§. II.
Devotion described a more familiar way, and the best naturall temper in order thereunto.
BEcause Devotion hath hitherto spoke the Language of the Church, it may seeme uneasie unto many to be un∣derstood; therefore I shall put it into the vulgar tongue of the Court, and so make it more familiar for apprehension, and by the warrant of S. Pauls condescendence to the capaci∣ties he wrote unto, I may speak after the manner of men, be∣cause * 1.1 of the infirmity of your flesh; and therefore venture with∣out any levity to say, Devotion is a Divine passion.
Love raised to the height of passion, upon humane objects, is a power in our mind, whereon most of the world doth ra∣ther pretend an excellency over others, then plead any excuse, for such an incapacity in their nature; wherefore this will be an expression of devotion, that will serve and fit most appre∣hensions. And certainly as strangers doe discreetly, to change their habit, when they come to dwell in forreigne parts, espe∣cially if they be rude and uncivilized; so pure devotion (being * 1.2 a stranger to our carnall nature, which is of it selfe wild and undisciplined, comming to plant it selfe, and live with it) may be better suited for the purpose of introduction with the apparell of passion, which is native, then with her owne habit of purity, though more decent and becoming; for this ex∣teriour