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The Soliloquy of the soul, and the Garden of roses, tr. by W.B. Flower
The Soliloquy of the soul and the Garden of roses tr by WB Flower Author:Thomas Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: Mighty, Holy and Merciful Saviour, deliver me not over unto bitter death, but grant me a season for repentance, that I may worthily lament my sins ere I depart t... more »his life. CHAPTER III. Šn (Stiff antt SSRtrpdig for Sins. " My sin is ever before me."1 My God, I have stained my life with many sins, but see my tears which I shed before Thee on account of them. For I know that in me dwelleth no good thing; and as long as I bear a mortal body, I am not free from sins. Therefore I do evil and sin daily, and what is far worse, I allow many to pass away without groanings and worthy contrition. For too often intent upon, and involved in external affairs, and vain curiosity, I cannot quickly enough return to saving tears. Therefore on this account thickly are the shadows of sin multiplied in me, damming up the fountains of grace, and closing the channels of divine consolation. And is this a little evil ? It is in truth a great one, my God ; and it becomes the more grievous when it passes more quickly from my heart, and pierces me with no sorrow. 1 Ps. li. 3. 2. O Lord, wilt Thou not look on me ? How long shall I mock Thee, and deceive myself? How long art thou silent, O Lord ? Where is Thy rod? Where Thy goad and staff? Why withdrawest Thou the judgment and hell from my eyes ? If these were before me, thinkest Thou I should act carelessly ? If Thou art silent for my amendment, Thou showest long-suffering; but if I despise it, wilt Thou not afterwards severely punish, if not here, assuredly hereafter ? For no sin, small or great, shall go unpunished. But far better is punishment here, where weeping is fruitful, labour short, satisfaction more acceptable, reconciliation easier. Spare not then the rod, but anoint my eyes with keen salve; nor defer my punishment to the last, lest I be deliv...« less