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I Wil consider the largenes & am∣plenes of my hart which nothing can fil, neither the vastnes of the Heauens, the circuit of the earth, nor Angels, nor men, nor yet ri∣ches or delights, themselues and
that but he only is able to fil and b••esse it, who framed it for him∣self.
2. Point. Hence wil I gather the worthines and noblenes of my hart, while it contemnes al created things nor vseth them otherwise then as a foot-stoole or stayers, by setting foot where on it may mount to God himself. So from the odour and beauty of flowers, ascends it to the sweetnes and glory of the Creatour, from the light of the San-climbs it to the light increated, from the fra∣ming of the world, it findes out the influence of diuine loue into other things, and discouers therein a cer∣tain plenty and affluence of his guifts.
3. Point. I wil further weigh how great must the beauty of mans hart be, with whose loue al things are so enamoured, as vehemently to wish
haue some place, in the secret cabi∣net thereof. The world, that woes it with allurem̄ets of honours, riches, iewels, and with the same guile the flesh in presenting enticem̄ets, plea∣sures, feasts, banquets, good fellow∣ships, playes, reuels, singing and en∣chanting bewitches it wholy: The diuel, being pleased better to vse violence, seekes rather with engins, and frightful terrours to addresse his way. Now these three enemyes al conspire in one, and to worke more effectually their ends with a wicked treason of the fiue senses, by vndermining seeke to surprise it. To the eyes they streight obiect what soeuer is pleasant & beautiful to be∣hold; whether you would the deli∣ciousnes of flowers, or rather regard the lustre of Adamants & the rest of stones. To the eares, they apply their melodious ditties, both perilous
& lasciuious songs of Syrens. Odours & sweet perfumes are couveighed to the nostrils with ful sayles. For the palat the kitchings fume, dain∣tyes are dressed, and serued vp in ful dishes; wines are fetched from Cel∣lars, tēpered for the anciens Cōsuls, Albana Tiuoly, Romanesco, Falerna, and the like. And so likewise for the other senses delights are studiously sought for with al industry and art.
4. Point. IESVS on the contrary, to∣geather with the Angel Gardian, very seriously defendes the Tower of the hart; he there succours it with the singular assist̄ace of his diuine grace, this here, in pouring forth light amid the thicke obscureties therein, teacheth what to shun and what it is be done breakes the engins laid against it, repels the assaults of the world, detects the obscenes of the flesh.