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do_v revive_v she_o in_o that_o though_o she_o can_v do_v nothing_o her_o well-beloved_a can_v do_v all_o and_o take_v delight_n in_o what_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o any_o thing_n she_o repose_v quiet_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n who_o be_v her_o all_o and_o final_a happiness_n chap._n vii_o that_o god_n be_v glorify_v by_o our_o annihilation_n nothing_o but_o divine_a faith_n can_v teach_v we_o to_o love_v mortification_n and_o the_o annihilation_n of_o ourselves_o natural_a and_o worldly_a wisdom_n can_v relish_v it_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v consult_v or_o hearken_v to_o be_v but_o blind_a guide_n in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o the_o sin_n of_o pride_n have_v ruin_v the_o glory_n and_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o that_o can_v be_v reestablish_v but_o by_o our_o ruin_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o we_o be_v mortify_v and_o dead_a to_o ourselves_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o god_n be_v revive_v in_o we_o poor_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v we_o afflict_v ourselves_o because_o we_o be_v so_o weak_a and_o good_a for_o nothing_o without_o talent_n without_o knowledge_n that_o leave_v to_o ourselves_o all_o thing_n go_v wrong_a with_o we_o o_o that_o we_o will_v learn_v to_o be_v content_a with_o these_o misery_n that_o we_o may_v thereby_o arrive_v to_o the_o happy_a state_n of_o annihilation_n we_o may_v then_o bring_v as_o much_o glory_n to_o god_n as_o by_o great_a performance_n for_o in_o all_o these_o privation_n the_o soul_n find_v no_o reliance_n or_o consolation_n in_o herself_o or_o in_o any_o other_o creature_n but_o in_o god_n alone_o holy_a job_n never_o bring_v more_o glory_n to_o god_n than_o when_o he_o be_v plunge_v in_o the_o abyss_n of_o humiliation_n on_o a_o dunghill_n god_n glorify_v himself_o in_o heaven_n by_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o creature_n here_o on_o earth_n by_o their_o humiliation_n do_v we_o not_o see_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n do_v prescribe_v to_o his_o son_n this_o way_n of_o honour_v he_o on_o earth_n have_v not_o our_o bless_a saviour_n teach_v we_o by_o his_o word_n and_o action_n in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o self-denial_n and_o think_v we_o to_o find_v out_o a_o better_a way_n to_o glorify_v god_n than_o what_o our_o divine_a master_n have_v set_v before_o we_o there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o a_o creature_n can_v more_o pure_o glorify_v the_o creator_n than_o by_o a_o willing_a submission_n to_o that_o self-destruction_n which_o god_n work_v in_o we_o for_o where_o there_o be_v the_o least_o of_o the_o creature_n there_o be_v most_o of_o god_n but_o in_o this_o god_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n work_v all_o and_o the_o creature_n yield_v obedience_n to_o his_o operation_n to_o bear_v patient_o the_o deprivation_n of_o light_n and_o sweetness_n and_o sensible_a influence_n in_o heaven_n in_o our_o recollection_n may_v do_v we_o more_o good_a than_o the_o most_o illuminate_v and_o gustful_a prayer_n to_o be_v abandon_v and_o forsake_v by_o our_o friend_n and_o bear_v it_o with_o patience_n and_o resignation_n may_v more_o profit_v we_o than_o their_o friendship_n and_o service_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o loss_n of_o other_o thing_n because_o in_o dereliction_n and_o deprivation_n we_o seek_v god_n with_o a_o more_o purify_a intention_n there_o be_v less_o of_o self_n in_o it_o have_v not_o the_o satisfaction_n to_o act_v but_o only_o to_o receive_v the_o loss_n of_o what_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o mere_o because_o it_o please_v god_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o for_o his_o great_a glory_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n to_o consider_v the_o blindness_n wherein_o i_o have_v live_v o_o how_o hard_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o human_a reason_n to_o apprehend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a it_o teach_v we_o to_o crucify_v and_o deny_v ourselves_o which_o be_v what_o natural_o we_o fear_v and_o dread_n the_o measure_n of_o god_n love_n to_o a_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o its_o degree_n of_o humiliation_n which_o be_v a_o way_n without_o all_o exception_n see_v the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o that_o whosoever_o do_v not_o deny_v himself_o and_o all_o worldly_a thing_n can_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n o_o dear_a jesus_n humble_v for_o we_o i_o see_v the_o way_n wherein_o you_o have_v walk_v and_o that_o i_o must_v take_v up_o my_o cross_n to_o follow_v you_o i_o be_o content_a to_o accept_v it_o and_o be_o willing_a to_o be_v your_o disciple_n be_v it_o then_o that_o my_o body_n be_v afflict_v with_o sickness_n my_o good_n lose_v my_o honour_n in_o the_o dust_n and_o i_o become_v as_o i_o deserve_v of_o little_a or_o no_o esteem_n and_o repute_v be_v it_o
in_o corporal_a infirmity_n i_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o call_v my_o hermitage_n the_o hospital_n of_o the_o incurable_a and_o only_o to_o lodge_v with_o i_o such_o poor_a spiritual_a christian_n who_o have_v a_o good_a will_n to_o heal_v their_o imperfection_n but_o yet_o still_o fall_v into_o relapse_n at_o paris_n there_o be_v a_o hospital_n for_o those_o who_o be_v incurable_a in_o body_n but_o i_o shall_v be_v for_o such_o in_o soul_n the_o end_n of_o the_o six_o book_n book_n vii_o of_o ordinary_a prayer_n and_o contemplation_n chap._n i._n what_o esteem_v we_o ought_v to_o have_v for_o prayer_n we_o must_v have_v a_o great_a care_n not_o to_o place_v perfection_n where_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o will_v much_o retard_v we_o in_o the_o path_n of_o virtue_n we_o must_v not_o therefore_o have_v too_o great_a a_o esteem_n for_o the_o unitive_a mystic_a way_n not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o very_o good_a for_o a_o soul_n that_o god_n conduct_n to_o perfection_n by_o such_o extraordinary_a elevation_n but_o we_o may_v safe_o believe_v the_o unitive_a practical_a way_n to_o be_v as_o excellent_a and_o more_o necessary_a see_v it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o the_o other_o consist_v in_o elevation_n and_o union_n of_o spirit_n with_o god_n by_o contemplation_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v whosoever_o will_v come_v after_o i_o must_v take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o he_o say_v not_o he_o must_v be_v elevate_v in_o prayer_n but_o he_o must_v take_v up_o his_o cross_n that_o be_v he_o must_v practise_v the_o maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n happy_a then_o be_v those_o who_o suffer_v although_o they_o be_v not_o elevate_v in_o spirit_n and_o those_o who_o be_v elevate_v in_o spirit_n be_v not_o happy_a but_o inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v conform_v to_o jesus_n christ_n crucify_a and_o by_o such_o union_n be_v more_o dispose_v to_o the_o cross_n and_o suffering_n the_o crucify_a life_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o end_n of_o the_o mystic_a life_n who_o gust_n and_o light_n conduce_v to_o fortify_v the_o soul_n to_o carry_v she_o across_o the_o better_a st._n teresa_n say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o good_a sign_n after_o a_o soul_n have_v be_v in_o a_o ecstasy_n if_o she_o find_v in_o herself_o extraordinary_a desire_n to_o suffer_v in_o that_o she_o can_v return_v from_o those_o holy_a communication_n with_o god_n but_o well_o instruct_v for_o the_o perfection_n of_o love_n here_o consist_v in_o suffer_v for_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n and_o not_o enjoy_v he_o let_v we_o not_o complain_v then_o if_o we_o be_v not_o elevate_v by_o mystic_a union_n but_o rather_o rejoice_v too_o see_v our_o poor_a soul_n in_o prayer_n among_o the_o thorn_n of_o dryness_n and_o aridity_n than_o the_o rose_n of_o a_o sweet_a and_o gustful_a devotion_n interiour_n as_o well_o as_o exterior_a suffering_n must_v be_v please_v to_o we_o see_v a_o true_a christian_n ought_v to_o glory_n in_o nothing_o but_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o do_v extend_v itself_o as_o well_o to_o his_o soul_n as_o body_n for_o his_o divine_a soul_n be_v deprive_v of_o sensible_a succour_n in_o this_o dereliction_n on_o the_o cross_n and_o we_o must_v love_v to_o be_v conform_v to_o he_o and_o rest_v content_a happy_a be_v those_o soul_n that_o love_v suffering_n rather_o than_o enjoyment_n and_o complain_v of_o nothing_o soon_o than_o not_o to_o suffer_v a_o soul_n which_o receive_v no_o great_a light_n from_o god_n in_o prayer_n but_o be_v leave_v in_o darkness_n and_o interiour_n suffering_n carry_v in_o reality_n a_o heavy_a cross_n but_o a_o soul_n illuminate_v in_o prayer_n by_o illustration_n from_o heaven_n endure_v another_o cross_n more_o intime_fw-la and_o burdensome_a for_o this_o light_n discover_v to_o her_o the_o great_a merit_n of_o pure_a suffer_v it_o be_v a_o pain_n to_o she_o not_o to_o suffer_v and_o so_o she_o remain_v without_o all_o sort_n of_o consolation_n see_v the_o state_n of_o light_n and_o sweetness_n appear_v to_o she_o not_o preferable_a to_o that_o of_o obscurity_n and_o so_o taste_v of_o those_o sweet_n they_o be_v not_o now_o so_o pleasant_a have_v discover_v that_o the_o bitterness_n of_o aridity_n be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o a_o soul_n that_o desire_v nothing_o but_o the_o pure_a love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n crucify_a and_o that_o thereby_o may_v be_v more_o firm_o unite_v to_o her_o saviour_n when_o i_o be_o in_o darkness_n and_o aridity_n i_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o indifferency_n in_o every_o state_n that_o i_o may_v bear_v with_o patience_n my_o abjection_n and_o poverty_n i_o have_v more_o need_n of_o indifferency_n when_o my_o soul_n be_v enlighten_v which_o irradiation_n god_n vouchsafe_v we_o to_o strengthen_v our_o weakness_n and_o not_o as_o i_o have_v think_v heretofore_o to_o advance_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o divine_a love_n which_o be_v more_o eminent_a in_o the_o contrary_a condition_n i_o have_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o comfort_n in_o my_o suffering_n and_o i_o have_v stand_v more_o in_o need_n of_o it_o in_o a_o state_n of_o joy_n and_o sweetness_n i_o say_v heretofore_o when_o i_o abound_v with_o consolation_n that_o i_o shall_v never_o suffer_v again_o at_o present_a i_o think_v i_o shall_v suffer_v as_o long_o as_o i_o live_v see_v i_o find_v cross_n in_o every_o state_n and_o i_o frame_v myself_o to_o a_o indifferency_n to_o god_n will_v and_o pleasure_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o i_o heretofore_o inebriate_v with_o consolation_n i_o say_v fulcite_fw-la i_o floribus_fw-la stipate_v i_o malis_fw-la quia_fw-la amore_fw-la langueo_fw-la surround_v i_o with_o flower_n and_o apple_n to_o augment_v my_o comfort_n and_o increase_v my_o love_n but_o now_o i_o say_v surround_v i_o with_o cross_n contempt_n and_o suffering_n for_o languish_v with_o love_n i_o desire_v to_o love_n jesus_n better_a than_o ever_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v more_o poor_a now_o then_o when_o i_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o consolation_n i_o will_v not_o then_o too_o greedy_o seek_v after_o light_n and_o sweetness_n see_v methinks_v they_o make_v i_o poor_a i_o stand_v amaze_v to_o see_v a_o soul_n to_o find_v herself_o desolate_a by_o consolation_n in_o desolation_n the_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n suffer_v but_o in_o consolation_n the_o superior_a part_n and_o more_o elevate_v but_o little_o know_v i_o perceive_v that_o the_o supreme_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v content_a and_o comfort_v but_o by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o sensual_a part_n and_o a_o separation_n from_o all_o inordinate_a affection_n to_o the_o creature_n i_o shall_v therefore_o rather_o desire_v a_o state_n of_o desolation_n and_o fidelity_n therein_o than_o all_o the_o delicious_a gust_n of_o prayer_n though_o so_o elevate_v as_o to_o bring_v the_o soul_n to_o ravish_a ecstasy_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o different_a sort_n of_o mental_a prayer_n i_o find_v a_o comparison_n which_o explicate_v very_o well_o the_o difference_n of_o ordinary_a prayer_n and_o prayer_n passive_n a_o man_n may_v see_v well_o enough_o the_o furniture_n of_o a_o chamber_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o a_o cabinet_n by_o strike_v fire_n and_o light_v a_o candle_n to_o view_v the_o particular_n or_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n when_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o open_v our_o eye_n to_o behold_v those_o object_n meditation_n much_o resemble_v the_o first_o way_n of_o see_v with_o a_o candle_n perfect_a contemplation_n the_o second_o way_n of_o see_v by_o the_o sun_n because_o it_o be_v do_v not_o only_o without_o labour_n but_o all_o at_o once_o and_o with_o delight_n when_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n fail_v we_o we_o must_v supply_v it_o with_o a_o lamp_n or_o candle_n when_o god_n do_v not_o communicate_v himself_o by_o contemplation_n we_o must_v seek_v after_o he_o by_o meditation_n and_o be_v content_a with_o god_n gift_n whatever_o they_o be_v with_o peace_n and_o humility_n when_o god_n withdraw_v his_o passive_a light_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o strive_v to_o retain_v it_o we_o must_v acquiess_v in_o his_o pleasure_n till_o it_o return_v again_o as_o he_o think_v good_a if_o god_n please_v to_o leave_v we_o in_o darkness_n without_o sun_n or_o candle_n it_o be_v a_o opportunity_n to_o practice_n humility_n and_o patience_n for_o we_o must_v desire_v nothing_o but_o god_n alone_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o think_v best_o let_v a_o soul_n be_v never_o so_o perfect_a she_o be_v never_o continual_o elevate_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o contemplation_n but_o more_o or_o less_o as_o it_o please_v god_n she_o must_v descend_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o exercise_n of_o charity_n or_o to_o discursive_a meditation_n by_o application_n to_o god_n in_o the_o
god_n to_o deal_v with_o she_o as_o seem_v best_a please_v to_o he_o for_o aught_o she_o know_v it_o be_v best_o for_o she_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o therefore_o she_o willing_o submit_v to_o god_n chastisement_n rejoice_v thereat_o and_o bless_v he_o for_o they_o yea_o if_o she_o may_v but_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n thereby_o she_o be_v content_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n in_o this_o state_n her_o love_n be_v whole_o centre_v in_o god_n and_o she_o give_v herself_o up_o to_o the_o rigour_n of_o justice_n that_o she_o may_v be_v entir_o sacrifice_v to_o god_n glory_n which_o be_v a_o intention_n pure_a from_o all_o self-interest_n a_o indifferency_n to_o any_o state_n do_v possess_v that_o soul_n which_o have_v a_o well_o purify_v intention_n with_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o remain_v content_a with_o her_o present_a condition_n be_v satisfy_v with_o whatsoever_o portion_n of_o grace_n she_o have_v receive_v with_o profound_a humility_n and_o mortification_n be_v thus_o dispose_v she_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o please_v god_n and_o do_v that_o faithful_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n obtain_v wonderful_a peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_z will_v nothing_o but_o what_o god_n will_v require_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o mortification_n and_o be_v dead_a to_o all_o greature_n for_o this_o be_v the_o highway_n to_o the_o purity_n of_o divine_a love_n what_o do_v the_o ancient_a hermit_n search_n for_o in_o the_o desert_n but_o by_o a_o perfect_a denudation_n of_o all_o creature_n to_o arrive_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o divine_a love_n let_v we_o fear_v and_o sigh_v to_o see_v ourselves_o so_o engage_v and_o beset_v with_o several_a temptation_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n but_o some_o or_o other_o may_v cease_v upon_o we_o and_o rob_v we_o of_o that_o perfect_a poverty_n of_o spirit_n which_o put_v we_o in_o full_a possession_n of_o god_n alone_o it_o be_v a_o special_a favour_n of_o god_n to_o have_v a_o vocation_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o abject_a state_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a grace_n when_o god_n conduct_n we_o to_o they_o by_o a_o happy_a necessity_n with_o little_a noise_n or_o stir_v to_o call_v the_o eye_n of_o other_o upon_o we_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o if_o the_o soul_n consent_v pure_o to_o the_o ordination_n and_o event_n of_o divine_a providence_n chap._n viii_o a_o conference_n clear_v many_o difficulty_n touch_v prayer_n qu_n in_o what_o consist_v precise_o good_a mental_a prayer_n i_o find_v many_o sort_n thereof_o in_o book_n the_o saint_n have_v practise_v it_o with_o much_o difference_n and_o yet_o all_o so_o good_a that_o i_o be_o take_v with_o they_o to_o which_o of_o they_o shall_v i_o betake_v myself_o ans_fw-fr the_o way_n of_o soul_n in_o mental_a prayer_n be_v so_o wonderful_a various_a that_o it_o be_v best_a for_o every_o one_o to_o hold_v to_o that_o which_o they_o find_v most_o proper_a for_o they_o or_o else_o they_o will_v loose_v their_o time_n in_o a_o wilderness_n of_o thought_n without_o spiritual_a profit_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o mystical_a author_n we_o seldom_o meet_v with_o what_o be_v proper_a for_o every_o soul_n and_o though_o we_o find_v very_o sublime_a and_o solid_a verity_n concern_v prayer_n in_o the_o write_n of_o st._n teresa_n bless_a john_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr croix_n and_o other_o yet_o they_o have_v but_o describe_v their_o own_o experience_n and_o not_o how_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o other_o soul_n unless_o a_o light_a discovery_n in_o some_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o their_o illumination_n such_o instruction_n be_v good_a to_o read_v but_o not_o exact_o to_o be_v follow_v so_o as_o to_o conform_v ourselves_o entire_o to_o their_o manner_n of_o prayer_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o such_o book_n matter_n very_o profitable_a and_o it_o be_v time_n well_o spend_v in_o spiritual_a lecture_n and_o not_o without_o delight_n to_o virtuous_a soul_n qu._n from_o whence_o proceed_v these_o different_a manner_n of_o prayer_n seeing_z there_o be_v but_o one_o sovereign_a and_o single_a verity_n in_o god_n to_o be_v know_v one_o sovereign_a good_a to_o be_v love_v and_o charity_n be_v of_o the_o selfsame_a nature_n in_o all_o soul_n one_o will_v think_v there_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o great_a conformity_n among_o all_o those_o who_o know_v and_o love_n god_n ans_fw-fr that_o which_o make_v so_o many_o different_a manner_n of_o prayer_n arise_v from_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o know_v god_n some_o converse_v with_o he_o by_o meditation_n and_o humane_a ratiocination_n other_o receive_v from_o god_n heavenly_a irradiation_n above_o the_o power_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o he_o manifest_v himself_o immediate_o to_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o sun_n by_o his_o beam_n other_o contemplate_n god_n by_o the_o obscure_a light_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o ineffable_a manner_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o see_v he_o without_o see_v he_o these_o different_a manner_n of_o treat_v with_o god_n make_v not_o only_o different_a manner_n of_o prayer_n but_o cause_n also_o much_o diversity_n in_o every_o manner_n for_o example_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n which_o seem_v more_o simple_a than_o the_o other_o there_o be_v many_o degree_n which_o represent_v to_o the_o soul_n different_a view_v of_o god_n and_o divine_a matter_n when_o faith_n be_v seat_v in_o a_o understanding_n well_o purify_v from_o image_n and_o alien_a representation_n she_o than_o discover_v god_n more_o sublime_o as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o though_o but_o in_o a_o manner_n negative_a general_a and_o confuse_a yet_o efficacious_a to_o work_v in_o the_o heart_n a_o great_a esteem_n of_o god_n and_o ardent_a charity_n all_o book_n and_o sermon_n and_o conference_n will_v not_o satisfy_v a_o soul_n advance_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o know_v god_n for_o those_o manner_n of_o speak_v and_o conceive_v god_n seem_v to_o she_o too_o full_a of_o imperfection_n i'faith_o whole_o purify_v content_v herself_o with_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n which_o discover_v god_n in_o his_o infinity_o although_o but_o obscure_o and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o faith_n be_v more_o or_o less_o pure_a and_o simple_a these_o discovery_n be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a qu._n be_v all_o sort_n of_o people_n capable_a of_o these_o sublime_a manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o if_o any_o one_o desire_n to_o attain_v they_o by_o what_o mean_n must_v he_o go_v about_o it_o ans_fw-fr the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o proper_a for_o all_o people_n yea_o some_o great_a saint_n have_v never_o have_v it_o as_o some_o good_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v become_v holy_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o active_a life_n which_o will_v not_o afford_v they_o much_o time_n for_o contemplation_n and_o accustom_a themselves_o to_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o meditation_n which_o be_v good_a and_o advantageous_a for_o such_o soul_n who_o god_n call_v not_o to_o a_o more_o sublime_a way_n those_o who_o god_n favour_v with_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n do_v possess_v a_o inestimable_a treasure_n and_o with_o this_o only_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o source_n of_o many_o more_o they_o be_v rich_a enough_o though_o never_o so_o poor_a in_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o see_v it_o be_v the_o mere_a gift_n of_o god_n i_o account_v it_o folly_n and_o rashness_n to_o think_v we_o can_v bring_v ourselves_o to_o the_o sublime_a state_n of_o contemplation_n unless_o god_n elevate_v we_o by_o his_o immediate_a work_n and_o special_a favour_n all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v therein_o be_v to_o dispose_v ourselves_o by_o correspond_v faithful_o to_o the_o motion_n of_o grace_n by_o die_v daily_o to_o our_o natural_a inclination_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o mortification_n and_o leave_v god_n to_o do_v the_o rest_n except_o god_n build_v the_o house_n they_o labour_v in_o vain_a who_o think_v to_o raise_v the_o edifice_n by_o their_o own_o ability_n qu._n a_o soul_n establish_v in_o a_o sublime_a manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o have_v a_o long_a time_n practise_v it_o can_v she_o easy_o fall_v from_o this_o state_n ans_fw-fr if_o such_o a_o soul_n give_v herself_o over_o to_o her_o sensual_a inclination_n and_o commit_v gross_a imperfection_n become_v faithless_a to_o god_n holy_a inspiration_n she_o may_v fall_v from_o it_o but_o it_o be_v very_o credible_a she_o will_v return_v to_o it_o for_o she_o can_v long_o endure_v the_o loss_n of_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n without_o force_v herself_o by_o her_o humiliation_n and_o penitence_n to_o recover_v her_o former_a state_n and_o as_o much_o as_o she_o die_v to_o all_o creature_n so_o much_o she_o advance_v to_o god_n but_o she_o can_v never_o attain_v it_o without_o practice_n a_o fidelity_n and_o therefore_o it_o high_o concern_v she_o to_o free_v herself_o from_o too_o many_o worldly_a affair_n and_o love_v retirement_n notwithstanding_o those_o which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o as_o belong_v to_o our_o duty_n will_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o arise_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o prayer_n as_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o we_o from_o all_o eternity_n qu._n the_o most_o elevate_a and_o perfect_a prayer_n be_v not_o without_o darkness_n and_o privation_n and_o sometime_o perplex_v with_o interiour_n cross_n and_o desolation_n but_o be_v there_o not_o a_o state_n of_o light_n and_o enjoyment_n to_o be_v attain_v here_o wherein_o the_o soul_n may_v possess_v god_n clear_o and_o peaceable_o without_o any_o disturbance_n ans_fw-fr no_o the_o permanent_a state_n of_o enjoyment_n be_v reserve_v for_o heaven_n in_o this_o life_n indeed_o we_o be_v visit_v without_o divine_a irradiation_n and_o glimmering_n of_o glory_n but_o they_o be_v only_o now_o and_o then_o and_o transient_a the_o term_n of_o this_o life_n be_v work_v time_n and_o not_o of_o rest_n for_o acquisition_n not_o possession_n where_o the_o soul_n may_v daily_o purchase_v new_a grace_n and_o advance_v herself_o in_o prayer_n according_a to_o her_o progress_n in_o virtue_n and_o purity_n by_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o call_v of_o god_n on_o all_o occasion_n god_n usual_a way_n be_v to_o make_v soul_n pass_v through_o darkness_n temptation_n dereliction_n desolation_n exterior_a and_o interiour_n suffering_n to_o come_v to_o a_o good_a stock_n of_o virtue_n and_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o purity_n which_o raise_v they_o to_o a_o more_o sublime_a state_n of_o prayer_n and_o be_v exercise_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o raise_v they_o near_o to_o heaven_n by_o spiritual_a ascension_n they_o at_o length_n leave_v time_n to_o meet_v with_o eternity_n neither_o must_v we_o wonder_v to_o see_v the_o way_n of_o the_o just_a thus_o beset_v with_o thorn_n and_o briar_n for_o this_o be_v expedient_a to_o advance_v they_o in_o perfection_n and_o divine_a love_n qu._n how_o much_o time_n must_v we_o employ_v daily_o in_o prayer_n if_o we_o mean_v to_o profit_v thereby_o so_o as_o to_o attain_v perfection_n ans_fw-fr we_o can_v much_o advance_v in_o prayer_n without_o a_o long_a and_o constant_a usuage_n of_o this_o divine_a exercise_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o do_v good_a work_n but_o we_o must_v spend_v some_o hour_n in_o our_o daily_a devotion_n it_o be_v by_o prayer_n we_o advance_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o not_o otherwise_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o employ_v much_o time_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o if_o god_n call_v we_o to_o it_o and_o not_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o active_a way_n let_v we_o not_o be_v too_o solicitous_a to_o discharge_v our_o other_o obligation_n for_o a_o soul_n in_o the_o state_n of_o continual_a prayer_n perform_v ready_o what_o she_o ought_v on_o all_o occasion_n when_o the_o time_n come_v for_o confession_n she_o be_v present_o all_o dolorous_a love_n &_o contrition_n when_o she_o communicate_v she_o be_v all_o humility_n all_o desire_n and_o flame_a affection_n when_o she_o be_v to_o correct_v she_o be_v all_o sweetness_n and_o charity_n when_o she_o be_v to_o help_v her_o neighbour_n she_o be_v all_o zeal_n and_o love_n when_o she_o must_v act_v for_o god_n she_o have_v a_o intention_n purify_v from_o all_o self-interest_n and_o all_o this_o she_o perform_v in_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v without_o distinct_a act_n but_o habitual_o and_o in_o a_o excellent_a sublime_a manner_n by_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o not_o by_o meditation_n or_o consideration_n which_o be_v mean_n only_o to_o find_v god_n a_o soul_n that_o thus_o once_o have_v lay_v hold_n on_o god_n do_v take_v her_o repose_n and_o rest_n in_o he_o make_v it_o her_o only_a business_n to_o love_n and_o worship_n he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n finis_fw-la
the_o interiour_n christian_n or_o the_o interiour_n conformity_n which_o christian_n ought_v to_o have_v with_o jesus_n christ_n divide_v into_o eight_o book_n which_o contain_v most_o divine_a meditation_n extract_v out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o a_o great_a servant_n of_o god_n of_o this_o age._n non_fw-la magna_fw-la loquimur_fw-la sed_fw-la vivimus_fw-la st._n cyprian_n not_o our_o tongue_n but_o our_o life_n speak_v the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n translate_v out_o of_o the_o 12_o edition_n in_o french_a antwerp_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1684._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n in_o this_o unhappy_a age_n of_o contention_n about_o religion_n wherein_o the_o heat_n of_o controversy_n have_v so_o much_o cool_v the_o fervour_n of_o true_a devotion_n among_o we_o that_o even_o some_o great_a pretender_n to_o piety_n have_v only_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o inward_a power_n like_o guild_a sepulcher_n full_a of_o dead-men_n bone_n it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o seasonable_a to_o teach_v all_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o jesus_n how_o to_o be_v real_a and_o interiour_n christian_n now_o in_o my_o judgement_n this_o book_n write_v in_o french_a and_o often_o print_v for_o its_o excellency_n have_v so_o well_o present_v to_o the_o eye_n this_o heavenly_a lesson_n that_o i_o will_v not_o let_v so_o precious_a a_o treasure_n lie_v hide_v to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o nation_n in_o a_o unknown_a language_n but_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o expose_v it_o to_o the_o public_a view_n for_o a_o public_a good_a and_o god_n give_v a_o blessing_n to_o my_o endeavour_n if_o you_o ask_v i_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v a_o interiour_n christian_n i_o will_v brief_o tell_v you_o an_o interiour_n christian_n be_v one_o who_o be_v well_o ground_v in_o faith_n walk_v with_o god_n in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n and_o purity_n of_o intention_n love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n serve_v he_o faithful_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o constant_o and_o have_v rather_o die_v than_o wilful_o by_o mortal_a sin_n break_v friendship_n with_o he_o there_o be_v no_o devil_n he_o hate_v worse_a than_o hypocricy_n his_o chief_a care_n be_v to_o be_v real_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n what_o he_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n yea_o he_o be_v more_o inward_o than_o he_o seem_v outward_o as_o well_o consider_v that_o god_n who_o see_v our_o heart_n will_v reward_v we_o according_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o interiour_n christian_n what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v of_o nathanael_n ecce_fw-la verè_fw-la israelita_fw-la in_fw-la quo_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la dolus_fw-la behold_v 1._o joh._n 1._o a_o true_a israelite_n in_o who_o be_v no_o deceit_n and_o he_o may_v true_o say_v of_o himself_o with_o good_a hezekiah_n o_o lord_n i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a 38._o isa_n 38._o heart_n and_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n and_o he_o may_v say_v also_o with_o st._n paul_n herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n 24._o act_n 24._o void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o men._n and_o therefore_o may_v safe_o say_v with_o the_o same_o saint_n elsewhere_o vivo_fw-la ego_fw-la jam_fw-la non_fw-la ego_fw-la vivit_fw-la verò_fw-la in_o i_o christus_fw-la it_o be_v not_o so_o mueh_a i_o that_o live_v as_o 2._o gal._n 2._o christ_n who_o live_v in_o i_o make_v i_o a_o new_a creature_n by_o internal_a sanctification_n whereby_o i_o become_v crucify_a to_o my_o lust_n and_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n that_o i_o may_v live_v to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o i_o now_o we_o must_v know_v that_o there_o be_v infinite_a degree_n of_o internal_a sanctification_n and_o the_o least_o degree_n be_v sufficient_a to_o put_v we_o in_o god_n favour_n and_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o make_v we_o real_o interiour_n christian_n as_o the_o least_o pigmy_n be_v as_o much_o essential_o a_o man_n as_o the_o great_a giant_n this_o i_o mention_v lest_o some_o timorous_a and_o well-meaning_a soul_n who_o real_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n read_v in_o this_o book_n and_o other_o spiritual_a author_n more_o sublime_a and_o elevate_a way_n of_o advance_v our_o union_n with_o god_n than_o they_o experience_n in_o themselves_o or_o perhaps_o ever_o shall_v in_o this_o life_n shall_v he_o discourage_v and_o torture_v with_o scruple_n as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n as_o they_o ought_v and_o be_v not_o true_o interiour_n christian_n i_o must_v put_v such_o soul_n in_o mind_n of_o what_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o same_o spirit_n divide_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o will_v and_o please_v some_o indeed_o be_v wonderful_o elevate_v saint_n rapt_v with_o st._n paul_n into_o the_o three_o heaven_n ravish_v in_o a_o ecstatical_a manner_n with_o the_o glimmering_n of_o glory_n and_o those_o joy_n which_o may_v be_v feel_v but_o be_v inexpressible_a such_o contemplation_n and_o union_n with_o god_n be_v rare_a and_o admirable_a other_o in_o their_o recollection_n and_o mental_a prayer_n receive_v from_o heaven_n divine_a visit_n and_o wonderful_a illumination_n which_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o purify_v their_o heart_n more_o and_o more_o and_o to_o advance_v in_o piety_n and_o godliness_n these_o be_v great_a proficient_n and_o walk_v in_o a_o region_n of_o light_n above_o ordinary_a christian_n but_o if_o god_n holy_a spirit_n have_v not_o vouchsafe_v we_o these_o special_a gift_n and_o grace_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v discourage_v in_o our_o pious_a endeavour_n but_o rest_v content_v with_o our_o present_a state_n in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o devotion_n if_o upon_o severe_a examination_n of_o our_o conscience_n we_o find_v that_o with_o zakariah_n and_o elizabeth_n we_o real_o endeavour_v to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n blameless_a and_o daily_o make_v it_o our_o work_n to_o conquer_v ourselves_o to_o mortify_v our_o passion_n to_o kill_v our_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o to_o make_v a_o progress_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o entitle_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o make_v we_o interiour_n christian_n though_o without_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n without_o vision_n and_o union_n extraordinary_a without_o wonderful_a irradiation_n in_o mental_a prayer_n which_o god_n only_o vouchsafe_v to_o some_o special_a favourite_n think_v upon_o this_o and_o be_v content_a with_o what_o measure_n of_o grace_n heaven_n bestow_v upon_o thou_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o true_a humility_n of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a good_a reader_n in_o what_o order_n thou_o read_v these_o excellent_a instruction_n every_o treatise_n contain_v a_o complete_a subject_n independent_a on_o each_o other_o but_o my_o advice_n be_v to_o make_v those_o more_o familiar_a to_o thou_o wherein_o thou_o find_v most_o gust_n and_o spiritual_a profit_n to_o thy_o soul_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o whatever_o order_n thou_o observe_v they_o will_v high_o conduce_v to_o the_o end_n they_o be_v write_v namely_o to_o withdraw_v our_o heart_n from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o advance_v our_o union_n with_o god_n by_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n to_o follow_v jesus_n this_o be_v the_o spirit_n and_o soul_n of_o this_o book_n and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v it_o may_v work_v these_o effect_n in_o every_o reader_n in_o the_o perusal_n whereof_o remember_v in_o thy_o prayer_n thou_o in_o christ_n jesus_n a._n l._n advertisement_n i_o think_v good_a courteous_a reader_n to_o explain_v some_o term_n frequent_o occur_v in_o this_o treatise_n to_o prevent_v mistake_n in_o such_o who_o be_v not_o accustom_v to_o such_o expression_n the_o word_n annihilation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v physical_o but_o moral_o now_o a_o moral_a annihilation_n be_v to_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o not_o able_a so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o that_o all_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n for_o who_o be_v both_o the_o will_n and_o the_o work_n in_o meritorious_a action_n gratia_n deisum_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la sum_fw-la by_o grace_n we_o be_v save_v our_o nothing_o our_o ruin_n self-destruction_n poverty_n of_o spirit_n be_v term_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o annihilation_n so_o that_o to_o ruin_n or_o destroy_v ourselves_o be_v to_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o this_o annihilation_n annihilation_n in_o some_o place_n signify_v to_o be_v content_a to_o be_v think_v of_o by_o other_o as_o of_o no_o worth_n or_o good_a for_o nothing_o a_o unworthy_a person_n of_o reputation_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v often_o apply_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v the_o better_o