Let us on these grounds both declare and help the inward faith and fervency, devotion and contrition of our ⟨p. 135⟩souls by the outward gestures of the body. There needs no great labour after outward, gesture, if at least there be true devotion in the heart. The parts of the body are so commanded by the soul, as they will soon declare the intent thereof. This is evident by the private prayers which persons truly devoted do make. For when they are alone, and no creature present to take notice of the outward gesture, according to the affection of the heart, when it is indeed fervent, the eyes will be cast up, or cast down, the arms spread abroad, the hands lift up, or beating the breast, the body cast prostrate upon the ground, and other like gestures performed. They who use to pray privately and fervently, know this to be true.
Let us on these grounds both declare and helpe the inward faith and fervency, devotion and contrition of our ⟨p. 135⟩soules by the outward gestures of the body. There needs no great labour after outward, gesture, if at least there be true devotion in the heart. The parts of the body are so commanded by the soule, as they will soone declare the intent thereof. This is evident by the private prayers which persons truly devoted do make. For when they are alone, and no creature present to take notice of the outward gesture, according to the affection of the heart, when it is indeed fervent, the eyes wilbe cast up, or cast downe, the armes spread abroad, the hands lift up, or beating the breast, the body cast prostrate upon the ground, and other like gestures performed. They who use to pray privately and fervently, know this to be true.
