IX. PHILIPPIANS 1. 23. I am in a strait between two, having a desire to be dissolved, and to be with Christ. WE J. HAT meant our careful parents, so to wear To purchase for us large possessions here, Which (though unpurchas'd) are too truly ours? What meant they, ah! what meant they to endure And make that thing our own, which was our own too 2. [sure? What mean these liv'ries and possessive keys? No need to sweat for gold, wherewith to buy 3. [as I. O were their souls but clogg'd with earth, as I, Liveries ; a law term, expressive of legal conveyance of an estate. 1 can 4. I cannot do an act which earth disdains not; I cannot think a thought which earth corrupts not; [throne, Or spread my wings to heav'n's long long'd-for She darkens my complaint, and drags my off'ring down. 5. Ev'n like the hawk (whose keeper's wary hands 6. So, when my soul directs her better eye To heav'n's bright palace, where my treasure lies, Earth hales me down, I cannot, cannot rise: Earth gives a jerk, and foils me on my knee; 7. Great God! I spread my feeble wings in vain ; I cannot mount till thou unlink my chain : Which if thou please to break, and then supply A pitch that's half so fair, nor half so swift as I. * Rank-bate; i. e. a strong spring for flight. + Leash ; i. e. thong, by which she is fastened to her stock or perch S. BO S. BONAVENT. Soliloq. Cap. i. Ah! sweet Jesus, pierce the marrow of my soul with the healthful shafts of thy love, that it may truly burn and melt and languish with the only desire of thee; that it may desire to be dissolved, and to be with thee: let it hunger alone for the bread of life: let it thirst after thee, the spring and fountain of eternal light, the stream of true pleasure: let it always desire thee, seek thee, and find thee, and sweetly rest in thee. EPIG. 9. What, will thy shackles neither loose nor break? PSALM |