Part 99 (1/2)

194. SABBATHS.

Sabbaths are threefold, as St. Austin says: The first of time, or Sabbath here of days; The second is a conscience trespa.s.s-free; The last the Sabbath of Eternity.

195. THE FAST, OR LENT.

Noah the first was, as tradition says, That did ordain the fast of forty days.

196. SIN.

There is no evil that we do commit, But hath th' extraction of some good from it: As when we sin, G.o.d, the great Chemist, thence Draws out th' elixir of true penitence.

197. G.o.d.

G.o.d is more here than in another place, Not by His essence, but commerce of grace.

198. THIS, AND THE NEXT WORLD.

G.o.d hath this world for many made, 'tis true: But He hath made the World to Come for few.

199. EASE.

G.o.d gives to none so absolute an ease As not to know or feel some grievances.

200. BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS.

Paul, he began ill, but he ended well; Judas began well, but he foully fell: In G.o.dliness not the beginnings so Much as the ends are to be look'd unto.

201. TEMPORAL GOODS.

These temporal goods G.o.d, the most wise, commends To th' good and bad in common for two ends: First, that these goods none here may o'er-esteem Because the wicked do partake of them; Next, that these ills none cowardly may shun, Being, oft here, the just man's portion.

202. h.e.l.l FIRE.

The fire of h.e.l.l this strange condition hath, To burn, not s.h.i.+ne, as learned Basil saith.

203. ABEL'S BLOOD.

Speak, did the blood of Abel cry To G.o.d for vengeance? Yes, say I, Ev'n as the sprinkled blood called on G.o.d for an expiation.

204. ANOTHER.