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heaven_n and_o fervour_n of_o charity_n upon_o short_a warning_n with_o wonderful_a content_a commend_v his_o soul_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o saviour_n he_o joyful_o embrace_v death_n to_o live_v eternaly_n this_o show_v the_o extraordinary_a triumph_n he_o have_v make_v over_o the_o world_n and_o himself_o by_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n for_o though_o some_o even_o great_a saint_n who_o have_v leave_v the_o world_n for_o christ_n sake_n to_o avoid_v its_o contagion_n seem_v timorous_a at_o their_o death_n yet_o he_o with_o a_o invincible_a generosity_n contemn_v the_o world_n without_o forsake_v it_o do_v conquer_v satan_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o temptation_n and_o smile_v on_o death_n as_o a_o friend_n to_o his_o happiness_n though_o he_o change_v not_o his_o secular_a habit_n yet_o he_o have_v full_o banish_v the_o world_n from_o his_o heart_n and_o without_o engage_v in_o any_o other_o profession_n than_o that_o of_o a_o perfect_a christian_a he_o spend_v his_o day_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o most_o austere_a religious_a and_o this_o be_v more_o admirable_a in_o he_o than_o in_o those_o fountain_n which_o conserve_v their_o sweetness_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o salt_n water_n because_o he_o do_v not_o only_o keep_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n among_o the_o infection_n of_o a_o corrupt_a age_n but_o without_o any_o great_a noise_n he_o make_v notable_a conquest_n over_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n see_v by_o his_o pious_a endeavour_n he_o change_v many_o carnal_a man_n into_o spiritual_a christian_n we_o may_v say_v without_o vanity_n that_o the_o world_n never_o have_v a_o more_o dangerous_a enemy_n he_o stay_v in_o it_o the_o better_a to_o discover_v its_o design_n and_o convert_v worldling_n expose_v himself_o to_o combat_v its_o allurement_n that_o their_o weakness_n may_v be_v know_v and_o to_o testify_v to_o the_o world_n that_o one_o may_v be_v a_o perfect_a christian_a in_o despite_n of_o this_o great_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o godliness_n his_o example_n have_v make_v it_o manifest_v to_o all_o person_n of_o quality_n that_o one_o may_v live_v like_o a_o hermit_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o city_n and_o may_v love_v evangelical_n poverty_n though_o not_o practice_v it_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o riches_n and_o that_o true_a self-contempt_n be_v not_o impossible_a to_o such_o who_o birth_n or_o employment_n have_v advance_v they_o to_o honour_n and_o that_o without_o be_v a_o apostle_n or_o preacher_n one_o may_v be_v a_o evangelist_n and_o last_o that_o thorough_o to_o establish_v the_o maxim_n of_o christianity_n solid_a practice_n be_v more_o efficacious_a than_o thunder_a eloquence_n and_o though_o the_o grace_n which_o beautify_v his_o soul_n do_v most_o incline_v he_o to_o deep_a retirement_n and_o contemplation_n yet_o he_o be_v so_o wonderful_o dexterous_a in_o the_o affair_n of_o god_n service_n abroad_o that_o his_o eye_n fix_v on_o heaven_n do_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o afford_v a_o help_v hand_n to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o neighbour_n neither_o be_v his_o zeal_n herein_o confine_v to_o one_o only_a kingdom_n his_o piety_n be_v so_o ingenious_a that_o he_o find_v out_o way_n to_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n one_o of_o the_o great_a solitary_n and_o yet_o much_o engage_v in_o the_o labour_n of_o they_o who_o endeavour_v the_o enlargement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n his_o way_n of_o express_v himself_o be_v conform_v to_o his_o thought_n and_o both_o of_o they_o to_o the_o gospel_n where_o such_o who_o chief_o hunt_v after_o eloquence_n and_o vain_a curiosity_n will_v find_v nothing_o that_o will_v please_v their_o palate_n but_o a_o soul_n which_o relish_v evangelical_n truth_n can_v but_o find_v a_o gust_n in_o the_o expression_n of_o this_o book_n which_o breathe_v forth_o nothing_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o god_n grant_v that_o they_o who_o take_v it_o into_o their_o hand_n may_v find_v it_o work_v
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
of_o god_n 332_o book_n vi_o of_o interiour_n and_o exterior_a cross_n chap._n 1._o that_o we_o must_v have_v a_o high_a esteem_n for_o cross_n 337_o chap._n 2._o that_o we_o must_v have_v a_o love_n for_o cross_n 341_o chap_n 3._o that_o we_o must_v have_v a_o great_a love_n for_o cross_n 444_o chap._n 4._o god_n be_v please_v to_o send_v we_o cross_n in_o the_o place_n of_o persecution_n that_o our_o life_n may_v be_v a_o continual_a martyrdom_n 347_o chap._n 5._o of_o exterior_a cross_n by_o the_o loss_n of_o good_n chap._n 6._o disposition_n during_o sickness_n where_o the_o body_n suffer_v and_o the_o soul_n rejoice_v chap._n 7._o other_o disposition_n in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n where_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v on_o the_o cross_n 357_o chap._n 8._o the_o interiour_n cross_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o obscurity_n 360_o chap._n 9_o of_o the_o heaviness_n of_o interior_a cross_n 364_o chap._n 10._o the_o great_a fruit_n we_o may_v reap_v from_o interior_a cross_n 368_o chap._n 11._o that_o we_o must_v bear_v patient_o our_o imperfection_n 371_o book_n vii_o of_o ordinary_a prayer_n and_o contemplation_n chap._n 1._o what_o esteem_v we_o ought_v to_o have_v for_o prayer_n 377_o chap._n 2._o of_o the_o different_a sort_n of_o mental_a prayer_n 380_o chap._n 3._o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v indifferent_a to_o what_o manner_n of_o prayer_n god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o 384_o chap._n 4._o that_o above_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o practice_v prayer_n 387_o chap._n 5._o of_o the_o impediment_n of_o prayer_n 392_o chap._n 6._o of_o the_o mean_n that_o facilitate_v the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n 396_o chap._n 7._o that_o we_o must_v not_o presume_v of_o ourselves_o to_o attempt_v any_o manner_n of_o prayer_n but_o what_o be_v ordinary_a 400_o chap._n 8._o how_o to_o pass_v from_o ordinary_a prayer_n to_o contemplation_n 404_o chap._n 9_o of_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n 407_o chap._n 10_o of_o the_o sacred_a darkness_n of_o prayer_n 411_o chap._n 11._o of_o the_o light_n of_o prayer_n 414_o chap._n 12._o of_o passive_a prayer_n 414_o chap._n 13._o of_o pure_a and_o perfect_a prayer_n 421_o chap._n 14._o of_o the_o hunger_a of_o the_o soul_n after_o god_n and_o of_o she_o be_v satiate_v with_o he_o 425_o chap._n 15._o of_o infuse_a prayer_n 429_o chap._n 16._o of_o prayer_n of_o quiet_a 433_o chap._n 17._o of_o the_o intimate_a union_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n 437_o chap._n 18._o of_o interior_a silence_n where_o god_n speak_v and_o be_v hear_v 441_o chap._n 19_o of_o most_o purify_v contemplation_n 444_o chap._n 20._o of_o the_o different_a caress_n god_n vouchsafe_v a_o soul_n in_o prayer_n 448_o book_n viii_o some_o maxim_n of_o great_a importance_n to_o conduct_v we_o in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n chap._n 1._o to_o have_v above_o all_o thing_n a_o extreme_a horror_n of_o sin_n 453_o chap._n 2._o to_o keep_v a_o even_a pace_n with_o grace_n neither_o out-running_a it_o nor_o follow_v too_o slow_o 456_o chap._n 3._o that_o a_o soul_n must_v whole_o give_v herself_o up_o to_o god_n 459_o chap._n 4._o we_o ought_v to_o make_v it_o our_o business_n to_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v 461_o chap._n 5._o to_o renounce_v or_o self_n whole_o and_o strive_v against_o our_o proper_a inclination_n 463_o chap._n 6._o how_o to_o comport_v ourselves_o well_o in_o superiority_n 466_o chap._n 7._o that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v our_o intention_n purify_v from_o all_o self-interest_n 469_o chap._n 8._o a_o conference_n clear_v many_o difficulty_n touch_v prayer_n 471_o the_o interiour_n christian_n book_n i._o of_o the_o love_n of_o humiliation_n which_o be_v the_o solid_a foundation_n of_o all_o christian_a perfection_n chap._n i._o that_o we_o ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o attain_v christian_a perfection_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o humility_n let_v we_o endeavour_v after_o perfection_n not_o because_o it_o be_v a_o sublime_a and_o elevate_a condition_n but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n by_o a_o motive_n of_o grandeur_n and_o to_o become_v great_a saint_n but_o only_o to_o do_v what_o god_n will_v and_o expect_v from_o we_o and_o rest_v therewith_o content_a and_o satisfy_v our_o happiness_n consist_v in_o a_o constant_a dependence_n on_o his_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n with_o a_o perfect_a submission_n and_o resignation_n thereunto_o i_o must_v be_v content_a with_o my_o condition_n whatever_o it_o be_v see_v it_o be_v what_o god_n expect_v from_o i_o and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a presumption_n to_o assume_v to_o ourselves_o what_o great_a saint_n have_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n god_n call_v some_o person_n to_o glorious_a performance_n other_o he_o place_v in_o a_o low_a rank_n in_o all_o this_o we_o must_v suffer_v he_o to_o work_v his_o will_n upon_o we_o and_o receive_v with_o thankfulness_n his_o divine_a impression_n whether_o great_a or_o little_a it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n this_o be_v the_o way_n god_n call_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o a_o way_n sublime_a pleasant_a full_a of_o peace_n in_o which_o we_o desire_v nothing_o but_o to_o please_v god_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o take_v whatever_o he_o give_v with_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n be_v it_o never_o so_o little_a it_o be_v certain_o more_o than_o we_o deserve_v to_o be_v annihilate_v in_o god_n be_v to_o will_v nothing_o but_o what_o god_n will_v and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o please_v otherwise_o we_o seek_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o not_o pure_o god_n and_o his_o good_a pleasure_n we_o must_v labour_v for_o perfection_n with_o a_o spirit_n whole_o dis-engaged_n from_o all_o self-interest_n to_o suffer_v to_o live_v poor_a and_o despise_a be_v the_o only_a way_n among_o infinite_a other_o mean_n the_o eternal_a father_n make_v choice_n of_o for_o we_o to_o attain_v to_o glory_n and_o regain_v those_o excellency_n adam_n lose_v for_o himself_o and_o we_o by_o sin_n this_o be_v his_o design_n from_o eternity_n his_o son_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n embrace_v the_o cross_n with_o affection_n and_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o desire_n of_o suffer_v value_v the_o cross_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o great_a excellency_n be_v the_o altar_n choose_v for_o the_o life-giving_a sacrifice_n by_o his_o heavenly_a father_n prefer_v the_o glory_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n before_o the_o natural_a inclination_n of_o his_o humanity_n which_o have_v a_o repugnancy_n in_o the_o sensitive_a part_n thereof_o to_o pain_n and_o suffering_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o of_o the_o evangelist_n pater_n si_fw-la possibile_fw-la est_fw-la transe_n at_o etc._n etc._n father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o yet_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v fulfil_v and_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n sacrificium_fw-la &_o oblationem_fw-la noluisti_fw-la etc._n etc._n thou_o will_v not_o have_v sacrifice_n or_o oblation_n but_o thou_o have_v prepare_v a_o body_n for_o i_o and_o behold_v i_o come_v to_o do_v thy_o will_n and_o so_o he_o do_v run_v his_o course_n with_o joy_n though_o full_a of_o suffering_n because_o he_o know_v it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o father_n wherefore_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o welove_a and_o esteem_v the_o cross_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v we_o participate_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o please_v his_o heavenly_a father_n for_o to_o suffer_v be_v to_o sacrifice_v to_o god_n our_o pleasure_n and_o interest_n unite_n ourselves_o to_o the_o design_n that_o jesus_n have_v by_o suffer_v to_o repair_v his_o father_n glory_n o_o my_o soul_n if_o these_o verity_n have_v make_v deep_a impression_n in_o thou_o thou_o ought_v from_o henceforth_o to_o glory_n in_o be_v despise_v see_v thy_o glory_n be_v to_o procure_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o can_v be_v do_v more_o advantageous_o than_o by_o imitate_v his_o only_a son_n o_o good_a jesus_n possess_v my_o heart_n with_o your_o divine_a spirit_n that_o may_v enable_v i_o to_o live_v your_o life_n o_o how_o your_o humiliation_n seem_v great_a unto_o i_o your_o abjection_n honourable_a your_o poverty_n rich_a and_o your_o cross_n pleasant_a my_o soul_n do_v languish_v to_o possess_v your_o spirit_n and_o desire_v it_o most_o ardent_o whatever_o have_v not_o a_o relish_n of_o your_o spirit_n be_v not_o grateful_a to_o i_o o_o that_o i_o have_v inflame_v affection_n to_o embrace_v the_o cross_n and_o that_o i_o can_v bear_v the_o great_a can_v happen_v to_o i_o in_o the_o interim_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o i_o do_v nothing_o and_o when_o occasion_n present_v itself_o i_o find_v difficulty_n to_o suffer_v the_o least_o affliction_n dear_a saviour_n how_o be_v this_o life_n troublesome_a unto_o i_o strengthen_v
so_o complete_a a_o sacrifice_n as_o on_o the_o altar_n of_o interior_a cross_n whether_o they_o come_v from_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n from_o other_o or_o ourselves_o it_o matter_n not_o much_o who_o make_v the_o cross_n on_o which_o we_o suffer_v be_v they_o friend_n or_o enemy_n god_n or_o ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v but_o suffer_v it_o be_v sufficient_a and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v joyful_a or_o at_o least_o content_a to_o see_v ourselves_o crucify_v some_o way_n or_o other_o and_o as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v exile_n here_o we_o shall_v hardly_o be_v without_o some_o cross_n a_o soul_n that_o have_v once_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o god_n find_v it_o a_o cross_a to_o be_v take_v up_o too_o much_o with_o worldly_a business_n yea_o even_o to_o satisfy_v necessity_n become_v troublesome_a to_o she_o she_o find_v a_o cross_n when_o she_o be_v put_v to_o appease_v the_o sedition_n of_o her_o passion_n when_o she_o perceive_v the_o eye_n of_o contemplation_n darken_v by_o her_o imperfection_n when_o she_o be_v overburdened_a with_o the_o weight_n of_o her_o mortal_a body_n tend_v to_o corruption_n all_o these_o misery_n be_v cross_n to_o she_o hinder_v her_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n but_o a_o saithful_a soul_n to_o accomplish_v the_o will_n of_o god_n do_v bear_v they_o courageous_o it_o much_o concern_v we_o to_o desire_v of_o god_n a_o particular_a light_n and_o grace_n to_o see_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o cross_n that_o we_o may_v love_v to_o suffer_v we_o complain_v of_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o rigour_n of_o our_o banishment_n because_o we_o discern_v not_o that_o secret_a virtue_n which_o privation_n and_o cross_n have_v to_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n it_o be_v great_a and_o powerful_a though_o little_o know_v and_o less_o seek_v after_o by_o reason_n it_o be_v not_o so_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a as_o that_o force_n which_o cease_v our_o spirit_n in_o the_o light_n of_o enjoyment_n but_o it_o suffice_v i_o my_o god_n that_o i_o be_o unite_v to_o you_o i_o desire_v not_o the_o please_a sentiment_n of_o union_n because_o purity_n there_o be_v not_o so_o eminent_a the_o mercy_n of_o god_n do_v triumph_n in_o the_o state_n of_o light_n and_o sweetness_n and_o this_o be_v the_o time_n to_o glorify_v his_o goodness_n the_o justice_n of_o god_n appear_v more_o visible_a in_o the_o state_n of_o obscurity_n and_o suffering_n and_o this_o be_v the_o time_n to_o magnify_v his_o greatness_n and_o what_o contentment_n be_v it_o to_o a_o soul_n to_o know_v that_o let_v her_o condition_n be_v what_o it_o will_v the_o divine_a perfection_n may_v be_v glorify_v by_o she_o when_o god_n in_o a_o manner_n leave_v we_o to_o ourselves_o our_o weakness_n appear_v so_o great_a that_o the_o least_o stroke_n of_o adversity_n quite_o cast_v we_o down_o at_o other_o time_n when_o we_o be_v support_v by_o the_o almighty_a a_o army_n in_o battle_n array_n can_v never_o daunt_v we_o let_v we_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o grace_n when_o she_o invite_v we_o to_o reflect_v on_o such_o like_a disposition_n for_o the_o soul_n will_v thereby_o know_v her_o extreme_a dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o her_o own_o infinite_a frailty_n her_o confidence_n in_o god_n will_v be_v re-doubled_n and_o her_o diffidence_n in_o herself_o will_v be_v augment_v and_o she_o will_v know_v by_o experience_n that_o god_n mortify_v and_o quicken_v when_o he_o please_v and_o that_o he_o be_v our_o only_a supporter_n to_o be_v then_o in_o continual_a union_n with_o god_n the_o soul_n must_v necessary_o have_v a_o perfect_a indifferency_n to_o every_o state_n and_o a_o resolute_a will_n to_o be_v whole_o for_o god_n illustration_n indeed_o make_v the_o soul_n more_o attentive_a but_o not_o more_o unite_v for_o a_o love_a soul_n in_o suffering_n adhere_v to_o god_n more_o close_o than_o in_o the_o great_a light_n of_o prayer_n let_v we_o not_o then_o measure_v the_o union_n by_o enjoyment_n but_o by_o suffer_v for_o the_o more_o the_o soul_n suffer_v for_o god_n the_o more_o intimate_o be_v she_o unite_v to_o he_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o supernatural_a life_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o make_v cross_n the_o heavy_a they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o more_o acceptable_a i_o know_v a_o soul_n that_o suffer_v extraordinary_a pain_n of_o all_o sort_n but_o it_o be_v with_o aridity_n of_o spirit_n see_v only_o the_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o without_o discover_v the_o beauty_n of_o suffering_n unless_o when_o they_o have_v leave_v she_o god_n be_v not_o willing_a she_o shall_v receive_v consolation_n from_o such_o a_o sight_n which_o may_v much_o diminish_v the_o purity_n of_o her_o love_n chap._n x._o the_o great_a fruit_n we_o may_v reap_v from_o interiour_n cross_n i_o think_v that_o on_o this_o day_n of_o particular_a devotion_n i_o shall_v have_v be_v all_o on_o a_o flame_n with_o divine_a love_n but_o i_o have_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n always_o distract_v in_o my_o prayer_n though_o i_o have_v my_o book_n in_o my_o hand_n my_o spirit_n not_o be_v in_o a_o temper_n for_o interiour_n exercise_n to_o speak_v truth_n i_o find_v myself_o much_o change_v it_o please_a god_n that_o have_v not_o correspond_v to_o my_o state_n of_o light_n and_o sweetness_n his_o justice_n shall_v put_v i_o into_o this_o rigour_n and_o obscurity_n and_o bless_v be_v his_o name_n for_o evermore_o what_o augment_v my_o sorrow_n be_v that_o i_o have_v not_o be_v faithful_a to_o many_o opportunity_n of_o practise_v great_a virtue_n at_o other_o time_n i_o have_v find_v all_o thing_n help_v i_o towards_o god_n now_o every_o thing_n divert_v i_o insomuch_o that_o the_o fire_n of_o love_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n whole_o extinguish_v with_o the_o wave_n of_o temptation_n methinks_v i_o find_v myself_o in_o a_o abandonment_n so_o great_a as_o if_o i_o never_o enjoy_v consolation_n be_v to_o begin_v any_o good_a work_n i_o feel_v a_o tepidity_n and_o repugnance_n to_o it_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o poverty_n do_v horrible_o affright_v i_o to_o be_v despise_v to_o want_v accommodation_n to_o suffer_v pain_n be_v terrible_a unto_o i_o it_o increase_v this_o bitterness_n in_o that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n do_v not_o comfort_v i_o as_o former_o so_o that_o it_o must_v go_v very_o ill_o with_o i_o if_o some_o powerful_a hand_n come_v not_o into_o my_o succour_n and_o what_o make_v my_o condition_n more_o deplorable_a be_v that_o i_o be_o so_o sensible_a of_o the_o privation_n of_o earthly_a thing_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o his_o grace_n that_o do_v afflict_v i_o that_o methinks_v will_v afford_v some_o consolation_n i_o now_o in_o a_o manner_n make_v no_o prayer_n that_o be_v my_o prayer_n be_v as_o good_a as_o nothing_o i_o be_o full_a of_o distraction_n when_o i_o communicate_v i_o be_o apt_a to_o fall_v into_o passion_n on_o every_o occasion_n the_o least_o thing_n do_v much_o trouble_v i_o this_o day_n i_o have_v some_o good_a interval_n during_o which_o i_o be_v take_v up_o with_o these_o thought_n what_o be_v man_n o_o my_o god_n when_o you_o cease_v to_o visit_v he_o how_o great_a be_v his_o poverty_n his_o want_n and_o his_o misery_n i_o shall_v never_o have_v believ_n do_v it_o if_o i_o have_v not_o know_v it_o by_o experience_n in_o this_o small_a time_n that_o you_o have_v leave_v i_o to_o myself_o o_o my_o soul_n how_o great_a be_v thy_o weakness_n how_o profound_a be_v thy_o own_o nothing_o and_o almost_o incredible_a lay_v it_o up_o well_o now_o in_o thy_o memory_n and_o never_o forget_v it_o what_o can_v i_o do_v o_o my_o god_n without_o you_o my_o spirit_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o dark_a dungeon_n and_o my_o heart_n be_v a_o recepticle_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_a sentiment_n and_o extravagant_a thought_n no_o inclination_n to_o good_a but_o strong_a effort_n to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a alas_o it_o be_v now_o i_o find_v by_o experience_n the_o absolute_a dependence_n i_o have_v upon_o you_o more_o than_o a_o shadow_n on_o the_o body_n or_o the_o light_n on_o the_o sun_n i_o be_v never_o so_o annihilate_v and_o plunge_v in_o my_o own_o nothing_o as_o now_o i_o can_v see_v no_o stability_n either_o in_o myself_o or_o any_o creature_n the_o whole_a world_n can_v uphold_v he_o who_o you_o have_v forsake_v o_o how_o vain_a be_v the_o consolation_n of_o creature_n when_o that_o of_o the_o creator_n fail_v we_o dare_v i_o hereafter_o think_v myself_o worthy_a of_o the_o least_o sentiment_n of_o grace_n that_o have_v have_v the_o experience_n of_o my_o excessive_a misery_n very_o if_o god_n shall_v plunge_v i_o into_o hell_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v astonish_v at_o it_o but_o rather_o admire_v his_o mercy_n for_o bear_v so_o long_o
the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o i_o have_v not_o a_o great_a care_n the_o devil_n will_v deceive_v i_o and_o make_v i_o delay_v to_o my_o own_o ruin_n chap._n xx._n of_o the_o different_a caress_n god_n vouchsafe_v a_o soul_n in_o prayer_n those_o who_o practise_v prayer_n know_v by_o experience_n that_o god_n unite_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n in_o different_a manner_n all_o most_o intimate_a most_o pure_a and_o full_a of_o sweetness_n oftentimes_o by_o the_o please_a attraction_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n so_o delightful_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o for_o the_o time_n she_o in_o a_o manner_n enjoy_v a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n sometime_o god_n unite_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o rigour_n of_o his_o justice_n try_v she_o with_o interior_a and_o exterior_a suffering_n so_o that_o only_o the_o supreme_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n remain_v unite_v to_o god_n the_o inferior_a part_n be_v in_o a_o suffer_a condition_n sometime_o god_n unite_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n by_o his_o sanctity_n his_o bounty_n power_n and_o other_o perfection_n and_o to_o the_o end_n all_o these_o union_n may_v be_v pure_a it_o suffice_v that_o the_o soul_n render_v herself_o passive_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n in_o she_o whether_o sweet_a or_o bitter_a comfort_v or_o afflict_v with_o respect_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o to_o live_v this_o divine_a life_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o find_v no_o repugnance_n from_o sensual_a nature_n it_o suffice_v if_o we_o continue_v firm_a in_o this_o state_n by_o the_o superior_a part_n whether_o grace_n can_v only_o advance_v we_o and_o where_o we_o can_v subsist_v but_o by_o be_v dead_a to_o all_o creature_n he_o that_o will_v live_v this_o life_n must_v resolve_v to_o suffer_v all_o the_o interiour_n commerce_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n pass_v principal_o in_o the_o will_n the_o understanding_n be_v not_o so_o capable_a thereof_o but_o the_o will_n receive_v the_o more_o intimate_a more_o pure_a and_o more_o perfect_a communication_n be_v more_o proper_a for_o it_o the_o understanding_n herein_o be_v more_o liable_a to_o illusion_n the_o will_n be_v more_o assure_v in_o her_o way_n and_o the_o devil_n can_v counterfeit_v what_o pass_v in_o she_o in_o the_o feeling_n of_o pure_a love_n for_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v experience_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o pure_a love_n can_v easy_o be_v deceive_v from_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o will_n be_v the_o principal_a disposition_n for_o the_o prayer_n of_o union_n be_v it_o ordinary_a or_o more_o sublime_a by_o the_o powerful_a influence_n of_o prevent_a grace_n this_o purity_n be_v altogether_o necessary_a god_n be_v not_o please_v to_o work_v these_o wonder_n but_o in_o a_o purify_a soul_n and_o this_o purity_n consist_v in_o willing_a nothing_o but_o god_n good_a pleasure_n be_v dead_a to_o all_o other_o thing_n content_v herself_o with_o the_o order_n of_o providence_n god_n find_v the_o soul_n thus_o purify_v especial_o in_o her_o will_n take_v up_o his_o mansion_n in_o her_o interiour_n where_o he_o exercise_v his_o divine_a operation_n put_v she_o into_o divers_a state_n according_a to_o the_o different_a design_n he_o have_v upon_o she_o sometime_o he_o be_v please_v to_o inflame_v her_o affection_n with_o divine_a love_n and_o to_o kindle_v this_o holy_a fire_n in_o her_o breast_n manifest_v to_o she_o his_o divine_a perfection_n other_o time_n he_o put_v she_o upon_o the_o cross_n and_o exercise_n his_o justice_n for_o her_o great_a good_a sometime_o he_o hide_v himself_o the_o more_o to_o purify_v she_o and_o make_v she_o die_v to_o whatever_o be_v not_o god_n otherwhile_o he_o give_v her_o counsel_n to_o advance_v she_o in_o perfection_n and_o than_o if_o she_o have_v not_o be_v faithful_a to_o his_o motion_n he_o give_v her_o interior_a check_n of_o conscience_n sometime_o he_o enlighten_v her_o understanding_n to_o inflame_v her_o will_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v retire_v within_o herself_o find_v her_o divine_a bridegroom_n work_v something_o in_o she_o to_o which_o she_o be_v to_o be_v pure_o passive_a and_o adhere_v in_o all_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n to_o his_o gracious_a operation_n be_v thus_o retire_v into_o the_o cabinet_n of_o her_o heart_n she_o be_v elevate_v above_o herself_o and_o all_o creature_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n though_o he_o send_v her_o suffering_n she_o be_v not_o take_v up_o with_o they_o but_o divine_a love_n she_o feel_v his_o caress_n be_v enrich_v with_o his_o gift_n and_o employ_v all_o her_o intellectual_a power_n to_o love_n and_o glorify_v her_o well-beloved_a here_o be_v her_o ordinary_a abode_n from_o whence_o she_o descend_v not_o to_o her_o inferior_a part_n but_o for_o necessity_n and_o enjoy_v the_o embrace_n of_o her_o divine_a bridegroom_n she_o adhere_v to_o he_o by_o pure_a faith_n and_o love_n without_o be_v divert_v by_o her_o imagination_n in_o intellectual_a contemplation_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o a_o mistress_n of_o a_o house_n that_o have_v a_o king_n and_o queen_n in_o her_o closet_n willing_a to_o converse_v with_o she_o will_v have_v a_o care_v not_o to_o divert_v herself_o by_o other_o matter_n and_o quit_v they_o to_o wash_v dish_n in_o the_o kitchen_n what_o strange_a incivility_n will_v this_o be_v yea_o what_o infidelity_n will_v it_o be_v in_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v honour_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o cabinet_n of_o her_o heart_n to_o have_v she_o near_o himself_o to_o converse_v with_o she_o and_o to_o ravish_v she_o with_o these_o spiritual_a delight_n which_o be_v ineffable_a soul_n that_o be_v thus_o favour_v of_o god_n if_o they_o quit_v he_o for_o exterior_a employment_n and_o temporal_a affair_n neglect_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n for_o some_o inconsiderable_a business_n by_o this_o strange_a neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o his_o special_a favour_n must_v needs_o be_v guilty_a of_o deep_a ingratitude_n o_o my_o soul_n be_v thou_o faithful_a to_o the_o divine_a call_n thou_o be_v too_o much_o favour_v of_o god_n consider_v thy_o too_o frequent_a not_o comply_v with_o his_o grace_n he_o call_v thou_o to_o himself_o his_o attract_v be_v powerful_a and_o sweet_a let_v we_o quit_v temporal_a thing_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o who_o will_v take_v they_o fear_v not_o we_o shall_v want_v nothing_o have_v god_n in_o possession_n if_o divine_a providence_n dispense_v to_o we_o with_o so_o liberal_a a_o hand_n the_o great_a favour_n of_o god_n spiritual_a grace_n let_v we_o not_o think_v he_o will_v deny_v we_o his_o lesser_a blessing_n which_o concern_v the_o body_n and_o be_v as_o nothing_o in_o comparison_n let_v we_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o prayer_n and_o never_o leave_v it_o for_o that_o be_v our_o great_a and_o sole_a affair_n the_o end_n of_o the_o seven_o book_n book_n viii_o some_o maxim_n of_o great_a importance_n to_o conduct_v we_o in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n chap._n i._o to_o have_v above_o all_o thing_n a_o extreme_a horror_n of_o sin_n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o great_a concern_v to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n than_o to_o manage_v well_o our_o love_n and_o hatred_n to_o which_o passion_n our_o will_n principal_o owe_v her_o motion_n our_o love_n ought_v whole_o to_o be_v fix_v on_o god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a good_a and_o our_o final_a happiness_n our_o hatred_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o other_o object_n but_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o infinite_a evil_n and_o utter_a ruin_n of_o our_o soul_n love_n make_v all_o thing_n easy_a and_o what_o be_v do_v with_o great_a love_n be_v of_o great_a value_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o know_v to_o love_v cordial_o know_v how_o to_o do_v whatever_o god_n require_v of_o he_o see_v love_n include_v in_o it_o all_o perfection_n hatred_n also_o make_v all_o thing_n easy_a for_o from_o a_o torrent_n of_o hatred_n common_o flow_v a_o inundation_n of_o evil_n he_o who_o real_o and_o from_o his_o heart_n hate_v a_o infinite_a evil_n that_o be_v sin_n will_v be_v revenge_v on_o himself_o by_o severe_a penance_n and_o fly_v from_o it_o with_o such_o a_o horror_n and_o detestation_n that_o he_o will_v soon_o cast_v himself_o alive_a into_o hell_n than_o commit_v a_o sin_n that_o break_v friendship_n with_o god_n a_o soul_n that_o see_v clear_o the_o enormous_a malignity_n of_o sin_n and_o how_o it_o fight_v against_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o annihilate_v he_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a will_v easy_o conceive_v a_o implacable_a hatred_n against_o sin_n and_o abhor_v it_o to_o the_o utmost_a with_o a_o irreconcilable_a enmity_n know_v well_o that_o sin_n can_v only_o separate_v she_o from_o god_n her_o final_a happiness_n this_o hatred_n ought_v to_o possess_v the_o soul_n with_o permanency_n and_o such_o extension_n as_o not_o only_o to_o preserve_v she_o from_o