Digital Donne: the Online Variorum

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Previous image Next imageThe 1654 Prose Letters  Letter 129, cont. (p.317)




because I have not had enough upon me to
kill me, but because it pleases God to passe
me through many infirmities before he
take me either by those particular remem-
brances, to bring me to particular repen-
tances, or by them to give me hope of his
particular mercies in heaven. Therefore
have I been more affected with Coughs in
vehemence, more with deafenesse, more
with toothach, more with the vurbah, then
heretofore. All this mellows me for hea-
ven, and so ferments me in this world, as I
shall need no long concoction in the grave,
but hasten to the resurrection. Not onely
to be nearer that grave, but to be nearer to
the service of the Church, as long as I shall
be able to do any, I purpose, God willing,
to be at London, within a fortnight after your
receit of this, as well because I am under
the obligation of preaching at Pauls upon
Candlemas day, as because I know nothing
to the contrary, but that I may be called to
Court, for Lent service; and my witnesse
is in heaven, that I never left out S. Dunstans,
[CW: when]

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