Page:A Discourse of Constancy in Two Books Chiefly containing Consolations Against Publick Evils.pdf/47

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26
A Diſcourſe
Book I.

discernible) some sparkling remainders of that first and purer fire. Hence are those stings of Conscience even in the worst and most profligate Persons: Hence are those inward scourges and gnawings; and hence is that approbation of a better Life, which is frequently extorted from them, though not without a reluctancy in themselves. For that sound and holyer part within us, may possibly for a time be suppressed, oppressed it cannot. And that burning Flame may be cover'd; but cannot be extinguished. For those little Fires do alwayes shine forth, and sparkle out, to enlighten us amongst these shades, cleanse us from these stains; guide us in our wandrings; and to shew us the way to Constancy and Virtue. As the Heliotrope and some other Flowers do by a natural instinct bend towards the Sun: So doth Reason turn it self to God and the Original of its self. Firm and immoveable in what is good,

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