The school of the heart, or, The heart of it self gone away from God, brought back again to him, and instructed by him in XLVII emblems.

ODE. 36.

1.

Welcome, holy, heavenly fire, Kindled by immortall love: Which descending from above, Makes all earthly thoughts retire, And give place To that grace, Which with gentle violence Conquers all corrupt affections, Rebell Natures insurrections, Bidding them be packing hence.

2.

Lord, thy fire doth heat within, Warmeth not without alone; Though it be an heart of stone, Of it self congeal'd in sinne, Hard as steel, If it feel

Thy dissolving pow'r, it groweth Soft as waxe, and quickly takes Any print thy Spirit make, Paying what thou sai'st it oweth.

3.

Of it self mine heart is dark, But thy sire by shining bright, Fills it full of saving light Though't be but a little spark Lent by thee, I shall see More by it, then all the light, Which in fullest measures streames From corrupted Natures beames, Can discover to my sight.

4.

Though mine heart be ice, and snow, To the things which thou hast chosen, All benum'd with cold, and frozen, Yet thy fire will make it glow. Though it burnes, When it turnes Tow'rds the things which thou do'st hate: Yet thy blessed warmth, no doubt, Will that wild-fire soone draw out, And the heat thereof abate.

5.

Lord, thy fire is active, using Alwayes either to ascend To its native heav'n, or lend Heat to others: and diffusing Of it store Gathers more, Never ceasing till it make

All things like it selfe, and longing To see others come with thronging Of thy goodnesse to partake.

6.

Lord, then let thy fire enflame My cold heart so thoroughly, That the heat may never die, But continue still thr same: That I may Ev'ry day More, and more, consuming sinne, Kindling others, and attending All occasions of ascending, Heaven upon earth begin,