avoiding all singularity, if it be not in a case of manifest necessity. [1] In the manner, I am to aim at that which the Holy Ghost advises, not to suffer myself to be drawn by my appetite; " Be not greedy in any feasting, and pour not out thyself upon any meat [2] so that when the body is eating the spirit be not consumed and swallowed up with the meat: but rather with a controlling heart, to give some food to the spirit that may moderate the covetous desires of the flesh. The consideration of the points here ensuing will much help to move me to this.
POINT II.
Secondly, I must consider the punishments of this vice, reducing them to three classes. Some proceed from gluttony itself, as from an evil tree; others God our Lord has added, and does add in this life, to discover how displeasing this vice is to Him; and others He has reserved for the other life.
1. Gluttony is a chastisement of itself, and pays in ready money with pain the delight of the sin; for it over-charges the body, takes away health, shortens the life, and hastens death. " Watching, and choler and gripes are with an intemperate man." [3] " Who hath wo? Whose father hath wo? Who hath contentions? Who falleth into pits? Who hath wounds without cause? Who hath redness of eyes? Surely they that pass their time in wine, and study to drink off their cups." [4] " Take heed," says Christ, " lest perhaps your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and the cares of this life." [5] Again, it afflicts the spirit, dulls the understanding, disables for prayer and conversation with Almighty God, and makes the soul incapabfe
