The Inference. I

Summary

Well-guided Thoughts within possess

The Treasures of all Blessedness.

Things are indifferent; nor giv

Joy of themselvs, nor griev.

The very Deity of God torments

The male-contents

Of Hell; To th' Soul alone it provs

A welcom Object, that Him lovs.

Things tru affect not, while they are unknown:

But Thoughts most sensibly, tho quite alone.

Thoughts are the inward Balms or Spears;

The living Joys, or Griefs and Fears;

The Light, or els the Fire; the Theme

On which we pore or dream.

Thoughts are alone by Men the Objects found

That heal or wound.

Things are but dead: they can't dispense

Or Joy or Grief: Thoughts! Thoughts the Sense

Affect and touch. Nay, when a Thing is near

It can't affect but as it doth appear.

Since then by Thoughts I only see;

Since Thought alone affecteth me;

Since these are Reall things when shewn;

And since as Things are known

Or thought, they pleas or kill: What Care ought I

(Since Thoughts apply

Things to my Mind) those Thoughts aright

To frame, and watch them day and night;