Venning's remains, or, Christ's school consisting of four classes of Christians, I. babes, II.…

The Spouse had no sooner pleaded this, but he embraced her, his left hand was under her head, and his right hand over her heart, she was embosomed between the arms of Love, Cant. 2.5.6. Oh dear Lord, let it be so with me!

If yet he seem not to regard thee, tell him then that if he persist in denying thee, it may prove a great temptation and snare to thee to turn aside to the flocks of his companions; Ah Lord, Satan and Flesh and Blood have often blurted out such things as these, Why wilt thou wait on one who cares not for thee, nor will provide thee bread, no nor give thee a good word or look; but this, O Lord, goes to my heart as a sword, that they should say, Where is thy God! Oh, Lead me not into temptation, but give me one kiss at least, that I may tell Satan from experience, 'tis good, oh how good 'tis! to draw near to and to wait on God, and that I seek not his face in vain. Go on and tell him that thou art resolved thou wilt never give him over, but wilt cleave to him with full purpose of heart: that he shall have an importunate Suitor of thee, and that thou wilt give him no rest; but wilt continually ⟨p. 316⟩pursue him (and beg others also to do as much for thee) till he establish thee a praise in the earth, by saying, Is he not my dear Son? a pleasant Child? I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the Lord. Tell him, though he lame thee (as he did Jacob) yet thou wilt not let him go till he bless thee and give thee a new name; yea though he call thee Dog and beat thee with frowns and hard expressions, yet that thou wilt love him and lie at his feet, for all that.

If yet he seem not to regard thee, tell him then that if he persist in denying thee, it may prove a great temptation and snare to thee to turn aside to the flocks of his companions; Ah Lord, Satan and Flesh and Blood have often blurted out such things as these, Why wilt thou wait on one who cares not for thee, nor will provide thee bread, no nor give thee a good word or look; but this, O Lord, goes to my heart as a sword, that they should say, Where is thy God! Oh, Lead me not into temptation, but give me one kiss at least, that I may tell Satan from experience, 'tis good, oh how good 'tis! to draw near to and to wait on God, and that I seek not his face in vain. Go on and tell him that thou art resolved thou wilt never give him over, but wilt cleave to him with full purpose of heart: that he shall have an importunate Suiter of thee, and that thou wilt give him no rest; but wilt continually