\ . 202 · The Neceifity (lnd' Advantage bufed folitude may whet mens pafion's, and irritate their lufts, and prompt· th~m to things which con1pany would refl:rain. And_, this n1ade one fay, that he who is much alone, rnufl either be afaint or devil. ·Me1ancholy, which inclines men mofl: to re– tiren1ent, is oftc,n too much nouriihed and _fon1ented by it; and there is a peevifu and · fullen lonelinefs, which fon1e people affect under their troubles, whereby . they feed on difcontented thoughts, and find a kind of perverfe pleafure in refufing to be com– forted. But a'll this fays no n1ore, but that good things may be abufed; and excefs or diforder n1ay turn the n1ofi wholfome food into poifon. And therefore, though I would not indi:fferent'ly recommend much fotitude unto all; yet, fure, I may fay, it ·were good for the mofi part of n1en that they were lefs in company, and more alone. . Thus much of the firft and proper fenfe offitting alone and keep-ing filence. We~ told you it n1ight alfo import a quiet and patientfubmiffion to the wi'll -of God ; the laying of our hand on our mouth, that no .e_~preffion of murmur or difcontent n1ay efcape ~us. I was dttmb, faid the Pfalmiit, l ope12ed not 'my mouth, beca$if'e thou didft it*~ . . And
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