able sweat with an intolerable stench. And, finally, it will be fastened on all sides with eternal bolts, that they shall never be able to get out, neither by force nor by subtlety. And if, by the dispensation of Almighty God, any comes out, he carries with him his torment, and returns presently from whence he issued; but that dispensation will never be given after the day of judgment. Oh, how soft and sweet would any dungeon appear to thee, if thou didst well ponder the terribleness of hell!
Colloquy. — O good Jesus, aid me to bewail bitterly my sins, that I may not descend to this land of " darkness," covered with the "shadow of death," [1] the land of those that are in despair! Amen
POINT V.
Fifthly, I am to consider the misery, wretchedness , and discord of the inhabitants of this place, who are captives in this prison.
1. Pondering how they want all the good qualities of bounty, discretion, nobility, parentage, friendship and loyalty, and are clothed with all the contrary qualities, with horrible repulsiveness. For in hell are all sorts of persons; some were angels of several hierarchies and choirs, beautiful, potent, and very resplendent; others were emperors, kings and princes, with divers estates and titles of nobility; others were wise philosophers, eloquent and learned in divers sciences; others courtiers, discreet, affable, liberal, grateful and kind; others parents, kinsmen and allies; fathers and sons, brothers or cousins. Others very great friends and acquaintance, companions and neighbours; but in entering into hell they lose all these qualities, having, as Job says, "no order" or concord, but confusion and "everlasting horror." [2] All make themselves mortal enemies
