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THus having Explica∣ted the Nature of Weeping, and Illu∣strated the Necessitie of Weeping; We come in the last place to Apply some Vses of Weeping. In which, because, * 1.1 Nobis ad certam regulam loquendum est, ne verborum licentia impiam gignat opinionem, We must speake after some Methode, lest libertie of speech should breed preiudicate opinion: Wee apply it for Re∣formation, Information, Humilia∣tion, Exhortation, and Consolati∣on; Seeing it doth naturally fol∣low
that this short Scripture, may Reforme some in the Scan∣dall of Weeping, Informe o∣thers of the Causes of Weeping, Humble many for the Want of Weeping, Exhort all to the Practise of Weeping, and Com∣fort the best with the Fruits of Weeping. But conscious to mine owne Infirmities, Merci∣full Lord, favourably receive the groanes which my Griefe sendeth vnto thee. That as thou hast infused a Soule into my Bo∣dy, so thou wouldest infuse thy Spirit into my Soule, to guide all the Actions and Motions thereof; that I may shew my selfe a Workeman approved vn∣to thee, rightly dividing thy Word of Weeping. Direct also (Sweete Iesu) thy Spirit of Ap∣plication vnto the hearts of all, and every one in particular, that
Hee may incorporate into vs (according to our severall Ne∣cessities) thy Precepts, Promises, and Threatnings of Weeping, That what is spoken to all, may bee in effect applyed by every one; And all may receive some Light and Life from thee, who art the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Amen.
Aug. de Ciu. De••. 10.23.