o for_o thou_o will_v become_v glorious_a an●_n full_a of_o light_n by_o the_o commerce_n thou_o sha●_n have_v with_o he_o do_v thou_o love_v life_n an●_n health_n he_o be_v the_o well_o of_o life_n and_o in_o 〈◊〉_d light_n shall_v we_o see_v light_n and_o he_o will_v communicate_v a_o life_n to_o thou_o ever_o healthful_a and_o vigorous_a that_o be_v eternal_a life_n do_v thou_o love_v pleasure_n lo_o he_o will_v make_v thou_o drink_v at_o the_o stream_n of_o his_o delight_n he_o will_v fill_v thou_o with_o the_o wine_n prepare_v by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o say_v i_o have_v mix_v my_o wine_n i_o have_v kill_v my_o fat_a beast_n he_o will_v cause_v thou_o to_o see_v such_o object_n as_o will_v ravish_v thou_o he_o will_v make_v thou_o hear_v a_o sweet_a and_o charm_a music_n in_o the_o consort_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n who_o eternal_o sing_v the_o praise_n of_o our_o god_n after_o so_o many_o blessing_n either_o already_o receive_v or_o already_o possess_v in_o hope_n can_v i_o still_o be_v at_o all_o sensible_a of_o the_o vain_a pleasure_n of_o the_o earth_n prayer_n o_o my_o god_n my_o divine_a saviour_n come_v and_o fill_v my_o soul_n with_o those_o sweetness_n that_o thou_o communicate_a to_o thy_o faithful_a servant_n give_v i_o the_o bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n the_o true_a manna_n and_o bread_n of_o angel_n that_o make_v i_o taste_v of_o pleasure_n which_o stifle_v and_o choke_v the_o sense_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o the_o taste_n of_o sublunary_a divertisement_n let_v thy_o sabbath_n be_v my_o feast_n day_n let_v thy_o word_n be_v sweet_a to_o i_o than_o honey_n and_o than_o the_o drop_n of_o honey_n and_o let_v the_o meditation_n of_o those_o joy_n which_o thou_o prepare_v for_o i_o in_o heaven_n ravish_v i_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o i_o may_v be_v no_o more_o either_o the_o world_n or_o my_o own_o but_o be_v entire_o thou_o make_v heaven_n to_o descend_v upon_o earth_n in_o my_o favour_n enlarge_v my_o heart_n make_v there_o a_o little_a paradise_n shed_v down_o upon_o it_o so_o great_a a_o abundance_n of_o thy_o light_n of_o
grace_n as_o may_v imitate_v and_o approach_v the_o light_n of_o glory_n make_v thy_o river_n to_o run_v a_o cross_a this_o paradise_n plant_v therein_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o lay_v up_o there_o so_o grand_a a_o influence_n of_o good_a thing_n that_o my_o own_o wealth_n may_v make_v i_o look_v upon_o that_o of_o the_o world_n with_o a_o high_a disdain_n and_o contempt_n and_o that_o from_o under_o the_o throne_n where_o thou_o shall_v have_v place_v my_o soul_n it_o may_v consider_v all_o the_o palace_n of_o the_o world_n like_o mere_a cottage_n chap._n iu._n of_o worldly_a trouble_n and_o care_n a_o four_o source_n of_o indevotion_n now_o we_o come_v to_o another_o branch_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o new_a obstacle_n to_o devotion_n i_o mean_v earthly_a care_n and_o riches_n black_a and_o horrid_a devil_n that_o come_v to_o cross_v we_o that_o draw_v we_o frequent_o out_o of_o the_o company_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n jesus_n to_o lead_v we_o among_o sepulcher_n and_o that_o walk_v as_o in_o the_o sad_a ruin_n of_o our_o fortune_n and_o grandeur_n there_o be_v more_o unhappy_a than_o happy_a person_n in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o this_o temptation_n be_v at_o least_o as_o ordinary_a as_o the_o precedent_n be_v and_o whereas_o the_o world_n possess_v our_o heart_n when_o we_o have_v lose_v it_o we_o bewail_v it_o most_o bitter_o a_o man_n who_o against_o his_o will_n a_o contrary_a wind_n drive_v from_o the_o haven_n where_o he_o will_v be_v always_o turn_v his_o eye_n on_o that_o side_n and_o do_v not_o lose_v the_o view_n of_o it_o but_o with_o inconceivable_a regret_n if_o he_o will_v take_v any_o rest_n the_o image_n of_o his_o country_n his_o dear_a child_n and_o his_o friend_n return_v incessant_o into_o his_o mind_n to_o plague_v he_o and_o continue_v his_o torture_n so_o the_o afflict_a soul_n that_o will_v retire_v into_o its_o self_n to_o be_v unite_v with_o god_n do_v see_v amid_o its_o exercise_n the_o image_n of_o its_o misfortune_n which_o awaken_v its_o grief_n and_o draw_v it_o from_o heaven_n into_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n these_o be_v the_o wasp_n and_o fly_n who_o sting_n be_v so_o pierce_v whilst_o we_o be_v fix_v so_o on_o holy_a work_n and_o give_v up_o to_o it_o our_o whole_a attention_n than_o these_o come_v and_o prick_v we_o so_o to_o the_o quick_a that_o we_o be_v force_v to_o lay_v our_o hand_n on_o the_o part_n affect_v these_o be_v the_o whip_n wherewith_o the_o taskmaster_n of_o egypt_n serve_v '_o emselve_n to_o hasten_v we_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o brick_n these_o taskmaster_n be_v the_o devil_n that_o say_v with_o pharaoh_n this_o people_n be_v idle_a since_o they_o will_v serve_v their_o own_o god_n let_v we_o redouble_v their_o employment_n and_o hence_o they_o rouse_v up_o those_o smart_a and_o sting_a care_n recall_v into_o the_o memory_n of_o one_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o cause_n in_o a_o court_n of_o judicature_n and_o of_o 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it_o out_o of_o the_o arm_n of_o its_o belove_a who_o possession_n make_v up_o all_o its_o joy_n and_o all_o its_o beatitude_n good_a remedy_n there_o be_v against_o this_o temptation_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o first_o be_v to_o discomfit_v and_o destroy_v in_o we_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n when_o we_o shall_v love_v it_o no_o more_o we_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o mischief_n and_o misfortune_n that_o befall_v we_o on_o that_o side_n so_o we_o do_v love_v money_n riches_n nor_o grandeur_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v touch_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o so_o we_o love_v god_n only_o we_o shall_v evermore_o be_v content_a because_o we_o shall_v never_o lose_v he_o the_o world_n make_v man_n pay_v interest_n for_o its_o pleasure_n the_o grief_n it_o cause_v in_o abandon_v we_o be_v much_o great_a than_o the_o joy_n we_o taste_v in_o possess_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v diffeize_v ourselves_o in_o good_a time_n that_o we_o may_v lose_v it_o without_o trouble_n if_o we_o have_v care_n that_o seem_v lawful_a unto_o we_o and_o which_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o part_v withal_o let_v we_o follow_v the_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o david_n cast_v thy_o care_n upon_o god_n and_o he_o will_v take_v care_n for_o thou_o we_o do_v not_o want_v example_n to_o maintain_v this_o reliance_n we_o can_v produce_v a_o elijah_n that_o be_v feed_v by_o raven_n a_o prophet_n in_o the_o lion_n den_n that_o be_v respect_v by_o those_o monster_n israelites_n in_o uncultivated_a and_o desolate_a place_n upon_o who_o the_o very_a heaven_n rain_v down_o bread_n have_v we_o need_v of_o assurance_n and_o promise_n see_v that_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v not_o two_o sparrow_n sell_v for_o a_o farthing_n and_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v not_o fall_v on_o the_o ground_n without_o your_o father_n fear_v you_o not_o therefore_o you_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o many_o sparrow_n behold_v the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n they_o sow_v not_o neither_o do_v they_o reap_v nor_o gather_v into_o barn_n yet_o your_o heavenly_a father_n feed_v they_o god_n that_o take_v care_n of_o the_o young_a raven_n that_o call_v upon_o he_o will_v he_o desert_v we_o without_o doubt_v we_o must_v have_v a_o great_a stock_n of_o incredulity_n to_o resist_v so_o great_a promise_n after_o all_o let_v we_o remember_v to_o think_v how_o our_o care_n do_v change_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o the_o state_n of_o our_o concern_v and_o how_o they_o turn_v our_o soul_n topsy_n turuie_o and_o render_v they_o incapable_a of_o devotion_n upon_o which_o account_n our_o ever_o bless_a jesus_n will_v not_o have_v we_o take_v care_n for_o the_o morrow_n for_o fear_v it_o shall_v trouble_v our_o devotion_n to_o day_n wherefore_o in_o enter_v into_o our_o closet_n we_o must_v say_v to_o ourselves_o why_o do_v thou_o take_v care_n for_o so_o many_o thing_n and_o it_o may_v be_v thou_o must_v die_v to_o morrow_n afraid_a thou_o be_v of_o want_v necessary_n for_o life_n but_o thou_o consider_v not_o that_o these_o necessary_n may_v be_v reduce_v into_o a_o small_a compass_n thou_o have_v lose_v some_o wealth_n thou_o be_v afraid_a of_o lose_v it_o it_o be_v therefore_o god_n have_v retrencht_v thou_o of_o the_o superfluity_n whereas_o how_o can_v thou_o be_v afraid_a of_o want_v any_o manner_n of_o thing_n when_o in_o that_o moment_n thou_o go_v to_o find_v god_n to_o who_o appertain_v all_o thing_n and_o ad_a with_o st._n austin_n cast_v thyself_o o_o my_o soul_n into_o the_o arm_n of_o god_n and_o fear_v not_o lest_o he_o shall_v let_v thou_o fall_v for_o his_o arm_n sustain_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o have_v say_v this_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o all_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o cast_v they_o under_o thy_o foot_n as_o thou_o fall_v on_o thy_o knee_n meditation_n alas_o i_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o weep_v oh_o that_o my_o head_n be_v water_n and_o my_o eye_n a_o fountain_n of_o tear_n that_o i_o may_v bewail_v my_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o sadness_n after_o a_o godly_a sort_n and_o a_o repentance_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o in_o this_o respect_n my_o eye_n be_v without_o moisture_n and_o dry_a as_o rock_n oh_o that_o moses_n his_o rod_n strike_v i_o and_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n judgement_n seize_v i_o that_o i_o may_v be_v able_a to_o cast_v out_o current_n of_o water_n yet_o nevertheless_o i_o do_v not_o want_v tear_n to_o mourn_v my_o mishap_n and_o my_o worldly_a misfortune_n so_o that_o i_o be_o not_o covetous_a of_o tear_n but_o i_o distribute_v they_o ill_o wherefore_o o_o my_o soul_n be_v thou_o so_o touch_v at_o the_o loss_n of_o some_o good_n whereof_o thou_o have_v only_o the_o use_n
neglect_v the_o other_o life_n as_o if_o it_o be_v never_o to_o come_v i_o believe_v o_o my_o god_n but_o help_v thou_o my_o unbeleif_n make_v i_o to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o eternal_a life_n that_o i_o may_v flight_v the_o present_a life_n that_o i_o may_v make_v i_o such_o friend_n as_o may_v receive_v i_o into_o everlasting_a habitation_n that_o i_o may_v acquire_v such_o riches_n as_o i_o may_v carry_v along_o with_o i_o and_o that_o i_o may_v make_v choice_n of_o that_o good_a part_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o i_o chap._n vi_o the_o custom_n of_o let_v the_o mind_n ramble_v 〈◊〉_d different_a object_n a_o six_o source_n of_o indevotion_n i_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v also_o another_o source_n of_o 〈◊〉_d indevotion_n and_o especial_o of_o our_o distraction_n during_o prayer_n we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o fire_v o●●_n heart_n our_o mind_n wander_v and_o our_o attention_n i●_n lose_v whence_o proceed_v this_o but_o from_o a_o pernicious_a custom_n we_o have_v of_o give_v a_o soar_a vaunt_n to_o our_o imagination_n it_o be_v in_o man_n what_o quicksilver_n be_v in_o mertals_n it_o roll_v it_o run_v glib_o up_o and_o down_o a_o little_a fire_n make_v it_o evaporate_v and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o vanish_v into_o smoak_n it_o become_v so_o subtle_a we_o suffer_v it_o to_o 〈◊〉_d what_o ever_o it_o please_v when_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o wing_n sometime_o it_o fly_v from_o east_n to_o west_n from_o south_n to_o north_n from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n and_o as_o if_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v too_o narrow_a for_o it_o it_o overpasses_a they_o and_o lose_v its_o self_n in_o the_o innumerable_a whirlpool_a of_o des-cartes_n and_o no_o more_o can_v it_o contain_v itself_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o time_n it_o fly_v to_o eternity_n and_o ask_v what_o it_o be_v it_o will_v know_v what_o be_v when_o there_o be_v nothing_o if_o it_o keep_v its_o self_n within_o this_o world_n amid_o this_o great_a space_n it_o curvet_v over_o all_o being_n it_o swim_v over_o all_o matter_n and_o the_o compound_n of_o it_o different_o modify_v and_o yet_o penetrate_v none_o of_o they_o and_o as_o if_o the_o prodigio●_n mass_n of_o creature_n do_v not_o furnish_v employment_n enough_o to_o its_o action_n it_o labour_v in_o the_o production_n or_o rather_o creation_n of_o being_n of_o its_o own_o form_n it_o imagine_v chimaera_n phantome_n it_o make_v mountain_n of_o gold_n world_n in_o the_o moon_n centaur_n and_o hippogryphick_n and_o these_o motion_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v of_o such_o quick_a dispatch_n that_o in_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n ramble_v we_o find_v ●ur_n self_n so_o far_o off_o that_o the_o great_a part_v man_n in_o ●●e_z world_n can_v never_o guess_v by_o our_o last_o thought_n what_o be_v the_o first_o and_o after_o this_o shall_v we_o ask_v from_z whence_o ●ome_v those_o aberration_n of_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o duty_n and_o exercise_n of_o piety_n can_v we_o expect_v that_o a_o soul_n accustom_v to_o wander_v can_v fix_v and_o arrest_v itself_o all_o at_o once_o it_o be_v a_o horse_n that_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o receive_v the_o bite_v it_o do_v nothing_o night_n or_o day_n but_o kick_n and_o skip_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o meadow_n when_o one_o will_v put_v the_o saddle_n upon_o the_o back_n or_o the_o rein_n in_o the_o mouth_n it_o fly_v out_o and_o struggle_v it_o throw_v down_o he_o that_o get_v up_o and_o return_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v when_o we_o will_v gather_v ourselves_o together_o it_o dissipate_v its_o self_n like_o a_o flame_n it_o abandon_v we_o it_o break_v the_o rein_n of_o piety_n and_o before_o that_o we_o espy_v the_o first_o way_n it_o take_v we_o find_v it_o plunge_v in_o the_o diversity_n of_o its_o vain_a thought_n st._n augustine●acknowledges_n ●acknowledges_z that_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o distraction_n when_o our_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o these_o phantasin_n sau_v he_o and_o that_o incessant_o it_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o vain_a thought_n thence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o our_o prayer_n be_v oftentimes_o trouble_v and_o interrupt_v thereby_o and_o that_o when_o be_v in_o thy_o presence_n o_o god_n we_o endeavour_v to_o make_v thou_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o our_o heart_n a_o action_n of_o such_o importance_n be_v frequent_o traverse_v by_o frivolous_a imagination_n which_o come_v from_o i_o know_v not_o whence_o to_o break_v into_o the_o crowd_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o we_o do_v well_o comprise_v the_o nature_n of_o evil_a we_o may_v easy_o conceive_v the_o remedy_n evil_n ought_v to_o be_v cure_v by_o their_o contrary_n so_o that_o let_v we_o learn_v to_o give_v bound_n to_o our_o imagination_n and_o not_o permit_v it_o to_o go_v so_o far_o that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o less_o trouble_n to_o bring_v it_o back_o again_o that_o be_v to_o say_v for_o the_o dispose_n our_o heart_n to_o devotion_n we_o ought_v to_o accustom_v our_o mind_n to_o think_v a_o little_a of_o thing_n and_o of_o good_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o mercury_n that_o must_v fix_v itself_o in_o be_v apply_v to_o silver_n or_o gold_n it_o be_v a_o lively_a faculty_n whereto_o we_o must_v give_v the_o bridle_n and_o the_o rein._n 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o not_o imagine_v that_o the_o secret_a to_o cure_v this_o mala●●_n of_o the_o soul_n consist_v in_o retain_v our_o mind_n in_o a_o privat●●●_n of_o all_o thought_n this_o be_v not_o profitable_a to_o nature_n nor_o use●●●_n to_o grace_n the_o imagination_n of_o man_n be_v too_o active_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o hold_v it_o from_o do_v nothing_o it_o be_v to_o bring_v 〈◊〉_d death_n upon_o it_o to_o leave_v it_o without_o employment_n sinc●_n it_o live_v no_o long_o than_o it_o act_n god_n have_v not_o give_v 〈◊〉_d such_o noble_a faculty_n to_o bury_v they_o in_o a_o inglorious_a a●●_n shameful_a idleness_n in_o short_a a_o mind_n that_o be_v habituate_v to_o think_v on_o nothing_o will_v nevertheless_o find_v it_o as_o mu●●_n trouble_v to_o fix_v itself_o upon_o the_o work_n of_o piety_n as_o o●●_n will_v to_o withdraw_v it_o from_o its_o rambling_n and_o course_n that_o it_o former_o use_v from_o all_o which_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o employment_n of_o letter_v and_o know_v man_n be_v perhaps_o the_o most_o destructive_a to_o devotion_n as_o any_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o eye_n be_v scarce_o ever_o weary_a with_o see_v nor_o the_o ea●_n with_o hear_v and_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o count_v this_o among_o defect_n that_o we_o reckon_v it_o a_o great_a virtue_n unde●_n favour_n to_o those_o great_a name_n of_o science_n of_o fine_a knowledge_n of_o curious_a researche_n of_o sublime_a speculation_n of_o miraculous_a discovery_n there_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n a_o method_n to_o mince_v the_o soul_n and_o almost_o infinite_o to_o subdivide_v it_o without_o remedy_n will_v to_o god_n experience_n do_v not_o give_v we_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v very_o certain_a and_o very_a well_o know_v that_o atheist_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o crowd_n of_o the_o common_a people_n the_o epicure_n the_o protagoras_n and_o diagoras_n be_v know_v man_n of_o great_a wit._n the_o thing_n be_v pass_v into_o a_o proverb_n and_o they_o say_v that_o they_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o art_n whereof_o they_o make_v profession_n be_v oblige_v to_o study_v nature_n and_o the_o second_o cause_n very_o much_o do_v ●ix_v themselves_o so_o strong_o thereto_o that_o they_o forget_v to_o ascend_v to_o the_o first_o cause_n these_o man_n so_o well_o read_v in_o antiquity_n and_o that_o make_v so_o great_a a_o noise_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o learning_n for_o their_o knowledge_n make_v none_o at_o ●ll_a in_o the_o church_n for_o their_o great_a devotion_n the_o study_n only_o of_o heavenly_a thing_n can_v inspire_v a_o habit_n of_o piety_n we_o also_o see_v enough_o great_a divine_n continue_v bad_a christian_n because_o they_o refer_v not_o their_o labour_n to_o god_n nor_o to_o his_o glory_n all_o their_o industry_n be_v for_o themselves_o and_o they_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o their_o own_o watch_n i_o will_v never_o ●herefore_o advise_v he_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v very_o devout_a ●o_o embrace_v so_o many_o thing_n nor_o to_o fill_v his_o head_n with_o conjecture_n and_o his_o memory_n with_o these_o may-bee_n whereof_o those_o rare_a science_n so_o call_v be_v compose_v beside_o that_o this_o acquisition_n bring_v in_o a_o habit_n of_o self-conceited_a pride_n and_o surly_a scorn_n a_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n and_o it_o put_v the_o virtuoso_n up_o with_o pyrrhonism_n and_o doubt_n which_o from_o philosophy_n pass_v into_o divinity_n and_o whereas_o some_o find_v nothing_o
certain_a in_o humane_a science_n they_o take_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o doubt_v of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o judge_v of_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n for_o to_o condemn_v whatever_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o it_o ●nd_v we_o be_v rash_a enough_o to_o introduce_v that_o principle_n into_o the_o church_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v leave_v in_o the_o school_n i_o do_v not_o say_v this_o as_o if_o i_o will_v be_v the_o advocate_n of_o ignorance_n see_v we_o be_v citizen_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v allow_v we_o to_o inquire_v a_o little_a of_o what_o be_v do_v ●here_o but_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n whereof_o we_o make_v a_o part_n make_v we_o see_v plain_o with_o what_o discretion_n and_o advisedness_n we_o ought_v to_o advance_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o ●er_n secret_n he_o have_v not_o show_v we_o but_o the_o effect_n and_o have_v hide_v from_o we_o almost_o all_o the_o cause_n which_o teach_v ●s_a that_o we_o may_v easy_o be_v without_o these_o knowledge_n by_o reason_n that_o hide_a thing_n be_v not_o for_o we_o i_o know_v not_o too_o whether_o a_o little_a ignorance_n will_v not_o make_v more_o for_o ●he_n glory_n of_o our_o creator_n if_o we_o understand_v nature_n ●s_v well_o as_o we_o will_v understand_v it_o perhaps_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o less_o admiration_n for_o its_o great_a author_n for_o as_o they_o say_v admiration_n be_v the_o daughter_n of_o ignorant_a and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o get_v a_o habit_n of_o not_o admiri●_n the_o fine_a and_o most_o wonderful_a thing_n because_o we_o see_v 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v over-acquainted_n with_o they_o the_o desire_n of_o knowledge_n deceive_v we_o but_o let_v 〈◊〉_d guard_v ourselves_o from_o its_o surprise_v our_o first_o parent_n stead_n the_o effect_n on_o it_o sufficient_o for_o their_o liquorish_a ha●_n ker_v after_o a_o equal_a knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a 〈◊〉_d the_o go_n when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o good_a state_n th●_n know_v not_o even_o if_o they_o be_v naked_a and_o they_o acquit_v not_o this_o knowledge_n with_o the_o rest_n but_o in_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o innocence_n only_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d subject_a matter_n and_o end_n of_o our_o labour_n and_o this_o be_v imply_v mean_v enough_o for_o our_o whole_a life_n bless_a be_v he_o that_o know_v thou_o say_v st._n austin_n though_o he_o know_v nothing_o else_o and_o 〈◊〉_d ed_z be_v that_o creature_n that_o know_v every_o thing_n with_o know_v thou_o but_o he_o who_o know_v thou_o and_o every_o 〈◊〉_d else_o be_v happy_a not_o because_o he_o know_v those_o other_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d because_o he_o know_v thou_o run_v not_o therefore_o o_o my_o so●_n after_o those_o vain_a shadow_n of_o science_n or_o if_o thou_o ru●●_n after_o they_o let_v it_o be_v as_o after_o shadow_n without_o fi_fw-la 〈◊〉_d and_o without_o love_n fix_v thyself_o only_o to_o the_o com●_n plation_n of_o thy_o god_n he_o be_v a_o admirable_a object_n he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d finite_o great_a than_o all_o the_o creature_n together_o 〈◊〉_d vertheless_o this_o vast_a object_n will_v not_o cause_v that_o dissipa●_n so_o inseparable_a from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o creature_n it_o be_v infinite_a but_o contract_v itself_o in_o a_o point_n it_o 〈◊〉_d sun_n that_o reunites_a all_o its_o ray_n in_o the_o bottom_n of_o 〈◊〉_d heart_n to_o fill_v it_o both_o with_o light_n and_o flame_n let_v the_o 〈◊〉_d vout_z soul_n say_v st._n basil_n be_v a_o mirror_n and_o a_o pure_a g●_n that_o it_o may_v not_o receive_v the_o image_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o its_o 〈◊〉_d vine_n spouse_n let_v it_o continue_v whole_o employ_v and_o t●_n up_o by_o this_o image_n so_o as_o foreign_a thing_n approach_v nigh_o 〈◊〉_d not_o find_v a_o place_n there_o to_o paint_v and_o contemplate_v themsel●●_n thou_o eternal_a star_n say_v another_o who_o be_v the_o source_n all_o create_a light_n pierce_v through_o my_o heart_n with_o 〈◊〉_d thy_o beam_n which_o may_v purify_v i_o and_o make_v i_o glad_a which_o may_v illuminate_v and_o quicken_v my_o soul_n to_o unite_v all_o its_o power_n to_o thou_o if_o we_o do_v some_o violence_n to_o our_o mind_n to_o fasten_v it_o upon_o this_o one_o and_o sole_a object_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o good_a we_o expect_v and_o seek_v after_o it_o be_v a_o remedy_n against_o our_o indevout_a distraction_n when_o we_o have_v a_o long_a time_n hold_v this_o slippery_a and_o evaporate_v soul_n in_o the_o chain_n of_o divine_a meditation_n it_o will_v become_v more_o stay_v and_o weighty_a it_o will_v not_o escape_v we_o with_o so_o much_o ease_n and_o as_o in_o fly_v we_o it_o do_v not_o take_v its_o flight_n but_o in_o its_o know_a road_n and_o stumble_v only_o on_o the_o idea_n that_o be_v familiar_a with_o it_o whilst_o that_o divers_a thought_n will_v become_v estrange_v from_o it_o by_o the_o little_a commerce_n it_o will_v have_v with_o they_o it_o will_v not_o easy_o be_v able_a to_o get_v away_o meditation_n how_o little_o do_v man_n know_v themselves_o or_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o embrace_v so_o many_o object_n at_o once_o do_v thou_o o_o my_o soul_n become_v wise_a by_o the_o fault_n of_o thy_o neighbour_n thou_o have_v enough_o wherewith_o to_o busy_v thyself_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o thy_o god_n labour_n to_o know_v he_o only_o and_o if_o thou_o aim_v to_o know_v other_o thing_n do_v it_o in_o such_o a_o sort_n as_o that_o all_o other_o knowledge_n may_v conduct_v thou_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o god_n vain_a be_v thy_o hope_n to_o join_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n with_o that_o of_o heaven_n thy_o heart_n be_v already_o too_o little_a for_o that_o god_n that_o be_v infinite_a and_o for_o that_o object_n which_o have_v no_o bound_n and_o if_o once_o thou_o suffer_v thyself_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o image_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n where_o will_v thou_o find_v room_n for_o god_n image_n the_o eye_n of_o owl_n be_v accustom_v to_o darkness_n can_v endure_v the_o brightness_n and_o splendour_n of_o the_o sun_n a_o mind_n always_o take_v up_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o bodily_a thing_n can_v sustain_v the_o brightness_n of_o that_o be_v of_o being_n of_o that_o pure_a spirit_n that_o shine_v with_o so_o great_a a_o lustre_n prayer_n o_o invisible_a and_o glorious_a sun_n that_o discover_v not_o thy_o beaury_n but_o to_o soul_n purify_v from_o the_o vain_a image_n of_o the_o world_n cleanse_v my_o soul_n by_o the_o purity_n of_o thy_o beam_n chase_v away_o that_o darkness_n that_o blind_v my_o eye_n and_o from_o my_o imagination_n banish_v the_o vain_a phantom_n which_o hinder_v i_o from_o contemplate_v sole_o the_o pure_a light_n of_o thy_o truth_n i_o know_v thou_o o_o my_o god_n because_o it_o have_v please_v thou_o to_o reveal_v thyself_o unto_o i_o but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o i_o know_v of_o thy_o greatness_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o be_v real_o and_o what_o may_v be_v know_v of_o it_o i_o see_v the_o obscurity_n i_o form_n to_o myself_o a_o idea_n of_o thy_o essence_n and_o majesty_n which_o sink_v infinite_o below_o thy_o very_a self_n i_o do_v thou_o this_o wrong_n o_o my_o god_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o blame-worthy_a for_o i_o can_v do_v otherwise_o i_o ask_v thou_o forgiveness_n i_o be_o very_o sensible_a i_o do_v not_o know_v thou_o as_o thou_o be_v it_o be_v rather_o the_o fault_n of_o my_o mind_n than_o of_o my_o heart_n purify_v my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v behold_v thou_o which_o as_o vigorous_a a_o aspect_n as_o that_o of_o a_o eagle_n which_o look_v upon_o the_o sun_n let_v the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o beauty_n charm_v i_o and_o fill_v i_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o that_o i_o may_v conceive_v a_o holy_a distaste_n for_o all_o that_o be_v call_v in_o the_o world_n rare_a knowledge_n and_o great_a literature_n let_v i_o not_o scatter_v myself_o in_o the_o circumference_n let_v all_o my_o look_n be_v towards_o thou_o who_o be_v the_o centre_n from_o whence_o flow_v all_o the_o beauty_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o world_n let_v i_o but_o see_v thou_o and_o in_o see_v thou_o shall_v i_o see_v all_o that_o can_v be_v see_v let_v my_o soul_n rally_v and_o recollect_v itself_o upon_o this_o object_n only_o that_o it_o may_v penetrate_v it_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a o_o god_n aid_v i_o in_o this_o design_n make_v thyself_o visible_a make_v i_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o thy_o mystery_n and_o into_o the_o secret_n of_o thy_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o i_o may_v slight_v and_o despise_v as_o unworthy_a of_o i_o all_o the_o curious_a science_n whereof_o the_o man_n of_o the_o age_n make_v so_o great_a a_o mystery_n chap._n vii_o the_o rareness_n and_o interruption_n of_o holy_a
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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peter_n if_o these_o pillar_n be_v shake_v and_o break_v what_o assurance_n can_v thou_o have_v of_o resist_v these_o wind_n nay_o hurricane_n of_o temptation_n thou_o who_o be_v but_o a_o broke_v reed_n and_o if_o i_o must_v be_v judge_v for_o all_o the_o crime_n i_o can_v commit_v what_o will_v become_v of_o i_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v whither_o shall_v i_o turn_v myself_o since_o till_o this_o present_a minute_n i_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o sin_n which_o i_o have_v commit_v think_v thus_o for_o thy_o comfort_n o_o my_o soul_n that_o if_o thou_o be_v capable_a of_o thyself_o to_o fall_v into_o sin_n of_o surprise_n and_o to_o yield_v to_o unforeseen_a temptation_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v and_o god_n will_v preserve_v in_o thou_o thou_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n capable_a to_o lift_v thyself_o up_o again_o to_o break_v out_o and_o weep_v bitter_o so_o as_o if_o god_n look_v upon_o the_o sin_n as_o commit_v which_o thou_o may_v have_v 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love_n he_o believe_v he_o have_v less_o obligation_n to_o thy_o mercy_n because_o have_v commit_v few_o sin_n as_o he_o think_v he_o believe_v he_o owe_v thou_o much_o less_o as_o for_o i_o i_o say_v to_o who_o lesser_o be_v forgive_v the_o same_o love_v more_o yes_o o_o my_o god_n i_o have_v more_o obligation_n for_o the_o sin_n which_o thou_o have_v prevent_v my_o commit_n than_o for_o those_o thou_o have_v remit_v i_o it_o be_v a_o much_o great_a good_a to_o render_v a_o man_n invulnerable_a than_o to_o cure_v he_o of_o the_o wound_n he_o have_v receive_v it_o be_v better_a never_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o water_n than_o to_o be_v draw_v out_o thence_o with_o the_o peril_n of_o continue_v there_o and_o it_o be_v more_o happy_a always_o to_o be_v well_o than_o to_o recover_v of_o a_o sickness_n but_o above_o all_o since_o it_o be_v a_o great_a unhappiness_n to_o have_v offend_v thou_o o_o god_n it_o be_v a_o much_o great_a blessing_n to_o have_v be_v preserve_v from_o 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prayer_n let_v thy_o meat_n be_v to_o do_v both_o night_n and_o day_n the_o will_n of_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n abstain_v as_o he_o do_v from_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n take_v his_o cross_n upon_o thou_o and_o mortify_v thy_o sin_n in_o thy_o flesh_n since_o thy_o saviour_n have_v mortify_v it_o in_o he_o if_o any_o one_o love_v i_o say_v he_o let_v he_o come_v after_o i_o and_o follow_v i_o alas_o my_o soul_n how_o far_o off_o be_v thou_o from_o he_o how_o imperfect_a thy_o imitation_n and_o how_o much_o do_v thou_o sink_v below_o thy_o example_n but_o lose_v no_o courage_n labour_n walk_v on_o let_v the_o thing_n alone_o that_o be_v behind_o and_o tend_v to_o those_o which_o be_v before_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v send_v by_o thy_o saviour_n will_v conduct_v thou_o in_o the_o most_o difficult_a path_n as_o in_o a_o smooth_a and_o even_a country_n if_o thou_o can_v not_o attain_v the_o perfection_n of_o that_o great_a example_n god_n have_v 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it_o may_v cry_v out_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o sweetness_n i_o be_o fill_v as_o it_o be_v with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n chap._n iu._n what_o may_v be_v account_v innocent_a pleasure_n that_o devotion_n be_v no_o disquiet_v and_o uneasy_a thing_n nor_o a_o enemy_n to_o pleasure_n in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n i_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o not_o only_o to_o those_o pleasure_n which_o it_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n be_v criminal_a but_o to_o those_o too_o that_o we_o call_v innocent_a one_o in_o this_o rank_n i_o have_v place_v the_o continual_a divertisement_n whereunto_o the_o high_a part_n of_o mankind_n give_v '_o emselve_n up_o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o explain_v and_o unfold_v a_o question_n which_o may_v be_v start_v here_o to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o renousce_v all_o sort_n of_o pleasure_n to_o be_v christianly_o and_o true_o pious_a now_o in_o one_o word_n the_o 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command_v we_o even_o when_o we_o fast_o and_o be_v mortify_v ourselves_o to_o anoint_v our_o head_n when_o we_o must_v be_v see_v by_o man_n that_o we_o may_v avoid_v ostentation_n in_o our_o piety_n to_o know_v what_o be_v innocent_a pleasure_n we_o be_v to_o dis●nguish_v with_o exactness_n and_o make_v a_o short_a but_o general_a review_n over_o all_o sort_n of_o pleasure_n first_o all_o the_o pleasure_n be_v either_o of_o the_o mind_n or_o of_o the_o sense_n among_o the_o sense_n some_o be_v more_o visible_a y_v to_o matter_n other_o be_v more_o disengage_v from_o they_o of_o the_o first_o order_n be_v the_o taste_n and_o touch_v of_o the_o latter_a he_o sight_n
the_o love_n with_o which_o we_o love_v god_n and_o that_o by_o which_o we_o be_v belove_v of_o he_o by_o this_o love_n he_o be_v in_o we_o and_o we_o be_v in_o he_o because_o love_n make_v a_o transfusion_n of_o heart_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v more_o in_o the_o subject_a which_o it_o love_v than_o in_o that_o which_o it_o animate_v as_o to_o the_o pleasure_n which_o spring_n from_o this_o union_n it_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v conceive_v without_o they_o be_v feel_v it_o be_v such_o that_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n appear_v unsavoury_a to_o they_o that_o taste_v it_o it_o be_v so_o great_a as_o it_o have_v often_o make_v the_o saint_n to_o fall_v down_o who_o have_v be_v extraordinary_o touch_v with_o its_o holy_a ecstasy_n and_o ravishment_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v entire_o break_v the_o alliance_n betwixt_o the_o body_n and_o the_o soul_n now_o without_o question_n it_o be_v that_o devotion_n contribute_v and_o lead_v to_o 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spiritual_a pleasure_n the_o reason_n be_v thy_o god_n can_v not_o yet_o apply_v himself_o immediate_o to_o thou_o because_o of_o the_o impurity_n wherewith_o thou_o be_v cover_v and_o defile_v ●or_a his_o eye_n be_v pure_a they_o can_v behold_v iniquity_n he_o be_v purity_n and_o light_n itself_o and_o thou_o be_v enwrap_v in_o a_o dark_a cloud_n of_o ignorance_n and_o unrighteousness_n how_o then_o can_v god_n join_v himself_o immediate_o to_o thou_o therefore_o take_v away_o thy_o veil_n this_o wall_n of_o separation_n cure_v thy_o own_o ignorances_n seek_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o god_n and_o his_o mystery_n purify_v thyself_o ●et_o rid_v of_o those_o ill_a habit_n of_o vice_n which_o surround_v thou_o like_o a_o garment_n and_o thy_o god_n will_v invest_v thou_o with_o a_o robe_n of_o light_n and_o ●hen_o shall_v thou_o perceive_v that_o the_o apply_v ●ensible_a object_n to_o thy_o faculty_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o raise_v in_o thou_o that_o sense_n of_o pleasure_n which_o thou_o may_v receive_v from_o god_n then_o ●ilt_v thou_o have_v a_o perfect_a disgust_n to_o those_o vain_a pleasure_n thou_o will_v wish_v to_o see_v thy_o god_n 〈◊〉_d know_v he_o to_o embrace_v he_o that_o thou_o ●ayst_v be_v unite_v to_o he_o prayer_n o_o father_n of_o light_n inexhaustible_a spring_n of_o pleasure_n and_o joy_n insinuate_v thyself_o into_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o my_o soul_n fill_v up_o the_o emptiness_n of_o my_o desire_n and_o that_o vast_a extension_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o make_v i_o to_o feel_v that_o joy_n which_o thou_o communicate_a to_o thy_o saint_n and_o favourite_n unto_o thou_o i_o discover_v my_o want_n i_o confess_v my_o nothing_n i_o languish_v after_o thou_o my_o true_a good_n without_o thou_o o_o lord_n i_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o creature_n i_o shall_v be_v plunge_v into_o a_o abyss_n of_o grief_n and_o despair_n i_o shall_v feel_v nothing_o but_o horror_n and_o anguish_n thou_o comforte_v i_o in_o this_o valley_n of_o tear_n thou_o feed_v i_o with_o the_o bread_n of_o angel_n and_o make_v i_o drink_v of_o thy_o pleasure_n as_o out_o of_o a_o river_n the_o world_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o these_o delight_n the_o meat_n of_o thy_o table_n to_o it_o be_v insipid_a it_o taste_v nothing_o but_o the_o fleshpot_n of_o egypt_n and_o know_v not_o what_o i●_n the_o honey_n of_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n i_o know_v it_o o_o my_o god_n but_o i_o do_v not_o know_v so_o as_o i_o will_v and_o aught_o to_o know_v i_o have_v learn_v of_o thy_o saint_n that_o when_o thou_o speak_v to_o thy_o child_n in_o their_o heart_n this_o sentiment_n be_v sweet_a than_o honey_n and_o the_o honeycomb_n and_o that_o more_o pleasure_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o possess_v thou_o than_o the_o covetous_a find_v in_o have_v the_o great_a abundance_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n but_o alas_o my_o soul_n have_v not_o yet_o feel_v those_o divine_a transport_v i_o begin_v to_o perceive_v that_o earthly_a pleasure_n be_v uncapable_a of_o satisfy_v that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n whereof_o i_o labour_v but_o i_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o perfect_o learn_v that_o thou_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o quench_v that_o thirst_n taste_v and_o see_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v i_o taste_v thou_o as_o i_o see_v thou_o i_o see_v thou_o but_o imperfect_o and_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n i_o taste_v thou_o as_o cover_v from_o i_o over_o thou_o indeed_o be_v no_o involving_a encumbrance_n for_o thou_o be_v all_o pure_a and_o single_a and_o whosoever_o be_v pure_a may_v taste_v thou_o pure_o but_o the_o veil_n be_v in_o my_o flesh_n or_o rather_o it_o be_v my_o flesh_n itself_o it_o be_v my_o corruption_n that_o separate_v i_o from_o thou_o come_v therefore_o lord_n jesus_n come_v thou_o
have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n abuse_v but_o above_o all_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o strong_a the_o habit_n of_o luxury_n and_o debauchery_n do_v become_v when_o we_o permit_v they_o to_o take_v root_n and_o let_v they_o arrive_v even_o to_o old_a age._n the_o young_a plant_n which_o may_v be_v pluck_v up_o with_o one_o hand_n be_v now_o a_o trunk_n of_o immense_a greatness_n which_o resist_v the_o hatchet_n and_o wedge_n this_o little_a monster_n the_o love_n of_o voluptuousness_n which_o may_v have_v be_v easy_o stifle_v at_o its_o birth_n be_v become_v so_o great_a and_o so_o terrible_a as_o there_o be_v now_o no_o attacking_z nor_o fight_v with_o it_o sin_n simple_o consider_v do_v not_o become_v more_o strong_a by_o age_n their_o number_n be_v multiply_v these_o be_v snowball_n that_o wax_v big_a and_o big_a in_o roll_a these_o be_v torrent_n which_o swell_v big_a the_o far_o they_o remove_v from_o their_o springhead_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n at_o first_o to_o pass_v over_o 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solitary_a person_n admire_v the_o folly_n of_o this_o old_a man_n till_o the_o angel_n take_v up_o his_o speech_n and_o say_v thou_o se_v this_o old_a man_n he_o be_v the_o emblem_n of_o worldling_n they_o heap_v sin_n upon_o sin_n a_o design_n of_o lift_v themselves_o up_o to_o god_n come_v across_o present_o they_o sink_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n they_o begin_v again_o to_o commit_v new_a crime_n as_o if_o this_o burden_n by_o increase_n will_v become_v much_o light_a when_o they_o have_v push_v on_o their_o excess_n a_o good_a way_n a_o new_a desire_n of_o devote_v themselves_o to_o god_n overtake_v they_o but_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v become_v very_o great_a and_o consequent_o the_o motion_n of_o elevation_n be_v the_o more_o difficult_a this_o parable_n be_v compose_v for_o our_o subject_n and_o against_o those_o unhappy_a people_n that_o dedicate_v their_o youthful_a year_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o remit_v the_o practice_n of_o devotion_n and_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o their_o soul_n to_o god_n to_o another_o time_n st_o austin_n in_o expound_v the_o history_n of_o lazarus_n his_o resurrection_n ask_v why_o our_o lord_n employ_v sigh_n tear_n prayer_n and_o a_o loud_a voice_n to_o raise_v he_o again_o from_o the_o dead_a which_o he_o do_v not_o do_v for_o the_o other_o who_o he_o revive_v as_o for_o the_o young_a man_n of_o naim_n who_o bier_n he_o touch_v only_o and_o jairus_n daughter_n to_o who_o he_o only_o say_v talitha_n cumi_fw-la maid_n arise_v it_o be_v say_z he_o because_o lazarus_n have_v be_v dead_a four_o day_n our_o lord_n will_v give_v we_o a_o image_n of_o the_o difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v withal_o in_o a_o smners_n conversion_n when_o he_o be_v confirm_v in_o his_o sin_n the_o first_o day_n say_v that_o father_n be_v that_o of_o pleasure_n which_o we_o taste_v in_o the_o sin_n the_o second_o be_v that_o of_o consent_n the_o three_o be_v that_o of_o love_n and_o application_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o four_o be_v mere_a custom_n and_o habit._n when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o this_o we_o can_v be_v raise_v again_o we_o can_v be_v convert_v to_o god_n but_o by_o cry_n and_o tear_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n fruitfal_n in_o miracle_n this_o methinks_v make_v we_o comprehend_v well_o the_o interest_n we_o have_v to_o think_v on_o god_n in_o due_a time_n and_o to_o consecrate_v our_o youth_n to_o devotion_n 〈◊〉_d know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o end_n obtain_v the_o crown_n but_o i_o know_v too_o that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o high_a importance_n to_o begin_v well_o that_o we_o may_v end_v happy_o a_o arrow_n which_o wander_v and_o slide_v from_o towards_o the_o butt_n just_a as_o it_o part_v from_o the_o bow_n will_v be_v find_v at_o a_o monstrous_a distance_n from_o the_o butt_n before_o it_o come_v to_o its_o journey_n end_n one_o that_o in_o his_o youth_n be_v plunge_v into_o debauchery_n and_o abandon_v himself_o to_o sensual_a pleasure_n will_v find_v himself_o far_o remove_v from_o god_n in_o his_o old_a age_n he_o must_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n to_o bring_v himself_o back_o again_o from_o such_o a_o aloof_o and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v with_o the_o wise_a man_n young_a man_n remember_v thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n meditation_n why_o do_v thou_o delay_v o_o my_o soul_n after_o these_o consideration_n do_v not_o thou_o apprehend_v the_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o consecrate_v thyself_o without_o any_o shift_a or_o linger_a to_o the_o service_n of_o thy_o god_n thou_o evermore_o say_v to_o morrow_n to_o morrow_n but_o this_o morrow_n never_o come_v and_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n will_v come_v in_o a_o hour_n when_o thou_o look_v not_o for_o it_o when_o thy_o god_n call_v upon_o thou_o thou_o tell_v he_o the_o word_n of_o a_o slothful_a and_o sleepy_a person_n present_o i_o say_v present_o 5._o st._n august_n confess_v l._n 8._o cap._n 5._o let_v i_o alone_o a_o little_a but_o one_o moment_n long_o but_o this_o present_o never_o come_v and_o this_o moment_n be_v a_o everlasting_a one_o i_o see_v thou_o be_v displease_v at_o oblige_v thou_o to_o give_v up_o thyself_o so_o soon_o to_o god_n this_o be_v too_o soon_o say_v thou_o to_o begin_v and_o will_v it_o not_o be_v time_n enough_o some_o year_n hence_o wicked_a and_o ungrateful_a can_v thou_o think_v too_o soon_o on_o thy_o god_n it_o be_v just_a thou_o shall_v think_v of_o he_o assoon_o as_o thou_o begin_v to_o be_v and_o to_o know_v thyself_o since_o he_o think_v on_o thou_o and_o thy_o salvation_n from_o eternity_n his_o essence_n have_v no_o beginning_n and_o his_o love_n for_o thou_o have_v none_o too_o both_o eternal_a what_o do_v thou_o do_v to_o this_o great_a god_n to_o engage_v he_o to_o love_v thou_o so_o long_o a_o while_n before_o he_o love_v thou_o before_o thou_o be_v amiable_a he_o see_v thou_o in_o thy_o nothing_o and_o in_o the_o abyss_n of_o thy_o corruption_n and_o from_o all_o eternity_n he_o prepare_v mean_n for_o thou_o to_o get_v out_o of_o that_o abyss_n he_o prepare_v thou_o a_o redeemer_n he_o do_v not_o reserve_v one_o moment_n in_o eternity_n which_o he_o have_v not_o give_v thou_o and_o thou_o will_v retrench_v from_o he_o many_o year_n of_o this_o short_a and_o uncertain_a life_n whereof_o thou_o have_v the_o use_n here_o below_o perhaps_o thou_o will_v say_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unjust_a if_o thy_o time_n be_v divide_v betwixt_o thy_o god_n and_o thou_o and_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o give_v all_o one_o have_v without_o reserve_v any_o thing_n to_o one_o self_n but_o do_v not_o thou_o consider_v that_o thy_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o all_o thing_n he_o have_v give_v thou_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n the_o field_n rivers_n fountain_n plant_n tree_n and_o fruit_n have_v he_o reserve_v any_o thing_n to_o himself_o have_v not_o he_o give_v himself_o too_o entire_o to_o thou_o have_v he_o not_o give_v thou_o his_o only_a son_n and_o still_o have_v not_o he_o give_v he_o up_o to_o death_n itself_o for_o thou_o will_v not_o thou_o then_o be_v very_o ungrateful_a o_o my_o soul_n if_o thou_o will_v divide_v with_o god_n and_o rob_v he_o of_o any_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v but_o alas_o when_o thou_o think_v and_o speak_v thus_o thou_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v thy_o own_o interest_n thou_o suppose_v that_o thou_o lose_v from_o thyself_o all_o the_o time_n thou_o give_v to_o thy_o god_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n thou_o save_v only_o those_o moment_n from_o shipwreck_n which_o thou_o consecrate_v to_o he_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o thy_o time_n be_v l●st_o be_v
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 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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
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 other_o indevout_a people_n which_o be_v still_o a_o little_a far_o off_o than_o the_o former_a they_o will_v have_v a_o good_a deal_n of_o devotion_n but_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o desire_v it_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o motion_n of_o their_o will_n towards_o it_o be_v very_o imperfect_a i_o will_v willing_o become_v so_o say_v one_o but_o i_o can_v the_o world_n bear_v i_o away_o my_o affair_n whole_o take_v i_o up_o the_o temper_n and_o frame_v of_o my_o body_n and_o soul_n have_v not_o the_o necessary_a turn_v for_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o virtue_n i_o do_v what_o i_o will_v not_o and_o what_o i_o will_v that_o do_v i_o not_o for_o the_o law_n of_o my_o member_n continue_v mistress_n of_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n they_o be_v not_o much_o afflict_v at_o the_o not_o have_v that_o which_o they_o wish_v and_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a proof_n that_o they_o wish_v it_o very_o feeble_o in_o this_o estate_n how_o far_o from_o perfection_n must_v the_o conscience_n need_v be_v this_o be_v not_o to_o love_v god_n with_o all_o the_o soul_n this_o be_v to_o seek_v he_o with_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o desire_v he_o with_o a_o most_o imperfect_a will._n to_o will_v devotion_n at_o that_o rate_n be_v to_o take_v the_o way_n never_o to_o obtain_v it_o for_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o surmount_v the_o difficulty_n but_o by_o hearten_v itself_o against_o they_o and_o by_o act_v with_o all_o its_o might_n and_o vigour_n judge_v then_o if_o a_o heart_n in_o this_o looseness_n can_v attain_v one_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n we_o have_v see_v how_o many_o strong_a passion_n ruin_v and_o destroy_v devotion_n the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n its_o pleasure_n and_o its_o vexation_n if_o to_o these_o passion_n so_o violent_a and_o headstrong_a you_o oppose_v i_o know_v not_o what_o imperfect_a desire_n it_o be_v but_o the_o fight_n of_o dwarf_n against_o giant_n so_o that_o the_o first_o general_a counsel_n i_o give_v to_o attain_v devotion_n be_v to_o desire_v it_o ardent_o some_o will_v say_v that_o they_o who_o desire_v it_o have_v it_o already_o but_o that_o be_v no_o necessary_a conclusion_n some_o motion_n there_o be_v whereof_o we_o be_v not_o the_o master_n and_o oftentimes_o we_o passionate_o desire_v a_o thing_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o effect_v although_o it_o depend_v upon_o our_o will._n most_o terrible_a be_v the_o tyranny_n of_o habit_n and_o the_o cord_n of_o sin_n be_v difficult_a to_o break_v st._n austin_n most_o divine_o paint_v out_o to_o we_o the_o motion_n of_o such_o a_o soul_n as_o will_v elevate_v itself_o to_o god_n but_o can_v i_o pant_v after_o the_o liberty_n of_o think_v only_o on_o thou_o o_o my_o god_n but_o i_o sigh_v be_v still_o tie_v up_o not_o by_o foreign_a chain_n but_o by_o those_o of_o my_o own_o will_n which_o be_v hard_a than_o iron_n the_o devil_n hold_v it_o in_o his_o power_n he_o have_v bind_v it_o fast_o i_o have_v a_o will_v to_o serve_v 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 ●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 ●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 ●e_v soul_n be_v sick_a poor_a and_o die_v when_o deprive_v of_o de●tion_n which_o be_v its_o fire_n soul_n life_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v no●ing_v to_o which_o we_o may_v more_o assure_o apply_v the_o pro●ise_n of_o st._n james_n that_o god_n refuse_v no_o body_n but_o give_v ●o_o all_o liberal_o since_o it_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o world_n ●hich_v be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o he_o because_o it_o tend_v whol●_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n we_o ask_v of_o god_n ●hat_n he_o will_v please_v to_o enter_v into_o we_o and_o that_o we_o ●ay_v enter_v into_o he_o to_o be_v perfect_o unite_v to_o he_o by_o a_o ●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 ●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 ●ade_v perfect_a in_o one_o here_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o begin_v ●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 ●●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 ●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
not_o bridle_v and_o keep_v in_o ●hese_fw-mi passion_n they_o will_v raise_v terrible_a tempest_n in_o the_o ●ea_n and_o devotion_n which_o be_v a_o peaceable_a virtue_n will_v ●arce_o be_v hear_v every_o passion_n carry_v the_o heart_n to_o it_o ●elf_n and_o devotion_n be_v a_o stranger_n and_o stand_v only_o by_o itself_o will_v never_o gain_v it_o there_o be_v most_o assure_o a_o very_a near_o relation_n betwixt_o word_n and_o action_n they_o come_v from_o the_o same_o source_n and_o the_o same_o heart_n produce_v they_o wherefore_o i_o think_v we_o can_v better_o employ_v the_o mouth_n than_o ●o_o sing_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o mind_n than_o to_o contemplate_v his_o wonder_n nor_o the_o soul_n than_o to_o lift_v itself_o up_o by_o piety_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n we_o have_v say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v ill_o dispose_v in_o come_v from_o a_o ball_n or_o comedy_n to_o fall_v to_o pious_a ordinance_n on_o the_o quite_o contrary_a i_o say_v that_o in_o return_v from_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v where_o he_o have_v comfort_v the_o afflict_a succour_v the_o miserable_a sustain_v the_o weak_a ●ed_v the_o poor_a and_o defend_v the_o oppress_v he_o find_v himself_o in_o such_o a_o gaiety_n of_o heart_n and_o such_o a_o disposition_n to_o prayer_n as_o be_v inconceivable_a he_o come_v to_o god_n with_o the_o lightness_n and_o alacrity_n of_o a_o servant_n who_o present_v himself_o before_o his_o master_n after_o have_v do_v his_o duty_n to_o obtain_v the_o reward_n for_o although_o he_o acknowledge_v he_o deserve_v nothing_o at_o god_n hand_n yet_o he_o know_v that_o god_n liberal_o recompense_v we_o for_o what_o we_o do_v only_o by_o the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n he_o approach_v to_o the_o altar_n with_o the_o confidence_n of_o a_o subject_a that_o appear_v before_o his_o prince_n with_o present_n which_o he_o know_v be_v capable_a of_o open_v the_o way_n to_o his_o heart_n for_o though_o our_o good_a work_n be_v most_o imperfect_a gift_n that_o hold_v not_o what_o they_o have_v good_a in_o they_o but_o from_o god_n liberality_n nevertheless_o he_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o he_o accept_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v of_o great_a price_n insomuch_o as_o i_o will_v not_o make_v any_o difficulty_n to_o say_v that_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n who_o have_v distinguish_v the_o active_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a from_o the_o contemplative_a and_o have_v believe_v that_o this_o can_v be_v without_o that_o and_o even_o that_o the_o contemplative_a life_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o other_o be_v assure_o in_o a_o great_a error_n for_o by_o separate_a the_o active_a life_n which_o consist_v in_o do_v good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o practise_v charity_n to_o the_o afflict_a and_o miserable_a from_o the_o contemplative_a life_n to_o which_o they_o believe_v they_o can_v give_v themselves_o up_o entire_o they_o have_v certain_o deprive_v devotion_n of_o a_o very_a great_a help_n i_o have_v already_o confess_v there_o to_o be_v no_o need_n that_o the_o employment_n of_o martha_n which_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o bodily_a service_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o member_n shall_v take_v away_o from_o we_o the_o time_n consecrate_v to_o mary_n work_n toread_v meditation_n and_o prayer_n but_o we_o have_v time_n enough_o for_o all_o when_o mary_n shall_v have_v be_v sufficient_o hear_v than_o its_o fit_a she_o take_v the_o place_n of_o martha_n wherefore_o i_o will_v not_o counsel_v he_o that_o will_v attain_v to_o perfect_a devotion_n to_o renounce_v that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o consist_v of_o the_o afflict_a member_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n this_o be_v the_o school_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o so_o far_o be_v it_o that_o this_o practice_n of_o work_n of_o mercy_n can_v distract_v devout_a soul_n that_o it_o be_v the_o ready_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o arrive_v at_o devotion_n the_o idea_n of_o the_o world_n i_o confess_v be_v incompatible_a with_o those_o wherewith_o a_o devout_a soul_n ought_v to_o be_v fill_v a_o tragical_a event_n the_o ●ight_n of_o a_o triumph_n the_o hope_n of_o a_o fortune_n for_o one_o self_n the_o grandeur_n of_o that_o of_o another_o a_o duel_n a_o war_n all_o this_o i_o say_v have_v no_o alliance_n with_o the_o sweet_a image_n of_o god_n of_o his_o love_n and_o benefit_n wherefore_o it_o be_v good_a to_o shut_v and_o bar_v the_o door_n against_o these_o first_o representation_n if_o we_o will_v with_o success_n labour_n to_o establish_v other_o in_o their_o room_n but_o the_o image_n of_o a_o man_n languish_v upon_o the_o bed_n of_o sickness_n or_o another_o that_o suffer_v for_o god_n sake_n agree_v easy_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n suffer_v for_o we_o a_o multitude_n of_o poor_a creature_n to_o who_o thou_o open_v thy_o bowel_n will_v easy_o lead_v thou_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o liberality_n thou_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o aid_n thou_o shall_v lend_v one_o to_o defend_v his_o life_n another_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o reputation_n will_v oblige_v thou_o to_o think_v on_o the_o benefit_n and_o help_n thou_o continual_o receive_v from_o heaven_n thou_o shall_v have_v no-manner_n of_o need_n to_o banish_v the_o thought_n that_o attend_v a_o active_a life_n lodge_v those_o in_o their_o place_n which_o spring_n from_o contemplation_n they_o will_v be_v unite_v in_o the_o same_o heart_n and_o lend_v one_o another_o mutual_a succour_n meditation_n i_o have_v be_v tell_v sometime_o that_o the_o virtue_n be_v sister_n that_o walk_v hand_n in_o hand_n that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o ring_n in_o a_o holy_a chain_n which_o be_v break_v by_o the_o rapture_n of_o one_o of_o those_o ring_n they_o can_v be_v without_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o o_o my_o soul_n thou_o can_v not_o be_v true_o devout_a because_o thou_o be_v not_o true_o virtuous_a and_o thou_o have_v not_o in_o thy_o heart_n the_o practice_n of_o all_o good_a work_n do_v not_o thou_o see_v that_o the_o world_n be_v exact_o ●amed_v to_o furnish_v employ_v to_o thy_o virtue_n and_o to_o soilicit_v thou_o to_o good_a and_o holy_a action_n the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o almighty_a power_n that_o thou_o may_v join_v thy_o voice_n to_o those_o praise_n which_o all_o nature_n ring_v and_o thy_o gratitude_n may_v have_v scope_n to_o act_v upon_o the_o air_n form_v outrageous_a tempest_n make_v the_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n to_o break_v forth_o so_o as_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n may_v spring_v up_o in_o thou_o and_o thou_o may_v tremble_v under_o his_o hand_n which_o make_v the_o mountain_n to_o tremble_v do_v not_o thou_o see_v that_o god_n here_o below_o make_v miserable_a wretch_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o object_n of_o thy_o compassion_n poor_a one_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v liberal_a afflict_v that_o thou_o may_v comfort_v they_o weak_a for_o thou_o to_o uphold_v sick_a that_o thou_o may_v visit_v they_o do_v not_o be_v permit_v too_o even_o that_o there_o be_v sinner_n stray_v like_o lose_a sheep_n that_o thou_o may_v bring_v they_o into_o the_o right_a way_n ignorant_a one_o for_o thou_o to_o instruct_v imprudent_a that_o thou_o may_v be_v their_o director_n some_o that_o fall_v that_o thou_o may_v help_v they_o up_o again_o and_o for_o thyself_o that_o thou_o look_v to_o thy_o step_n and_o even_o wicked_a person_n who_o perish_v that_o thou_o may_v be_v put_v into_o a_o wholesome_a terror_n for_o thyself_o do_v not_o he_o suffer_v example_n of_o vanity_n to_o be_v that_o thou_o may_v slight_v and_o contemn_v the_o world_n sudden_a and_o unlooked_a for_o death_n that_o thou_o shall_v watch_v and_o be_v ever_o upon_o thy_o guard_n proud_a man_n that_o fall_v into_o ruin_n while_o thou_o retaine_v thyself_o in_o humility_n the_o wicked_a who_o be_v punish_v for_o thou_o to_o dread_a sin_n good_a man_n that_o be_v reward_v for_o thou_o to_o seek_v virtue_n yet_o amid_o so_o many_o lesson_n thou_o be_v deaf_a and_o immovable_a thou_o make_v thy_o virtue_n to_o consist_v in_o not_o do_v evil_a that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o do_v nothing_o as_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v make_v life_n to_o confist_n in_o death_n and_o in_o be_v deprive_v of_o motion_n thou_o remember_v not_o that_o the_o barren_a figtree_n be_v cut_v up_o by_o the_o root_n that_o god_n will_v cast_v out_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o will_v banish_v out_o of_o his_o paradise_n both_o he_o that_o have_v lose_v his_o talon_n and_o he_o that_o have_v only_o bury_v it_o in_o the_o earth_n prayer_n come_v then_o o_o my_o divine_a redeemer_n come_v and_o cultivate_v my_o heart_n that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o rocky_a and_o barren_a ground_n soften_v this_o rock_n by_o the_o
rain_n of_o thy_o grace_n bless_v this_o field_n to_o make_v it_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n let_v my_o hand_n distil_v myrrh_n and_o my_o finger_n precious_a spice_n let_v they_o be_v always_o open_v to_o the_o miserable_a let_v my_o foot_n run_v to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o afflict_a let_v my_o ear_n receive_v with_o earnestness_n thy_o word_n and_o thy_o praise_n let_v my_o tongue_n continual_o celebrate_v thy_o most_o glorious_a name_n and_o lift_v up_o even_o to_o heaven_n the_o act_n of_o thy_o good_a favour_n o_o holy_a spirit_n thou_o principle_n of_o all_o good_a motion_n instill_v life_n into_o i_o be_v thou_o the_o soul_n of_o my_o soul_n that_o it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o inter_v in_o the_o grave_a of_o sleep_n and_o sin_n but_o that_o it_o may_v act_v mighty_o that_o it_o be_v inflame_v by_o the_o fire_n of_o charity_n that_o this_o fire_n may_v never_o cease_v one_o moment_n to_o be_v at_o rest_n and_o without_o action_n so_o that_o by_o continual_a practice_n of_o good_a work_n i_o may_v be_v dispose_v to_o devotion_n and_o to_o a_o union_n with_o thou_o who_o be_v the_o object_n of_o my_o love_n o_o let_v i_o by_o this_o purity_n invite_v he_o more_o and_o more_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n to_o make_v i_o partake_v of_o the_o flame_n of_o zeal_n and_o piety_n chap._n iii_o the_o three_o general_a direction_n to_o be_v watchful_a over_o the_o sense_n and_o not_o let_v the_o heart_n loose_a so_o near_o a_o commerce_n be_v there_o between_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o sense_n that_o our_o strife_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o guard_v the_o one_o unless_o we_o set_v a_o strict_a watch_n over_o the_o other_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o house_n the_o sense_n be_v the_o gate_n and_o window_n and_o hereat_o do_v the_o devil_n enter_v and_o seize_v on_o our_o soul_n this_o enemy_n prepare_v so_o many_o battery_n without_o as_o we_o have_v external_a sense_n and_o if_o we_o escape_v death_n on_o one_o side_n he_o send_v it_o we_o on_o the_o other_o notwithstanding_o this_o we_o may_v say_v in_o vindication_n of_o the_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v more_o unhapy_a than_o criminal_a they_o have_v a_o sensation_n of_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o creation_n and_o even_o the_o great_a part_n of_o idea_n which_o come_v to_o they_o be_v innocent_a but_o they_o be_v spoil_v in_o arrive_v at_o the_o heart_n the_o beauty_n of_o a_o woman_n the_o glitter_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n the_o sweetness_n of_o vocal_a music_n be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o they_o can_v be_v evil_a but_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n poison_v these_o innocent_a image_n nevertheless_o since_o the_o heart_n do_v not_o scatter_v its_o poison_n but_o upon_o the_o object_n which_o be_v present_v to_o it_o we_o shall_v take_v away_o the_o matter_n of_o its_o crime_n and_o it_o be_v mischievous_a habit_n will_v be_v assure_o destroy_v and_o lose_v if_o they_o want_v employment_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o have_v a_o constant_a guard_n over_o the_o sense_n i_o make_v a_o agreement_n with_o my_o eye_n say_v a_o holy_a man_n not_o to_o look_v upon_o all_o woman_n this_o have_v be_v ever_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o who_o will_v become_v true_o devout_a to_o hold_v their_o soul_n shut_v up_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o object_n that_o may_v assault_v they_o on_o all_o side_n true_a it_o be_v the_o usage_n of_o this_o maxim_n have_v be_v push_v on_o and_o wrest_v even_o to_o superstition_n some_o have_v voluntary_o banish_v themselves_o into_o desert_n that_o they_o may_v see_v nothing_o at_o all_o other_o have_v lock_v themselves_o up_o in_o cell_n and_o cave_n never_o to_o come_v forth_o and_o history_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o egyptian_a hermit_n who_o will_v never_o agree_v to_o let_v his_o sister_n have_v the_o pleasure_n of_o see_v of_o he_o he_o receive_v order_n from_o his_o superior_a at_o the_o entreaty_n of_o athanasius_n to_o go_v and_o visit_v she_o he_o go_v but_o he_o present_v himself_o before_o she_o with_o his_o eye_n shut_v and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n see_v she_o glut_v thyself_o quick_o say_v he_o to_o she_o with_o the_o sight_n of_o i_o these_o excess_n do_v a_o great_a wrong_a and_o injury_n to_o reason_n than_o they_o bring_v help_v to_o devotion_n the_o soul_n draw_v a_o vast_a aid_n from_o its_o sense_n when_o it_o know_v how_o to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o to_o stop_v all_o the_o avenue_n whereby_o knowledge_n may_v arrive_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o keep_v it_o in_o a_o darksome_a and_o lonely_a prison_n and_o nourish_v it_o in_o ignorance_n what_o be_v true_a herein_o be_v that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o it_o to_o be_v concern_v about_o evil_a object_n because_o it_o carry_v thence_o a_o tincture_n which_o indispose_v it_o for_o devotion_n it_o be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a to_o permit_v it_o to_o meddle_v too_o much_o with_o indifferent_a object_n fince_n this_o dissipate_v its_o strength_n and_o evermore_o it_o return_v with_o somewhat_o of_o the_o vain_a air_n of_o those_o course_n it_o take_v abroad_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o world_n live_v we_o give_v we_o receive_v visit_n we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o conversation_n that_o be_v to_o the_o contagion_n of_o every_o comer_n the_o eye_n be_v always_o open_v to_o see_v new_a object_n the_o ear_n to_o hear_v news_n vain_a be_v our_o discourse_n we_o say_v there_o a_o thousand_o impertinence_n and_o more_o of_o evil_n than_o good_a thing_n one_o will_v entertain_v you_o with_o a_o dress_n another_o with_o a_o little_a intrigue_n of_o the_o town_n other_o will_v pour_v profane_a or_o backbiting_a discourse_n into_o your_o breast_n one_o will_v carry_v you_o to_o see_v a_o new_a house_n or_o any_o fine_a building_n one_o late_o come_v from_o a_o new_a world_n will_v tell_v you_o strange_a thing_n and_o enlarge_v his_o recital_n with_o story_n and_o miracle_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v be_v concern_v in_o and_o your_o soul_n will_v return_v to_o your_o house_n charge_v with_o these_o toy_n and_o gewgaws_a when_o it_o will_v enter_v into_o its_o closet_n it_o be_v certain_a it_o will_v not_o find_v the_o heart_n in_o its_o ordinary_a disposition_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n it_o be_v the_o more_o difficult_a to_o be_v devout_a in_o great_a city_n where_o you_o can_v scarce_o defend_v yourselves_o from_o these_o amusement_n so_o that_o i_o will_v advice_n the_o faithful_a soul_n to_o keep_v its_o self_n up_o close_o the_o soul_n of_o worldly_a people_n be_v like_a to_o your_o great_a street_n they_o be_v open_a to_o every_o comer_n we_o be_v never_o there_o but_o in_o a_o crowd_n and_o devotion_n which_o love_v privacy_n be_v not_o please_v with_o these_o public_a place_n these_o be_v inn_n where_o all_o stranger_n be_v lodge_v well_o and_o the_o master_n lie_v oft_o out_o of_o door_n but_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a person_n ought_v to_o be_v for_o himself_o and_o god_n who_o be_v its_o master_n be_v to_o be_v ever_o at_o large_a a_o garden_n enclose_v be_v my_o sister_n my_o spouse_n a_o spring_n shut_v up_o a_o fountain_n seal_v say_v jesus_n christ_n to_o his_o spouse_n that_o be_v to_o every_o christian_n soul_n lock_v up_o this_o garden_n if_o thou_o will_v preserve_v the_o flower_n and_o fruit_n and_o let_v not_o the_o purity_n of_o thy_o live_a water_n be_v corrupt_v by_o unclean_a beast_n temple_n and_o oratory_n be_v not_o to_o be_v accessible_a to_o the_o profane_a our_o heart_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o shut_v the_o gate_n against_o a_o thousand_o indiscreet_a idea_n and_o vain_a object_n that_o will_v profane_v they_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o vessel_n which_o grace_n fill_v with_o sweet_a odour_n but_o we_o shall_v not_o give_v it_o too_o much_o air_n otherwise_o it_o will_v evaporate_v and_o become_v insipid_a if_o the_o vessel_n be_v full_a it_o can_v receive_v nothing_o new_a without_o lose_v what_o it_o have_v before_o if_o it_o be_v fill_v with_o devotion_n and_o we_o bring_v it_o into_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n it_o be_v fill_v with_o vanity_n these_o vanity_n will_v send_v what_o it_o have_v good_a a_o pack_v away_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n we_o be_v to_o fix_v in_o our_o memory_n that_o at_o all_o time_n we_o make_v any_o sally_n into_o the_o world_n we_o lose_v so_o much_o of_o our_o own_o dinah_n go_v out_o to_o see_v the_o daughter_n of_o the_o land_n and_o she_o lose_v her_o best_a ornament_n the_o flower_n of_o her_o virginity_n but_o especial_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o in_o seek_v out_o harmless_a object_n we_o
brightness_n and_o splendour_n thy_o light_n thou_o be_v hide_v as_o to_o thy_o creature_n and_o let_v only_o have_v a_o glimpse_n of_o thou_o but_o o_o lord_n purify_v my_o ●es_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o view_v thou_o apparent_o put_v my_o ●art_n into_o thy_o way_n that_o i_o may_v seek_v thou_o and_o find_v thou_o thou_o be_v hide_v and_o estrang_a thyself_o from_o i_o i_o be_o on_o 〈◊〉_d other_o part_n a_o stray_a sheep_n stray_v from_o thou_o o_o be_v ●ased_v then_o to_o seek_v i_o show_v thyself_o to_o i_o and_o hide_v 〈◊〉_d the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n from_o i_o recall_v i_o from_o 〈◊〉_d wander_n and_o let_v i_o not_o be_v draw_v in_o by_o the_o world_n ●d_a the_o throng_n of_o its_o vain_a object_n tie_v my_o soul_n to_o thou_o the_o cord_n of_o thy_o love_n so_o as_o i_o may_v not_o be_v one_o moment_n without_o think_v on_o thou_o and_o when_o i_o put_v up_o my_o prayer_n to_o thou_o i_o may_v ever_o find_v thou_o near_o i_o chap._n vi_o the_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 after_o these_o general_a advice_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o give_v some_o more_o particular_a one_o and_o first_o i_o believe_v that_o to_o have_v the_o hour_n of_o devotion_n well_o regulate_v be_v a_o very_a great_a ●p_n to_o devotion_n man_n be_v a_o creature_n of_o habit_n as_o well_o 〈◊〉_d other_o live_a creature_n a_o horse_n that_o have_v be_v use_v to_o go_v one_o way_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o return_v that_o way_n again_o and_o when_o the_o hour_n of_o bait_v come_v he_o will_v g●_n no_o far_o so_o the_o heart_n do_v without_o any_o guidance_n or_o endeavour_n return_v by_o its_o self_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o have_v be_v accustom_v to_o do_v choose_v then_o your_o hour●_n of_o evening_n morning_n midday_n at_o nine_o of_o clock_n a●_n three_o make_v a_o law_n for_o some_o time_n never_o to_o let_v those_o hour_n pass_v but_o to_o consecrate_v they_o to_o no_o other_o thing_n than_o to_o devotion_n and_o without_o any_o trouble_n you●_n heart_n will_v return_v thither_o at_o the_o same_o hour_n those_o very_a part_n which_o in_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o knowledge_n be_v capable_a of_o these_o habit_n when_o the_o stomach_n ha●_n be_v use_v to_o eat_v at_o certain_a hour_n if_o this_o be_v not_o do_v it_o feel_v somewhat_o want_v the_o conscience_n be_v the_o stomach_n of_o the_o soul_n give_v it_o its_o meal_n and_o if_o you_o happen_v to_o be_v want_v it_o will_v advertise_v you_o on_o it_o bu●_n have_v a_o care_n of_o do_v violence_n to_o it_o and_o be_v earnest_a with_o it_o to_o hold_v its_o peace_n when_o it_o mind_v you_o amid_o your_o occupation_n that_o the_o hour_n be_v come_v do_v not_o de●_n ferr_v it_o till_o another_o time_n for_o it_o be_v undo_v if_o you_o put_v i●_n out_o of_o order_n it_o will_v no_o more_o remind_v you_o you_o you●_n self_n must_v be_v force_v to_o solicit_v it_o and_o then_o the_o soul_n i●_n in_o a_o 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but_o in_o short_a exercise_n ●ut_v such_o weak_a soul_n may_v not_o take_v a_o disgust_n at_o it_o if_o a_o clock_n be_v not_o wound_v up_o sometime_o a_o day_n it_o will_v ●t_a go_v long_o the_o weight_n that_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o rope_n ascend_v to_o the_o earth_n whither_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v ●●me_n the_o whole_a machine_n stand_v still_o the_o soul_n be_v ●is_n wonderful_a machine_n make_v up_o of_o its_o faculty_n as_o of_o theels_n and_o spring_n the_o weight_n of_o the_o flesh_n draw_v down_o pull_v it_o up_o often_o if_o you_o will_v have_v it_o go_v lift_v up_o the_o hand_n which_o hang_v down_o and_o the_o feeble_a knee_n they_o who_o look_v to_o these_o automatous_a machine_n observe_v daily_o to_o wind_v they_o up_o at_o the_o same_o hour_n otherwise_o they_o be_v put_v out_o of_o order_n and_o this_o i_o say_v be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o faithful_a soul_n all_o hour_n be_v good_a for_o heaven_n be_v always_o open_a and_o god_n throne_n evermore_o accessible_a yet_o some_o there_o be_v more_o proper_a than_o other_o those_o of_o the_o morning_n be_v so_o true_o god_n that_o we_o can_v rob_v he_o of_o they_o without_o sacrilege_n if_o god_n will_v have_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o our_o herd_n with_o much_o strong_a reason_n he_o will_v have_v the_o first_o of_o our_o hour_n and_o what_o time_n more_o proper_a to_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n and_o our_o heart_n to_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n than_o that_o wherein_o the_o sensible_a sun_n arise_v upon_o the_o earth_n be_v it_o not_o time_n then_o that_o the_o morningstar_n arise_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o prayer_n open_v the_o gate_n to_o grace_n at_o what_o hour_n with_o better_a effect_n can_v we_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n than_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o race_n the_o success_n where_o of_o depend_v entire_o on_o he_o in_o the_o morning_n we_o ought_v to_o seal_v our_o heart_n with_o holy_a thought_n and_o fill_v our_o mind_n with_o chaste_a and_o good_a idea_n that_o the_o corruption_n in_o the_o world_n which_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n will_v by_o the_o sense_n give_v a_o thousand_o assault_n to_o our_o heart_n may_v find_v it_o well_o fortify_v this_o will_v be_v a_o morning-dew_n which_o in_o fall_v from_o heaven_n upon_o our_o soul_n will_v make_v they_o fruitful_a in_o all_o good_a work_n for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n this_o will_v be_v a_o amulet_n against_o the_o evil_a air_n of_o the_o world_n without_o which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o leave_v our_o lodging_n nor_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o rencontre_n of_o contagious_a object_n as_o god_n
ought_v to_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n in_o our_o heart_n so_o he_o must_v be_v the_o last_o too_o for_o he_o say_v i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n let_v he_o open_v the_o door_n of_o our_o thought_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o shut_v it_o up_o in_o the_o evening_n this_o will_v be_v a_o seal_n which_o the_o devil_n will_v respect_v though_o we_o be_v disarm_v all_o while_o asleep_o they_o will_v tremble_v at_o our_o sight_n and_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o come_v near_o we_o the_o destroy_a angel_n in_o pass_v by_o will_v reverence_v this_o impression_n and_o this_o fruit_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb._n these_o evening-devotion_n will_v be_v a_o holy_a seed_n cast_v on_o good_a land_n which_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o morning_n since_o the_o heart_n will_v find_v it_o no_o trouble_n to_o begin_v the_o present_a journey_n where_o it_o have_v end_v the_o precede_a one_o and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v true_a that_o 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frequent_o of_o the_o sun_n return_n very_o ●ear_v in_o these_o term_n why_o come_v thou_o o_o sun_n to_o trouble_v the_o rest_n of_o my_o soul_n why_o rise_v thou_o so_o soon_o to_o tear_v i_o away_o from_o the_o service_n of_o my_o god_n why_o come_v thou_o to_o rob_v i_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o true_a sun_n meditation_n the_o measure_n of_o god_n love_n be_v to_o have_v neither_o measure_n nor_o bound_n it_o be_v to_o contain_v all_o the_o degree_n of_o love_n the_o true_a rule_n for_o the_o hour_n of_o devotion_n be_v to_o consecrate_v all_o our_o hour_n to_o he_o this_o be_v what_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v o_o my_o soul_n but_o thou_o can_v not_o for_o thou_o dragge_v after_o thou_o a_o bodily_a prison_n which_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o thou_o thy_o affection_n can_v be_v tame_v so_o far_o thou_o be_v subject_a even_o to_o worldly_a necessity_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o how_o happy_a will_v thou_o be_v then_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o such_o a_o place_n where_o thou_o 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flame_n and_o all_o fire_n for_o the_o service_n of_o thy_o god_n in_o this_o will_v consisithy_a chief_a happiness_n will_v thou_o then_o here_o belowt_v approach_n near_o the_o glory_n of_o paradise_n multiply_v and_o continue_v as_o far_o as_o thou_o can_v thy_o commerces_fw-la and_o communication_n with_o god_n if_o thou_o be_v always_o with_o god_n god_n will_v be_v always_o with_o thou_o now_o where_o god_n be_v there_o be_v paradise_n when_o thou_o interest_n into_o thy_o close_n with_o most_o devout_a disposition_n god_n enter_v there_o with_o thou_o and_o after_o he_o a_o whole_a troop_n of_o angel_n cherubim_n and_o seraphim_n for_o he_o encamp_v his_o angel_n about_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o especial_o at_o such_o time_n as_o they_o fear_v and_o serve_v he_o no_o object_n be_v more_o charm_a to_o the_o angel_n who_o seek_v the_o good_a and_o wellsare_a of_o man_n than_o to_o see_v a_o person_n true_o devout_a fall_n on_o his_o face_n to_o the_o earth_n bathe_v his_o couch_n and_o bosom_n in_o tear_n breathe_v the_o most_o ardent_a sigh_n towards_o heaven_n carry_v his_o eye_n thither_o where_o his_o heart_n be_v and_o stretch_v forth_o pure_a hand_n to_o god_n that_o he_o may_v embrace_v he_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n for_o one_o devout_a soul_n as_o well_o ●s_a for_o one_o penitent_a sinner_n wherefore_o it_o be_v heaven_n seem_v to_o descend_v and_o come_v down_o as_o it_o be_v to_o this_o spectacle_n labour_v then_o o_o my_o soul_n to_o be_v ever_o prastise_v devotion_n as_o well_o as_o repentance_n that_o heaven_n may_v be_v glad_a and_o thy_o god_n come_v often_o to_o thou_o by_o these_o frequent_a communication_n thou_o will_v become_v right_a like_o the_o face_n of_o moses_n the_o ray_n of_o that_o divine_a sun_n will_v pierce_v and_o illuminate_v thou_o they_o will_v ba●ish_v the_o darkness_n out_o of_o thou_o and_o melt_v the_o ice_n and_o coldness_n that_o make_v thou_o so_o heavy_a and_o neglectful_a and_o ●y_a behold_v he_o 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fountain_n let_v it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o accurse_a field_n abound_v in_o poison_n but_o a_o fertile_a one_o in_o flower_n and_o fruit_n of_o goodliving_a and_o let_v none_o fly_v up_o to_o thou_o but_o sweet_a and_o kind_a exhalation_n prayer_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o that_o may_v cause_v a_o sweet-smelling_a savour_n of_o atonement_n let_v those_o sweet_a vapour_n be_v change_v into_o sweet_a dew_n and_o let_v thy_o grace_n fall_v upon_o my_o soul_n like_o rain_n upon_o a_o thirsty_a land_n make_v it_o to_o rejoice_v and_o flourish_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n thou_o be_v my_o light_n lighten_v i_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n when_o i_o call_v upon_o thou_o in_o
my_o bed_n come_v and_o honour_v i_o with_o thy_o presencedure_v the_o absence_n of_o all_o other_o object_n that_o i_o may_v possess_v thou_o only_o and_o nothing_o may_v rob_v my_o soul_n of_o thou_o cause_o the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o rejoice_v to_o display_v a_o heavenly_a fire_n in_o my_o eye_n and_o a_o holy_a gaiety_n over_o my_o countenance_n which_o may_v accompany_v i_o all_o way_n and_o defend_v i_o from_o those_o many_o trouble_n and_o vexation_n whereunto_o i_o be_o expose_v let_v i_o lie_v down_o a●_n night_n as_o in_o thy_o bosom_n and_o let_v i_o cast_v myself_o betwixt_o th●_n arm_n that_o i_o may_v be_v afraid_a of_o nothing_o which_o be_v ghastly_a or_o terrible_a in_o darkness_n chap._n vii_o the_o second_o particular_a help_n solitude_n and_o religious_a assembly_n we_o can_v but_o own_o with_o a_o great_a earnestn_v of_o mind_n that_o devotion_n require_v solitudy_v we_o have_v our_o master_n word_n and_o decisi●●_n in_o the_o case_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o pray_v say_v he_o enter_v in_o thy_o closet_n very_o strange_a prayer_n be_v those_o of_o the_o phyrisee_n that_o pray_v in_o the_o corner_n of_o street_n or_o in_o t●●_n market-place_n our_o lord_n christ_n have_v good_a ground_n 〈◊〉_d indict_v they_o of_o hypocrisy_n solitude_n be_v necessary_a 〈◊〉_d only_o to_o avoid_v that_o pomp_n and_o parade_n which_o god_n 〈◊〉_d much_o detest_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o especial_o in_o devotion_n but_o also_o to_o make_v our_o prayer_n more_o pure_a and_o perfe●_n how_o shall_v the_o soul_n i_o wonder_v be_v recollect_v into_o itself_o if_o a_o thousand_o object_n lie_v hold_v on_o the_o sense_n and_o draw_v it_o abroad_o we_o must_v therefore_o be_v in_o such_o a_o place_n where_o we_o need_v not_o defend_v it_o against_o the_o assault_n which_o sensual_a object_n make_v upon_o it_o let_v we_o retire_v never_o so_o far_o from_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o carry_v enough_o of_o the_o world_n along_o with_o we_o and_o the_o image_n of_o its_o object_n will_v persecute_v we_o sufficient_o without_o be_v voluntary_o expose_v to_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o object_n themselves_o yes_o the_o commerces_fw-la of_o the_o faithful_a soul_n with_o its_o god_n require_v a_o secret_a retiral_n our_o lord_n be_v its_o belove_a who_o cast_v not_o his_o favour_n upon_o the_o crowd_n and_o expose_v they_o not_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n as_o st._n bernard_n say_v he_o love_v shadow_n and_o retreat_n and_o therefore_o the_o spouse_n will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v who_o her_o soul_n love_v until_o she_o have_v bring_v he_o into_o her_o mother_n house_n and_o into_o her_o closet_n if_o we_o have_v a_o design_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n wherein_o be_v need_n of_o application_n we_o seek_v a_o retreat_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v distract_v we_o be_v therefore_o to_o seek_v it_o for_o devotion_n since_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n ask_v a_o more_o fix_a consideration_n far_o from_o all_o witness_n must_v the_o true_o devout_a person_n be_v to_o be_v entire_o free_a in_o all_o respect_n devotion_n have_v its_o action_n and_o its_o word_n it_o impress_n its_o transport_n and_o motion_n upon_o the_o soul_n ●nd_v the_o body_n frequent_o may_v have_v its_o too_o so_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o man_n who_o make_v so_o ill_a judgement_n thereof_o if_o these_o reason_n have_v need_n of_o be_v uphold_v by_o example_n we_o have_v that_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o the_o mountain_n do_v not_o seem_v secret_a or_o solitary_a enough_o since_o he_o add_v to_o they_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n that_o of_o daniel_n who_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o his_o chamber_n to_o pray_v that_o of_o st._n peter_n who_o go_v upon_o the_o housetop_n to_o perform_v his_o devotion_n but_o this_o subject_n be_v so_o little_o dispute_v and_o indeed_o so_o little_o disputable_a as_o we_o need_v not_o dwell_v upon_o it_o long_o the_o necessity_n of_o solitariness_n for_o devotion_n may_v give_v ●●s_o more_o extensive_a prospect_n there_o have_v be_v many_o great_a man_n and_o i_o will_v believe_v many_o great_a saint_n who_o have_v think_v devotion_n and_o solitude_n be_v so_o inseparable_a as_o that_o not_o only_o the_o true_o devout_a be_v to_o set_v aside_o some_o hour_n of_o retreat_n but_o their_o whole_a life_n ought_v to_o be_v consecrate_v to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v this_o sentiment_n which_o sometime_o people_v the_o desert_n of_o thebes_n and_o of_o syria_n with_o so_o many_o anchorite_n they_o flee_v the_o world_n to_o lift_v up_o their_o soul_n more_o easy_o to_o god_n and_o to_o acquire_v a_o habit_n of_o more_o pure_a and_o ardent_a devotion_n and_o hence_o perhaps_o may_v come_v the_o very_a name_n of_o devotion_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o vow_v one_o self_n to_o a_o thing_n because_o those_o christian_n by_o a_o vow_n in_o a_o particular_a manner_n consecrate_v themselves_o to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n extreme_o difficult_a to_o pronounce_v upon_o this_o sort_n of_o life_n i_o will_v not_o condemn_v all_o those_o that_o follow_v it_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o many_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n as_o our_o saviour_n be_v but_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v that_o this_o estate_n be_v subject_a to_o as_o great_a temptation_n as_o a_o worldly_a life_n be_v in_o my_o opinion_n it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o presume_v on_o one_o own_o strength_n to_o go_v and_o lie_v expose_v to_o the_o stroke_n of_o a_o enemy_n so_o potent_a as_o the_o devil_n in_o society_n if_o one_o fall_v another_o help_v he_o up_o again_o but_o in_o the_o wilderness_n he_o must_v sustain_v himself_o he_o must_v stand_v upon_o his_o own_o bottom_n he_o must_v be_v his_o own_o pastor_n guide_n and_o director_n of_o conscience_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v he_o have_v light_a enough_o to_o furnish_v for_o all_o these_o duty_n have_v too_o high_a a_o opinion_n of_o himself_o i_o will_v speak_v here_o nothing_o more_o forcible_a against_o this_o way_n of_o live_v than_o what_o st._n basil_n himself_o a_o great_a lover_n and_o admirer_n of_o the_o monastic_a life_n have_v write_v thereon_o he_o believe_v that_o that_o sort_n of_o life_n be_v no_o more_o charitable_a than_o it_o be_v prudent_a they_o have_v either_o need_n of_o succour_n themselves_o or_o they_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n to_o give_v it_o to_o other_o if_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n themselves_o it_o be_v a_o imprndence_n to_o be_v confine_v in_o a_o place_n where_o they_o can_v receive_v none_o if_o they_o can_v afford_v it_o to_o other_o this_o be_v to_o want_v charity_n and_o to_o rob_v society_n of_o what_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o it_o and_o with_o good_a reason_n he_o say_v that_o this_o be_v to_o deprive_v one_o self_n of_o the_o hope_n to_o hear_v one_o day_n those_o word_n from_o our_o lord_n mouth_n thou_o give_v meat_n to_o he_o that_o be_v a_o hunger_a drink_v to_o he_o that_o be_v thirsty_a thou_o clothe_a he_o that_o be_v naked_a and_o visit_v he_o that_o be_v in_o prison_n in_o short_a i_o fear_v the_o remark_n of_o this_o father_n in_o the_o same_o place_n be_v not_o over_o true_a that_o this_o life_n so_o far_o out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o humility_n be_v not_o a_o staircase_n to_o pride_n for_o these_o man_n compare_v themselves_o to_o themselves_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v and_o see_v nothing_o more_o accomplish_v than_o themselves_o persuade_v themselves_o they_o be_v perfect_a every_o one_o see_v himself_o too_o near_o to_o know_v himself_o well_o and_o do_v not_o know_v himself_o thorough_o enough_o to_o correct_v himself_o and_o therefore_o a_o anchoret_n who_o use_v not_o the_o eye_n of_o another_o to_o examine_v himself_o let_v we_o many_o sin_n without_o doubt_n escape_v he_o to_o which_o judge_n more_o severe_a than_o we_o be_v to_o ourselves_o will_v not_o have_v do_v that_o favour_n to_o be_v brief_a i_o have_v say_v that_o so_o far_o be_v this_o kind_n of_o live_v from_o any_o great_a use_n to_o devotion_n as_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o impediment_n to_o it_o because_o it_o be_v deprive_v of_o exercise_v the_o work_n of_o mercy_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o man_n in_o the_o desert_n have_v his_o distraction_n and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o soul_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a temper_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v they_o be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o those_o meet_v withal_o in_o the_o world_n a_o mind_n abandon_v without_o any_o guide_n make_v oftentimes_o strange_a slip_n the_o wide_a world_n and_o a_o narrow_a lowliness_n be_v most_o assure_o two_o very_a dangerous_a extremity_n there_o be_v need_n of_o extraordinary_a grace_n to_o thrive_v well_o in_o either_o condition_n so_o that_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v indifferent_a gift_n from_o heaven_n
be_v to_o choose_v a_o life_n that_o hold_v the_o middle_a betwixt_o these_o two_o extreme_n but_o at_o least_o it_o be_v without_o controversy_n that_o solitude_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a at_o hour_n destine_v to_o devotion_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o do_v any_o prejudice_n to_o holy_a assembly_n or_o public_a devotion_n they_o have_v their_o use_n for_o devotion_n and_o under_o pretext_n of_o pray_v in_o our_o closet_n we_o be_v never_o to_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o so_o necessary_a a_o aid_n to_o piety_n true_a it_o be_v every_o where_o else_o our_o sense_n be_v enemy_n to_o self-recollection_n but_o there_o both_o the_o sense_n and_o imagination_n favour_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o devout_a soul_n the_o look_v upon_o church_n which_o be_v god_n house_n the_o presence_n of_o angel_n who_o assist_v in_o those_o place_n the_o society_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o soul_n that_o join_v their_o vow_n as_o well_o as_o their_o voice_n together_o the_o word_n of_o god_n resound_v in_o our_o ear_n the_o prayer_n that_o be_v unite_v and_o be_v conceive_v by_o many_o heart_n make_v up_o but_o one_o vow_n all_o these_o thing_n extreme_o help_v the_o soul_n to_o make_v its_o elevation_n and_o serve_v very_o much_o to_o banish_v worldly_a idea_n to_o make_v holy_a one_o succeed_v in_o their_o stead_n nay_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a too_o but_o that_o among_o such_o a_o crowd_n we_o may_v conserve_v solitude_n itself_o a_o soul_n true_o devout_a in_o such_o place_n be_v so_o collect_v into_o its_o self_n that_o all_o the_o object_n which_o may_v do_v it_o a_o injury_n can_v find_v it_o the_o faithful_a person_n be_v in_o the_o closet_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o leave_v no_o door_n open_v but_o for_o god_n word_n and_o for_o thing_n able_a to_o instill_v piety_n but_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v against_o the_o vain_a object_n that_o be_v too_o often_o to_o be_v see_v in_o such_o place_n there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a solitude_n as_o well_o as_o a_o corporeal_a say_v st._n bernard_n and_o that_o be_v only_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o throng_n which_o be_v exempt_a from_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a thought_n but_o it_o be_v a_o horrible_a profaneness_n to_o have_v endeavour_n disposition_n in_o the_o church_n to_o have_v there_o a_o heart_n open_a to_o all_o vainity_n to_o go_v thither_o to_o see_v and_o to_o be_v see_v to_o hear_v to_o get_v matter_n to_o play_v upon_o and_o to_o catch_v at_o syllable_n and_o word_n how_o great_a a_o account_n will_v these_o people_n have_v to_o make_v it_o be_v enough_o sure_a to_o have_v offend_v man_n and_o god_n himself_o all_o the_o day_n in_o the_o week_n there_o need_v no_o come_n on_o the_o sunday_n to_o declare_v war_n against_o he_o in_o his_o face_n i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v here_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o we_o shall_v act_v in_o religious_a assembly_n because_o i_o design_v here_o only_o to_o give_v rule_n for_o closet-devotion_n meditation_n where_o shall_v i_o find_v a_o happy_a solitude_n that_o may_v be_v to_o i_o a_o assure_a sanctuary_n against_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o my_o soul_n if_o i_o go_v from_o the_o world_n i_o carry_v it_o along_o with_o i_o if_o i_o enter_v into_o my_o closet_n i_o be_o follow_v by_o a_o crowd_n of_o fleshly_a thought_n that_o perfectute_v i_o cruel_o when_o i_o will_v save_v myself_o in_o desert_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o rock_n with_o the_o owl_n and_o cormorant_n praetor_n be_v there_o those_o gripe_a care_n that_o will_v tear_v and_o prey_n upon_o my_o entrail_n i_o shall_v be_v assail_v there_o by_o flock_n of_o bird_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o vain_a and_o light_a thought_n which_o will_v lift_v i_o up_o from_o myself_o to_o throw_v i_o into_o the_o world_n what_o must_v i_o do_v to_o remedy_v this_o great_a evil_n thou_o know_v the_o remedy_n o_o lord_n i_o do_v not_o know_v it_o do_v thou_o teach_v i_o here_o below_o there_o be_v no_o heaven_n that_o can_v shelter_v and_o shroud_v i_o from_o these_o tempest_n no_o charm_n that_o can_v lay_v these_o devil_n and_o conjure_v down_o these_o phantom_n of_o my_o imagination_n i_o must_v make_v i_o a_o new_a heart_n for_o this_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o world_n fault_n as_o my_o own_o it_o be_v not_o because_o it_o pursue_v i_o but_o for_o that_o i_o have_v place_v it_o within_o i_o and_z which_o way_n soever_o i_o go_v i_o carry_v it_o with_o i_o if_o my_o heart_n be_v pure_a and_o clean_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o city_n and_o the_o great_a assembly_n i_o shall_v find_v solitude_n my_o soul_n be_v draw_v up_o into_o itself_o will_v be_v environ_v on_o all_o side_n with_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n as_o with_o a_o rampart_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o godliness_n will_v keep_v the_o avenue_n they_o will_v be_v a_o good_a guard_n and_o will_v drive_v all_o object_n away_o which_o may_v come_v to_o interrupt_v i_o so_o as_o i_o shall_v be_v always_o in_o a_o place_n of_o safety_n prayer_n o_o bless_a lord_n create_v in_o i_o a_o clean_a heart_n purify_v it_o from_o the_o vain_a image_n of_o the_o world_n which_o sin_n and_o satan_n have_v engrave_v in_o my_o soul_n that_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o thy_o good_a spirit_n and_o love_n i_o may_v find_v that_o sanctuary_n against_o myself_o which_o i_o seek_v every_o where_o but_o find_v not_o where_o but_o why_o o_o my_o god_n shall_v not_o thy_o grace_n while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v sufficient_a to_o deaden_a all_o its_o motion_n why_o shall_v i_o have_v always_o these_o amalekite_n and_o moabite_n round_o about_o i_o while_o i_o march_v and_o advance_v towards_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n and_o the_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o why_o have_v we_o not_o here_o below_o those_o river_n of_o grace_n and_o why_o can_v i_o have_v a_o flood_n and_o sea_n to_o wash_v my_o entrail_n and_o cleanse_v they_o from_o these_o miserable_a impurity_n it_o be_v thy_o will_n o_o god_n that_o my_o temptation_n be_v always_o near_o i_o and_o the_o philistine_n be_v always_o upon_o i_o that_o i_o may_v watch_v and_o not_o sleep_v on_o the_o lap_n of_o dalila_n it_o be_v thy_o will_n that_o i_o have_v evermore_o a_o thorn_n in_o my_o flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v i_o lest_o i_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n o_o my_o saviour_n command_v that_o the_o least_o temptation_n as_o not_o seize_v upon_o i_o which_o be_v not_o common_a to_o man_n give_v i_o a_o happy_a success_n in_o all_o my_o temptation_n and_o strength_n to_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v they_o it_o be_v true_a thy_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o let_v it_o not_o fail_v i_o then_o let_v it_o work_v its_o work_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o infirmity_n let_v it_o disperse_v my_o different_a thought_n let_v it_o calm_v the_o agitation_n of_o my_o soul_n let_v it_o make_v i_o to_o find_v a_o sanctuary_n where_o be_v far_o from_o noise_n passion_n and_o affection_n i_o may_v consecrate_v to_o thou_o my_o watch_n my_o word_n and_o my_o thought_n where_o i_o may_v be_v able_a to_o sing_v thy_o praise_n eternal_o and_o celebrate_v thy_o divine_a majesty_n chap._n viii_o the_o three_o particular_a direction_n to_o help_v devotion_n meditation_n and_o prayer_n the_o soul_n come_v into_o the_o world_n at_o least_o as_o ill_o instruct_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o grace_n as_o in_o those_o of_o nature_n it_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v a_o plain_a unscrol_v table_n and_o a_o ignorant_a which_o have_v need_n to_o be_v inform_v in_o every_o thing_n very_o easy_o it_o acquire_v the_o knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o conduct_n of_o life_n because_o those_o direction_n pass_v to_o it_o through_o the_o sense_n and_o these_o object_n be_v of_o its_o own_o size_n but_o it_o have_v need_v of_o the_o great_a endeavour_n to_o attain_v those_o notice_n which_o regard_v the_o spiritual_a life_n since_o those_o object_n be_v disproportionate_a to_o its_o strength_n and_o yet_o those_o enowledge_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o practise_v the_o virtue_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o devotion_n this_o last_o virtue_n be_v make_v up_o of_o love_n and_o zeal_n but_o we_o have_v not_o they_o but_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o i_o know_v not_o of_o what_o nature_n those_o ignorant_a devotion_n can_v be_v which_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o light_n and_o be_v not_o guide_v but_o by_o the_o sense_n these_o be_v it_o may_v be_v rather_o weakness_n of_o constitution_n than_o effect_n of_o grace_n the_o devotion_n of_o ignorant_a people_n be_v almost_o ever_o gross_a and_o superstitious_a they_o be_v ordinary_o fix_v to_o sensible_a object_n
that_o every_o moment_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o repeat_v they_o to_o our_o own_o heart_n we_o shall_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a habituate_v our_o mind_n not_o to_o conceive_v its_o thought_n and_o form_v its_o meditation_n but_o in_o the_o term_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v in_o the_o psalm_n to_o the_o read_n of_o holy_a scripture_n it_o will_v be_v profitable_a to_o add_v that_o of_o other_o good_a book_n and_o herein_o i_o will_v give_v a_o direction_n which_o some_o people_n have_v find_v very_o good_a which_o be_v to_o choose_v such_o place_n and_o chapter_n of_o devotion_n which_o have_v once_o warm_v you_o and_o to_o return_v often_o to_o the_o same_o place_n that_o your_o heart_n may_v get_v a_o habit_n of_o awaken_n itself_o at_o that_o view_n it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a turn_v of_o all_o mind_n to_o join_v certain_a motion_n of_o heart_n with_o certain_a image_n so_o as_o that_o assoon_o as_o the_o image_n present_v '_o emselve_n to_o the_o mind_n those_o motion_n arise_v in_o the_o heart_n for_o example_n if_o a_o man_n have_v run_v a_o extreme_a danger_n in_o a_o wood_n the_o image_n of_o a_o forest_n will_v never_o offer_v itself_o to_o his_o imagination_n but_o his_o heart_n be_v seize_v upon_o by_o some_o chillness_n so_o our_o heart_n have_v be_v once_o move_v at_o the_o read_n of_o some_o pious_a discourse_n which_o have_v touch_v it_o to_o the_o quick_a will_v not_o fail_v of_o be_v awaken_v at_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o same_o thought_n in_o case_n we_o read_v they_o with_o a_o devout_a intention_n and_o a_o design_n to_o be_v touch_v therewith_o this_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o what_o happen_v to_o bark_a dog_n which_o be_v quiet_a or_o otherwise_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o those_o they_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o so_o the_o heart_n be_v become_v familiar_a with_o those_o pious_a thought_n that_o have_v move_v it_o oftentimes_o will_v evermore_o perceive_v in_o their_o presence_n very_o near_o the_o same_o motion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o read_v in_o holy_a book_n as_o in_o profane_a these_o please_v the_o first_o time_n the_o second_o the_o pleasure_n cease_v but_o the_o three_o they_o be_v most_o insupportable_a the_o same_o thing_n perhaps_o may_v happen_v if_o you_o read_v a_o book_n of_o devotion_n for_o divertisement_n to_o see_v there_o the_o neatness_n of_o phrase_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o thought_n as_o this_o way_n of_o read_v be_v for_o the_o mind_n and_o not_o for_o the_o heart_n one_o thing_n will_v not_o please_v you_o a_o second_o time_n this_o thought_n discover_v a_o mystery_n to_o we_o somewhat_o obscure_a why_o that_o which_o touch_v some_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o same_o influence_n over_o other_o now_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o all_o do_v not_o read_v with_o the_o same_o disposition_n and_o the_o same_o intention_n a_o preacher_n that_o will_v preach_v a_o hour_n upon_o a_o pious_a subject_n will_v read_v book_n which_o may_v instruct_v he_o therein_o but_o if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o soul_n natural_o very_o devout_a they_o will_v have_v no_o great_a effect_n upon_o he_o because_o he_o come_v with_o no_o intention_n to_o be_v move_v by_o they_o he_o only_o seek_v for_o matter_n to_o fill_v up_o his_o hour_n our_o heart_n do_v very_o near_o what_o we_o will_v have_v it_o do_v insomuch_o as_o pious_a read_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o help_n to_o devotion_n aught_o to_o be_v do_v with_o a_o most_o devout_a intention_n without_o which_o condition_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o make_v any_o progress_n in_o it_o but_o as_o much_o as_o the_o read_n of_o good_a book_n bring_v in_o auxiliary_n to_o devotion_n so_o much_o it_o be_v ruin_v by_o the_o read_n of_o bad_a one_o it_o be_v a_o great_a shame_n to_o christianity_n that_o now_o adays_o it_o make_v more_o account_n of_o some_o mischievous_a book_n than_o ever_o do_v the_o most_o corrupt_a paganism_n our_o age_n and_o in_o particular_a this_o kingdom_n may_v be_v just_o note_v with_o infamy_n for_o that_o swarm_n of_o romance_n which_o the_o effeminacy_n of_o our_o heart_n the_o corruption_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n have_v send_v into_o the_o world_n we_o must_v needs_o be_v great_a lover_n of_o lie_v since_o fifty_o year_n have_v produce_v more_o fable_n than_o six_o thousand_o year_n can_v produce_v history_n and_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o much_o corrupt_v to_o suffer_v and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o authorise_v such_o shameless_a product_n so_o full_a of_o impure_a imagination_n every_o devout_a soul_n will_v have_v those_o legend_n in_o detestation_n for_o certain_z it_o be_v that_o nothing_o put_v the_o heart_n into_o great_a disorder_n i_o wish_v people_n be_v safe_a from_o the_o last_o corruption_n and_o they_o proceed_v not_o even_o to_o the_o act_n and_o imitate_v those_o irregular_a example_n in_o good_a earnest_n which_o they_o see_v before_o in_o jest_n however_o it_o be_v sure_a that_o from_o the_o read_n of_o these_o book_n the_o mind_n return_v load_v with_o image_n which_o grieve_v and_o drive_v away_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o which_o be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n meditation_n if_o thou_o be_v ignorant_a o_o my_o soul_n in_o the_o thing_n which_o concern_v thy_o salvation_n it_o be_v whole_o thy_o own_o fault_n thy_o god_n open_v two_o great_a book_n before_o thy_o eye_n where_o thou_o may_v be_v teach_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o wonder_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o thy_o salvation_n often_o have_v i_o cast_v my_o eye_n upon_o nature_n upon_o heaven_n earth_n the_o mountain_n river_n field_n and_o forest_n oft_o have_v i_o carry_v my_o eye_n to_o the_o planet_n and_o to_o the_o star_n but_o to_o my_o confusion_n i_o avow_v these_o contemplation_n be_v barren_a do_v negligent_o without_o application_n and_o reflection_n do_v that_o therefore_o now_o o_o my_o soul_n which_o thou_o have_v never_o do_v yet_o view_v the_o heaven_n and_o admire_v their_o greatness_n and_o vast_a extension_n acknowledge_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o maker_n his_o strength_n his_o wisdom_n his_o power_n see_v how_o he_o have_v on_o purpose_n paint_v himself_o in_o all_o place_n and_o leave_v his_o footstep_n wheresoever_o he_o have_v past_a look_v upon_o the_o sun_n which_o pour_v forth_o so_o much_o fire_n which_o man_n call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o image_n of_o thy_o god_n who_o be_v light_n himself_o in_o thou_o be_v the_o well_o of_o life_n and_o in_o thy_o light_n shall_v we_o see_v light_n that_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o fire_n that_o burn_v in_o the_o firmament_n be_v the_o emblem_n of_o those_o glorious_a soul_n which_o shine_v in_o the_o high_a heaven_n of_o the_o bless_a the_o rapidity_n of_o those_o vast_a and_o prodigious_a machine_n which_o roll_n over_o thy_o head_n aught_o to_o make_v thou_o think_v of_o that_o robu_v art_n which_o give_v they_o their_o swing_n and_o impress_n upon_o they_o their_o motion_n the_o equality_n and_o justness_n of_o those_o motion_n as_o regular_a as_o swift_a preach_v to_o thou_o the_o wisdom_n and_o evenness_n of_o god_n action_n who_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a the_o magnificence_n of_o those_o visible_a heaven_n may_v without_o much_o ado_n conduct_v thy_o meditation_n to_o the_o thought_n of_o another_o life_n and_o give_v thou_o some_o foretaste_n and_o conception_n of_o the_o glory_n god_n prepare_v for_o thou_o in_o paradise_n those_o visible_a heaven_n so_o splendid_a so_o beautiful_a be_v but_o the_o threshold_n of_o that_o palace_n where_o god_n make_v ready_a a_o abode_n for_o thou_o oh_o my_o soul_n how_o rich_a and_o glorious_a must_v that_o house_n be_v who_o very_a avenue_n and_o entry_n be_v so_o fine_a and_o pompous_a if_o from_o the_o heaven_n thou_o descende_v into_o the_o air_n which_o be_v the_o region_n of_o storm_n and_o tempest_n of_o rain_n and_o dews_n in_o the_o latter_a thou_o will_v see_v the_o emblem_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o in_o the_o former_a the_o messenger_n of_o his_o vengeance_n and_o the_o instrument_n of_o his_o fury_n the_o one_o will_v lead_v thou_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o the_o other_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o mercy_n if_o thou_o descende_v to_o the_o earth_n thou_o will_v discover_v almost_o every_o where_o around_o thou_o a_o incredible_a multitude_n of_o sundry_a object_n that_o will_v instruct_v thou_o divers_a way_n some_o as_o well_o as_o the_o heaven_n will_v speak_v to_o thou_o of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o power_n other_o will_v tell_v thou_o of_o thy_o own_o weakness_n and_o vanity_n of_o death_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o die_v of_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o humane_a thing_n and_o will_v give_v thou_o
a_o hundred_o other_o lesson_n but_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o compare_v with_o the_o knowledge_n to_o be_v have_v from_o the_o read_n of_o that_o other_o book_n which_o god_n have_v dictate_v to_o his_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n it_o be_v there_o thou_o may_v see_v the_o abyss_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n the_o infinity_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o mercy_n without_o engage_v thyself_o very_o deep_o in_o these_o abysses_n what_o fruit_n can_v thou_o not_o reap_v from_o the_o death_n of_o my_o saviour_n and_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o cross_n thou_o will_v learn_v there_o how_o thou_o be_v to_o love_n for_o that_o be_v the_o school_n of_o love_n thou_o will_v view_v thy_o divine_a saviour_n eat_v up_o with_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n house_n burn_v with_o the_o flame_n of_o charity_n he_o so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o death_n for_o the_o world_n and_o that_o to_o a_o shameful_a cruel_a and_o torment_a death_n even_o that_o of_o the_o cross_n he_o expose_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o arrow_n of_o god_n wrath_n he_o suck_v the_o venom_n and_o undergo_v the_o weight_n of_o his_o indignation_n and_o for_o who_o for_o his_o enemy_n it_o be_v thus_o o_o my_o soul_n thou_o must_v love_v this_o be_v but_o a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o the_o thing_n thou_o may_v learn_v in_o that_o heavenly_a book_n prayer_n but_o o_o lord_n i_o read_v in_o vain_a i_o meditate_v without_o success_n o_o my_o sun_n infuse_v thy_o ray_n into_o my_o heart_n open_v my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n make_v thy_o word_n to_o be_v in_o i_o like_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v of_o my_o soul_n my_o joint_n and_o marrow_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n sanctify_v i_o by_o thy_o truth_n let_v my_o heart_n burn_v within_o i_o when_o thou_o speak_v and_o declare_v to_o i_o the_o scripture_n let_v i_o receive_v thy_o word_n with_o a_o thirsty_a soul_n and_o let_v it_o become_v unto_o i_o a_o spring_n of_o live_a water_n bubble_v up_o to_o eternal_a life_n that_o i_o may_v be_v conduct_v by_o the_o river_n of_o thy_o grace_n to_o the_o ocean_n of_o glory_n chap._n ix_o the_o four_o particular_a help_n to_o devotion_n the_o use_n of_o prayer_n i_o do_v not_o design_n here_o to_o make_v any_o commendation_n of_o prayer_n nor_o to_o display_v all_o its_o uses_n which_o both_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n have_v do_v very_o ample_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sure_a mean_n to_o purify_v the_o soul_n since_o there_o be_v no_o action_n whereby_o we_o approach_v near_o to_o god_n no_o time_n wherein_o he_o communicate_v himself_o more_o to_o we_o he_o have_v be_v very_o often_o observe_v to_o give_v his_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n in_o prayer_n in_o pray_v st_n peter_n fall_v into_o a_o ecstasy_n paul_n be_v ravish_v to_o the_o three_o heaven_n cornelius_n in_o his_o prayer_n receive_v the_o vision_n of_o a_o angel_n monica_n st_n augustine_n mother_n after_o her_o prayer_n and_o tear_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o her_o son_n have_v in_o her_o dream_n that_o excellent_a revelation_n of_o his_o conversion_n a_o angel_n tell_v she_o afflict_v not_o thyself_o thy_o son_n be_v with_o thou_o as_o god_n be_v the_o sun_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o jet_v his_o beam_n perpendicular_o into_o our_o heart_n he_o must_v necessary_o clarify_v and_o heat_v they_o he_o disperse_v the_o vapour_n of_o the_o inferior_a part_n and_o draw_v his_o own_o image_n there_o now_o this_o communication_n of_o the_o ray_n of_o grace_n be_v never_o make_v more_o than_o in_o prayer_n i_o shall_v not_o stay_v to_o examine_v any_o further_a the_o condition_n with_o which_o prayer_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o be_v devout_a it_o be_v already_o show_v enough_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v attentive_a persevere_v and_o ardent_a i_o shall_v only_o give_v here_o two_o advice_n the_o one_o to_o avoid_v weariness_n the_o other_o to_o avoid_v distraction_n first_o i_o say_v that_o few_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o long_a prayer_n for_o to_o render_v a_o prayer_n perfect_o devout_a there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o extreme_a contention_n of_o mind_n a_o extraordinary_a elevation_n and_o a_o entire_a loosen_a one_o self_n from_o the_o world_n now_o these_o action_n do_v a_o kind_n of_o violence_n to_o the_o soul_n which_o natural_o tend_v to_o a_o release_n of_o itself_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v of_o any_o long_a continuance_n if_o we_o give_v no_o relaxation_n to_o the_o heart_n it_o take_v it_o and_o ramble_n some_o where_o or_o other_o in_o spite_n of_o our_o tooth_n so_o as_o i_o will_v have_v the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n to_o be_v long_o though_o divide_v into_o little_a space_n of_o time_n that_o they_o have_v many_o part_n and_o each_o of_o they_o be_v short_a devotion_n be_v compose_v of_o three_o principal_a act_n reading_n meditation_n and_o prayer_n each_o of_o these_o need_v not_o be_v do_v present_o so_o as_o to_o follow_v one_o another_o but_o they_o may_v be_v mingle_v for_o we_o must_v allow_v some_o grain_n to_o the_o soul_n weakness_n and_o we_o must_v keep_v it_o from_o disgust_n by_o variety_n a_o little_a read_n may_v be_v the_o first_o degree_n of_o its_o elevation_n a_o little_a meditation_n on_o that_o read_n will_v lift_v it_o a_o degree_n high_o and_o after_o the_o read_n and_o meditation_n a_o short_a prayer_n will_v lead_v it_o to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o forget_v the_o world_n after_o which_o it_o will_v return_v whole_o new_a to_o read_v and_o meditation_n in_o the_o same_o order_n in_o prayer_n it_o will_v fly_v through_o the_o air_n by_o the_o force_n of_o its_o own_o wing_n and_o at_o its_o return_n to_o read_v it_o will_v do_v like_o those_o bird_n that_o weary_a with_o fly_v come_v to_o repose_v themselves_o not_o on_o the_o earth_n but_o some_o very_a high_a tree_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n so_o our_o devout_a soul_n will_v come_v to_o rest_v itself_o not_o by_o fall_v on_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o will_v never_o set_v foot_n there_o nor_o permit_v the_o mind_n to_o return_v to_o the_o world_n but_o it_o will_v continue_v elevate_v upon_o the_o prop_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n ur_fw-la and_o aaron_n will_v sustain_v it_o lift_v up_o towards_o the_o heaven_n and_o from_o thence_o take_v its_o flight_n it_o will_v by_o little_a and_o little_o rise_v upon_o the_o wing_n of_o meditation_n until_o it_o return_v by_o prayer_n whither_o it_o be_v first_o lift_v up_o this_o method_n undoubted_o will_v give_v it_o time_n to_o renew_v its_o strength_n it_o can_v hold_v out_o long_o if_o its_o course_n be_v push_v on_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o its_o vigour_n but_o by_o take_v breath_n and_o march_v fair_o on_o from_o time_n to_o time_n it_o will_v make_v a_o very_a great_a advance_v in_o a_o day_n the_o other_o direction_n i_o will_v give_v regard_v those_o who_o have_v not_o be_v busy_v about_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v less_o proper_a for_o the_o great_a elevation_n these_o people_n ordinary_o make_v their_o devotion_n in_o prayer_n pronounce_v by_o heart_n from_o which_o way_n distraction_n be_v almost_o inseparable_a these_o i_o will_v counsel_v to_o endeavour_v to_o untie_v themselves_o from_o word_n and_o hold_v only_o to_o the_o sense_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o in_o their_o family-prayer_n they_o shall_v dispense_v themselves_o from_o their_o form_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o all_o the_o world_n have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o form_v their_o thought_n and_o put_v they_o into_o a_o order_n which_o may_v edify_v the_o public_a but_o for_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o closet_n they_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v make_v by_o heart_n than_o by_o the_o tongue_n when_o the_o imagination_n do_v not_o make_v some_o endeavour_n for_o the_o production_n of_o its_o thought_n and_o the_o choice_n of_o its_o word_n in_o follow_v the_o beat_a road_n which_o it_o fear_v not_o to_o lose_v it_o never_o fail_v of_o go_v somewhither_o else_o as_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o the_o place_n where_o we_o will_v retain_v it_o but_o when_o it_o give_v attention_n to_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o express_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o heart_n have_v conceive_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o imagination_n unite_n their_o force_n make_v up_o a_o complete_a attention_n i_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v some_o say_v that_o all_o the_o world_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o compose_v all_o be_v not_o able_a to_o compose_v for_o man_n but_o to_o compose_v for_o god_n they_o be_v able_a let_v we_o make_v never_o such_o effort_n to_o speak_v well_o we_o stammer_v in_o the_o mouth_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o
and_o be_v lift_v up_o so_o high_a this_o drunkenness_n cause_v they_o to_o make_v a_o thousand_o trip_n and_o false_a step_n their_o footing_n be_v ever_o awry_o and_o oblique_a like_o those_o of_o drunken_a man_n they_o have_v a_o great_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n prudence_n and_o strength_n all_o this_o fail_v they_o sometime_o they_o reel_v stagger_v and_o at_o last_o fall_n for_o pride_n come_v before_o ruin_n examine_v thyself_o o_o my_o soul_n see_v if_o thou_o have_v not_o a_o tincture_n of_o this_o evil_a and_o if_o thou_o be_v not_o inebriate_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o thy_o own_o righteousness_n and_o thy_o own_o merit_n alas_o if_o thou_o deny_v it_o thou_o know_v thyself_o ill_a this_o be_v a_o great_a pride_n the_o belief_n of_o have_v none_o for_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v thou_o be_v worth_a as_o much_o as_o thou_o esteem_v thyself_o but_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o esteem_v himself_o more_o than_o he_o be_v real_o worth_a thou_o will_v say_v to_o i_o perhaps_o thou_o have_v a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o thyself_o but_o be_v assure_v o_o my_o soul_n thou_o do_v not_o contemn_v thyself_o so_o much_o as_o thou_o be_v contemptible_a if_o thou_o contemn_v thyself_o thou_o make_v a_o merit_n of_o that_o contempt_n so_o as_o there_o be_v pride_n affix_v to_o the_o contempt_n thou_o have_v of_o thyself_o the_o other_o vice_n which_o be_v the_o gluttony_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a view_v those_o man_n that_o devour_v that_o be_v continual_o lay_v violent_a hand_n on_o the_o prey_n and_o never_o say_v it_o be_v enough_o those_o ambitious_a and_o covetous_a person_n who_o suck_v up_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o poor_a who_o eat_v up_o god_n people_n like_o bread_n or_o who_o at_o least_o labour_n with_o a_o unconceivable_a desire_n to_o enrich_v and_o aggrandise_v themselves_o who_o go_v to_o seek_v the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o put_v no_o end_n to_o their_o desire_n who_o can_v mount_v up_o to_o the_o high_a pinnacle_n of_o greatness_n yet_o can_v fill_v the_o abyss_n of_o their_o ambition_n have_v a_o care_n o_o my_o soul_n of_o run_v into_o these_o excess_n for_o he_o who_o hunger_n after_o silver_n will_v never_o be_v satisfy_v with_o silver_n quench_v the_o fire_n of_o thy_o avarice_n for_o if_o thou_o furnish_v it_o with_o food_n thou_o will_v nourish_v it_o it_o will_v devour_v thy_o entrail_n and_o peradventure_o cause_v such_o a_o flame_n as_o will_v consume_v both_o thou_o and_o thy_o neighbour_n i_o must_v not_o then_o neglect_v corporal_a fast_v but_o the_o principal_a one_o be_v humility_n that_o will_v guard_v i_o from_o the_o drunkenness_n of_o pride_n and_o a_o contentment_n of_o mind_n that_o will_v make_v i_o despise_v superfluous_a thing_n so_o as_o i_o shall_v be_v content_a with_o those_o which_o be_v necessary_a this_o be_v the_o true_a sobriety_n of_o the_o soul_n these_o two_o virtue_n walk_v hand_n in_o hand_n together_o be_v thou_o humble_a o_o my_o soul_n and_o thou_o will_v be_v content_a with_o thy_o fortune_n know_v how_o little_o thou_o be_v worth_a and_o thou_o will_v be_v persuade_v thou_o have_v more_o than_o thou_o deserve_v prayer_n o_o lord_n make_v i_o to_o know_v myself_o that_o i_o be_o nothing_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o i_o be_o nothing_o but_o yet_o i_o can_v confess_v it_o my_o mouth_n say_v it_o yet_o my_o heart_n do_v not_o agree_v thereto_o and_o i_o always_o feel_v within_o i_o the_o devil_n of_o pride_n that_o solicit_v i_o and_o say_v to_o i_o in_o a_o low_a voice_n senseless_a as_o thou_o be_v why_o speak_v thou_o of_o thyself_o with_o so_o much_o scorn_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o esteem_v thyself_o who_o shall_v esteem_v thou_o be_v man_n oblige_v to_o have_v a_o better_a opinion_n of_o thou_o than_o thou_o have_v of_o thyself_o since_o thou_o must_v needs_o know_v thyself_o better_a than_o they_o can_v know_v thou_o if_o i_o humble_v myself_o before_o thou_o o_o lord_n it_o be_v because_o i_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o of_o no_o consequence_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o enormous_a disproportion_n there_o be_v betwixt_o thou_o and_o i_o but_o with_o man_n i_o keep_v to_o great_a measure_n i_o try_v to_o deceive_v they_o and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o vast_a opinion_n of_o myself_o i_o strive_v to_o keep_v up_o my_o rank_n to_o be_v value_v and_o i_o can_v suffer_v no_o slight_a or_o contempt_n o_o merciful_a jesus_n who_o do_v humble_v thyself_o even_o to_o death_n inspire_v thy_o humility_n into_o i_o and_o recover_v i_o from_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o my_o pride_n so_o that_o be_v persuade_v i_o deserve_v nothing_o i_o may_v be_v evermore_o content_a with_o all_o thou_o bestow_v upon_o i_o that_o godliness_n and_o content_n of_o mind_n may_v be_v my_o great_a gain_n so_o i_o have_v as_o much_o food_n and_o clothing_n as_o be_v sufficient_a chap._n xi_o of_o the_o rash_a judgement_n which_o be_v make_v of_o devout_a people_n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o direction_n i_o think_v necessary_a to_o help_v devotion_n but_o before_o i_o conclude_v i_o believe_v there_o be_v some_o consolation_n due_a to_o true_o devout_a person_n of_o who_o so_o bid_v a_o judgement_n be_v make_v in_o the_o world_n some_o put_v they_o all_o into_o the_o rank_n of_o hypocrite_n these_o be_v our_o false_a devoto_n say_v the_o profane_a who_o observe_v form_n so_o exact_o who_o be_v careful_a to_o be_v at_o all_o pious_a ordinance_n who_o lend_v so_o great_a a_o attention_n to_o a_o sermon_n who_o pray_v and_o communicate_v with_o so_o many_o visible_a mark_n of_o devotion_n we_o be_v never_o the_o less_o good_a christian_n for_o our_o little_a affectation_n we_o have_v what_o be_v solid_a in_o piety_n and_o they_o the_o appearance_n only_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v hypocrisy_n do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o harm_n to_o devotion_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v there_o be_v false_o devout_a people_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o veil_n wherewith_o evil_a conscience_n cover_v themselves_o more_o ordinary_o than_o with_o this_o of_o godliness_n but_o because_o some_o hypocrite_n there_o be_v be_v it_o necessary_a there_o be_v none_o other_o because_o we_o find_v counterfeit_a diamond_n can_v none_o find_v true_a and_o effective_a one_o because_o there_o be_v false_a and_o foolish_a fire_n be_v there_o then_o no_o true_a light_n some_o indeed_o believe_v they_o have_v find_v out_o a_o good_a remedy_n against_o this_o mischief_n they_o affect_v a_o apparent_a indevotion_n for_o have_v some_o zeal_n at_o the_o bottom_n they_o imagine_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o affect_v a_o way_n and_o a_o air_n of_o indifference_n to_o avoid_v the_o accusation_n of_o hypocrisy_n but_o this_o be_v to_o avoid_v one_o evil_a by_o a_o great_a and_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o necessity_n either_o of_o commit_v a_o crime_n or_o of_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o one_o we_o be_v to_o determine_v on_o the_o latter_a we_o be_v command_v to_o make_v the_o light_n of_o our_o good_a work_n to_o shine_v before_o man_n and_o to_o edify_v our_o neighbour_n by_o our_o good_a example_n unhappiness_n therefore_o attend_v they_o who_o put_v their_o candle_n under_o a_o bushel_n ●ut_fw-la to_o speak_v the_o truth_n i_o believe_v those_o that_o so_o strenuous_o endeavour_v to_o hide_v their_o devotion_n do_v not_o hide_v my_o great_a thing_n from_o we_o they_o have_v little_a enough_o within_o when_o a_o chamber_n be_v fill_v with_o fire_n the_o light_n appear_v through_o the_o window_n piety_n be_v a_o fire_n that_o cast_v its_o flame_n through_o all_o our_o virtue_n though_o never_o so_o much_o care_n be_v ●aken_v to_o conceal_v it_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o godly_a zeal_n it_o will_v appear_v upon_o the_o tongue_n in_o the_o hand_n and_o even_o in_o the_o eye_n true_o no_o affectation_n be_v to_o be_v use_v god_n hate_v those_o pompous_a and_o vainglorious_a piety_n which_o expose_v '_o emselve_n at_o the_o corner_n of_o street_n and_o which_o whole_o consist_v in_o the_o lifting_n up_o of_o the_o hand_n the_o ●ouling_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o a_o wan_a and_o deadish_a visage_n devotion_n the_o more_o secret_a they_o be_v the_o better_a but_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o distinguish_v sincerity_n from_o affectation_n if_o these_o profane_a judge_n do_v but_o know_v themselves_o a_o little_a they_o will_v not_o confound_v a_o modest_a piety_n and_o sage_a devotion_n which_o shine_v only_o through_o the_o veil_n of_o a_o profound_a humility_n with_o a_o devotion_n make_v up_o of_o grimaces_n the_o life_n conversation_n and_o manner_n be_v the_o best_a touchstone_n to_o know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o devotion_n if_o the_o devout_a person_n be_v covetous_a ambitious_a one_o that_o grow_v rich_a at_o the_o expense_n of_o the_o poor_a or_o that_o be_v vindicative_a i_o agree_v we_o may_v put_v
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 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