Chapter XIX. That we must Mourn, and after Mourning be Comforted

But I would to God that he who is such an one would forbear sinning, and have a care of that terrible depth, of which it is written; The profane man, when he shall have come into the depth of evils, contemns, Prov. 18. For truly he is cured by a very strong Potion, and will easily be endangered, unless with great solicitude he study to obey the counsels of his Physitian, and to observe his Precepts. His tentation is vehement, and almost desperate, unless he gather together his whole force, and convert his whole affection to take compassion on his Soul, which he sees to be so piteously miserable, and hear the Voice which says; Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted, Mat. 5. v. 4. Let him mourn abundantly, because the time of Mourning is come, and these things are sufficient to dissolve him into continual tears. Let him mourn, but not without an affection of Piety, and hope of being comforted. Let him consider that no rest is to be found in himself, but all full of misery and desolation. Let him consider that there is no good thing in his flesh, but that also in the wicked World there is nothing but vanity and affliction of Spirit. Let him consider, that neither within him, nor beneath him, nor round about him, is any consolation to be met with; but at least at length let him learn that it is to be sought for above, and to be hoped for from above. In the mean time let him mourn, lamenting with grief; let his eyes run streams of tears, and let not his eye-lids rest. For the dim eye is purged with tears, and the sight is sharpned, to be able to look upon the clarity of the brightest light.