either those which I am obliged to observe by special vow or by the obligation of a regular state, ii. By taking meat or drink in too great quantity, or to the danger of my corporal or spiritual health, [1] which is hindered by it; or in drinking until I lose or trouble my judgment, iii. By procuring meats and drinks of such quality as are much more delicate and precious than my person and state require, for the sake of pampering and sensuality, iv. By eating oftener than is convenient, out of season, and upon an occasion that may do me harm, or in an unsuitable place, or contrary to the prohibition and rule of my religion, v. By eating with too great affection, relishing what I eat only for pleasure, and after an unbecoming and hasty manner, wholly absorbed in what I am doing with thoughts and words of sensuality.
2. Upon these five acts I must examine and accuse myself before Almighty God, bewailing my frailties, and saying,
Colloquy. — Woe to me that do always in a manner sin even in eating and drinking, serving rather my own sensuality than my necessity, and seeking rather the delight of my flesh than the preservation of my life; so that when I pay that debt to my body I pay the tribute of sin to the devil. Have compassion, O God, on my weakness, and succour me with Thy grace, that gluttony may not drag me after it!
3. With this feeling I am to make great resolutions to mortify this vice, observing the rules of temperance in the five things above mentioned, [2] namely, in the precept, quantity, quality, time, and manner, endeavouring to take that quantity of meat and drink which suffices, shunning the two extremes, that it be neither so much as to overload me nor so little as not to support me. And in the quality contenting myself with ordinary meats, rather coarse than delicate,
