Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n body_n call_v soul_n 13,519 5 5.4839 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A93395 The Christians guide to devotion with rules and directions for the leading an holy life : as also meditations and prayers suitable to all occasions / S. Smith. Smith, Samuel, 1588-1665. 1685 (1685) Wing S4164A; ESTC R43930 141,697 240

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and_o which_o death_n at_o least_o will_v have_v infallible_o ravish_v from_o thou_o do_v thou_o not_o know_v that_o the_o world_n and_o its_o fortune_n be_v all_o of_o glass_n they_o shine_v but_o they_o be_v brittle_a the_o least_o blow_n shatter_v they_o and_o make_v they_o to_o fly_v into_o a_o thousand_o piece_n why_o then_o shall_v thou_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o glass_n shall_v break_v between_o thy_o finger_n why_o be_v thou_o so_o sensible_a of_o injury_n and_o offence_n and_o why_o do_v thou_o make_v the_o malignity_n of_o another_o thy_o own_o misery_n why_o do_v thou_o so_o bitter_o lament_v the_o loss_n of_o some_o person_n that_o death_n have_v take_v up_o from_o thou_o they_o be_v not_o thou_o they_o be_v god_n who_o lend_v they_o thou_o and_o have_v retake_v they_o in_o short_a why_o be_v thou_o so_o prodigal_a of_o tear_n whereof_o thou_o reape_v no_o fruit_n that_o be_v to_o employ_v one_o labour_n in_o that_o which_o profit_v not_o when_o thou_o bewail_v o_o my_o soul_n thy_o misfortune_n thy_o tear_n do_v not_o make_v thy_o misfortune_n to_o cease_v but_o mourn_v for_o thy_o sin_n and_o thy_o tear_n will_v destroy_v they_o they_o will_v whirl_v they_o away_o like_o a_o torrent_n or_o a_o deluge_n and_o they_o will_v be_v find_v no_o more_o thy_o carnal_a anxiety_n trouble_v thy_o devotion_n but_o the_o grief_n which_o thou_o shall_v have_v for_o thy_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n will_v augment_v it_o and_o god_n will_v comfort_v thou_o prayer_n come_v therefore_o thou_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n who_o be_v promise_v to_o we_o by_o the_o son_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o father_n come_v sweeten_v my_o bitter_a anguish_n by_o thy_o delight_n and_o mercy_n come_v and_o recompense_v my_o loss_n by_o thy_o riches_n give_v i_o such_o joy_n as_o pass_v all_o understanding_n give_v i_o piety_n that_o i_o may_v have_v contentment_n of_o mind_n and_o that_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v join_v together_o may_v be_v great_a gain_n to_o i_o 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thou_o and_o that_o there_o will_v not_o be_v more_o exact_v from_o thou_o than_o from_o other_o but_o alas_o what_o a_o error_n and_o fallacy_n be_v there_o in_o this_o reason_n such_o a_o one_o as_o thou_o believe_v to_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v a_o march_v towards_o hell_n there_o be_v such_o a_o way_n that_o seem_v right_a to_o man_n the_o end_n of_o which_o nevertheless_o be_v death_n these_o chill_a devotion_n wherewith_o people_n believe_v god_n be_v well_o pay_v be_v oftentimes_o very_o fruitless_a they_o may_v think_v it_o fine_a one_o day_n to_o say_v we_o have_v pray_v to_o thou_o we_o have_v invoke_v thy_o name_n we_o have_v serve_v thou_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o answer_v i_o do_v not_o know_v who_o you_o be_v go_v far_o from_o i_o you_o that_o be_v neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a i_o will_v cast_v you_o up_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n prayer_n my_o god_n conduct_v my_o soul_n in_o the_o sure_a path_n i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o sound_v thy_o mercy_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v how_o far_o the_o severity_n of_o thy_o juctice_n will_v carry_v itself_o and_o no_o further_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o thou_o will_v pardon_v so_o many_o people_n that_o serve_v thou_o with_o so_o little_a zeal_n and_o so_o much_o indevotion_n that_o which_o i_o know_v be_v that_o they_o be_v unworthy_a of_o thy_o clemency_n an●_n that_o they_o can_v be_v save_v unless_o they_o sincere_o repent_v of_o have_v serve_v thou_o with_o so_o much_o indifference_n let_v the_o candle_n of_o my_o soul_n th●_n holy_a spirit_n which_o have_v enlighten_v thy_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o the_o faithful_a at_o all_o time_n inspire_v i_o with_o such_o frankincense_n of_o devotion_n as_o with_o which_o i_o know_v that_o one_o may_v be_v save_v and_o without_o which_o i_o know_v not_o if_o one_o ca●_n be_v save_v kindle_v my_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o altar_n where_o a_o eternal_a fire_n may_v burn_v in_o which_o all_o my_o sacrifice_n may_v be_v consume_v and_o which_o may_v make_v all_o my_o prayer_n as_o th●_n perfume_v of_o incense_n to_o mount_v up_o in_o thy_o presence_n chap._n iu._n that_o devotion_n be_v extreme_o rare_a and_o neglect_v here_o be_v a_o exception_n to_o the_o general_a rule_n that_o thing_n rare_a be_v esteem_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n more_o rare_a than_o devotion_n and_o nothing_o more_o neglect_v herein_o man_n do_v not_o sin_n through_o ignorance_n they_o know_v very_o well_o what_o we_o have_v say_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n that_o without_o these_o devout_a disposition_n or_o prayer_n they_o can_v please_v god_n nevertheless_o one_o can_v express_v the_o horrible_a negligence_n with_o which_o they_o perform_v this_o pious_a duty_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o
myself_o before_o thou_o with_o little_a reverence_n part_n ii_o of_o the_o source_n of_o indevotion_n chap._n i._o of_o impurity_n of_o life_n the_o first_o source_n of_o indevotion_n since_o indevotion_n be_v so_o great_a a_o evil_a let_v we_o try_v to_o find_v out_o its_o source_n that_o we_o may_v cut_v up_o this_o evil_n by_o the_o very_a root_n now_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a one_o be_v impurity_n of_o life_n nothing_o disconcert_v a_o heart_n so_o as_o a_o evil_a estate_n of_o conscience_n nothing_o more_o extinguish_v the_o fire_n of_o piety_n than_o the_o loathsome_a and_o muddy_a water_n of_o sin_n fire_n do_v not_o easy_o take_v in_o thing_n soak_v in_o water_n devotion_n can_v easy_o be_v bring_v to_o fit_a soul_n penetrate_v with_o vice_n one_o flame_n put_v out_o another_o and_o the_o fire_n of_o covetuousness_n choke_v that_o of_o zeal_n as_o the_o flame_n of_o gunpowder_n extinguish_v that_o of_o a_o candle_n devotion_n be_v a_o certain_a alacrity_n of_o heart_n that_o dispose_v we_o to_o draw_v nea●_n to_o god_n with_o confidence_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o have_v this_o disposition_n when_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o vice_n in_o go_v to_o present_a god_n with_o such_o offering_n as_o we_o ourselves_o know_v aught_o to_o be_v abominable_a to_o he_o for_o we_o know_v that_o god_n do_v not_o care_n for_o a_o sullied_a and_o unclean_a sacrifice_n go_v say_v he_o i_o hate_v i_o despise_v your_o solemn_a feast_n your_o meat-offering_n and_o sit_v beast_n i_o receive_v they_o as_o the_o price_n of_o whoredom_n as_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o swine_n and_o as_o a_o dog_n head_n alas_o the_o most_o spotless_a man_n be_v not_o enough_o so_o to_o present_v himself_o before_o god_n with_o assurance_n and_o the_o prophet_n can_v say_v woe_n be_v i_o for_o i_o be_o undo_v because_o i_o be_o a_o man_n of_o unclean_a lip_n my_o eye_n have_v see_v the_o king_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n it_o be_v impossible_a therefore_o that_o he_o who_o have_v not_o the_o wedding-garment_n on_o who_o vestment_n be_v stain_v with_o the_o spot_n of_o the_o flesh_n must_v needs_o be_v put_v into_o a_o vast_a consternation_n in_o think_v of_o he_o before_o who_o the_o star_n and_o the_o angel_n be_v unclean_a and_o how_o can_v this_o fear_n or_o to_o speak_v better_a this_o horour_n agree_v with_o devotion_n which_o be_v all_o love_n and_o all_o assurance_n let_v we_o go_v with_o confidence_n say_v the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n to_o all_o devout_a soul_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v find_v mercy_n in_o the_o time_n of_o need_n to_o bring_v to_o god_n a_o criminal_a conscience_n be_v to_o bring_v to_o he_o a_o witness_n against_o ourselves_o to_o make_v our_o own_o process_n it_o be_v to_o deliver_v we_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o severe_a justice_n we_o need_v not_o therefore_o be_v startle_v if_o the_o wicked_a be_v indevout_a and_o fly_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o since_o impurity_n of_o life_n will_v do_v nothing_o else_o than_o take_v away_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v hear_v this_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o hinder_v and_o stifle_v all_o devotion_n all_o the_o virtue_n be_v interest_v and_o he_o that_o will_v take_v away_o hope_v take_v their_o very_a life_n away_o how_o then_o can_v a_o wicked_a creature_n that_o know_v god_n will_v not_o hear_v he_o pray_v devout_o when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n from_o you_o yea_o when_o you_o make_v your_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v your_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o st._n paul_n will_v have_v we_o lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o murmur_a and_o david_n say_v if_o i_o have_v iniquity_n in_o i_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o have_v hear_v i_o it_o be_v for_o this_o cause_n he_o profess_v elsewhere_o that_o he_o wash_v his_o hand_n in_o innocency_n before_o he_o go_v to_o god_n altar_n and_o why_o shall_v god_n have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o those_o that_o have_v none_o for_o his_o commandment_n upon_o these_o principle_n the_o wicked_a man_n say_v to_o himself_o why_o shall_v i_o present_v myself_o before_o god_n have_v not_o my_o iniquity_n bar_v up_o against_o i_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o why_o shall_v i_o go_v to_o ask_v of_o he_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o refuse_v i_o unprofitable_a devotion_n will_v these_o be_v and_o submission_n that_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o hasten_v my_o punishment_n i_o can_v have_v the_o impudence_n to_o desire_v any_o thing_n without_o promise_v to_o myself_o somewhat_o but_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o bridle_v nothing_o within_o i_o and_o to_o continue_v in_o this_o way_n of_o live_v it_o be_v better_o therefore_o that_o every_o one_o hold_v where_o he_o be_v devotion_n be_v of_o a_o great_a extent_n it_o take_v up_o the_o whole_a heart_n it_o can_v dwell_v in_o a_o soul_n divide_v betwixt_o avarice_n ambition_n violence_n pleasure_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n wherefore_o if_o you_o sometime_o see_v those_o worldly_a person_n who_o refuse_v nothing_o to_o their_o heart_n to_o have_v their_o day_n of_o devotion_n well_o regulate_v and_o even_o sometime_o to_o shed_v more_o tear_n and_o fetch_v up_o more_o sigh_n than_o the_o faithful_a you_o may_v without_o hesitate_v conclude_v that_o these_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o pretend_a zealot_n who_o will_v pay_v god_n with_o physiognomy_n and_o posture_n and_o cheat_v the_o world_n with_o fine_a appearance_n perhaps_o some_o there_o be_v who_o believe_v they_o be_v not_o such_o bad_o devout_a people_n when_o they_o atone_v for_o a_o month_n debauch_v with_o a_o day_n of_o fast_v but_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o true_a devotion_n be_v not_o unequal_a nor_o full_a of_o sally_n it_o do_v not_o resemble_v those_o summer-torrent_n which_o roll_n with_o a_o headlong_a impetuosity_n and_o do_v not_o continue_v but_o for_o a_o day_n so_o that_o holiness_n of_o life_n be_v a_o preliminary_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o obtain_v devotion_n this_o virtue_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o excellent_a grace_n that_o we_o receive_v from_o heaven_n &_o one_o of_o the_o most_o precious_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o it_o be_v a_o pearl_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v cast_v before_o swine_n it_o be_v a_o ennamel_n only_o to_o be_v lay_v upon_o silver_n or_o gold_n it_o be_v in_o one_o word_n a_o favour_n communicate_v only_o to_o privilege_a soul_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o the_o pure_a and_o clean_a in_o heart_n but_o as_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o touch_v again_o upon_o this_o subject_n in_o another_o rencounter_n we_o will_v not_o drain_v it_o dry_a here_o meditation_n who_o can_v express_v the_o evil_n and_o the_o disorder_n that_o sin_n have_v cause_v in_o my_o soul_n who_o can_v recount_v all_o the_o mischief_n wherein_o the_o impurity_n of_o my_o heart_n engage_v i_o over_o and_o above_o all_o other_o evil_n it_o bring_v i_o this_o too_o it_o render_v i_o incapable_a of_o devotion_n sin_n have_v put_v a_o separation_n between_o my_o god_n and_o myself_o and_o therefore_o i_o be_o dead_a for_o god_n be_v my_o life_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o my_o soul_n i_o be_o blind_a for_o god_n be_v my_o light_n separate_v from_o he_o i_o be_o poor_a for_o he_o be_v my_o treasure_n and_o make_v up_o all_o my_o riches_n i_o be_o naked_a for_o he_o alone_o give_v i_o raiment_n sick_a i_o be_o for_o my_o health_n and_o strength_n come_v from_o that_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n who_o carry_v heal_v in_o his_o wing_n sin_n have_v robe_v i_o of_o he_o and_o have_v eclipse_v he_o as_o to_o i_o and_o i_o continue_v languish_v away_o be_v far_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o my_o life_n in_o this_o faintness_n i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o produce_v those_o vigorous_a movement_n of_o devotion_n that_o elevate_v the_o soul_n and_o carry_v it_o towards_o paradise_n sin_n be_v a_o thick_a foggy_a heavy_a wet_a that_o stick_v to_o my_o wing_n it_o be_v a_o weight_n which_o oppress_v i_o arrest_v all_o my_o soaring_n and_o render_v all_o my_o effort_n useless_a i_o feel_v a_o la●_n in_o my_o member_n which_o war_n and_o oppo●ses_n itself_o to_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n and_o make_v i_o the_o slave_n of_o sin_n insomuch_o a●_n i_o do_v not_o the_o good_a that_o i_o will_v yet_o i_o do_v the_o ill_a that_o i_o will_v not_o prayer_n o_o divine_a sun_n of_o my_o soul_n break_v out_o and_o dissipate_v these_o cloud_n thou_o great_a deliverer_n break_v these_o iron_n open_v this_o prison_n and_o free_v i_o from_o this_o bondage_n and_o captivity_n thou_o be_v most_o pure_a let_v i_o not_o be_v unclean_a almighty_a let_v i_o not_o be_v miserable_a all_o life_n let_v i_o not_o be_v dead_a draw_v
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
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
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
yourselves_o to_o this_o present_a wicked_a world_n as_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkeness_n make_v ●●t_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n for_o they_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n go_v to_o now_o i_o say_v ●f_a mirth_n it_o be_v vanity_n and_o of_o laughter_n it_o be_v madness_n it_o ●s_v better_a for_o a_o young_a man_n to_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o mourning_n ●han_o to_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o feast_v for_o that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o ●hen_o and_o the_o live_a will_v lay_v it_o to_o heart_n it_o be_v good_a for_o a_o man_n 〈◊〉_d bear_v the_o yoke_n in_o his_o youth_n i_o say_v in_o my_o heart_n i_o will_v ●reve_n thou_o with_o mirth_n therefore_o enjoy_v pleasure_n and_o behold_v his_o also_o be_v vanity_n rejoice_v o_o young_a man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o south_n but_o know_v that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v he_o unto_o judgement_n and_o now_o in_o good_a earnest_n be_v all_o these_o draught_n of_o the_o character_n of_o we_o christian_n now_o a_o day_n ●●ese_fw-mi cross_n these_o thorn_n these_o rough_a way_n these_o ●rait_a gate_n this_o yoke_n this_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o ●s_a vanity_n do_v they_o signify_v that_o we_o can_v follow_v our_o lord_n ●esus_fw-la christ_n in_o the_o equipage_n of_o sensuality_n sometime_o ●mong_a feast_n sometime_o dance_n sometime_o at_o comedy_n and_o sometime_o at_o play_n those_o soft_a and_o effeminate_a life_n that_o be_v spend_v at_o card_n and_o dice_n in_o vain_a use_v lewd_a conversation_n in_o the_o intrigue_n of_o fleshly_a love_n ●ave_n they_o any_o resemblance_n with_o the_o combat_n the_o ●rastlings_n the_o raze_n from_o which_o the_o h._n spirit_n take_v his_o emblem_n to_o paint_v out_o to_o we_o the_o life_n of_o the_o 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the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o of_o devotion_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o strength_n but_o pleasure_n be_v soft_a it_o soften_v the_o so●_n and_o effeminate_v the_o courage_n and_o the_o church_n requi●●_n a_o vigorous_a soul_n and_o a_o heart_n of_o a_o temper_n which_o ca●●_n not_o be_v wound_v by_o the_o most_o weighty_a blow_n nor_o t●●_n most_o edged_a and_o hack_v gleave_n of_o the_o church_n enemy_n we_o be_v to_o march_v through_o a_o hundred_o and_o ●●●dred_n sharp_a sword_n he_o that_o will_v follow_v the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ought_v to_o resolve_v to_o suffer_v persecution_n since_o we_o have_v always_o in_o our_o head_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n but_o can_v a_o soft_a and_o voluptuous_a life_n be_v proper_a to_o dispose_v we_o to_o martyrdom_n in_o go_v out_o of_o a_o perfume_a bed_n in_o rise_v from_o a_o table_n almost_o weigh_v down_o with_o delicious_a meat_n with_o a_o head_n fill_v with_o the_o furne_z of_o a_o debauch_n be_v we_o in_o a_o 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persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o temptation_n we_o imagine_v we_o have_v need_n of_o strength_n and_o courage_n only_o to_o vanquish_v or_o undergo_v such_o torment_n but_o alas_o some_o who_o have_v come_v off_o victorious_a from_o their_o bloody_a bartels_n have_v yet_o fall_v into_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o some_o that_o have_v bear_v the_o mark_n and_o brand_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v become_v child_n of_o hell_n by_o let_v '_o emselves_fw-mi be_v surprise_v by_o the_o devil_n of_o pride_n covetousness_n uncleanness_n or_o heresy_n such_o a_o one_o who_o have_v tear_v a_o young_a lion_n to_o piece_n in_o his_o strength_n break_v the_o band_n of_o the_o philistine_n and_o pile_v heap_n of_o dead_a body_n with_o the_o jawbone_n of_o a_o ass_n fall_v into_o the_o bracelet_n of_o a_o dalilah_n and_o be_v lead_v in_o herchain_n to_o a_o idol_n temple_n this_o truth_n the_o world_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o it_o be_v well_o 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will_v have_v the_o high_a purity_n of_o heart_n that_o no_o one_o be_v innocent_a in_o his_o sight_n because_o he_o have_v commit_v no_o evil_n but_o because_o he_o have_v not_o the_o inclination_n to_o commit_v it_o he_o sound_v the_o depth_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o search_v the_o reins_o and_o he_o will_v judge_v according_a to_o what_o he_o know_v and_o not_o to_o what_o man_n see_v in_o my_o heart_n he_o see_v crime_n in_o their_o very_a bud_n and_o if_o these_o sin_n have_v not_o shoot_v forth_o by_o reason_n of_o want_n of_o earth_n if_o they_o have_v not_o come_v forth_o for_o want_n of_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n i_o be_o therefore_o the_o more_o innocent_a but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n also_o who_o can_v undergo_v the_o terror_n and_o amazement_n that_o such_o a_o thought_n inspire_v
dream_n which_o vanish_v away_o a_o smoke_n which_o be_v consume_v in_o its_o lift_n up_o and_o as_o it_o speak_v of_o it_o with_o contempt_n so_o it_o will_v also_o that_o we_o have_v little_a care_n of_o it_o take_v no_o care_n of_o the_o body_n say_v st._n paul_n to_o obey_v the_o lust_n thereof_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o the_o morrow_n the_o morrow_n shall_v take_v think_v for_o the_o thing_n of_o its_o self_n be_v in_o little_a pain_n for_o what_o you_o shall_v eat_v or_o wherewithal_o you_o shall_v be_v clothe_v as_o for_o the_o soul_n the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v have_v we_o turn_v all_o our_o care_n on_o that_o side_n he_o will_v have_v we_o vigilant_a and_o sober_a because_o the_o devil_n watch_v about_o it_o as_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v to_o devour_v it_o he_o command_v we_o to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a solicitude_n about_o it_o he_o order_v we_o to_o nourish_v it_o with_o the_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n sincere_a and_o without_o deceit_n and_o that_o we_o furnish_v it_o with_o strong_a meat_n he_o wish_v we_o to_o entertain_v it_o continual_o in_o a_o holy_a joy_n he_o will_v have_v we_o search_v after_o those_o sovereign_a pleasure_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n which_o be_v only_o for_o the_o soul_n the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o to_o embellish_v it_o and_o that_o we_o labour_v to_o adorn_v it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v find_v a_o glorious_a spouse_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n worthy_a to_o be_v present_v to_o its_o head_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n examine_v the_o conduct_n of_o voluptuous_a man_n it_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o this_o they_o act_v as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o flesh_n and_o as_o if_o their_o soul_n be_v only_a salt_n to_o keep_v the_o body_n from_o corrupt_v all_o the_o idea_n they_o have_v of_o pleasure_n derive_v from_o the_o sense_n and_o the_o imagination_n and_o without_o a_o metaphor_n they_o be_v 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who_o be_v their_o sovereign_a good_a and_o in_o who_o they_o find_v their_o sovereign_a pleasure_n they_o adore_v this_o body_n of_o they_o they_o cherish_v they_o perfume_v it_o they_o offer_v incense_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o it_o if_o one_o shall_v give_v a_o blow_n or_o a_o gird_n to_o this_o same_o body_n oh_o how_o jealous_a they_o be_v on_o it_o as_o of_o a_o divinity_n more_o indignation_n they_o have_v against_o he_o that_o shall_v hurt_v this_o flesh_n than_o against_o a_o blasphemer_n or_o a_o sacrilegious_a person_n in_o a_o word_n their_o body_n hold_v so_o much_o of_o a_o divinity_n that_o they_o sacrifice_n unto_o it_o even_o their_o very_a conscience_n nay_o and_o god_n himself_o but_o nothing_o be_v more_o opposite_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o devotion_n than_o this_o sentiment_n for_o the_o true_o faithful_a one_o be_v oblige_v to_o slight_v the_o body_n to_o sacrifice_v it_o to_o god_n to_o see_v it_o tear_v in_o piece_n for_o his_o name_n and_o to_o renounce_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n for_o his_o glory_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o devotion_n absolute_o tend_v to_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o voluptuousness_n and_o sensuality_n to_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n how_o must_v we_o love_v the_o world_n when_o it_o caress_n we_o and_o be_v mighty_a kind_n and_o pleasurable_a to_o we_o if_o we_o love_v it_o when_o it_o persecute_v we_o and_o steep_v we_o in_o gall_n the_o world_n be_v a_o mere_a cheat_n and_o gull_n and_o a_o undeniable_a source_n of_o delusion_n it_o mask_n itself_o and_o will_v be_v see_v by_o we_o under_o the_o image_n of_o fleshly_a pleasure_n it_o embrace_v we_o under_o the_o habit_n of_o flower_n but_o under_o these_o flower_n be_v a_o thousand_o thorn_n we_o do_v not_o see_v these_o thorn_n we_o only_o smell_v the_o flower_n we_o be_v sensible_a of_o such_o pleasure_n and_o love_n that_o cause_v they_o but_o all_o the_o world_n know_v nought_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o devotion_n than_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o we_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v elsewhere_o so_o as_o by_o consequence_n nothing_o be_v more_o opposite_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o devotion_n than_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o spirit_n of_o christian_a religion_n will_v inspire_v a_o contempt_n of_o the_o present_a and_o a_o desire_n after_o the_o other_o life_n now_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o nothing_o tie_v man_n so_o much_o to_o life_n as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n the_o saint_n say_v and_o aught_o to_o say_v i_o desire_v to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a i_o know_v when_o this_o earthly_a house_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o house_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v clothe_v upon_o with_o our_o house_n which_o be_v from_o heaven_n none_o of_o these_o thing_n move_v neither_o count_v i_o my_o life_n dear_a unto_o myself_o as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water-brook_n so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o man_n who_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a use_n of_o voluptuousness_n shall_v have_v these_o thought_n every_o one_o wish_n to_o be_v happy_a and_o when_o once_o he_o be_v or_o at_o least_o believe_v he_o be_v so_o he_o can_v renounce_v what_o he_o fancy_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o felicity_n these_o carnal-minded_n man_n think_v themselves_o happy_a at_o such_o time_n as_o they_o enjoy_v their_o pleasure_n they_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o any_o other_o beatitude_n but_o of_o that_o they_o enjoy_v in_o this_o present_a life_n they_o can_v every_o day_n speak_v both_o about_o another_o life_n and_o another_o happiness_n but_o they_o have_v get_v a_o habit_n not_o to_o let_v themselves_o be_v touch_v but_o by_o sense_n and_o imagination_n and_o so_o because_o this_o life_n and_o this_o happiness_n do_v not_o 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in_o a_o entire_a privation_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n fancy_n death_n as_o a_o messenger_n that_o bring_v he_o good_a news_n as_o a_o deliverer_n that_o be_v come_v to_o throw_v down_o the_o four_o wall_n of_o his_o prison_n down_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o will_v leave_v a_o passage_n free_a on_o all_o side_n to_o fly_v away_o to_o heaven_n the_o voluptuous_a they_o must_v be_v drag_v to_o death_n they_o lay_v hold_v on_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o way_n to_o stop_v themselves_o they_o give_v place_n to_o necessity_n but_o they_o do_v it_o with_o a_o awkward_a and_o ill_a grace_n these_o therefore_o who_o multiply_v the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o sense_n make_v themselves_o chain_n the_o break_v whereof_o will_v cost_v they_o many_o a_o groan_n and_o many_o a_o tear_n but_o pious_a people_n who_o have_v renounce_v the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n can_v be_v in_o pain_n to_o forsake_v the_o present_a life_n since_o they_o have_v quit_v that_o which_o life_n have_v most_o agreeable_a i_o 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christ_n be_v at_o all_o our_o feast_n we_o shall_v not_o see_v insolence_n and_o debauchery_n to_o reign_v there_o wisdom_n temperance_n sobriety_n and_o the_o high_a moderation_n will_v march_v in_o his_o train_n meditation_n see_v thou_o be_v compass_v about_o o_o my_o soul_n with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o thou_o see_v so_o many_o so_o holy_a so_o excellent_a example_n have_v go_v before_o thou_o thou_o must_v follow_v and_o imitate_v they_o will_v thou_o follow_v a_o elias_n in_o the_o desert_n a_o moses_n on_o the_o mountain_n fast_v forty_o day_n and_o not_o feed_v but_o on_o the_o bread_n of_o raven_n nor_o drink_v but_o of_o the_o water_n of_o a_o torrent_n but_o these_o be_v particular_a vocation_n that_o do_v not_o refer_v to_o thou_o nevertheless_o if_o any_o one_o will_v imitate_v john_n baptist_n wear_v sackcloth_n with_o he_o be_v clothe_v with_o camel_n hair_n and_o eat_v locust_n and_o 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create_v spirit_n and_o creator_n of_o spirit_n create_v in_o i_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o i_o that_o my_o soul_n may_v be_v fill_v with_o thy_o delight_n and_o i_o may_v taste_v all_o the_o sweetness_n of_o thy_o love_n thirsty_a i_o be_o after_o pleasure_n open_v thy_o fountain_n of_o eternal_a pleasure_n and_o let_v thy_o river_n f●●w_o into_o my_o soul_n kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o thy_o mouth_n for_o thy_o love_n be_v better_a than_o wine_n tell_v i_o o_o thou_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v where_o thou_o make_v thy_o flock_n to_o rest_v at_o noon_n for_o why_o shall_v i_o be_v as_o one_o that_o turn_v aside_o by_o the_o ●●●ks_n of_o thy_o companion_n why_o shall_v my_o soul_n ●ander_n amid_o the_o vain_a pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o bring_v to_o thou_o so_o many_o false_a good_n for_o companion_n let_v i_o retire_v under_o thy_o shadow_n embrace_v adore_v love_v thou_o only_o and_o taste_v no_o pleasure_n but_o 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quell_v and_o take_v our_o heart_n low_a till_o we_o have_v bring_v it_o to_o its_o duty_n we_o be_v to_o read_v meditate_v pray_v let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o against_o the_o grain_n although_o the_o devil_n come_v to_o fill_v your_o mind_n with_o evil_a thought_n say_v st._n basil_n you_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o abandon_v the_o use_n of_o prayer_n you_o be_v to_o make_v new_a and_o great_a endeavour_n you_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o break_v this_o thick_a wall_n of_o vain_a thought_n which_o separate_v you_o from_o he_o you_o must_v beseech_v he_o that_o your_o soul_n may_v be_v able_a soon_o to_o get_v to_o he_o without_o be_v retard_v by_o meet_v vain_a and_o evil_a object_n and_o if_o the_o enemy_n shall_v come_v even_o with_o a_o plentiful_a supply_n of_o distraction_n yet_o you_o be_v not_o to_o give_v back_o nor_o lose_v any_o courage_n nor_o renounce_v victory_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o combat_n you_o must_v persevere_v till_o 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and_o this_o small_a sparkle_n will_v become_v a_o great_a fire_n and_o this_o fire_n will_v cause_v a_o kindle_v and_o that_o kindle_v will_v cast_v up_o flame_n and_o those_o flame_n will_v lift_v thou_o to_o heaven_n but_o if_o thou_o neglect_v this_o spark_n it_o will_v go_v quite_o out_o samson_n deliver_v himself_o up_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o dalilah_n he_o sleep_v in_o her_o breast_n his_o hair_n be_v shave_v which_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o his_o strength_n and_o when_o the_o awake_v he_o go_v according_a to_o custom_n to_o take_v away_o the_o gate_n of_o gath_n and_o break_v the_o cord_n of_o the_o philistine_n but_o he_o do_v not_o find_v himself_o the_o same_o samson_n so_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v weaken_v by_o a_o non-assiduity_n to_o devotion_n sleep_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o pleasure_n his_o soul_n be_v enervate_v he_o think_v to_o return_v to_o his_o old_a wont_a of_o have_v commere_fw-la with_o god_n but_o the_o devil_n attack_n and_o overthrow_v he_o by_o a_o load_n 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terror_n of_o death_n can_v not_o stop_v he_o in_o his_o divine_a race_n he_o must_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o den_n of_o lion_n if_o he_o invoke_v god_n yet_o this_o hinder_v he_o not_o from_o fall_v down_o at_o his_o set_a hour_n towards_o jerusalem_n the_o holy_a city_n above_o all_o let_v we_o be_v far_o from_o the_o way_n of_o the_o world_n that_o run_v to_o its_o own_o affair_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o most_o press_v let_v we_o give_v to_o god_n preserable_o what_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o let_v we_o be_v at_o no_o far_a trouble_n for_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o serpent_n that_o he_o secure_v his_o head_n when_o he_o be_v pursue_v and_o expose_v his_o body_n if_o he_o can_v save_v it_o the_o hour_n consecrate_v to_o devotion_n be_v the_o head_n of_o our_o life_n and_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a prudence_n not_o to_o expose_v they_o but_o to_o draw_v they_o out_o of_o danger_n lest_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n devour_v they_o in_o short_a persevere_v be_v far_o better_a than_o violent_a devotion_n it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o go_v a_o little_a pace_n but_o to_o be_v go_v always_o that_o to_o run_v impetuous_a yet_o interrupt_v raze_n some_o be_v devout_a only_o by_o fit_n for_o a_o day_n nothing_o more_o ardent_a more_o humble_a more_o move_v but_o on_o the_o morrow_n so_o well_o dry_v up_o in_o the_o torrent_n of_o their_o tear_n that_o you_o can_v see_v so_o much_o as_o the_o track_n of_o '_o they_o the_o ardency_n of_o this_o fever_n be_v so_o extreme_o well_o quench_v as_o the_o least_o heat_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v a_o constant_a mediocrity_n be_v preferable_a before_o these_o excess_n of_o a_o small_a duration_n not_o that_o i_o think_v it_o not_o very_o necessary_a that_o devotion_n have_v its_o festival_n and_o labour_v extraordinary_o to_o rewake_v itself_o on_o certain_a day_n and_o time_n these_o be_v the_o extraordinary_n of_o piety_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o return_v as_o frequent_o as_o we_o can_v and_o main_o never_o to_o want_v it_o at_o time_n destine_v to_o pious_a uses_n and_o work_v as_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o our_o lord_n body_n and_o blood_n but_o beside_o these_o extraordinary_n i_o will_v have_v the_o soul_n have_v its_o ordinary_a course_n well_o regulate_v and_o if_o that_o can_v be_v do_v always_o with_o those_o great_a motion_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v yet_o that_o it_o never_o fall_v in_o the_o least_o in_o the_o respite_n and_o intermission_n meditation_n have_v not_o i_o great_a reason_n to_o faint_v and_o despair_v of_o success_n in_o all_o my_o design_n if_o i_o do_v but_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o undertake_n the_o difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v withal_o therein_o and_o the_o
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 the_o soul_n abandon_v to_o its_o self_n in_o sleep_n be_v natural_o carry_v to_o the_o last_o object_n of_o its_o wake_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o the_o dream_n will_v be_v happy_a and_o the_o image_n which_o arise_v from_o those_o last_o impression_n which_o piety_n have_v make_v upon_o the_o heart_n will_v be_v very_o sweet_a one_o the_o night_n itself_o be_v perfect_o a_o friend_n to_o devotion_n it_o be_v there_o that_o recollecting_n be_v very_o easy_a the_o soul_n be_v not_o dissipate_v by_o present_a object_n nothing_o be_v sweet_a than_o to_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o god_n when_o void_a of_o other_o thing_n god_n be_v well_o please_v if_o a_o faithful_a soul_n make_v a_o altar_n of_o its_o bed_n and_o make_v he_o its_o vow_n in_o a_o retreat_n where_o be_v no_o witness_n let_v thy_o body_n be_v lay_v provide_v thy_o soul_n be_v elevate_v and_o thou_o fall_v upon_o the_o knee_n of_o thy_o heart_n as_o clemens_n romanus_n phrase_n it_o these_o nightly_a communication_n with_o god_n seem_v more_o near_o and_o strict_a since_o lay_v ourselves_o down_o in_o our_o bed_n we_o bid_v farewell_n to_o the_o world_n and_o banish_v its_o care_n and_o trouble_n from_o we_o to_o give_v repose_n to_o the_o body_n the_o soul_n find_v itself_o in_o a_o bless_a estate_n and_o at_o its_o wake_a be_v disengage_v from_o the_o world_n it_o have_v all_o manner_n of_o liberty_n to_o mount_v up_o to_o god_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o a_o great_a ●●rt_n of_o david_n psalm_n be_v compose_v in_o the_o night_n i_o will_v bless_v the_o lord_n say_v he_o in_o the_o sixteenth_o psalm_n who_o ●ath_v give_v i_o counsel_n my_o reins_o also_o instruct_v i_o in_o the_o night_n ●eason_n he_o assure_v we_o in_o the_o six_o psalm_n that_o he_o water_n be_v bed_n with_o his_o tear_n and_o the_o spouse_n say_v by_o night_n i_o ●ught_v he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v in_o a_o word_n we_o learn_v ●●om_a history_n that_o antony_n the_o patriarch_n of_o the_o hermits●omplained_v ●omplain'd_z very_o 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 may_v give_v up_o all_o thy_o hour_n to_o thy_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n there_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o bond_n of_o flesh_n thou_o will_v serve_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n in_o perfect_a liberty_n but_o now_o thou_o divide_v thy_o time_n betwixt_o thy_o employment_n thy_o divertisement_n thy_o repast_n and_o thy_o devotion_n but_o then_o these_o four_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v distinct_a they_o shall_v all_o be_v blend_v together_o thy_o continual_a occupation_n shall_v be_v to_o sing_v the_o praise_n of_o thy_o god_n and_o to_o contemplate_v his_o glory_n thy_o meat_n and_o drink_n shall_v be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n thy_o pleasure_n and_o divertisement_n will_v be_v in_o a_o most_o intimate_a enjoyment_n to_o possess_v he_o who_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o joy_n thou_o shall_v have_v no_o more_o hour_n of_o devotion_n for_o this_o four_o thing_n will_v be_v mix_v in_o the_o three_o other_o thou_o shall_v be_v ever_o all_o 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 often_o thou_o will_v become_v his_o glass_n ●nd_n will_v be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n 〈◊〉_d glory_n as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n o_o sun_n of_o my_o soul_n i_o seek_v thou_o with_o all_o my_o strength_n hide_v not_o thyself_o from_o i_o and_o suffer_v no_o eclipse_n disperse_v those_o cloud_n which_o cover_v and_o separate_v thou_o ●●rn_v i_o and_o rob_v i_o of_o the_o view_n of_o thy_o light_n my_o sin_n ●confess_v continual_o raise_v thick_a filthy_a and_o malign_v vapour_n which_o may_v grow_v into_o cloud_n and_o these_o cloud_n afterward_o ●●duce_v the_o storm_n and_o thunder_n of_o thy_o severe_a justice_n 〈◊〉_d thou_o will_v punish_v i_o as_o i_o deserve_v but_o from_o hence_o ●●●th_o o_o lord_n hinder_v these_o vapour_n from_o arise_v and_o dry_a 〈◊〉_d their_o source_n let_v not_o my_o heart_n be_v any_o more_o as_o a_o ●●arsh_a full_a of_o unmoving_a and_o putrify_a water_n but_o let_v it_o be_v a_o live_n and_o pure_a 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
whereas_o in_o religion_n all_o be_v divine_a and_o intellectual_a the_o object_n of_o their_o worship_n be_v most_o a_o agnus_n dei_fw-la a_o relic_n or_o a_o image_n and_o god_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o our_o devotion_n have_v scarce_o any_o share_n in_o their_o veneration_n i_o do_v require_v our_o christian_a to_o be_v learn_v and_o that_o he_o have_v prey_v either_o into_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n or_o also_o into_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o grace_n by_o a_o over-exact_a and_o curious_a research_n i_o hold_v that_o that_o be_v more_o disadvantageous_a than_o prositable_a to_o devotion_n but_o the_o devout_a soul_n must_v be_v spiritual_a enough_o to_o lift_v itself_o up_o above_o the_o sense_n by_o meditation_n meditation_n be_v a_o excellent_a operation_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o penetrate_v the_o outside_n of_o object_n and_o sound_v they_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n it_o be_v a_o reflect_a action_n that_o roll_v its_o subject_n upon_o the_o heart_n till_o it_o make_v deep_a impression_n it_o be_v a_o happy_a prospect_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n every_o moment_n discover_v more_o and_o more_o wonder_n in_o that_o which_o it_o be_v about_o but_o these_o discovery_n be_v not_o nice_a speculation_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o other_o they_o be_v particular_a sentiment_n and_o application_n which_o the_o soul_n make_v and_o which_o be_v only_o for_o it_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o this_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o devotion_n for_o this_o do_v not_o embrace_v its_o subject_n but_o proportionable_o as_o meditation_n make_v it_o to_o enter_v therein_o devotion_n be_v a_o agitation_n of_o a_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a soul_n whereby_o we_o be_v lift_v up_o to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o sovereign_a good_a and_o therefore_o the_o more_o devotion_n apply_v we_o to_o this_o great_a object_n and_o let_v we_o see_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o goodness_n the_o more_o ardent_a do_v devotion_n become_v so_o that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a subject_n of_o our_o contemplation_n god_n be_v good_a either_o in_o himself_o or_o in_o respect_n have_v to_o we_o in_o himself_o because_o he_o be_v great_a majestic_a bounteous_a merciful_a if_o we_o do_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o these_o divine_a virtue_n nevertheless_o god_n will_v not_o cease_v to_o possess_v they_o and_o consequent_o he_o will_v be_v infinite_o amiable_a we_o can_v think_v too_o often_o on_o these_o attribute_n of_o god_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o efficacious_a mean_n which_o david_n use_v to_o awaken_v his_o drowsy_a devotion_n awake_v o_o my_o tongue_n say_v he_o and_o thereupon_o he_o sing_v god_n almighty_n power_n in_o his_o work_n his_o majesty_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o heaven_n his_o justice_n in_o his_o judgement_n his_o wisdom_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n his_o mercy_n towards_o man._n but_o because_o interest_n have_v so_o great_a a_o sway_n with_o we_o we_o be_v to_o join_v to_o this_o consideration_n that-of-god_n benefit_n to_o descend_v into_o the_o abysses_n of_o his_o love_n and_o to_o consider_v he_o in_o jesus_n christ_n reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o himself_o we_o must_v essay_n to_o dive_v if_o possible_a it_o be_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o mercy_n which_o be_v find_v every_o where_n and_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n above_o all_o we_o can_v fix_v ourselves_o too_o much_o upon_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n we_o shall_v see_v there_o a_o thousand_o object_n able_a to_o mollify_v our_o soul_n fince_n god_n love_n to_o mankind_n appear_v there_o in_o all_o it_o be_v extension_n from_o general_a consideration_n it_o be_v good_a to_o come_v to_o particular_a application_n we_o ought_v to_o conceive_v how_o much_o we_o stand_v indebt_v to_o god_n for_o free_v we_o from_o so_o many_o misery_n to_o raise_v we_o up_o to_o such_o glorious_a hope_n in_o short_a and_o to_o speak_v all_o in_o a_o word_n the_o object_n of_o our_o meditation_n be_v as_o vast_a as_o god_n nature_n and_o grace_n altogether_o for_o there_o be_v no_o flower_n in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o may_v gather_v honey_n from_o they_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v therefore_o that_o we_o can_v drain_v a_o subject_a of_o so_o great_a a_o bigness_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v then_o our_o meditation_n be_v frequent_o so_o dry_a and_o our_o recollection_n so_o barren_a it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o seed_n but_o from_o the_o bad_a ground_n whence_o come_v it_o say_v a_o ancient_a father_n that_o our_o mind_n be_v find_v destitute_a of_o good_a thought_n as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o well-pleasing_a to_o god_n wherewith_o we_o can_v entertain_v ourselves_o this_o come_v not_o say_v he_o but_o from_o a_o carelessness_n of_o spirit_n for_o the_o subject_n be_v inexhaustible_a and_o if_o the_o eye_n can_v reach_v the_o end_n of_o wonder_n to_o be_v see_v much_o less_o can_v the_o mind_n attain_v it_o in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v conceive_v if_o the_o eye_n cease_v to_o see_v the_o light_n when_o it_o be_v day_n it_o be_v not_o for_o that_o the_o light_n be_v extinguish_v but_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o dissipation_n of_o the_o sight_n if_o you_o pierce_v and_o open_v a_o field_n in_o all_o ●arts_n with_o a_o ploughshare_n it_o will_v render_v you_o a_o abundant_a harvest_n otherwise_o it_o will_v continue_v barren_a and_o even_o if_o you_o penetrate_v very_o deep_o you_o may_v find_v spring_n of_o live_a water_n in_o like_a manner_n if_o you_o open_v this_o great_a subject_n to_o wit_n god_n and_o his_o work_n by_o profound_a and_o frequent_a meditation_n there_o will_v proceed_v from_o thence_o source_n of_o consolation_n and_o instruction_n last_o make_v no_o difficulty_n to_o repass_v oft_o upon_o the_o same_o subject_n for_o to_o make_v it_o familiar_a to_o you_o our_o soul_n be_v depend_v upon_o the_o body_n during_o the_o time_n we_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o the_o most_o spiritual_a idea_n be_v form_v in_o we_o by_o bodily_a motion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v high_o useful_a to_o let_v the_o thought_n of_o thing_n divine_a pass_n and_o repass_v frequent_o in_o ourselves_o to_o the_o intent_n we_o may_v give_v a_o inclination_n to_o the_o animal_n spirit_n which_o may_v carry_v they_o that_o aways_o and_o at_o length_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o will_v go_v natural_o in_o that_o road_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o without_o design_n and_o before_o we_o be_v aware_a we_o shall_v think_v on_o good_a thing_n i_o shall_v say_v one_o word_n more_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o those_o mind_n which_o be_v not_o capable_a either_o of_o a_o pierce_a infight_n or_o a_o strong_a application_n and_o that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v grieve_v if_o they_o do_v not_o find_v themselves_o forcible_a enough_o to_o drive_v on_o their_o reason_n so_o far_o and_o if_o conception_n fail_v they_o provide_v this_o come_v not_o from_o any_o coldness_n 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in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n not_o in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n not_o in_o strife_n and_o envy_v but_o put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v the_o conversion_n of_o st._n austin_n in_o every_o page_n of_o this_o book_n we_o shall_v find_v god_n benefit_n and_o his_o excellent_a promise_n so_o proper_a to_o awaken_v devotion_n we_o shall_v find_v there_o many_o example_n of_o heavenly_a meditation_n fit_a to_o lift_v up_o the_o soul_n and_o guide_v we_o in_o our_o own_o especial_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n be_v a_o inestimable_a treasure_n for_o devout_a soul_n and_o if_o we_o can_v prize_v it_o and_o say_v of_o it_o beyond_o what_o the_o ancient_n do_v we_o can_v never_o say_v enough_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o this_o treasure_n be_v lay_v up_o entire_o in_o our_o memory_n
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 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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
with_o relation_n to_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o most_o eloquent_a and_o he_o that_o be_v least_o so_o than_o between_o one_o child_n and_o another_o god_n understand_v all_o language_n and_o all_o style_n he_o require_v no_o order_n nor_o elegance_n the_o most_o confuse_a thought_n that_o come_v in_o a_o crowd_n from_o the_o heart_n be_v often_o most_o please_a to_o he_o he_o hear_v the_o sigh_n of_o the_o dumb_a he_o know_v what_o we_o desire_v better_a than_o we_o can_v speak_v or_o oftentimes_o conceive_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v after_o all_o there_o be_v none_o but_o know_v what_o they_o want_v and_o by_o consequence_n none_o but_o can_v pray_v for_o prayer_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o weave_n of_o desire_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o for_o the_o present_a life_n the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v the_o passion_n be_v eloquent_a and_o the_o imagination_n be_v warm_v by_o its_o sympathy_n with_o the_o heart_n wherefore_o those_o person_n that_o excuse_v themselves_o upon_o the_o smallness_n of_o their_o light_n when_o they_o be_v inflame_v with_o choler_n never_o want_v word_n and_o certain_o if_o their_o heart_n be_v heat_v with_o the_o fire_n of_o devotion_n the_o imagination_n will_v be_v very_o sensible_a of_o it_o and_o they_o can_v complain_v of_o want_n of_o thought_n or_o expression_n meditation_n thou_o have_v never_o well_o comprise_v o_o my_o soul_n how_o much_o honour_n thy_o god_n do_v thou_o in_o permit_v thou_o to_o cast_v thyself_o at_o his_o foot_n thou_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o this_o favour_n thou_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v owe_v thou_o it_o for_o that_o thou_o will_v humble_v thyself_o before_o he_o thou_o remember_v not_o how_o dear_a and_o scarce_o be_v the_o audience_n before_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o yet_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n but_o a_o shadow_n a_o nothing_o the_o king_n of_o king_n be_v please_v to_o lend_v his_o ear_n to_o thou_o to_o hear_v thou_o to_o succour_v thou_o his_o throne_n be_v accessible_a at_o all_o time_n to_o approach_v thither_o there_o be_v no_o need_n either_o of_o favour_n or_o friend_n or_o credit_n or_o painful_a solicitation_n or_o troublesome_a attending_n notwithstanding_o what_o be_v that_o throne_n and_o how_o great_a its_o magnificence_n and_o glory_n thereon_o god_n be_v seat_v environ_v with_o a_o light_n who_o lustre_n dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o seraphim_n all_o around_z million_o of_o angel_n and_o arch-angel_n fall_v upon_o their_o face_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n rivers_n of_o milk_n and_o honey_n which_o his_o child_n drink_v of_o on_o the_o left_a be_v torrent_n of_o fire_n to_o devour_v his_o adversary_n on_o the_o one_o side_n be_v hell_n and_o death_n and_o the_o dreadful_a minister_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n and_o on_o the_o other_o heaven_n and_o paradise_n with_o the_o glorious_a reward_n which_o god_n prepare_v for_o those_o who_o he_o love_v thou_o do_v not_o see_v this_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o therefore_o thou_o be_v the_o less_o touch_v but_o thou_o ought_v to_o believe_v it_o though_o the_o veil_n of_o thy_o flesh_n rob_v thou_o of_o the_o fight_n therefore_o represent_v to_o thyself_o the_o magnificence_n of_o that_o throne_n tremble_v admire_v and_o be_v fill_v with_o gratitude_n for_o that_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o commerce_n thou_o have_v with_o a_o miserable_a body_n abide_v in_o a_o house_n of_o clay_n and_o have_v thy_o seat_n in_o the_o dust_n thou_o can_v nevertheless_o at_o all_o time_n with_o liberty_n present_v thyself_o before_o he_o who_o sit_v upon_o the_o cherubim_n who_o fly_v upon_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n who_o make_v his_o angel_n spirit_n and_o his_o minister_n a_o flame_n of_o fire_n thou_o have_v the_o permission_n to_o pray_v but_o thou_o know_v not_o how_o to_o pray_v and_o that_o because_o thou_o know_v not_o to_o love_v one_o intimate_a friend_n never_o want_v thing_n to_o discourse_v on_o to_o another_o when_o our_o heart_n be_v perfect_o open_v to_o any_o one_o and_o we_o have_v receive_v his_o soul_n into_o our_o breast_n we_o be_v never_o short_a alas_o my_o soul_n if_o thou_o love_v thy_o god_n perfect_o thou_o will_v be_v never_o weary_a with_o entertain_v he_o never_o will_v thy_o imagination_n be_v congeal_v thy_o tongue_n remain_v speechless_a or_o thou_o want_v word_n thy_o mouth_n will_v pour_v itself_o forth_o like_o a_o torrent_n and_o thy_o prayer_n will_v roll_n like_o a_o flame_n but_o thou_o languish_v in_o thy_o prayer_n since_o thou_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o god_n as_o thy_o near_a and_o best_a friend_n the_o barrenness_n of_o thy_o heart_n come_v from_o the_o coldness_n of_o thy_o love_n prayer_n o_o holy_a spirit_n which_o art_n love_v itself_o in_o the_o most_o adorable_a trinity_n o_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n make_v intercession_n for_o i_o with_o dumb_a interrupt_a groan_n and_o such_o as_o can_v be_v express_v teach_v i_o how_o i_o ought_v to_o pray_v i_o know_v almost_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o my_o prayer_n but_o i_o be_o ignorant_a how_o to_o give_v they_o their_o form_n i_o feel_v in_o myself_o a_o chaos_n of_o confuse_a thought_n and_o motion_n which_o i_o can_v unmixe_v or_o disentangle_v the_o light_n be_v find_v blend_v with_o darkness_n worldly_a with_o heavenly_a thought_n o_o holy_a spirit_n which_o at_o the_o world_n beginning_n do_v in_o the_o like_a chaos_n draw_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n and_o order_n out_o of_o confusion_n stretch_v forth_o thy_o wing_n upon_o the_o waver_a water_n of_o my_o thought_n and_o hatch_v they_o into_o well_o conceive_v form_v and_o digest_v prayer_n thou_o make_v the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v and_o give_v eloquence_n to_o those_o that_o be_v slow_a of_o speech_n touch_v my_o tongue_n with_o a_o coal_n from_o thy_o altar_n that_o my_o lip_n may_v be_v purify_v my_o mouth_n open_v and_o i_o may_v declare_v thy_o praise_n warm_a my_o heart_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o devout_a and_o pious_a thought_n that_o from_o the_o abundance_n of_o my_o heart_n my_o mouth_n may_v speak_v and_o thou_o o_o lord_n jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n our_o great_a highpriest_n receive_v my_o prayer_n as_o incense_n and_o carry_v they_o before_o that_o adorable_a throne_n upon_o which_o thy_o father_n sit_v make_v they_o to_o smoke_v before_o he_o make_v they_o a_o sweet_a smell_a odour_n of_o atonement_n that_o these_o calf_n of_o my_o lip_n may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o because_o my_o offering_n be_v imperfect_a cover_v they_o with_o thy_o perfect_a righteousness_n obtain_v through_o thy_o intecession_n what_o my_o prayer_n alone_o will_v never_o obtain_v chap._n x._o the_o five_o particular_a help_n to_o devotion_n fast_v and_o mortification_n none_o can_v deny_v that_o fast_v and_o mortification_n be_v most_o necessary_a help_n to_o devotion_n unless_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o maxim_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n the_o scripture_n seldom_o separate_v prayer_n from_o fast_v it_o give_v to_o both_o joint_o the_o force_n of_o drive_v away_o the_o most_o dangerous_a demon_n this_o kind_n of_o devil_n go_v not_o out_o but_o by_o prayer_n and_o fast_v the_o flesh_n be_v a_o headstrong_a horse_n which_o we_o can_v manage_v but_o by_o hold_v in_o the_o bridle_n it_o be_v a_o lion_n which_o we_o must_v not_o feed_v so_o long_o till_o he_o be_v grow_v fat_a unless_o we_o will_v augment_v his_o cruelty_n and_o cast_v ourselves_o into_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v devour_v by_o he_o the_o body_n if_o we_o mark_v be_v the_o same_o flesh_n whereof_o the_o gospel_n complain_v so_o strong_o and_o in_o so_o many_o place_n of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o its_o fruit_n be_v debauchery_n strife_n sedition_n murder_n hatred_n envy_v ambition_n and_o covetousness_n so_o that_o to_o hinder_v the_o product_n of_o these_o fruit_n it_o be_v good_a to_o keep_v this_o plant_n in_o continual_a great_a dryness_n for_o if_o we_o besprinkle_v this_o root_n of_o bitterness_n with_o carnal_a pleasure_n it_o will_v shoot_v up_o its_o sprout_n on_o high_a and_o turn_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o plant_n which_o be_v very_o tall_a and_o surmount_v their_o neighbour_n leave_v they_o in_o a_o bad_a estate_n in_o suck_v all_o the_o fatness_n of_o the_o earth_n from_o they_o so_o the_o flesh_n grow_v not_o fat_a but_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o it_o deprive_v of_o comfort_n and_o leave_v it_o in_o a_o great_a bareness_n of_o fruit._n a_o great_a meal_n be_v a_o very_a bad_a preparative_n for_o the_o
duty_n of_o piety_n we_o can_v be_v in_o the_o kitchen_n and_o the_o closet_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o while_o the_o soul_n be_v employ_v in_o its_o room_n about_o seethe_a and_o digest_v its_o victual_n and_o distribute_v its_o nourishment_n it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n to_o be_v transport_v in_o place_n destine_v to_o contemplation_n and_o meditation_n it_o lie_v grovel_v beneath_o thick_a cloud_n and_o foggy_a vapour_n which_o render_v the_o heart_n unfit_a to_o lift_v itself_o up_o the_o abundance_n of_o delicious_a meat_n say_v a_o father_n send_v smoky_a exhalation_n like_o cloud_n that_o interrupt_v the_o illumination_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o understanding_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherefore_o moses_n that_o he_o may_v see_v god_n without_o a_o cloud_n stay_v forty_o day_n upon_o the_o mount_n without_o eat_v or_o drink_v with_o design_n that_o the_o superior_a part_n of_o his_o soul_n may_v remain_v disengage_v from_o trouble_n and_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o low_a part_n ease_n and_o abundance_n of_o bread_n cause_n the_o sin_n of_o sodom_n and_o uncleanness_n of_o of_o life_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o mouth_n be_v excess_n after_o the_o use_n of_o many_o delicate_a meat_n and_o drink_n the_o blood_n be_v all_o over_o inflame_v which_o give_v a_o disposition_n to_o all_o carnal_a action_n and_o a_o inclination_n to_o worldly_a joy_n which_o be_v ever_o immoderate_a the_o people_n sit_v down_o to_o eat_v and_o to_o drink_v and_o rose_n up_o to_o play_v we_o must_v therefore_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n observe_v the_o rule_n of_o sobriety_n and_o nourish_v the_o body_n only_o for_o life_n sake_n we_o must_v give_v it_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o deny_v it_o superfluity_n that_o it_o be_v never_o able_a to_o rebel_v against_o we_o and_o frequent_o we_o must_v retrench_v even_o the_o necessary_a thing_n that_o we_o may_v master_v it_o the_o more_o for_o the_o flesh_n when_o keep_v under_o contribute_v much_o to_o make_v the_o heart_n contrite_a and_o the_o less_o tie_v the_o soul_n have_v to_o the_o body_n the_o more_o easy_o it_o lift_v itself_o up_o to_o god_n when_o we_o fast_o our_o devotion_n be_v not_o interrupt_v by_o sleep_n they_o be_v not_o corrupt_v by_o involuntary_a motion_n they_o be_v not_o vitiated_a by_o dishonest_a thought_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n touch_v the_o practice_n and_o use_v of_o fast_v divers_a advice_n may_v be_v give_v first_o we_o be_v not_o to_o hold_v it_o for_o a_o part_n of_o devotion_n and_o as_o a_o worship_n wherewith_o we_o serve_v god_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v neither_o meat_n nor_o drink_n it_o be_v only_o a_o help_n to_o devotion_n this_o first_o consideration_n furnish_v we_o with_o a_o other_o which_o be_v that_o we_o use_v not_o fast_v as_o devotion_n itself_o for_o to_o fast_o whilst_o we_o be_v travel_v or_o about_o our_o employment_n be_v no_o work_n of_o great_a merit_n or_o great_a use_n the_o first_o consideration_n have_v a_o three_o still_o that_o spring_v from_o it_o and_o that_o be_v that_o fast_v be_v not_o to_o be_v employ_v no_o far_o in_o devotion_n than_o as_o it_o may_v be_v a_o aid_n to_o it_o and_o by_o consequence_n we_o can_v give_v any_o certain_a rule_n either_o for_o the_o practice_n or_o the_o duration_n of_o it_o some_o temper_n there_o be_v so_o weak_a that_o fast_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o help_n to_o devotion_n as_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a let_v to_o it_o because_o it_o immediate_o cast_v the_o body_n into_o a_o certain_a negligence_n which_o hinder_v the_o soul_n from_o soar_v up_o again_o there_o be_v those_o can_v be_v tame_v but_o by_o long_a mortification_n and_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o spare_v themselves_o other_o master_n '_o emselve_n more_o easy_o and_o these_o must_v know_v themselves_o but_o nevertheless_o they_o be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o body_n do_v not_o serve_v for_o a_o pretext_n to_o dispense_v themselves_o from_o necessary_a mortification_n yet_o we_o can_v approve_v those_o cruelty_n which_o some_o use_n towards_o the_o body_n in_o treat_v it_o like_o a_o declare_a enemy_n without_o spare_v either_o fire_n or_o sword_n we_o put_v not_o on_o here_o the_o spirit_n of_o controversy_n we_o leave_v every_o one_o to_o his_o own_o conscience_n we_o say_v only_o that_o although_o those_o excess_n be_v not_o new_a they_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o all_o that_o eccesiastical_a history_n supply_v we_o with_o example_n enough_o i_o confess_v of_o these_o extravagant_a mortification_n but_o i_o have_v rather_o stand_v to_o the_o dicision_n of_o st._n basil_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suspect_v in_o this_o cause_n since_o he_o be_v a_o great_a associate_n in_o fast_n and_o mortification_n however_o he_o repeat_v many_o time_n the_o precept_n of_o mediocrity_n and_o insist_o very_o long_o upon_o it_o he_o deny_v his_o virgin_n and_o his_o hermit_n the_o use_n of_o excessive_a mortification_n even_o to_o his_o save_a in_o the_o book_n of_o virginity_n that_o the_o burden_n of_o heavy_a and_o excessive_o pamper_a flesh_n do_v not_o bring_v more_o encumbrance_n to_o the_o elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o sick_a body_n thin_v by_o a_o long_a and_o excessive_a mortification_n and_o therefore_o he_o express_o order_n that_o necessity_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o fast_v and_o abstinence_n and_o now_o follow_v another_o necessary_a direction_n upon_o this_o subject_a that_o bodily_a mortification_n and_o fast_v do_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o the_o soul_n nor_o mortify_v all_o sort_n of_o vice_n a_o ancient_n say_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v not_o able_a to_o lay_v hold_n or_o take_v possession_n of_o a_o body_n master_v by_o great_a mortification_n seize_v upon_o the_o soul_n all_o naked_a and_o by_o it_o and_o in_o it_o begins_z and_o consummate_v the_o carnal_a desire_n if_o the_o soul_n without_o the_o body_n be_v capable_a of_o act_v and_o commit_v bodily_a sin_n though_o mortification_n be_v in_o the_o way_n how_o shall_v it_o heal_v itself_o by_o this_o mean_n of_o those_o disease_n which_o be_v entire_o in_o it_o as_o envy_n pride_n and_o self-love_n so_o we_o see_v these_o passion_n reign_v very_o often_o and_o very_o imperious_o in_o those_o man_n of_o scourge_v and_o sackcloth_n this_o so_o bloody_a war_n which_o be_v wage_v against_o the_o body_n and_o in_o appearance_n renounce_v all_o self-love_n can_v be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o most_o part_n than_o a_o self-love_n very_o delicate_a which_o lead_v to_o glory_n by_o extraordinary_a path_n that_o it_o may_v arrive_v there_o the_o more_o sure_o from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o mortification_n which_o st._n paul_n require_v of_o we_o when_o he_o say_v mortify_v your_o member_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o which_o we_o have_v judge_v necessary_a for_o devotion_n go_v much_o far_a than_o bodily_a mortification_n to_o stifle_v that_o self-love_n that_o pride_n those_o jealousy_n harred_n envy_n and_o even_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n there_o be_v need_n of_o another_o sort_n of_o fast_v that_o be_v a_o abstinence_n from_o all_o action_n which_o may_v nourish_v those_o vice_n so_o i_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o those_o incomparable_a word_n of_o the_o father_n beware_v of_o define_v the_o excellence_n of_o fast_v by_o a_o sole_a abstinence_n from_o meat_n and_o drink_n for_o true_a fast_n consist_v in_o abstain_v from_o evil._n thou_o do_v not_o eat_v flesh_n but_o thou_o tear_v thy_o brother_n in_o piece_n thou_o abstain_v from_o wine_n but_o thou_o abstain_v not_o from_o do_v outrage_n thou_o wait_v till_o the_o evening_n to_o eat_v but_o thou_o spend_v the_o day_n in_o a_o law_n suit_n woe_n to_o those_o that_o be_v drink_v though_o not_o with_o wine_n anger_n inebriate_v the_o soul_n and_o as_o well_o as_o wine_n cast_v it_o out_o of_o the_o limit_n of_o reason_n meditation_n this_o of_o wine_n i_o confess_v be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a drunkenness_n and_o gluttony_n be_v a_o most_o filthy_a sin_n these_o sin_n be_v great_a enemy_n to_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o fast_v abstinence_n and_o sobriety_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o succour_v and_o nourish_v piety_n but_o o_o my_o soul_n take_v care_n of_o thyself_o these_o vice_n regard_v the_o body_n chief_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o drunkenness_n and_o gluttony_n which_o immediate_o concern_v the_o soul_n and_o be_v it_o may_v be_v still_o more_o dangerous_a this_o drunkenness_n be_v pride_n and_o this_o gluttony_n be_v avarice_n and_o ambition_n how_o many_o soul_n do_v i_o see_v in_o the_o world_n make_v drink_v with_o vanity_n and_o a_o high_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o they_o be_v fly-blown_a with_o pride_n that_o all_o the_o earth_n can_v contain_v they_o they_o stretch_v themselves_o so_o far_o