Against a weird Lent

From a 1694 sermon by John Sharp, Archbishop of York, preached on the Second Sunday in Lent. Addressing 'The government of the thoughts', the conclusion of the sermon was an expression of an Anglican distrust of Enthusiasm (' the Weird ') for undermining the ordinary, normal routines and rhythms of our lives as embodied, social beings. In the midst of Lent, this has some particular relevance, reminding us that Lenten disciplines should not detract from or undermine our ordinary, normal duties, interactions, and well-being. Lent, in other words, should not be Weird . Notwithstanding what I have hitherto said, concerning the Diligence with which we are to keep our Hearts; yet this is always to be remembered, That with our Diligence we must be careful to join Discretion. My Meaning is this, We must have a care not to intend our Thoughts immoderately, and more than our Tempers will bear, even to the best things: But we must so keep our Hearts, as at the same time to pre...