nor will ever suffer them to take that spiritual repose, which they should have often had in prayer. Yea, at that time, above others, they disturb the mind, endeavoring to seduce her from her spiritual exercise.
Fifthly, a multitude of affairs, which take up our whole time, suffocates the spirit, scarce leaving for a man a moment to employ in Almighty God's service.
Sixthly, delights and pleasures of the senses, for these make spiritual exercises unsavoury, and a man unworthy to be recreated with heavenly consolations; for, as St. Bernard saith, he is not worthy of the visitations of the Holy Ghost, that seeketh after worldly solace. Inordinate Seventhly, inordinate delight in delight in eating and drinking; especially long and sumptuous suppers, which make a man unapt to spiritual exercises. For when the body is oppressed with too much meat, the spirit cannot so freely elevate itself to God.
Eighthly, curiosity of the senses and under Curiosity standing; as to see sights and hear new rumors, because these do spend precious time, disturb and overthrow the tranquillity of the mind; distracting it with many impertinences, which can be no small hinderance to devotion.
Lastly, an intermission of our wonted exer-
