find_v experimental_o a_o real_a union_n both_o in_o light_n and_o faith_n with_o the_o party_n i_o mention_v which_o be_v more_o than_o palpable_a give_v i_o assurance_n that_o we_o be_v all_o one_o upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o shall_v acquaint_v you_o in_o what_o manner_n my_o mind_n have_v be_v busy_v these_o few_o last_o day_n and_o be_v yet_o full_a of_o it_o and_o to_o the_o end_n my_o relation_n may_v be_v more_o intelligible_a i_o shall_v take_v the_o matter_n somewhat_o high_o the_o operation_n i_o have_v find_v in_o myself_o for_o these_o two_o or_o three_o year_n have_v constant_o hold_v i_o fix_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o find_v in_o he_o eternal-life_n before_o god_n the_o father_n through_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n of_o which_o i_o have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n give_v you_o account_n and_o now_o i_o confess_v to_o you_o that_o though_o for_o that_o time_n i_o also_o honour_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o my_o heart_n our_o b._n lady_n the_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o have_v be_v desirous_a to_o express_v it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n yet_o so_o it_o be_v that_o their_o presence_n and_o their_o commerce_n be_v obscure_v in_o and_z as_o it_o be_v very_o remote_a from_o my_o soul_n i_o assure_v you_o that_o those_o thought_n have_v frequent_o run_v in_o my_o mind_n say_v thus_o within_o myself_o i_o so_o much_o honour_v our_o lady_n and_o some_o other_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o they_o be_v i_o lift_v up_o my_o heart_n easy_o towards_o they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o presence_n of_o they_o at_o all_o at_o least_o such_o as_o i_o now_o perceive_v it_o some_o month_n ago_o i_o possess_v a_o open_n and_o a_o light_n in_o my_o soul_n accompany_v with_o powerful_a effect_n concern_v love_n and_o dear_a union_n with_o god_n make_v i_o to_o conceive_v inexplicable_a thing_n of_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v perfect_a charity_n not_o by_o the_o reason_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o by_o a_o single_a view_n most_o by_o one_o touch_n penetrate_v the_o heart_n with_o love_n and_o i_o behold_v how_o the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n come_v to_o advance_v we_o by_o his_o incarnation_n into_o this_o love_n unite_n himself_o to_o we_o whereby_o to_o reduce_v we_o all_o into_o this_o intimate_a and_o sweet_a union_n until_o he_o shall_v have_v complete_v we_o all_o in_o himself_o to_o be_v make_v all_o of_o we_o one_o day_n all_o in_o god_n after_o he_o have_v deliver_v up_o his_o kingdom_n to_o his_o father_n ut_fw-la sit_fw-la deus_fw-la omne_fw-la in_o omnibus_fw-la that_o god_n may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o and_o we_o enter_v into_o this_o bless_a union_n with_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n some_o ten_o or_o twelve_o day_n since_o be_v in_o my_o morning_n prayer_n on_o my_o knee_n to_o pray_v unto_o god_n i_o perceive_v in_o myself_o that_o i_o can_v findâ—_n no_o entrance_n unto_o he_o only_o i_o keep_v myself_o there_o much_o humble_v but_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o father_n the_o access_n to_o he_o of_o the_o son_n with_o who_o i_o ordinary_o converse_v with_o as_o much_o confidence_n as_o if_o he_o be_v yet_o upon_o earth_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n seem_v at_o a_o strange_a distance_n withhold_v from_o i_o and_o i_o perceive_v a_o unworthiness_n in_o myself_o so_o great_a so_o real_a and_o so_o penetrate_a that_o i_o can_v no_o more_o lift_v up_o the_o eye_n of_o my_o soul_n to_o heaven_n than_o these_o of_o my_o body_n than_o be_v iâ—_n give_v i_o to_o understand_v that_o i_o have_v real_o that_o unworthiness_n which_o i_o feel_v but_o that_o i_o must_v seek_v my_o entry_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n whereupon_o i_o be_v on_o a_o instant_n possess_v with_o a_o wonderful_a presence_n of_o the_o respect_n and_o love_n and_o union_n of_o the_o b._n virgin_n the_o angel_n and_o saint_n which_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o express_v nor_o to_o utter_v the_o greatness_n and_o solidity_n of_o this_o grace_n for_o this_o union_n be_v life_n eternal_a and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a paradise_n and_o this_o union_n be_v both_o for_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n and_o those_o on_o earth_n which_o i_o have_v almost_o always_o in_o full_a view_n and_o presence_n from_o thenceforward_o i_o understand_v that_o we_o be_v not_o make_v by_o god_n to_o be_v alone_o and_o separate_v from_o other_o but_o to_o be_v unite_v unto_o they_o and_o to_o compose_v with_o they_o one_o divine_a total_a even_o as_o a_o beautiful_a stone_n fit_v for_o the_o head_n of_o a_o column_n be_v altogether_o unprofitable_a till_o it_o be_v settle_v in_o its_o place_n and_o cement_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o building_n without_o which_o it_o have_v neither_o its_o preservation_n its_o beauty_n nor_o its_o end_n this_o meditation_n leave_v i_o in_o the_o love_n and_o in_o the_o true_a and_o experimental_a connexion_n of_o the_o communion_n and_o communication_n of_o saint_n yet_o with_o a_o due_a order_n of_o those_o to_o who_o i_o be_o more_o unite_a which_o be_v my_o life_n in_o god_n and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n this_o be_v the_o content_n of_o that_o letter_n chap._n 7._o his_o devotion_n to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n one_o of_o the_o great_a devotion_n of_o this_o holy_a man_n be_v that_o to_o the_o h._n eucharist_n consider_v both_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o as_o a_o sacrament_n of_o which_o he_o have_v ever_o a_o incredible_a esteem_n honour_v it_o with_o all_o possible_a reverence_n and_o affect_v it_o with_o tender_a love_n blessing_n and_o praise_v god_n for_o its_o institution_n and_o exciting_a both_o by_o his_o word_n and_o pen_n the_o whole_a world_n to_o do_v the_o same_o he_o be_v accustom_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v institute_v to_o stay_v and_o place_v our_o saviour_n god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o to_o obtain_v for_o we_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o grace_n whereof_o we_o be_v capable_a here_o and_o to_o dispose_v we_o for_o those_o of_o glory_n that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o incarnation_n the_o life_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o his_o son_n be_v to_o convey_v unto_o we_o his_o spirit_n to_o be_v unto_o we_o life_n eternal_a which_o spirit_n he_o have_v teach_v we_o by_o his_o word_n merit_v for_o we_o by_o his_o death_n &_o do_v more_o confer_v upon_o we_o from_o his_o estate_n of_o glory_n and_o the_o better_a to_o convey_v this_o unto_o we_o to_o cause_v we_o to_o live_v thereby_o and_o die_v in_o ourselves_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o this_o most_o holy_a sacrament_n dead_a raise_v up_o and_o glorify_v to_o produce_v in_o we_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n these_o two_o effect_n of_o death_n and_o life_n he_o be_v not_o only_o present_v every_o day_n at_o mass_n but_o take_v it_o for_o a_o great_a honour_n to_o serve_v the_o priest_n himself_o he_o receive_v every_o day_n if_o not_o hinder_v by_o very_o important_a business_n or_o some_o press_a occasion_n of_o charity_n and_o as_o the_o honour_n we_o render_v to_o this_o b._n sacrament_n consist_v not_o in_o often_o receive_v but_o in_o communicate_v well_o and_o perfect_o he_o take_v all_o care_n thereof_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o one_o of_o so_o holy_a life_n and_o eminent_a piety_n he_o spend_v many_o hour_n in_o prayer_n upon_o his_o knee_n before_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o be_v once_o ask_v by_o a_o friend_n how_o he_o can_v remain_v there_o so_o long_o he_o answer_v that_o there_o he_o recreated_a his_o spirit_n receive_v from_o thence_o refreshment_n and_o new_a force_n and_o yet_o sometime_o he_o encounter_v with_o some_o trouble_n in_o that_o devotion_n which_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o this_o letter_n to_o his_o director_n date_v the_o 27_o of_o june_n in_o the_o year_n 1647._o i_o have_v be_v very_o poor_a all_o this_o month_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o be_v ever_o so_o lumpish_a both_o in_o spirit_n and_o body_n as_o i_o be_v upon_o the_o festival_n day_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n i_o be_v present_a at_o service_n at_o procession_n at_o mass_n at_o communion_n hear_v the_o sermon_n at_o vesper_n and_o compline_n but_o like_o a_o very_a beast_n not_o know_v how_o to_o demean_v myself_o either_o kneel_v or_o stand_v i_o be_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o restless_a condition_n of_o body_n and_o very_o wander_a and_o distract_a in_o spirit_n only_o i_o know_v well_o that_o in_o the_o bottom_n of_o my_o soul_n i_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o honour_n god_n through_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n after_o compline_n i_o find_v myself_o so_o dull_a and_o heavy_a that_o see_v myself_o unable_a to_o remain_v
gaston_n jean_n baptiste_n de_fw-fr renty_n seig._n r_o de_fw-fr ciâ—â—â—_n baron_fw-fr de_fw-fr â—â—nadâ—â—s_fw-fr mourut_fw-la à _fw-la paris_n le_fw-fr 24_o d'avril_n del'an_v 1649._o 〈◊〉_d the_o sonà ge_n the_o holy_a life_n of_o mon_n r._o de_fw-fr renty_n a_o late_a nobleman_z of_o france_z and_o sometime_o councillor_n to_o king_n lewis_z the_o 13_o write_a in_o french_a by_o john_n baptist_n s._n jure_fw-la and_o faithful_o translate_v into_o english_a by_o e._n s._n gent._n london_n print_v for_o john_n crook_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o ship_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n 1658._o to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n such_o nourishment_n as_o the_o read_n of_o vain_a romance_n or_o the_o live_v of_o secular-love-knight_n though_o these_o only_a feign_a supply_v to_o the_o earthly_a principle_n in_o we_o our_o carnal_a lust_n and_o ambition_n set_v upon_o fade_a glory_n and_o beauty_n the_o same_o do_v the_o history_n of_o saint_n and_o person_n enamour_v of_o heaven_n administer_v to_o the_o other_o celestial_a principle_n in_o we_o the_o h._n spirit_n which_o more_o or_o less_o inhabit_v in_o every_o one_o who_o be_v more_o than_o in_o name_n christian_a these_o book_n it_o be_v that_o set_v we_o all_o on_o fire_n and_o sudden_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o same_o holy_a inclination_n we_o read_v in_o those_o christian_a hero_n so_o much_o will_v we_o love_v so_o much_o will_v we_o do_v so_o much_o will_v we_o suffer_v and_o if_o i_o may_v apply_v the_o apostle_n word_n speak_v of_o the_o lord_n unto_o his_o holy_a follower_n we_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o these_o saint_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n whilst_o both_o the_o sweet_a consolation_n which_o such_o have_v find_v in_o god_n service_n sweet_a than_o honey_n psal_n 19_o allure_v we_o to_o a_o virtuous_a life_n and_o their_o tread_v the_o way_n before_o we_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o most_o difficult_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o endure_a all_o the_o hardship_n as_o our_o inexperience_n account_v it_o of_o the_o christian_a warfare_n both_o show_v we_o it_o faifible_a what_o god_n command_v and_o invite_v we_o to_o follow_v their_o conquer_a travel_n yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a effect_n such_o writing_n frequent_o produce_v many_o aspersion_n and_o exception_n intervene_v which_o to_o many_o reader_n render_v they_o fruitless_a whilst_o either_o we_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n as_o when_o the_o historian_n live_v some_o age_n perhaps_o after_o such_o holy_a man_n and_o no_o eye-witness_n of_o their_o action_n be_v suppose_v to_o compose_v his_o relation_n much_o what_o out_o of_o some_o uncertain_a tradition_n and_o hearsays_a or_o be_v contemporary_a with_o they_o yet_o such_o piece_n have_v run_v through_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o age_n not_o so_o pure_a be_v imagine_v to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o many_o falsity_n interpose_v and_o mingle_v with_o truth_n or_o allow_v the_o truth_n thereof_o yet_o they_o be_v the_o history_n of_o such_o as_o live_v long_o ago_o in_o time_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a complexion_n and_o in_o some_o as_o we_o fancy_n more_o holy_a age_n when_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o early_a time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o vigorous_a and_o his_o favour_n in_o cherish_v the_o infancy_n of_o christianity_n more_o eminent_a and_o man_n piety_n by_o mutual_a example_n more_o inflame_v we_o think_v they_o no_o pattern_n for_o we_o bear_v in_o the_o worst_a and_o profane_v time_n or_o yet_o further_o if_o they_o be_v modern_a history_n of_o our_o own_o day_n yet_o they_o be_v ordinary_o narration_n of_o person_n first_o cloister_v and_o sequester_v from_o the_o negotiation_n of_o secular_a affair_n or_o also_o of_o such_o who_o this_o world_n forsake_v before_o they_o apply_v themselves_o so_o intensive_o to_o the_o other_o in_o their_o be_v bear_v of_o mean_a parent_n age_n or_o to_o small_a â—r_o no_o temporal_a fortune_n we_o think_v they_o no_o fit_a pattern_n at_o least_o for_o our_o condition_n of_o life_n when_o bear_v to_o the_o management_n of_o a_o fair_a estate_n the_o support_n of_o a_o noble_a family_n and_o engage_v perhaps_o also_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o conjugal_a life_n for_o these_o cause_n dear_a reader_n i_o have_v employ_v some_o spare_a hour_n to_o present_v thou_o with_o the_o most_o pious_a and_o exemplary_a life_n of_o one_o who_o be_v not_o retire_v or_o cloister_a person_n but_o who_o practise_v the_o rule_n of_o perfection_n in_o a_o secular_a and_o marry_a condition_n with_o the_o ordinary_a worldly_a impediment_n of_o wife_n child_n and_o estate_n dependent_a on_o his_o care_n remain_v all_o his_o day_n surround_v with_o the_o ordinary_a temptation_n that_o such_o a_o life_n afford_v without_o be_v engage_v therewith_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o flame_n which_o set_v on_o fire_n so_o many_o heart_n without_o be_v singe_v at_o all_o or_o touch_v by_o they_o and_o hold_v this_o pitch_n that_o cleave_v so_o fast_o to_o other_o finger_n in_o his_o hand_n without_o be_v defile_v one_o who_o abandon_v secular_a inveiglement_n not_o in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o easy_a way_n by_o remove_v his_o person_n from_o they_o but_o only_o by_o remove_v they_o from_o his_o thought_n of_o who_o i_o may_v say_v as_o the_o apostle_n of_o himself_o the_o word_n a_o little_a invert_v that_o he_o be_v possess_v much_o and_o yet_o as_o have_v nothing_o well_o know_v and_o yet_o as_o unknown_a not_o use_v this_o world_n and_o yet_o as_o use_v it_o as_o live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o die_v to_o it_o last_o one_o who_o have_v no_o advantage_n for_o this_o of_o any_o felicity_n of_o time_n beyond_o ourselves_o who_o though_o for_o eminency_n of_o christian_a grace_n and_o communication_n of_o divine_a favour_n he_o may_v seem_v to_o contend_v with_o the_o ancient_a saint_n yet_o live_v but_o the_o other_o day_n and_o die_v not_o nine_o year_n ago_o april_n 24._o 1649._o live_v in_o a_o neighbour_n country_n france_n &_o spend_v a_o good_a part_n of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o chief_a city_n thereof_o paris_n and_o there_o no_o obscure_a person_n but_o by_o his_o birth_n of_o a_o very_a noble_a family_n see_v cap._n 1_o &_o in_o it_o the_o heir_n to_o a_o flourish_a estate_n and_o beside_o this_o honour_v with_o the_o dignity_n of_o be_v one_o of_o the_o king_n privy_a council_n so_o that_o all_o his_o carriage_n and_o action_n be_v easy_o discoverable_a if_o any_o thing_n relate_v here_o shall_v be_v either_o feign_v or_o amplify_v and_o the_o penman_n thereof_o a_o religious_a man_n of_o note_n be_v there_o yet_o live_v to_o bear_v the_o shame_n of_o publish_v such_o lie_n who_o divulge_v within_o some_o year_n after_o his_o death_n this_o copy_n of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o same_o place_n where_o he_o act_v it_o as_o for_o his_o letter_n which_o the_o author_n have_v often_o insert_v here_o to_o discover_v to_o the_o world_n the_o interior_a of_o his_o soul_n which_o can_v be_v know_v to_o other_o but_o only_o from_o ourselves_o know_v that_o in_o most_o of_o these_o his_o humility_n and_o that_o upon_o command_n disclose_v such_o thing_n only_o to_o his_o confessor_n and_o that_o he_o only_o private_o whisper_v in_o his_o ear_n what_o be_v now_o divulge_v abroad_o that_o he_o relate_v to_o his_o spiritual_a father_n with_o much_o transport_v and_o ravishment_n as_o who_o can_v possess_v such_o a_o treasure_n and_o say_v nothing_o of_o it_o the_o great_a power_n of_o the_o present_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o he_o much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o with_o the_o same_o modesty_n as_o one_o recover_v of_o a_o great_a sickness_n for_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o great_a disease_n rejoice_o will_v tell_v his_o physician_n of_o the_o present_a good_a habit_n and_o temper_v and_o health_n of_o his_o body_n that_o his_o otherwares_o much_o evidence_v sanctity_n will_v sufficient_o persuade_v his_o veracity_n in_o these_o relation_n last_o that_o they_o be_v not_o his_o letter_n entire_a but_o only_o some_o piece_n extract_v out_o of_o they_o as_o best_o suit_v to_o the_o author_n purpose_n his_o letter_n doubtless_o contain_v also_o in_o they_o the_o confession_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o in_o his_o confessor_n absence_n he_o be_v necessitate_v to_o present_v for_o some_o time_n only_o by_o letter_n and_o many_o complaint_n of_o his_o infirmity_n and_o defect_n with_o consult_v for_o a_o remedy_n thereof_o but_o it_o become_v not_o the_o secrecy_n of_o a_o confessor_n nor_o the_o civility_n of_o a_o friend_n to_o discover_v all_o these_o never_o yet_o the_o reader_n benefit_n to_o know_v they_o since_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o brethren_n set_v before_o we_o
not_o its_o worth_n from_o do_v this_o or_o that_o but_o from_o a_o exactness_n in_o do_v that_o which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o give_v up_o ourselves_o whole_o to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n i_o see_v there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o great_a death_n to_o ourselves_o and_o a_o great_a depth_n of_o self-annihilation_a to_o follow_v so_o pure_o the_o conduct_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o to_o be_v for_o own_o form_n but_o those_o of_o god_n in_o another_o of_o the_o 12._o of_o august_n thus_o he_o say_v i_o daily_o continue_v my_o toil_v here_o which_o take_v up_o much_o of_o my_o time_n and_o almost_o all_o but_o i_o dare_v not_o look_v aside_o but_o only_o abase_v and_o submit_v myself_o to_o the_o divine_a ordinance_n it_o be_v a_o work_n very_o gross_a and_o mean_a for_o jesus_n christ_n to_o converse_v with_o man_n who_o have_v more_o of_o rudeness_n than_o these_o stone_n i_o deal_v with_o and_o more_o of_o opposition_n to_o his_o purity_n than_o they_o have_v to_o my_o workmen_n hand_n and_o yet_o he_o suffer_v all_o he_o bear_v all_o and_o in_o fine_a convert_v but_o a_o few_o i_o beseech_v you_o obtain_v for_o i_o a_o part_n in_o his_o obedience_n and_o his_o patience_n to_o the_o order_n of_o god_n his_o father_n and_o write_v to_o one_o of_o his_o friend_n he_o speak_v to_o he_o in_o this_o sort_n i_o be_o here_o in_o this_o country_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o four_o or_o five_o company_n of_o workman_n to_o repair_v a_o mansion_n house_n on_o the_o demesn_a of_o my_o family_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o fall_v what_o can_v our_o spirit_n act_n in_o this_o work_n which_o follow_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n upon_o earth_n without_o doubt_v it_o groan_v much_o not_o at_o the_o order_n of_o god_n but_o after_o its_o own_o country_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o its_o occupation_n as_o thing_n opposite_a to_o its_o liberty_n we_o must_v do_v penance_n by_o labour_v it_o be_v so_o decree_v by_o god_n upon_o the_o first_o transgression_n these_o be_v the_o meditation_n which_o this_o excellent_a man_n have_v while_o he_o be_v build_v and_o which_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v make_v to_o settle_v not_o on_o earth_n but_o in_o heaven_n in_o a_o eternal_a mansion_n aught_o to_o be_v enliven_v with_o when_o they_o be_v about_o the_o like_a work_n chap._n 3._o his_o humility_n poverty_n follow_v the_o austerity_n and_o mortification_n of_o the_o body_n as_o have_v much_o connexion_n with_o they_o and_o humility_n follow_v poverty_n yet_o consider_v withal_o that_o according_a to_o s._n austin_n the_o poverty_n in_o spirit_n speak_v of_o by_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o first_o beatitude_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o humility_n in_o very_a deed_n there_o be_v no_o people_n in_o the_o world_n more_o poor_a in_o spirit_n than_o the_o true_o humble_a because_o they_o account_v themselves_o to_o be_v nothing_o to_o have_v nothing_o to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o and_o to_o be_v worth_a nothing_o to_o be_v the_o refuse_n and_o off-scouring_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o have_v need_n of_o every_o thing_n not_o assume_v any_o praise_n to_o themselves_o for_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o mounseur_fw-fr de_fw-fr renty_n come_v to_o this_o pitch_n and_o possess_v this_o virtue_n in_o a_o most_o eminent_a degree_n and_o in_o truth_n if_o humility_n as_o the_o all_o saint_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o virtue_n god_n have_v a_o design_n to_o raise_v up_o in_o he_o a_o magnificent_a and_o sublime_a palace_n for_o virtue_n and_o perfection_n it_o be_v necessary_a the_o foundation_n shall_v be_v lay_v very_o low_a and_o his_o humility_n be_v very_o profound_a he_o be_v root_v in_o this_o virtue_n so_o solid_o that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n wonderful_a and_o therein_o perform_v a_o number_n of_o so_o remarkable_a action_n that_o those_o person_n who_o live_v many_o year_n with_o he_o and_o singular_o well_o know_v he_o have_v assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o relate_v they_o all_o he_o have_v in_o a_o excessive_a esteem_n this_o important_a virtue_n he_o love_v it_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n desire_v it_o with_o extreme_a ardour_n pray_v urgent_o and_o conjure_v his_o friend_n to_o beg_v of_o god_n and_o obtain_v it_o for_o he_o and_o as_o we_o see_v the_o stone_n descend_v with_o violence_n and_o the_o water_n fall_v down_o impetuous_o the_o same_o motion_n make_v he_o towards_o humility_n as_o to_o his_o centre_n out_o of_o this_o sentiment_n he_o write_v thus_o to_o one_o of_o his_o confident_n have_v pity_n on_o i_o i_o be_o more_o unfaithful_a than_o any_o creature_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o my_o knee_n i_o beg_v of_o you_o to_o believe_v it_o if_o our_o lord_n do_v not_o show_v i_o what_o i_o be_o lucifer_n will_v not_o be_v a_o little_a rich_a but_o this_o benign_a lord_n show_v i_o daily_o through_o his_o mercy_n my_o nothingness_n it_o be_v thither_o his_o grace_n lead_v i_o to_o another_o he_o write_v thus_o all_o my_o resolution_n be_v in_o these_o word_n of_o david_n elegi_fw-la abjectus_fw-la esse_fw-la in_o domo_fw-la dei_fw-la mei_fw-la i_o have_v choose_v to_o be_v little_a and_o abject_a in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o another_o also_o thus_o i_o be_o carry_v to_o demand_v of_o god_n a_o life_n much_o humble_v suffer_v and_o unknown_a to_o man_n i_o find_v a_o great_a attraction_n thither_o and_o i_o have_v a_o paper_n write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o all_o of_o it_o with_o his_o blood_n which_o contain_v these_o word_n i_o give_v you_o my_o liberty_n o_o my_o god_n and_o beg_v of_o you_o that_o nothing_o which_o every_o christian_a must_v arrive_v at_o to_o rise_v pure_o towards_o you_o gaston_n jean_n baptiste_n dominus_fw-la jesus_n semetipsum_fw-la exinanivit_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la mortem_fw-la crucis_fw-la propter_fw-la quod_fw-la et_fw-la deus_fw-la exaltavit_fw-la illum_fw-la this_o 3_o of_o december_n 1644._o amen_n our_o lord_n jesus_n empty_v himself_o to_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n wherefore_o god_n also_o have_v exalt_v he_o you_o see_v here_o his_o inclination_n and_o attractive_a and_o not_o without_o good_a reason_n for_o consider_v first_o that_o he_o have_v propound_v to_o himself_o our_o lord_n as_o a_o pattern_n for_o his_o life_n with_o a_o determinate_a resolution_n to_o follow_v he_o in_o whatsoever_o he_o can_v and_o that_o second_o humility_n be_v the_o proper_a virtue_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o s._n bernard_n after_o s._n paul_n call_v it_o he_o therefore_o embrace_v this_o humility_n with_o his_o whole_a affection_n give_v himself_o up_o to_o it_o with_o all_o his_o force_n and_o practise_v it_o in_o its_o urmost_a latitude_n as_o we_o be_v go_v now_o to_o see_v by_o that_o which_o follow_v but_o before_o we_o behold_v he_o in_o the_o action_n of_o this_o virtue_n let_v we_o listen_v to_o what_o he_o teach_v and_o the_o light_n he_o give_v we_o concern_v it_o humility_n say_v he_o he_o be_v the_o basis_n which_o carry_v and_o uphold_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o god_n in_o we_o it_o make_v the_o creature_n so_o naked_a and_o so_o separate_v from_o itself_o that_o it_o leave_v it_o not_o the_o power_n to_o make_v any_o cast_n of_o a_o eye_n upon_o itself_o but_o render_v it_o so_o take_v up_o in_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n that_o it_o become_v lose_v in_o reverence_n of_o he_o in_o self-abasement_n and_o annihilation_n this_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o christian_n in_o their_o pilgrimage_n who_o divest_v and_o spoil_v of_o all_o esteem_v themselves_o but_o a_o nothing_o and_o very_a puff_n of_o be_v which_o haiung_a nothing_o but_o what_o it_o receive_v from_o god_n have_v no_o instinct_n or_o inclination_n but_o for_o god_n it_o be_v a_o brave_a humility_n to_o see_v nothing_o in_o one_o self_n but_o nothingness_n and_o he_o that_o see_v not_o there_o nothing_o see_v not_o there_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o so_o the_o soul_n which_o see_v nothing_o in_o itself_o find_v nothing_o in_o itself_o to_o bottom_n on_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n always_o point_v towards_o god_n like_o a_o needle_n touch_v with_o a_o loadstone_n that_o have_v be_v encumber_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o trash_n and_o trifle_n and_o afterward_o disengage_v of_o they_o will_v forthwith_o turn_v towards_o her_o north_n and_o thitherward_o remain_v always_o fix_v although_o the_o tempest_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o wind_n shall_v turn_v upside_o down_o the_o vessel_n thus_o have_v we_o his_o disposition_n and_o the_o aspect_n of_o ae_z soul_n true_o humble_a behold_v nothing_o in_o itself_o and_o god_n in_o his_o majesty_n sect_n 1._o his_o humbleness_n of_o heart_n humility_n may_v be_v divide_v into_o three_o sort_n the_o humility_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o the_o work_n and_o see_v the_o humility_n of_o the_o heart_n
common_a exercise_n for_o the_o meanness_n of_o which_o be_v recompense_v with_o the_o mortification_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o nature_n very_o often_o seek_v its_o self_n in_o the_o extraordinary_n and_o the_o singularity_n be_v much_o please_v to_o have_v something_o above_o other_o and_o so_o be_v think_v of_o and_o speak_v of_o with_o the_o more_o esteem_n he_o keep_v the_o same_o guard_n upon_o his_o speech_n that_o he_o may_v not_o in_o discourse_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o the_o high_a mystery_n make_v any_o use_n of_o term_n magnific_a and_o pompous_a or_o of_o word_n new_a and_o uncouth_a and_o if_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o he_o utter_v any_o such_o he_o show_v it_o be_v with_o pain_n and_o because_o he_o can_v not_o express_v himself_o otherways_o insomuch_o that_o neither_o in_o his_o action_n nor_o in_o his_o word_n will_v he_o have_v any_o thing_n that_o make_v appearance_n of_o grandeur_n or_o of_o singularity_n it_o be_v moreover_o a_o act_n of_o humility_n and_o wisdom_n in_o he_o to_o make_v esteem_n and_o to_o speak_v with_o advantage_n of_o other_o man_n carriage_n for_o their_o interior_n although_o they_o be_v far_o below_o his_o own_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v most_o careful_o take_v heed_n of_o speak_v like_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n and_o write_v to_o i_o one_o day_n of_o this_o subject_n god_n forbid_v say_v he_o that_o i_o shall_v believe_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n singular_a and_o extraordinary_a in_o i_o although_o i_o owe_v he_o extreme_a acknowledgement_n for_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n but_o among_o all_o the_o effect_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o humility_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o carriage_n towards_o his_o director_n aught_o without_o doubt_n to_o have_v place_n in_o the_o first_o rank_n he_o do_v nothing_o be_v it_o of_o never_o so_o little_a consequence_n that_o concern_v himself_o without_o his_o conduct_n to_o he_o he_o propound_v the_o thing_n either_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n if_o he_o be_v present_a or_o if_o absent_a by_o write_v clear_o and_o punctual_o desire_v his_o advice_n his_o pleasure_n and_o benediction_n upon_o his_o resolution_n these_o be_v his_o term_n and_o that_o with_o so_o much_o humility_n respect_n dependence_n and_o submission_n of_o his_o own_o sense_n as_o be_v admirable_a and_o after_o without_o return_n or_o dispute_v he_o follow_v simple_o and_o exact_o his_o order_n even_o as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v do_v in_o a_o well_o reform_v religious_a order_n by_o the_o most_o resign_v and_o obsequious_a novice_n his_o director_n have_v write_v to_o he_o something_o concern_v his_o perfection_n he_o answer_v he_o in_o these_o term_n i_o beseech_v you_o believe_v that_o although_o i_o be_o most_o imperfect_a and_o a_o great_a sinner_n if_o yet_o you_o do_v i_o the_o honour_n and_o favour_n to_o send_v i_o a_o word_n of_o what_o you_o know_v to_o be_v necessary_a for_o i_o i_o hope_v with_o god_n help_n i_o shall_v profit_v thereby_o i_o pant_v not_o after_o any_o thing_n but_o to_o find_v god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n with_o as_o much_o simplicity_n as_o verity_n i_o pretend_v to_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n but_o this_o and_o out_o of_o this_o i_o desire_v nothing_o see_v what_o a_o submission_n here_o be_v although_o he_o have_v which_o make_v the_o marvel_n a_o excellent_a and_o most_o clear_a spirit_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o so_o high_a prudence_n and_o great_a insight_n in_o each_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v consult_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o by_o letter_n from_o diverse_a place_n by_o a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o person_n of_o every_o age_n sex_n and_o condition_n both_o of_o secular_a and_o religious_a for_o the_o practise_v so_o high_o this_o submission_n he_o fix_v his_o eye_n upon_o our_o lord_n who_o in_o each_o thing_n be_v his_o model_n and_o his_o light_n in_o that_o submission_n which_o he_o render_v to_o s._n joseph_n wherewith_o he_o be_v extraordinary_o affect_v be_v one_o day_n at_o the_o carmelite_n nun_n of_o pontoise_n pray_v in_o their_o church_n and_o open_v himself_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o a_o person_n to_o who_o with_o prudence_n and_o charity_n he_o may_v do_v it_o he_o thus_o tell_v he_o it_o be_v true_a that_o i_o have_v receive_v this_o morning_n a_o grand_a favour_n in_o the_o weditation_n on_o the_o subjection_n and_o dependency_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v please_v to_o render_v to_o s._n joseph_n to_o who_o he_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a in_o all_o thing_n as_o a_o child_n to_o his_o father_n oh_o what_o a_o honour_n and_o grace_n be_v it_o to_o this_o saint_n but_o oh_o what_o a_o virtue_n and_o self-annihilation_a in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v equal_a to_o his_o father_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o a_o creature_n and_o submit_v to_o a_o poor_a carpenter_n as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o know_v how_o to_o demean_v himself_o i_o be_o give_v to_o understand_v how_o by_o this_o example_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o be_v high_o instruct_v and_o after_o a_o manner_n worthy_a such_o a_o master_n concern_v the_o dependence_n which_o the_o creature_n ought_v to_o have_v upon_o god_n and_o concern_v the_o strict_a obligation_n which_o engage_v we_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sovereign_a power_n which_o he_o have_v over_o we_o and_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o man_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o our_o heart_n may_v not_o have_v repose_n but_o in_o this_o subjection_n unite_v to_o that_o which_o christ_n jesus_n render_v to_o a_o creature_n o_o how_o profound_a be_v this_o mystery_n and_o how_o it_o teach_v i_o this_o say_v he_o continue_v a_o while_n after_o without_o speak_v as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v have_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o feel_v some_o communication_n of_o this_o grace_n he_o fall_v down_o on_o his_o knee_n and_o so_o do_v that_o person_n also_o and_o both_o of_o they_o pray_v adore_a jesus_n christ_n in_o this_o estate_n of_o dependence_n and_o submission_n to_o a_o creature_n devote_v themselves_o to_o he_o for_o imitation_n sect_n 5._o his_o love_n of_o a_o private_a and_o retire_a life_n we_o place_v also_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o his_o humility_n the_o love_n he_o have_v to_o a_o private_a and_o unknown_a life_n for_o he_o love_v it_o not_o only_o for_o its_o afford_v he_o more_o time_n to_o attend_v upon_o god_n and_o communicate_v more_o with_o our_o lord_n who_o be_v the_o dear_a object_n of_o his_o heart_n but_o the_o more_o for_o have_v thereby_o the_o mean_n to_o fly_v from_o the_o esteem_n the_o honour_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n and_o to_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o remain_v in_o oblivion_n to_o all_o the_o world_n be_v press_v with_o this_o love_n he_o say_v that_o if_o god_n have_v not_o tie_v he_o to_o this_o state_n wherein_o he_o be_v he_o shall_v have_v go_v into_o some_o strange_a and_o remote_a country_n to_o live_v there_o in_o obscurity_n the_o rest_n of_o his_o day_n that_o he_o wish_v not_o to_o be_v know_v by_o any_o one_o in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v not_o expedient_a that_o one_o shall_v know_v so_o much_o as_o that_o he_o be_v there_o and_o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o singular_a pleasure_n to_o he_o to_o be_v banish_v from_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n and_o unknown_a by_o all_o the_o creature_n whereunto_o he_o contribute_v on_o his_o part_n all_o that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v bring_v on_o acquaintance_n and_o gain_v affection_n and_o it_o be_v note_v that_o the_o more_o he_o advance_v in_o light_n and_o grace_n the_o more_o strong_a grow_v the_o bent_n he_o have_v plant_v to_o this_o hide_a life_n and_o desire_n to_o be_v unknown_a as_o he_o witness_v five_o or_o six_o month_n before_o his_o death_n he_o behold_v herein_o our_o lord_n and_o he_o example_n that_o he_o give_v we_o of_o this_o life_n not_o have_v appear_v for_o the_o space_n of_o thirty_o year_n but_o once_o only_o in_o the_o temple_n although_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n on_o his_o part_n to_o be_v frequent_v by_o man_n and_o one_o will_v think_v also_o he_o may_v thereby_o have_v do_v they_o much_o good_a in_o cultivate_v polish_n and_o sanctify_v they_o by_o his_o conversation_n and_o by_o his_o word_n be_v indeed_o come_v into_o the_o world_n on_o purpose_n to_o teach_v they_o he_o cast_v also_o his_o eye_n upon_o god_n who_o the_o prophet_n call_v a_o secret_a god_n and_o who_o effectual_o have_v keep_v himself_o hide_v a_o whole_a eternity_n within_o himself_o and_o who_o through_o all_o the_o discovery_n that_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o which_o be_v show_v abroad_o be_v nothing_o near_o
so_o great_a thing_n as_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n and_o eternal_a glory_n aught_o to_o undervalue_v all_o that_o which_o be_v be_v here_o below_o yea_o how_o resplendent_a soever_o with_o much_o more_o reason_n than_o a_o great_a king_n will_v reject_v a_o boot_n of_o hay-rope_n to_o which_o hay_n indeed_o the_o prophet_n compare_v all_o worldly_a glory_n in_o comparison_n of_o his_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o employ_v this_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o animate_v a_o lady_n to_o the_o vilify_n of_o the_o world_n by_o write_v to_o she_o in_o this_o manner_n i_o shall_v tell_v you_o that_o see_v we_o be_v not_o christian_n but_o by_o the_o tie_n the_o dependence_n and_o the_o life_n we_o have_v of_o jesus_n christ_n i_o wonder_v how_o it_o come_v about_o that_o a_o thing_n so_o little_a as_o man_n draw_v out_o of_o nothing_o in_o his_o first_o original_n infect_v with_o his_o first_o parent_n sin_n and_o the_o addition_n of_o his_o own_o raise_v to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o honour_n as_o the_o alliance_n of_o christianity_n give_v he_o in_o be_v one_o only_a christ_n with_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o be_v his_o brother_n and_o a_o co-heir_n with_o he_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v i_o wonder_v i_o say_v how_o after_o such_o admirable_a prerogative_n man_n can_v esteem_v the_o world_n and_o make_v any_o account_n of_o its_o vanity_n shall_v he_o have_v his_o heart_n here_o and_o be_v a_o man_n of_o this_o world_n after_o these_o consideration_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o earth_n whereof_o death_n also_o will_v quite_o strip_v we_o and_o for_o ever_o shall_v they_o fill_v our_o heart_n in_o that_o little_a time_n we_o have_v to_o be_v here_o to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n to_o obtain_v the_o treasure_n prepare_v for_o we_o and_o to_o render_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n shall_v we_o not_o make_v appear_v to_o god_n and_o man_n a_o faith_n that_o be_v altogether_o lively_a in_o quit_v free_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n its_o honour_n false_a or_o at_o least_o not_o profitable_a its_o establishment_n perishable_a its_o opinion_n extravagant_a and_o all_o that_o which_o will_v pass_v away_o like_o a_o dream_n even_o as_o we_o see_v our_o great_a grandfather_n be_v go_v and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o memory_n of_o they_o their_o rise_n and_o setting_n their_o contentment_n and_o displeasure_n which_o do_v stick_v so_o close_o to_o their_o heart_n and_o which_o they_o have_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o accommodate_v to_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o genius_n of_o their_o time_n all_o this_o be_v vanish_v away_o be_v it_o not_o true_a that_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o think_v they_o to_o have_v be_v out_o of_o their_o wit_n if_o they_o consider_v any_o other_o thing_n but_o god_n in_o their_o way_n the_o same_o thing_n will_v happen_v to_o we_o each_o thing_n will_v pass_v away_o and_o god_n alone_o will_v abide_v o_o how_o good_a it_o be_v to_o be_v fasten_v to_o he_o alone_o he_o encourage_v the_o same_o lady_n in_o another_o letter_n thus_o courage_n all_o be_v well_o we_o must_v die_v to_o the_o world_n and_o search_v out_o the_o obstacle_n that_o it_o bring_v to_o our_o perfection_n to_o condemn_v they_o and_o to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n as_o not_o live_v there_o at_o all_o possess_v it_o as_o not_o possess_v it_o all_o let_v we_o drive_v stout_o out_o of_o our_o mind_n the_o complacence_n and_o affection_n to_o our_o brave_a house_n let_v we_o ruin_v the_o delight_n of_o our_o garden_n let_v we_o burn_v our_o grove_n let_v we_o banish_v these_o vain_a image_n which_o we_o have_v of_o our_o child_n hide_v secret_o in_o the_o love_n of_o they_o that_o which_o be_v but_o indeed_o our_o own_o self-love_n though_o we_o seem_v dead_a to_o it_o and_o it_o make_v we_o desire_v esteem_v and_o approve_v in_o their_o person_n that_o which_o we_o condemn_v in_o ourselves_o to_o wit_n the_o lustre_n and_o glitter_a of_o the_o world_n i_o know_v there_o be_v a_o difference_n of_o condition_n but_o all_o aught_o to_o reject_v these_o entailment_n as_o man_n account_v they_o upon_o great_a birth_n and_o noble_a blood_n i_o mean_v these_o principle_n of_o aspire_a to_o the_o high_a and_o entertain_v no_o suffering_n such_o principle_n as_o these_o our_o child_n carry_v from_o that_o birth_n we_o give_v they_o but_o it_o behove_v that_o the_o second_o birth_n which_o we_o procure_v they_o from_o jesus_n christ_n do_v repair_v these_o disorder_n let_v we_o take_v from_o they_o this_o vanity_n of_o mind_n all_o these_o stately_a demeanour_n and_o the_o example_n of_o these_o grandee_n in_o story_n who_o punishment_n be_v as_o eminent_a in_o hell_n as_o their_o presumption_n have_v be_v glitter_v on_o the_o earth_n for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v find_v we_o shall_v conduct_v they_o to_o no_o better_a end_n in_o another_o letter_n he_o explain_v to_o she_o what_o he_o have_v say_v concern_v her_o house_n and_o garden_n and_o which_o without_o this_o explication_n will_v seem_v to_o be_v very_o harsh_a my_o design_n say_v he_o be_v not_o that_o you_o shall_v demolish_v your_o wall_n and_o let_v run_v into_o a_o rude_a wilderness_n your_o garden_n to_o be_v more_o at_o liberty_n for_o god_n i_o understand_v my_o speech_n of_o the_o disingagement_n and_o the_o ruin_n which_o must_v be_v make_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o not_o be_v execute_v on_o thing_n insensible_a and_o which_o have_v no_o worth_n in_o they_o but_o in_o form_n when_o i_o say_v we_o must_v set_v all_o on_o fire_n my_o thought_n be_v of_o follow_v that_o admirable_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o will_v that_o we_o have_v poverty_n among_o our_o riches_n and_o divestment_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o possession_n he_o mean_v that_o our_o spirit_n be_v true_o purify_v and_o separate_v from_o the_o creature_n which_o we_o real_o make_v our_o solace_n because_o a_o christian_n that_o tend_v to_o perfection_n do_v himself_o great_a wrong_n in_o dwell_v upon_o these_o amusement_n and_o entertain_v in_o his_o heart_n other_o inclination_n than_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o see_v all_o the_o world_n without_o destroy_v it_o but_o withal_o without_o apply_v himself_o to_o it_o the_o business_n of_o his_o father_n and_o his_o glory_n be_v his_o life_n the_o wind_n of_o river_n and_o the_o ornament_n of_o field_n be_v to_o he_o but_o thing_n of_o feeble_a consideration_n and_o not_o matter_n of_o employment_n hither_o it_o be_v that_o i_o will_v have_v one_o come_v and_o desire_v no_o more_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n thus_o that_o we_o must_v contemn_v the_o world_n whereunto_o god_n carry_v we_o and_o to_o bring_v we_o thither_o more_o efficacious_o he_o permit_v by_o turn_n and_o often_o that_o we_o receive_v therein_o disgrace_n and_o meet_v with_o pain_n and_o trouble_v as_o when_o a_o man_n set_v thorn_n in_o a_o way_n to_o make_v man_n take_v another_o the_o which_o monsieur_n the_o renty_n know_v very_o well_o see_v what_o he_o write_v thereof_o to_o a_o certain_a person_n god_n have_v his_o end_n through_o all_o these_o contrariety_n which_o be_v that_o those_o that_o be_v he_o shall_v be_v yet_o more_o his_n in_o affiance_n in_o recumbency_n in_o life_n and_o in_o all_o the_o bruit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o its_o turn_n upside_o down_o be_v advantageous_a to_o make_v know_v its_o spirit_n its_o confusion_n its_o vanity_n to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o of_o it_o and_o who_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o death_n wait_v for_o nothing_o more_o there_o than_o for_o death_n bring_v forth_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n the_o effect_n of_o life_n eternal_a which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o advancement_n out_o of_o mortality_n whilst_o we_o be_v in_o it_o chap._n 5._o of_o his_o patience_n questionless_a the_o humble_a man_n be_v patient_a because_o he_o esteem_v himself_o worthy_a of_o the_o evil_n he_o suffer_v and_o of_o much_o more_o also_o and_o if_o we_o will_v search_v into_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o our_o impatience_n and_o drive_v up_o to_o the_o spring_n head_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v our_o pride_n and_o the_o esteem_n of_o ourselves_o mounseur_fw-fr de_fw-fr renty_n be_v most_o humble_a as_o we_o have_v see_v be_v also_o by_o consequence_n most_o patient_a as_o this_o chapter_n be_v go_v to_o relate_v and_o now_o at_o first_o when_o i_o be_o think_v of_o it_o there_o come_v into_o my_o mind_n the_o description_n that_o tertullian_n make_v of_o patience_n represent_v she_o with_o a_o visage_n sweet_a and_o calm_a a_o forehead_n serene_a without_o all_o show_n of_o frown_v or_o sadness_n a_o carriage_n always_o equal_a few_o word_n and_o a_o contenance_n such_o as_o one_o see_v in_o person_n innocent_a and_o assure_v
alliance_n he_o have_v contract_v with_o we_o in_o jesus_n christ_n this_o knowledge_n produce_v in_o i_o as_o much_o astonishment_n as_o love_v and_o to_o tell_v you_o my_o sense_n of_o it_o a_o man_n possess_v with_o these_o verity_n remain_v no_o more_o a_o man_n but_o become_v annihilate_v and_o all_o his_o desire_n be_v to_o be_v lose_v and_o melt_v on_o purpose_n to_o change_v his_o nature_n and_o enter_v into_o this_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n to_o act_v no_o less_o in_o he_o than_o by_o he_o i_o have_v conceive_v such_o great_a thing_n of_o our_o saviour_n humanity_n unite_v to_o the_o divinity_n as_o can_v be_v utter_v how_o have_v this_o alliance_n of_o the_o divinity_n most_o deep_o abase_v the_o sacred_a humanity_n into_o a_o self-annihilation_a and_o a_o sacrifice_n of_o love_n upon_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n what_o a_o honour_n be_v this_o to_o the_o humane_a nature_n to_o be_v thus_o predestinate_v and_o what_o a_o glory_n to_o we_o to_o be_v choose_v and_o call_v to_o a_o entrance_n into_o his_o favour_n and_o a_o rise_n to_o god_n and_o the_o everlasting_a enjoyment_n thereof_o through_o he_o it_o will_v spend_v i_o this_o whole_a day_n to_o write_v to_o you_o the_o view_n that_o i_o have_v have_v of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n touch_v this_o mystery_n of_o love_n which_o he_o have_v open_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o son_n and_o though_o he_o be_v true_o devote_v to_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o lord_n yet_o in_o a_o most_o special_a manner_n to_o that_o of_o his_o infancy_n the_o occasion_n whereof_o be_v thus_o be_v constrain_v to_o make_v a_o journey_n to_o dâ—jon_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o suit_n of_o law_n beforementioned_a he_o hear_v much_o talk_n of_o sister_n margaret_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n a_o religious_a carmeline_n of_o the_o covent_n of_o beaulne_v on_o who_o our_o saviour_n have_v confer_v particular_a favour_n who_o lead_v a_o life_n very_o extraordinary_a ground_v upon_o true_a and_o solid_a virtue_n and_o as_o our_o lord_n have_v several_a way_n to_o sanctify_v a_o soul_n and_o fit_v it_o for_o his_o sacred_a purpose_n so_o he_o be_v please_v to_o exercise_v this_o choice_a woman_n absolute_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o saviour_n infancy_n and_o through_o that_o pipe_n to_o convey_v into_o her_o soul_n a_o torrent_n of_o grace_n and_o extraordinary_a gift_n not_o only_o for_o herself_o but_o other_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o her_o life_n now_o in_o writing_n by_o a_o person_n most_o worthy_a of_o such_o a_o work_n mounseur_fw-fr renty_n have_v a_o desire_n to_o go_v to_o beaulne_v be_v but_o seven_o league_n from_o dijon_n to_o recommend_v himself_o to_o the_o prayer_n of_o this_o holy_a virgin_n and_o though_o when_o he_o come_v thither_o he_o neither_o speak_v to_o she_o nor_o see_v she_o she_o have_v by_o a_o particular_a conduct_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v retire_v for_o thirteen_o year_n from_o the_o speech_n of_o any_o secular_a person_n yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o receive_v much_o benefit_n from_o his_o journey_n as_o he_o express_v in_o a_o letter_n write_v back_o from_o dijon_n to_o the_o prioress_n of_o that_o place_n i_o want_v word_n to_o express_v the_o mercy_n i_o receive_v by_o my_o journey_n to_o beaulne_v sister_n margaret_n have_v mark_v i_o out_o in_o the_o holy_a infant_n jesus_n such_o a_o divest_v of_o myself_o of_o all_o worldly_a thing_n that_o it_o appear_v to_o i_o my_o rendezouz_n where_o i_o must_v strip_v myself_o naked_a of_o all_o thing_n else_o the_o year_n after_o he_o make_v a_o second_o journey_n where_o god_n have_v alter_v her_o resolution_n for_o speech_n and_o converse_n with_o other_o he_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o discourse_v with_o she_o and_o contract_v at_o that_o time_n a_o very_a intimate_a alliance_n of_o grace_n receive_v great_a gift_n by_o mean_n thereof_o the_o chief_a and_o source_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v that_o our_o saviour_n engage_v he_o as_o he_o have_v do_v she_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a devotion_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o infancy_n and_o imprint_v in_o he_o the_o lineament_n of_o the_o like_a grace_n and_o spirit_n this_o holy_a man_n who_o judgement_n may_v be_v high_o esteem_v by_o we_o consider_v his_o extraordinary_a insight_n into_o spiritual_a matter_n great_o value_v this_o religious_a woman_n approve_v exceed_o she_o direction_n and_o testify_v how_o great_a a_o blessing_n he_o reckon_v her_o acquaintance_n and_o what_o benefit_n he_o have_v reap_v from_o she_o even_o after_o her_o death_n to_o which_o purpose_n he_o write_v thus_o to_o i_o the_o eighteen_o of_o june_n 1648._o the_o year_n of_o her_o death_n the_o holy_a infant_n sweet_a jesus_n have_v take_v to_o himself_o our_o good_a sister_n margaret_n who_o death_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o her_o life_n and_o miraculous_a grace_n i_o have_v receive_v from_o she_o since_o her_o death_n great_a comfort_n that_o grace_n i_o receive_v according_a to_o my_o present_a estate_n and_o weakness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o infancy_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v since_o be_v renew_v to_o i_o and_o i_o have_v understand_v it_o more_o solid_o about_o a_o month_n after_o i_o receive_v these_o line_n from_o he_o i_o have_v yesterday_o by_o the_o singular_a bounty_n of_o god_n a_o view_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n of_o s._n john_n baptist_n and_o sister_n margaret_n of_o the_o b._n sacrament_n so_o clear_o represent_v to_o i_o in_o my_o spirit_n that_o i_o can_v suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o o_o what_o effect_n be_v produce_v by_o their_o presence_n and_o what_o love_n by_o these_o sight_n i_o be_o whole_o renew_v in_o my_o respect_n to_o that_o great_a saint_n my_o patron_n and_o to_o that_o glorious_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o honour_v he_o very_o much_o whilst_o she_o be_v live_v and_o from_o who_o without_o doubt_n since_o her_o death_n she_o have_v beg_v to_o be_v my_o protector_n it_o be_v mâ—st_o certain_a that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o she_o be_v one_o continue_v prodigy_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o masterpiece_n of_o his_o hand_n but_o let_v we_o return_v to_o his_o application_n make_v to_o the_o infancy_n of_o our_o saviour_n chief_o begin_v in_o his_o second_o journey_n to_o beaulne_v of_o which_o we_o may_v understand_v something_o from_o this_o letter_n write_v to_o a_o father_n of_o the_o oratory_n confessor_n to_o the_o carmelines_n there_o i_o must_v needs_o tell_v you_o that_o upon_o my_o first_o journey_n which_o i_o make_v to_o you_o above_o a_o year_n agoâ—_n i_o bring_v back_o with_o i_o a_o great_a esteem_n and_o devotion_n to_o the_o infancy_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o i_o be_v not_o yet_o well_o settle_v in_o it_o i_o attempt_v it_o from_o time_n to_o time_n but_o can_v not_o yet_o make_v it_o my_o principal_a food_n since_o which_o the_o holy_a infant_n by_o a_o supernatural_a grace_n have_v manifest_v and_o open_v himself_o to_o i_o and_o now_o i_o find_v every_o thing_n in_o he_o and_o be_o remit_v thither_o for_o all_o and_o to_o the_o prioress_n he_o write_v thus_o i_o must_v acquaint_v you_o that_o the_o holy_a infant_n jesus_n will_v grant_v i_o the_o favour_n to_o apply_v myself_o particular_o to_o his_o honour_n to_o give_v myself_o to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o holy_a disposition_n order_v my_o life_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o myself_o by_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o order_n hereunto_o he_o cousecrate_v and_o give_v up_o himself_o thereto_o in_o these_o term_n a_o copy_n whereof_o write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o in_o his_o own_o blood_n he_o send_v to_o sister_n margaret_n which_o be_v keep_v with_o great_a devotion_n in_o that_o covent_n and_o another_o something_o more_o enlarge_v to_o his_o ghostly_a father_n to_o which_o he_o write_v his_o name_n only_o in_o blood_n in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o my_o king_n the_o holy_a infant_n jesus_n i_o have_v consecrate_v myself_o this_o christmass-day_n 1643._o to_o the_o holy_a infant_n jesus_n offer_v up_o to_o he_o my_o whole_a be_v my_o soul_n my_o body_n my_o freewill_n my_o wife_n my_o child_n my_o family_n the_o estate_n which_o he_o have_v give_v i_o and_o final_o all_o that_o i_o be_o concern_v in_o have_v beseech_v he_o to_o enter_v into_o full_a possession_n property_n jurisdiction_n of_o all_o that_o i_o be_o that_o i_o may_v live_v no_o more_o but_o in_o and_o to_o he_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o victim_n separate_v from_o every_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o challenge_v no_o more_o share_n thereof_o than_o according_a to_o the_o application_n which_o he_o shall_v give_v and_o shall_v allow_v i_o insomuch_o that_o from_o henceforward_o i_o shall_v look_v at_o myself_o mere_o as_o a_o instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o holy_a infant_n
before_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n for_o i_o fall_v all_o along_o i_o resolve_v to_o try_v whether_o upon_o retire_v and_o refresh_v myself_o a_o little_a i_o shall_v be_v any_o better_a but_o for_o all_o that_o i_o find_v myself_o more_o tire_v and_o discompose_v in_o body_n and_o mind_n than_o if_o i_o have_v have_v the_o courage_n to_o have_v lie_v there_o still_o all_o along_o upon_o the_o ground_n hereupon_o i_o reflect_v upon_o what_o i_o have_v former_o read_v in_o a_o paper_n you_o send_v i_o concern_v a_o certain_a virtuous_a person_n afflict_v with_o the_o like_a stupefaction_n whereupon_o i_o rise_v up_o and_o set_v myself_o under_o the_o crucifix_n before_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n determine_v to_o honour_v my_o saviour_n in_o all_o condition_n and_o temper_n be_v thus_o upon_o my_o knee_n by_o the_o divine_a assistance_n i_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o myself_o and_o my_o spirit_n be_v enlarge_v whereupon_o i_o receive_v from_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n this_o illumination_n that_o to_o become_v bread_n which_o have_v relation_n to_o that_o mystery_n i_o must_v first_o be_v ground_n like_o the_o corn_n than_o knead_v with_o water_n and_o last_o bake_v in_o the_o even_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o right_a way_n to_o be_v incorporate_v into_o that_o mystical_a bread_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n that_o this_o be_v reveal_v unto_o i_o i_o feel_v in_o myself_o a_o vehement_a desire_n to_o be_v thus_o deal_v with_o which_o have_v remain_v in_o i_o ever_o since_o and_o now_o i_o understand_v that_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o spiritual_a estate_n we_o must_v like_o the_o corn_n before_o we_o be_v send_v to_o the_o mill_n be_v first_o thresh_v and_o winnow_v from_o our_o earthly_a impurity_n and_o that_o the_o grain_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o use_v till_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o that_o it_o become_v not_o fruitful_a till_o it_o first_o die_v in_o the_o ground_n the_o meditation_n upon_o this_o material_a bread_n have_v teach_v i_o great_a mystery_n during_o this_o octave_n of_o the_o heavenly_a bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n viz._n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v bruise_v and_o break_v in_o his_o passion_n give_v himself_o to_o we_o for_o food_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v set_v forth_o and_o express_v his_o death_n his_o lnve_v and_o virtue_n in_o our_o life_n and_o in_o this_o condition_n i_o now_o find_v myself_o much_o in_o love_n with_o jesus_n christ_n desirous_a to_o be_v whole_o to_o he_o and_o to_o render_v unto_o he_o in_o my_o affliction_n this_o which_o he_o have_v give_v i_o and_o my_o good_n and_o my_o body_n and_o my_o soul_n and_o my_o time_n and_o my_o eternity_n i_o have_v a_o great_a thirst_n upon_o i_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o other_o long_n which_o i_o reserve_v to_o communicate_v until_o i_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o see_v you_o this_o his_o singular_a affection_n to_o the_o b._n sacrament_n cause_v he_o to_o write_v in_o capital_a letter_n upon_o a_o chimney_n piece_n in_o his_o castle_n at_o citry_n bless_v for_o ever_o be_v the_o most_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o altar_n this_o make_v he_o walk_v on_o foot_n to_o visit_v all_o church_n within_o two_o league_n round_o about_o he_o to_o see_v in_o what_o decency_n the_o b._n sacrament_n be_v reserve_v there_o and_o to_o bestow_v in_o several_a part_n a_o great_a number_n of_o silver_n pix_v to_o keep_v it_o in_o upon_o poor_a parish_n and_o tabernacle_n likewise_o which_o he_o make_v &_o gild_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n have_v a_o great_a dexterity_n in_o all_o such_o manual_a work_n of_o which_o he_o write_v something_o to_o i_o the_o 26_o of_o september_n in_o the_o year_n 1646._o since_o advent_v i_o begin_v a_o work_n which_o i_o have_v design_v this_o long_a time_n viz._n at_o such_o time_n as_o my_o urgent_a occasion_n will_v give_v leave_n which_o common_o be_v after_o supper_n till_o prayer_n time_n to_o practise_v some_o handicraft_n work_n where_o have_v all_o my_o tool_n i_o make_v tabernacle_n for_o the_o b._n sacrament_n and_o if_o i_o finish_v but_o one_o in_o a_o month_n my_o time_n will_v not_o be_v ill_o spend_v for_o they_o may_v be_v serviceabe_n to_o some_o poor_a church_n that_o want_v they_o guide_v by_o the_o same_o zeal_n in_o the_o year_n 1641._o he_o cast_v to_o set_v up_o in_o his_o parish_n of_o s._n paul_n a_o company_n of_o devout_a lady_n every_o one_o in_o their_o turn_n to_o spend_v a_o hour_n in_o prayer_n every_o afternoon_n before_o the_o sacrament_n he_o write_v a_o short_a treatise_n of_o the_o conduct_n of_o this_o devotion_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o undertake_v it_o the_o chief_n whereof_o be_v upon_o the_o consideration_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v continual_o in_o this_o adore_a mystery_n to_o give_v himself_o to_o we_o it_o be_v therefore_o but_o reasonable_a that_o some_o person_n shall_v be_v present_a in_o the_o church_n to_o render_v to_o he_o their_o homage_n and_o honour_n and_o correspondent_a to_o that_o his_o desire_n of_o give_v himself_o to_o we_o this_o treatise_n he_o present_v with_o all_o humility_n and_o due_a respect_n to_o his_o parish_n priest_n for_o his_o consent_n and_o the_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n if_o he_o think_v it_o fit_v which_o be_v do_v according_o and_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n with_o great_a edification_n and_o profit_n and_o succee_v so_o happy_o that_o the_o like_a institution_n be_v take_v up_o in_o several_a other_o parish_n and_o town_n as_o at_o dijon_n where_o monsieur_n renty_n erect_v it_o at_o his_o first_o journey_n thither_o with_o great_a zeal_n and_o courage_n overcome_v several_a difficulty_n and_o opposition_n against_o it_o he_o likewise_o excite_v several_a person_n in_o his_o parish_n to_o accompany_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n when_o it_o be_v carry_v to_o the_o sick_a in_o such_o sort_n that_o a_o great_a company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v see_v to_o follow_v our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o light_a torch_n where_o he_o attend_v likewise_o with_o great_a diligence_n notwithstanding_o his_o daily_a employment_n spend_v for_o a_o long_a while_n almost_o all_o the_o morning_n in_o this_o holy_a exercise_n in_o all_o season_n of_o heart_n and_o cold_a one_o day_n among_o other_o be_v very_o foul_a &_o he_o much_o distemper_v with_o rheum_n he_o be_v wish_v to_o forbear_v that_o time_n be_v so_o very_o incommodious_a for_o he_o to_o walk_v bareheaded_a to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o his_o health_n all_o which_o move_v he_o not_o a_o jot_n but_o he_o go_v cheerful_o through_o these_o difficulty_n and_o which_o be_v very_o observable_a at_o his_o return_n be_v cure_v of_o his_o rheum_n another_o time_n accompany_v the_o h._n sacrament_n a_o coach_n with_o six_o horse_n pass_v by_o without_o stop_v or_o salute_v the_o same_o whereupon_o he_o suspect_v they_o to_o be_v ill-affected_a person_n and_o much_o offend_v with_o their_o impiety_n stir_v up_o with_o zeal_n to_o defend_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o master_n adventure_v to_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o cast_v himself_o before_o the_o horse_n with_o much_o hazard_n to_o his_o person_n stay_v the_o coach_n in_o its_o career_n and_o engage_v the_o person_n to_o do_v reverence_n thereto_o by_o stay_v till_o it_o be_v pass_v which_o heroic_a action_n cause_v great_a admiration_n in_o all_o the_o beholder_n chap._n 8._o his_o prayer_n this_o chapter_n and_o the_o next_o contain_z some_o thing_n in_o they_o that_o can_v so_o well_o be_v express_v by_o way_n of_o history_n by_o reason_n that_o thing_n of_o such_o difficult_a nature_n must_v be_v dilate_v upon_o to_o make_v they_o intelligible_a in_o this_o chapter_n we_o shall_v speak_v of_o his_o prayer_n which_o we_o may_v fit_o term_v the_o large_a channel_n which_o convey_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n into_o our_o soul_n the_o most_o certain_a mean_n for_o procure_v of_o help_n and_o all_o grace_n requisite_a to_o our_o salvation_n the_o most_o universal_a instrument_n whereof_o we_o serve_v ourselves_o in_o our_o spiritual_a life_n to_o perform_v all_o the_o function_n thereof_o for_o our_o advancement_n in_o the_o purgative_n way_n for_o root_a out_o vice_n in_o the_o illuminative_a way_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o in_o the_o unitive_a for_o arrive_v unto_o a_o union_n with_o god_n in_o which_o consist_v our_o perfection_n all_o the_o saint_n that_o ever_o be_v have_v set_v so_o high_a a_o value_n upon_o this_o divine_a action_n that_o quit_v as_o it_o be_v all_o other_o affair_n they_o have_v pass_v their_o day_n and_o night_n in_o prayer_n many_o have_v leave_v their_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n and_o retire_v into_o monastery_n and_o solitude_n to_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o converse_v with_o god_n more_o secret_o and_o for_o long_a time_n mounseur_fw-fr de_fw-fr renty_n enlighten_v by_o their_o
beam_n and_o tread_v in_o their_o step_n give_v himself_o to_o this_o exercise_n with_o such_o care_n and_o diligence_n that_o we_o may_v aver_v this_o to_o have_v be_v his_o ordinary_a employment_n and_o his_o whole_a life_n a_o trade_n of_o pray_v i_o mean_v not_o here_o his_o vocal_a prayer_n have_v speak_v of_o they_o before_o i_o affirm_v that_o his_o affection_n be_v exceed_o great_a to_o mental_a prayer_n understand_v well_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o as_o that_o whereby_o we_o come_v more_o intimate_o to_o know_v and_o reap_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o christian_a verity_n which_o until_o they_o be_v know_v be_v not_o at_o all_o beneficial_a and_o the_o utility_n thereof_o to_o learn_v a_o man_n what_o he_o be_v and_o enable_v he_o to_o exercise_v the_o real_a act_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o inward_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o they_o elevate_a the_o soul_n to_o a_o familiar_a conference_n with_o god_n a_o honour_n more_o incomparable_o glorious_a though_o but_o for_o one_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n than_o be_v the_o most_o intimate_a communication_n with_o the_o great_a monarch_n for_o whole_a year_n together_o like_a as_o we_o esteem_v it_o a_o great_a honour_n to_o discourse_v free_o and_o familiar_o with_o a_o king_n the_o space_n of_o one_o hour_n than_o many_o year_n with_o a_o peasant_n moreover_o he_o well_o understand_v the_o different_a manner_n of_o this_o prayer_n and_o how_o it_o ascend_v by_o four_o step_n the_o first_o be_v prayer_n of_o reason_v and_o discourse_n the_o second_o that_o of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o three_o that_o of_o union_n or_o contemplation_n which_o divide_v itself_o into_o two_o branch_n viz._n in_o contemplation_n active_a or_o acquisite_a and_o contemplation_n passive_a or_o infuse_v which_o passive_a contemplation_n be_v the_o four_o and_o high_a round_n of_o this_o ladder_n of_o prayer_n prayer_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o of_o discourse_n or_o meditation_n be_v a_o application_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o understand_v some_o virtue_n of_o his_o salvation_n which_o he_o apprehend_v not_o before_o reason_v and_o discourse_v thereon_o within_o himself_o ruminate_v upon_o its_o cause_n effect_n and_o circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n manner_z and_o person_n belong_v to_o it_o to_o draw_v from_o thence_o argument_n of_o good_a life_n go_v from_o one_o circumstance_n and_o point_n to_o another_o from_o the_o cause_n to_o their_o effect_n and_o so_o backward_o which_o be_v call_v reason_v and_o because_o our_o mind_n be_v quick_a and_o ready_a in_o this_o operation_n not_o only_o nimble_a to_o go_v but_o run_v in_o it_o therefore_o it_o be_v term_v also_o discourse_n he_o begin_v at_o this_o step_n and_o make_v some_o stay_n upon_o it_o where_o indeed_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o begin_v and_o rest_n until_o he_o be_v call_v by_o god_n to_o another_o because_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o natural_a way_n that_o god_n have_v give_v man_n to_o come_v to_o understand_v and_o affect_v any_o thing_n be_v that_o of_o consideration_n and_o reason_v wherefore_o each_o one_o must_v serve_v himself_o herewith_o till_o he_o be_v advance_v high_a the_o ordinary_a subject_n which_o he_o take_v for_o these_o meditation_n be_v the_o life_n passion_n and_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o without_o all_o contradiction_n be_v the_o most_o profitable_a of_o all_o other_o since_o he_o be_v set_v before_o we_o for_o our_o pattern_n in_o the_o imitation_n and_o expression_n whereof_o consist_v our_o perfection_n and_o life_n eternal_a after_o some_o time_n have_v be_v faithful_a in_o this_o first_o stage_n he_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o that_o of_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v call_v with_o a_o amice_fw-la ascend_v superius_fw-la friend_n fit_v up_o high_a not_o unlike_o a_o scholar_n who_o become_v a_o good_a proficient_a be_v set_v up_o to_o a_o high_a class_n of_o deep_a learning_n for_o he_o spend_v not_o all_o his_o day_n in_o grammar_n but_o study_v to_o proceed_v from_o one_o science_n to_o another_o till_o he_o arrive_v to_o perfection_n this_o prayer_n of_o affection_n be_v a_o familiar_a and_o passionate_a treaty_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n wherein_o very_o little_a or_o no_o discourse_n be_v use_v or_o a_o sincere_a communication_n with_o god_n as_o present_v and_o resident_a within_o we_o in_o which_o the_o soul_n quit_v all_o reason_n and_o dispute_n and_o by_o a_o simple_a direct_a contemplation_n and_o think_v upon_o god_n be_v carry_v on_o to_o he_o and_o inflame_v with_o the_o desire_n of_o praise_v blessing_n adorn_v and_o glorify_v he_o with_o several_a elevate_a act_n of_o grace_n oblation_n petition_n and_o above_o all_o of_o love_n the_o queen_n of_o other_o virtue_n most_o acceptable_a to_o and_o most_o glorious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n most_o advantageous_a to_o ourselves_o enable_v we_o with_o power_n to_o surmount_v all_o difficulty_n to_o practise_v all_o good_a work_n and_o unite_n we_o more_o intimate_o to_o god_n this_o i_o say_v the_o soul_n perform_v without_o discourse_n in_o regard_n that_o the_o understanding_n be_v sufficient_o furnish_v with_o light_n from_o her_o former_a meditation_n have_v no_o need_n to_o study_v new_a argument_n or_o motive_n to_o produce_v love_n and_o other_o necessary_a affection_n but_o may_v serve_v herself_o of_o the_o former_a store_n the_o way_n to_o practice_v this_o be_v first_o of_o all_o to_o retire_v into_o the_o secret_a cabinet_n of_o our_o heart_n apply_v ourselves_o to_o god_n who_o reside_v there_o not_o by_o reason_n and_o discourse_n but_o by_o faith_n steadfast_o believe_v his_o divine_a presence_n with_o all_o his_o perfection_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o firm_a assurance_n to_o present_v ourselves_o before_o he_o with_o profound_a reverence_n and_o adoration_n abase_v ourselves_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o his_o infinite_a greatness_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o vileness_n in_o the_o light_n of_o those_o word_n of_o david_n domine_fw-la quis_fw-la similis_fw-la tibi_fw-la quid_fw-la est_fw-la homo_fw-la quod_fw-la memor_fw-la es_fw-la ejus_fw-la lord_n who_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o or_o that_o he_o shall_v dare_v to_o appear_v before_o thou_o keep_v yourself_o before_o he_o with_o these_o affection_n of_o reverence_n and_o humility_n and_o remain_v there_o for_o some_o considerable_a time_n the_o better_a to_o imprint_v they_o upon_o your_o soul_n for_o such_o time_n will_v be_v very_o well_o spend_v and_o continuâ—_n it_o yet_o long_o if_o you_o find_v your_o heart_n dilate_a and_o melt_v with_o these_o affection_n after_o this_o shut_v out_o all_o ruminate_v and_o reflection_n upon_o the_o subject_n you_o desire_v to_o be_v employ_v upon_o as_o for_o example_n suppose_v it_o be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o and_o yourself_o be_v less_o than_o nothing_o that_o he_o be_v your_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o ultimate_a end_n that_o he_o have_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o concern_v you_o that_o our_o saviour_n die_v for_o you_o and_o the_o like_a employ_v yourself_o hereon_o by_o faith_n in_o a_o most_o simple_a naked_a manner_n reiterate_v act_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n of_o such_o a_o truth_n which_o the_o church_n have_v teach_v you_o and_o after_o this_o a_o act_n of_o hope_n or_o of_o praise_n or_o thanksgiving_n or_o contrition_n for_o your_o sin_n or_o of_o any_o other_o passion_n the_o soul_n shall_v be_v more_o dispose_v to_o but_o especial_o of_o love_n take_v care_n that_o these_o affection_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o your_o will_n and_o manner_n to_o produce_v in_o they_o a_o happy_a alteration_n these_o be_v the_o direction_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v in_o this_o second_o degree_n of_o prayer_n which_o therefore_o be_v call_v prayer_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o of_o fâ—ith_o and_o of_o affection_n wherein_o also_o two_o thing_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v mark_v first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a in_o this_o prayer_n to_o exercise_v at_o the_o same_o time_n several_a passion_n but_o rather_o one_o as_o hope_n love_n or_o any_o other_o wellgrounded_n and_o prosecute_v be_v sufficient_a and_o the_o rea_fw-la on_z be_v plain_a because_o so_o long_o as_o god_n give_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o grace_n to_o produce_v act_n of_o any_o one_o virtue_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o she_o find_v herself_o dispose_v and_o press_v thereto_o and_o to_o exercise_v the_o same_o with_o ease_n this_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o she_o shall_v serve_v and_o honour_v he_o shall_v sanctify_v and_o perfect_v herself_o by_o the_o same_o and_o that_o she_o ought_v to_o continue_v therein_o so_o long_o as_o she_o find_v that_o succour_n gracious_o assist_v she_o moreover_o on_o the_o soul_n part_n it_o will_v argue_v want_n of_o discretion_n to_o quit_v so_o good_a and_o profitable_a a_o exercise_n
it_o by_o god_n and_o for_o god_n in_o another_o letter_n to_o he_o thus_o i_o find_v for_o some_o time_n that_o my_o prayer_n be_v no_o more_o regular_a i_o possess_v the_o sacred_a trinity_n with_o a_o plenitude_n of_o verity_n and_o clearness_n and_o this_o with_o such_o a_o attraction_n so_o pure_a and_o so_o vigorous_a in_o the_o superior_a part_n of_o my_o soul_n that_o my_o outward_a employment_n create_v i_o no_o diversion_n at_o all_o and_o another_o time_n he_o write_v thus_o jesus_n christ_n work_v the_o experience_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o my_o heart_n and_o i_o find_v he_o there_o my_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o myself_o whole_o his_o i_o discover_v now_o a_o great_a enlarge_n of_o my_o heart_n but_o so_o simple_a that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o express_v it_o save_v only_o thus_o that_o it_o be_v a_o simple_a but_o most_o real_a sight_n of_o the_o trinity_n accompany_v with_o praise_v blessing_n and_o offer_v up_o all_o homage_n thereto_o all_o which_o be_v do_v so_o silent_o that_o it_o cause_v no_o noise_n below_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v discern_v in_o the_o high_a part_n of_o my_o soul_n by_o parcel_n so_o as_o to_o be_v express_v except_o it_o be_v by_o reflection_n whether_o i_o utter_v myself_o well_o to_o you_o or_o no_o i_o know_v not_o this_o bless_a man_n thus_o unite_v by_o contemplation_n to_o god_n the_o supreme_a verity_n receive_v abondant_a light_n both_o for_o himself_o and_o other_o upon_o all_o subject_n but_o especial_o those_o he_o have_v for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o especial_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o therein_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v admirable_a thus_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o his_o director_n upon_o one_o word_n i_o shall_v read_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o shall_v sometime_o discover_v notion_n of_o those_o truth_n in_o so_o full_a and_o pierce_a a_o manner_n that_o i_o ever_o feel_v my_o body_n replenish_v therewith_o that_o be_v my_o whole_a nature_n penetrate_v and_o to_o one_o of_o his_o friend_n thus_o when_o i_o read_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n i_o fortify_v myself_o to_o enter_v into_o those_o effect_n they_o work_v which_o be_v a_o plenitude_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n wherewith_o the_o soul_n be_v solid_o and_o experimental_o satisfy_v and_o he_o make_v note_n upon_o all_o the_o lent-gospel_n full_a of_o piety_n and_o those_o great_a illumination_n with_o which_o his_o spirit_n be_v replenish_v this_o be_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o this_o great_a servant_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v discover_v it_o for_o the_o chief_a part_n thereof_o be_v that_o which_o pass_v within_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n where_o his_o union_n and_o converse_n with_o god_n be_v so_o wonderful_a that_o after_o he_o have_v spend_v seven_o or_o eight_o hour_n therein_o he_o find_v himself_o in_o the_o end_n as_o if_o he_o have_v only_o then_o begin_v it_o except_o only_o that_o he_o have_v then_o yet_o more_o desire_n to_o continue_v it_o and_o at_o length_n arrive_v to_o that_o height_n that_o he_o never_o end_v it_o at_o all_o be_v whole_o and_o constant_o in_o recollection_n and_o application_n to_o god_n whereupon_o he_o profess_v to_o a_o intimate_a friend_n that_o he_o need_v neither_o particular_a place_n nor_o time_n for_o prayer_n since_o in_o all_o place_n time_n and_o business_n he_o continue_v it_o chap._n 9_o the_o state_n of_o his_o mystical_a death_n and_o annilation_n we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o ultimate_a disposition_n of_o soul_n to_o render_v her_o capable_a of_o a_o most_o intimate_a union_n with_o god_n wherein_o her_o perfection_n consist_v she_o must_v die_v first_o before_o she_o can_v live_v this_o new_a life_n and_o must_v be_v annihilate_v to_o become_v true_o something_o this_o death_n and_o annihilation_n stand_v not_o in_o the_o destruction_n of_o man_n natural_n to_o deprive_v he_o of_o understanding_n memory_n will_n and_o affection_n much_o less_o of_o his_o sense_n but_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v whole_o corrupt_a and_o infect_v with_o sin_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o the_o understanding_n and_o other_o faculty_n spiritual_a and_o corporal_a be_v cleanse_v and_o animate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o work_v no_o more_o according_a to_o nature_n corrupt_v nor_o yet_o nature_n pure_a but_o nature_n elevate_v by_o grace_n and_o sanctify_v by_o jesus_n christ_n now_o as_o the_o corruption_n and_o malignity_n of_o the_o old_a man_n hold_v a_o entire_a possession_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o poison_n of_o sin_n be_v spread_v all_o over_o body_n and_o soul_n so_o that_o from_o the_o crown_n of_o the_o head_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o foot_n as_o say_v the_o prophet_n there_o be_v no_o sound_a part_n in_o we_o so_o all_o these_o part_n must_v be_v heal_v this_o corruption_n purge_v out_o and_o the_o malignity_n perfect_o mortify_v and_o destroy_v when_o i_o say_v perfect_o i_o mean_v so_o much_o as_o this_o can_v be_v do_v here_o on_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v only_o in_o heaven_n in_o the_o estate_n of_o glory_n where_o this_o happiness_n be_v complete_o perfect_v but_o in_o this_o world_n there_o will_v still_o remain_v something_o to_o be_v purge_v this_o holy_a man_n write_v to_o one_o concern_v this_o state_n of_o death_n and_o annihilation_n tell_v he_o how_o that_o sing_n in_o the_o church_n with_o other_o the_o magnificat_fw-la he_o be_v illuminate_v upon_o these_o word_n deposuit_fw-la potentes_fw-la de_fw-la sede_fw-la etc._n etc._n he_o have_v put_v down_o the_o mighty_a from_o their_o seat_n and_o have_v exalt_v the_o humble_a which_o represent_v to_o he_o a_o soul_n full_a of_o itself_o complete_a in_o the_o power_n and_o riches_n of_o its_o part_n and_o natural_a endowment_n in_o its_o life_n of_o exterior_a and_o interior_a sense_n undertake_v to_o see_v and_o understand_v every_o thing_n full_a of_o itself_o and_o quite_o empty_a of_o god_n then_o he_o add_v now_o our_o saviour_n give_v i_o to_o understand_v in_o this_o verse_n that_o he_o dive_v this_o soul_n of_o her_o own_o proper_a arrogant_a spirit_n rich_a in_o nothing_o but_o iniquity_n that_o he_o humble_v and_o empty_v and_o annihilate_v she_o and_o so_o exalt_v the_o lowly_a advance_v she_o at_o length_n to_o a_o wonderful_a condition_n where_o i_o see_v she_o reduce_v to_o a_o happy_a and_o rich_a annihilation_n empty_v of_o herself_o and_o despoil_v of_o what_o she_o possess_v of_o sense_n and_o man_n divest_v not_o only_o of_o the_o old_a man_n but_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o she_o to_o be_v present_v before_o he_o in_o nakedness_n and_o simple_a obedience_n i_o understand_v that_o in_o this_o estate_n the_o soul_n be_v affect_v with_o great_a humility_n and_o affiance_n likewise_o god_n do_v in_o she_o that_o which_o he_o please_v and_o that_o she_o be_v thorough_o enlighten_v and_o that_o she_o discover_v afar_o off_o the_o least_o thing_n as_o we_o usual_o do_v a_o little_a bush_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o mow_v field_n he_o write_v this_o follow_a letter_n to_o his_o director_n upon_o the_o same_o subject_n since_o the_o time_n that_o i_o give_v up_o my_o liberty_n to_o god_n sign_v with_o my_o blood_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o i_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v to_o what_o a_o state_n of_o annihilation_n the_o soul_n must_v be_v bring_v to_o render_v it_o capable_a of_o union_n with_o he_o i_o see_v my_o soul_n reduce_v into_o a_o small_a point_n contract_v and_o shrink_v up_o to_o nothing_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o behold_v myself_o as_o if_o encompass_v with_o whatsoever_o the_o world_n love_v and_o possess_v and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o hand_n remove_v all_o this_o far_o from_o i_o throw_v it_o into_o the_o ocean_n of_o annihilation_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o see_v remove_v all_o exterior_a thing_n kingdom_n great_a office_n stately_a building_n rich_a householdstuff_n gold_n and_o silver_n recreation_n pleasure_n all_o which_o be_v great_a encumbrance_n to_o the_o soul_n pass_v on_o to_o god_n of_o which_o therefore_o his_o pleasure_n be_v that_o she_o be_v strip_v that_o she_o may_v arrive_v at_o the_o point_n of_o nakedness_n and_o death_n which_o will_v bring_v she_o into_o possession_n of_o solid_a riches_n and_o real_a life_n second_o all_o interior_n thing_n which_o be_v more_o delicate_a and_o precious_a as_o acquire_v science_n skill_n and_o sublime_a learning_n operation_n of_o the_o memory_n and_o strength_n of_o understanding_n humane_a reason_n experience_n of_o sense_n of_o which_o the_o soul_n must_v likewise_o be_v purge_v and_o die_v to_o itâ—_n own_o proper_a action_n and_o i_o perceive_v that_o we_o must_v come_v like_o little_a infant_n simple_a and_o innocent_a separate_v
not_o only_o from_o evil_n but_o even_o from_o our_o ordinary_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a undertake_v what_o the_o divine_a providence_n present_v to_o we_o by_o make_v our_o way_n by_o god_n to_o they_o and_o not_o by_o they_o to_o god_n which_o be_v a_o course_n more_o naked_a unengage_v and_o abstract_v which_o see_v nothing_o but_o god_n and_o not_o so_o much_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v as_o the_o thing_n she_o do_v of_o which_o nothing_o stay_v in_o she_o neither_o choice_n nor_o joy_n nor_o sorrow_n for_o their_o greatness_n or_o for_o their_o littleness_n for_o good_a or_o bad_a success_n but_o only_o the_o good_a pleasure_n and_o order_n of_o god_n which_o rule_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o which_o in_o all_o thing_n sufficient_o content_v the_o soul_n which_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o not_o to_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o affair_n whereupon_o she_o be_v constant_o even_o equal_a and_o always_o the_o same_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o change_n in_o another_o he_o write_v thus_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n a_o absolute_a abnegation_n will_v be_v necessary_a to_o all_o thing_n to_o follow_v in_o simplicity_n without_o reserve_n or_o reflection_n what_o our_o saviour_n shall_v work_v in_o we_o or_o appoint_v for_o we_o let_v it_o be_v this_o or_o that_o this_o way_n be_v show_v i_o in_o which_o i_o ought_v to_o walk_v towards_o he_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o all_o thing_n to_o i_o ordinary_o be_v without_o any_o gust_n or_o delight_n moreover_o in_o another_o thus_o i_o apprehend_v great_a matter_n concern_v the_o verity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o annihilation_n i_o ought_v to_o have_v and_o i_o have_v for_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n the_o sight_n how_o simple_a this_o shall_v be_v that_o the_o soul_n itself_o can_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o death_n and_o annihilation_n without_o regard_n to_o any_o thing_n save_v our_o be_v whole_o to_o god_n by_o sequestration_n faith_n and_o affiance_n last_o to_o another_o assure_v yourself_o there_o be_v no_o security_n in_o any_o estate_n but_o this_o of_o die_v and_o annihilation_n which_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n death_n that_o we_o may_v live_v the_o life_n of_o mortification_n not_o that_o other_o way_n may_v not_o be_v good_a but_o not_o secure_a especial_o any_o thing_n we_o do_v of_o ourselves_o our_o best_a way_n be_v therefore_o to_o divest_v ourselves_o of_o all_o that_o the_o holy_a infant_n jesus_n govern_v all_o he_o use_v the_o word_n all_o because_o this_o death_n must_v be_v universal_a through_o every_o part_n of_o old_a adam_n even_o as_o a_o dead_a body_n be_v not_o only_o dead_a in_o a_o eye_n or_o ear_n or_o hand_n but_o in_o every_o sense_n and_o member_n so_o much_o we_o die_v to_o riches_n and_o poverty_n to_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n honour_n and_o dishonour_n praise_n and_o dispraise_v be_v affect_v with_o none_o of_o these_o because_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o all_o moreover_o the_o spirit_n must_v be_v dead_a not_o only_o to_o one_o faculty_n as_o the_o understanding_n or_o will_n but_o to_o all_o and_o to_o every_o thing_n only_o the_o difference_n be_v this_o that_o the_o body_n be_v once_o deprive_v of_o her_o life_n can_v natural_o recover_v it_o again_o but_o the_o spirit_n will_v easy_o live_v again_o and_o the_o malignity_n of_o the_o old_a adam_n return_v upon_o we_o if_o great_a heed_n be_v not_o take_v because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a by_o this_o death_n to_o reach_v the_o very_a centre_n of_o nature_n just_o as_o in_o your_o garden_n you_o may_v either_o suffer_v a_o noisome_a weed_n to_o grow_v if_o you_o meddle_v not_o with_o it_o but_o give_v it_o liberty_n to_o spread_v its_o leaf_n and_o increase_v or_o if_o you_o will_v not_o have_v it_o appear_v you_o may_v cut_v it_o or_o pluck_v it_o up_o by_o the_o root_n but_o after_o all_o be_v do_v you_o can_v prevent_v that_o the_o earth_n shall_v not_o produce_v the_o like_a if_o it_o be_v thereto_o dispose_v natural_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o your_o power_n to_o permit_v unruly_a affection_n to_o live_v in_o your_o soul_n produce_v therein_o disorder_n and_o exercise_v their_o tyranny_n or_o you_o may_v mortify_v they_o so_o that_o they_o get_v not_o head_n although_o the_o root_n remain_v or_o further_o may_v root_v they_o up_o as_o heroic_a spirit_n do_v change_v their_o nature_n and_o turn_v the_o course_n thereof_o introduce_v contrary_a inclination_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a from_o vice_n to_o virtue_n yet_o although_o these_o generous_a spirit_n arrive_v to_o this_o height_n yet_o will_v their_o nature_n continue_v still_o rot_v at_o bottom_n ready_a to_o bear_v the_o same_o curse_a weed_n without_o our_o daily_a vigilancy_n sect_n 1._o of_o the_o same_o subject_n to_o decipher_v particular_o the_o mystical_a death_n of_o this_o renown_a person_n we_o may_v aver_v that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o be_v dead_a to_o riches_n and_o all_o the_o wealth_n of_o this_o world_n in_o which_o he_o so_o absolute_o divest_v himself_o both_o of_o any_o affection_n to_o they_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o of_o the_o real_a possession_n of_o they_o that_o he_o quit_v as_o we_o have_v former_o mention_v all_o property_n to_o they_o use_v they_o no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o very_a poor_a man_n with_o a_o ardent_a desire_n that_o he_o may_v also_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o very_a use_n of_o they_o i_o acknowledge_v before_o god_n say_v he_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o his_o director_n his_o great_a mercy_n to_o i_o through_o his_o son_n in_o free_v i_o from_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o my_o constant_a thought_n be_v that_o if_o his_o order_n do_v not_o oblige_v i_o otherwise_o in_o that_o condition_n he_o have_v set_v i_o to_o give_v away_o and_o quit_v all_o i_o have_v this_o be_v my_o earnest_a desire_n after_o which_o i_o long_v exceed_o not_o out_o of_o presumption_n of_o my_o own_o strength_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o imitation_n of_o his_o life_n and_o to_o another_o person_n he_o write_v all_o that_o can_v be_v imagine_v in_o this_o low_a world_n be_v of_o small_a concernment_n though_o it_o be_v the_o lose_n of_o all_o our_o good_n and_o the_o death_n of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o it_o this_o poor_a antchill_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o a_o serious_a thought_n have_v we_o but_o a_o little_a faith_n and_o a_o little_a love_n how_o happy_a shall_v we_o esteem_v ourselves_o in_o give_v away_o all_o to_o attend_v no_o more_o save_v on_o god_n alone_o and_o to_o say_v deus_fw-la meus_fw-la &_o omne_fw-la my_o god_n and_o my_o all_o in_o his_o suit_n of_o law_n at_o dijon_n he_o act_v with_o so_o little_a show_n of_o interest_n and_o so_o like_o a_o mortify_a man_n to_o gain_v or_o loss_n that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v not_o only_o to_o solicit_v the_o judge_n but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o commend_v his_o case_n to_o they_o himself_o not_o out_o of_o any_o faulty_a supine_n indifferency_n or_o neglect_v what_o he_o think_v absolute_o necessary_a but_o because_o by_o a_o heroic_a virtue_n he_o have_v lose_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o these_o earthly_a thing_n entire_o commit_v the_o success_n thereof_o to_o god_n and_o know_v that_o these_o thing_n succeed_v better_a by_o our_o prayer_n to_o and_o affiance_n in_o he_o than_o with_o our_o address_n to_o man_n through_o the_o multitude_n of_o solicit_n many_o time_n fruitless_a second_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o crucify_a to_o all_o recreation_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n have_v renounce_v they_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o conversion_n remain_v constant_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n no_o god_n which_o be_v his_o great_a exercise_n and_o his_o usual_a phrase_n make_v no_o further_a use_n of_o his_o sense_n and_o their_o object_n than_o what_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n follow_v herein_o the_o pattern_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o be_v so_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o god_n as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o in_o his_o soul_n that_o when_o he_o have_v very_o grievous_a pain_n in_o his_o body_n and_o be_v very_o sick_a he_o scarce_o think_v upon_o they_o but_o account_v it_o a_o trouble_n to_o speak_v or_o complain_v thereof_o as_o appear_v notable_o in_o his_o last_o sickness_n three_o he_o be_v annihilate_v and_o dead_a to_o honour_v his_o great_a birth_n and_o nobility_n wherefrom_o he_o solemn_o degrade_v himself_o in_o the_o arm_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o render_v himself_o the_o more_o humble_a he_o be_v dead_a also_o to_o all_o esteem_n and_o praise_n of_o man_n and_o to_o disgrace_v likewise_o of_o which_o he_o give_v a_o notable_a testimony_n to_o a_o familiar_a friend_n who_o tell_v he_o
that_o he_o neither_o desire_v noâ—_n fear_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o fine_a enjoy_v such_o a_o sweet_a tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n and_o repose_v which_o nothing_o can_v disturb_v or_o alter_v that_o from_o thence_o arise_v a_o wonderful_a and_o invariable_a equality_n shine_v forth_o in_o his_o exterior_a at_o all_o time_n in_o all_o place_n upon_o all_o occasion_n one_o of_o his_o intimate_a friend_n desirous_a to_o try_v one_o day_n whether_o he_o have_v a_o affection_n to_o any_o thing_n question_v with_o he_o about_o every_o thing_n he_o can_v think_v of_o to_o put_v he_o to_o the_o rest_n and_z among_o other_o thing_n ask_v he_o whether_o he_o desire_v not_o that_o these_o work_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n may_v succeed_v and_o take_v effect_n to_o who_o â—he_v reply_v that_o he_o have_v no_o other_o aim_n in_o all_o his_o action_n and_o erterprise_n than_o the_o accomplish_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o although_o he_o use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n that_o such_o thing_n may_v succeed_v yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v perfect_o resign_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o his_o majesty_n good_a pleasure_n add_v many_o other_o expression_n testify_v his_o mortification_n to_o all_o desire_n and_o a_o perfect_a transformation_n of_o his_o will_n into_o that_o of_o go_n this_o discourse_n be_v not_o quite_o finish_v but_o there_o happen_v a_o occasion_n to_o put_v it_o to_o the_o trial_n for_o one_o come_v run_v in_o crying_z that_o all_o the_o heaven_n be_v on_o fire_n which_o news_n usual_o very_o frightful_a make_v no_o alteration_n in_o he_o at_o all_o who_o most_o calm_o and_o composed_o look_v up_o to_o the_o heaven_n say_v the_o fire_n be_v here_o in_o paris_n without_o any_o further_a distance_n though_o he_o understand_v present_o that_o it_o be_v so_o violent_a that_o the_o street_n he_o live_v in_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v burn_v down_o and_o his_o neighbour_n say_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o quite_o forsake_v their_o quatter_n by_o reason_n that_o the_o fire_n be_v not_o far_o off_o and_o be_v likely_a in_o a_o very_a short_a space_n to_o reach_v they_o in_o this_o public_a fright_n he_o keep_v his_o ordinary_a equality_n and_o refer_v all_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n go_v into_o his_o chapel_n where_o he_o continue_v long_a time_n in_o prayer_n offer_v up_o himself_o in_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n and_o resign_v up_o his_o own_o will_n unto_o he_o some_o person_n look_v upon_o he_o with_o great_a admiration_n in_o this_o posture_n whilst_o so_o many_o hundred_o be_v at_o their_o wit_n end_n and_o prepare_v for_o a_o speedy_a flight_n he_o profess_v to_o another_o secret_a and_o familiar_a friend_n that_o he_o feel_v himself_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o absolute_a state_n of_o death_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o neither_o angel_n nor_o man_n the_o loss_n of_o all_o he_o have_v the_o subversion_n of_o his_o family_n nor_o any_o other_o accident_n can_v remove_v he_o from_o his_o settle_a tranquillity_n and_o this_o he_o say_v not_o hyperbolical_o or_o by_o way_n of_o ostentation_n but_o out_o of_o a_o solid_a experimental_a establishment_n in_o that_o fortitude_n common_a with_o he_o to_o all_o great_a saint_n such_o be_v the_o mystical_a death_n and_o annihilation_n of_o this_o man_n of_o god_n by_o which_o his_o soul_n be_v enrich_v with_o a_o vast_a treasure_n of_o spiritual_a wealth_n cause_v he_o to_o lead_v a_o most_o perfect_a life_n and_o unite_n he_o most_o intimate_o to_o god_n to_o which_o this_o death_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a because_o no_o being_n can_v arrive_v to_o that_o which_o it_o be_v not_o former_o without_o cease_v first_o to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v as_o wood_n can_v pass_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o fire_n as_o long_o as_o it_o keep_v its_o former_a nature_n this_o must_v be_v quit_v and_o the_o matter_n be_v divest_v of_o all_o the_o form_n of_o wood_n both_o in_o substance_n and_o accident_n and_o reduce_v into_o a_o state_n of_o privation_n to_o be_v make_v capable_a of_o the_o fire_n unitement_n to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n in_o nature_n admit_v no_o exception_n that_o each_o subject_n must_v be_v predispose_v to_o receive_v a_o new_a form_n and_o so_o much_o more_o as_o this_o form_n be_v more_o noble_a and_o this_o disposition_n consist_v in_o the_o privation_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o loss_n of_o other_o form_n to_o gain_v a_o new_a one_o so_o also_o to_o make_v a_o spiritual_a man_n he_o must_v no_o more_o live_v according_a to_o nature_n but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v capable_a to_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n must_v necessary_o die_v and_o be_v annihilate_v to_o himself_o and_o if_o fire_n require_v this_o total_a privation_n in_o the_o matter_n to_o communicate_v itself_o thereto_o with_o great_a reason_n do_v god_n who_o be_v altogether_o a_o spirit_n infinite_o pure_a the_o first_o and_o sovereign_a entity_n require_v of_o a_o man_n this_o universal_a nakedness_n and_o privation_n this_o death_n and_o annihilation_n to_o himself_o and_o all_o create_a being_n before_o he_o give_v and_o unite_v himself_o with_o he_o for_o in_o give_v himself_o he_o give_v also_o the_o fruition_n of_o himself_o of_o his_o beauty_n goodness_n wisdom_n and_o his_o other_o perfection_n and_o by_o this_o union_n render_v the_o receiver_n happy_a hence_o also_o may_v be_v gather_v what_o admirable_a purity_n be_v requisite_a in_o a_o soul_n for_o this_o union_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n in_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n that_o for_o this_o we_o must_v either_o conserve_v our_o baptismal_a innocence_n or_o if_o that_o have_v be_v lose_v or_o fully_v we_o must_v be_v purge_v here_o or_o in_o purgatory_n by_o severe_a penance_n notwithstanding_o our_o other_o good_a work_n and_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o sanctity_n to_o which_o we_o have_v attain_v and_o the_o same_o in_o proportion_n may_v be_v aver_v of_o the_o soul_n here_o in_o this_o estate_n of_o grace_n where_o it_o must_v be_v very_o pure_a to_o prepare_v it_o well_o for_o its_o union_n with_o god_n here_o in_o this_o life_n and_o see_v her_o pollution_n arise_v from_o her_o love_n to_o the_o creature_n and_o to_o herself_o and_o from_o the_o life_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n according_a to_o the_o lust_n and_o appetite_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n it_o must_v die_v to_o all_o these_o creature_n and_o likewise_o to_o its_o self_n just_a as_o the_o body_n to_o be_v make_v perfect_a and_o to_o partake_v the_o true_a life_n of_o immortality_n and_o bliss_n must_v necessary_o die_v first_o so_o likewise_o must_v our_o soul_n if_o we_o will_v have_v they_o arrive_v to_o perfection_n consist_v in_o this_o union_n with_o god_n to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o divine_a life_n which_o alone_o can_v true_o be_v call_v life_n to_o this_o purpose_n he_o write_v thus_o to_o his_o director_n i_o see_v clear_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o a_o divine_a union_n be_v to_o be_v perfect_o divest_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o god_n and_o dead_a to_o ourselves_o and_o every_o creature_n o_o that_o i_o well_o understand_v the_o importance_n of_o this_o nakedness_n and_o death_n and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o hinder_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o celestial_a love_n and_o union_n with_o his_o divine_a majesty_n and_o that_o sovereign_a beauty_n but_o a_o certain_a show_n of_o and_o light_a adherence_n to_o some_o creature_n and_o shall_v we_o suffer_v that_o a_o thing_n so_o small_a and_o so_o unworthy_a shall_v possess_v in_o the_o room_n of_o god_n and_o that_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v a_o all-consuming_a fire_n of_o love_n invirance_v we_o on_o all_o side_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o power_n to_o work_v upon_o we_o the_o same_o effect_n which_o this_o elementary_a fire_n work_v upon_o wood_n why_o shall_v not_o i_o vicious_a and_o discontent_a creature_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o my_o wretched_a plenitude_n acquire_v happiness_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n which_o i_o may_v do_v by_o his_o grace_n in_o separate_v myself_o gentle_o from_o the_o creature_n by_o a_o single_a and_o affectionate_a application_n to_o the_o creator_n to_o another_o person_n he_o write_v thus_o when_o s._n paul_n say_v you_o be_v dead_a and_o your_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o lay_v death_n as_o the_o necessary_a foundation_n of_o a_o christian_a whereby_o to_o remove_v from_o he_o all_o affection_n and_o inclination_n to_o the_o creature_n as_o we_o see_v that_o a_o dead_a man_n have_v no_o more_o any_o motion_n or_o sense_n of_o any_o thing_n for_o though_o we_o be_v frequent_o sensible_a of_o the_o rebellious_a motion_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n yet_o they_o only_o spring_v to_o be_v choke_v and_o stifle_v in_o their_o birth_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o
world_n that_o you_o may_v have_v no_o part_n therein_o and_o above_o all_o my_o child_n that_o you_o may_v live_v in_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o yield_v due_a obedience_n to_o your_o mother_n on_o saturday_n which_o be_v the_o day_n of_o his_o death_n about_o half_a a_o hour_n past_o ten_o in_o the_o forenoon_n be_v new_o recover_v out_o of_o a_o violent_a fit_n of_o a_o convulsion_n which_o have_v like_a to_o have_v carry_v he_o away_o look_v attentive_o on_o those_o that_o be_v present_a he_o make_v sign_n with_o his_o hand_n head_z and_o eye_n with_o a_o pleasant_a countenance_n for_o a_o person_n of_o quality_n and_o his_o intimate_a friend_n to_o come_v near_o he_o which_o be_v do_v he_o speak_v thus_o to_o he_o sir_n i_o have_v one_o word_n to_o say_v to_o you_o before_o i_o die_v then_o pause_v a_o little_a to_o recover_v his_o strength_n he_o testify_v his_o affection_n to_o he_o but_o in_o word_n that_o can_v not_o distinct_o be_v understand_v at_o length_n raise_v his_o voice_n and_o speak_v more_o articulate_o and_o plain_o he_o proceed_v the_o perfection_n of_o christian_a life_n be_v to_o be_v unite_v unto_o god_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o entangle_v ourselves_o in_o novelty_n let_v we_o adore_v his_o conduct_n over_o 〈◊〉_d and_o continue_v faithful_a to_o he_o unto_o the_o end_n let_v we_o adhere_v to_o that_o one_o god_n crucify_v for_o our_o salvation_n let_v we_o unite_v all_o our_o action_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o we_o to_o his_o merit_n hope_v that_o if_o we_o continue_v faithful_a to_o he_o by_o his_o grace_n we_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n i_o hope_v we_o shall_v there_o see_v one_o another_o one_o day_n which_o shall_v never_o have_v end_n the_o party_n ready_a to_o reply_v and_o give_v he_o thanks_o mounseur_fw-fr renty_n stop_v his_o mouth_n say_v adieu_o this_o be_v all_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o you_o pray_v for_o i_o some_o time_n after_o this_o and_o a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n fix_v his_o eye_n steadfast_o upon_o heaven_n as_o if_o he_o have_v discover_v something_o extraordinary_a he_o say_v the_o holy_a infant_n jesus_n where_o be_v he_o thereupon_o they_o bring_v he_o his_o picture_n which_o he_o kiss_v devout_o and_o ask_v for_o his_o crucifix_n take_v it_o in_o his_o hand_n and_o kiss_v it_o most_o affectionate_o then_o turn_v himself_o towards_o death_n present_o enter_v into_o his_o last_o agony_n which_o hold_v not_o above_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n of_o which_o he_o spend_v the_o most_o part_n in_o pronounce_v the_o holy_a name_n of_o jesus_n make_v as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v act_n of_o resignation_n and_o commend_v his_o spirit_n to_o god_n after_o which_o he_o expire_v sweet_o and_o his_o holy_a soul_n as_o we_o have_v good_a cause_n to_o believe_v depart_v to_o its_o place_n of_o rest_n thus_o live_v and_o die_v mounseur_fw-fr de_fw-fr renty_n one_o of_o the_o most_o glorious_a light_n that_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o his_o church_n in_o this_o age_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a ornament_n of_o true_a devotion_n that_o have_v appear_v this_o long_a time_n he_o die_v at_o paris_n the_o 27_o year_n of_o his_o age_n the_o 24_o of_o april_n 1649._o about_o noon_n near_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n elevation_n on_o the_o cross_n of_o which_o a_o certain_a person_n have_v a_o particular_a knowledge_n in_o his_o prayer_n apply_v the_o merit_n of_o this_o passion_n to_o he_o at_o the_o instant_n of_o his_o death_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o this_o application_n together_o with_o his_o own_o act_n of_o resignation_n and_o annihilation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v and_o with_o which_o he_o both_o honour_v and_o embrace_v the_o cross_n be_v pious_o believe_v to_o have_v perfect_o purge_v his_o soul_n and_o put_v it_o into_o a_o condition_n of_o enter_v into_o its_o beatitude_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n at_o the_o instant_n of_o its_o dissolution_n there_o be_v report_n of_o several_a revelation_n and_o vision_n concern_v his_o state_n of_o glory_n and_o how_o at_o the_o instant_n of_o his_o death_n a_o globe_n of_o light_n be_v see_v ascend_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n certain_a miraculous_a cure_n be_v also_o relate_v to_o be_v do_v by_o his_o intercession_n and_o spiritual_a relief_n supernatural_o afford_v to_o several_a devout_a person_n by_o his_o admonition_n which_o thing_n will_v not_o seem_v incredible_a when_o we_o consider_v his_o holy_a life_n and_o heroic_a virtue_n render_v he_o one_o of_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o age_n yet_o since_o i_o have_v not_o the_o like_a assurance_n of_o these_o as_o of_o what_o i_o have_v already_o write_v and_o that_o true_a sanctity_n and_o christian_a perfection_n consist_v not_o in_o suâ—h_a thing_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o imitable_a i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o they_o i_o only_o add_v by_o way_n of_o conclusion_n that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o admire_v the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n in_o take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n a_o man_n so_o useful_a who_o be_v in_o his_o full_a strength_n and_o flower_n of_o his_o age_n and_o in_o such_o a_o eminent_a degree_n of_o credit_n reputation_n and_o capacity_n may_v wonderful_o have_v advance_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o his_o neighbour_n but_o when_o i_o say_v it_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v therein_o conclude_v and_o hereby_o he_o be_v please_v to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o we_o for_o the_o advance_n of_o his_o glory_n &_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o design_n which_o he_o can_v bring_v about_o without_o we_o and_o when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o we_o his_o instrument_n therein_o we_o be_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o with_o great_a humility_n in_o his_o presence_n he_o have_v translate_v he_o to_o another_o place_n where_o he_o glorify_v his_o majesty_n with_o great_a perfection_n to_o a_o place_n and_o state_n that_o true_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o glory_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o consideration_n of_o what_o the_o saint_n receive_v but_o of_o what_o they_o render_v to_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n moreover_o we_o may_v affirm_v that_o these_o holy_a man_n great_a pillar_n of_o the_o church_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v frequent_o take_v away_o before_o their_o time_n as_o a_o just_a punishment_n upon_o we_o for_o the_o little_a use_n and_o benefit_n we_o make_v of_o their_o conversation_n and_o example_n and_o true_o when_o first_o i_o hear_v the_o news_n of_o his_o sickness_n and_o the_o danger_n that_o he_o be_v in_o i_o can_v not_o but_o make_v this_o reflection_n that_o consider_v so_o solid_a and_o complete_a a_o virtue_n notwithstanding_o that_o great_a need_n the_o world_n have_v of_o he_o and_o the_o exceed_a great_a good_a he_o may_v still_o have_v do_v in_o it_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a he_o may_v die_v as_o be_v a_o fruit_n ripe_a for_o heaven_n even_o as_o fruit_n in_o its_o maturity_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v gather_v and_o take_v hurt_v by_o be_v pluck_v too_o soon_o or_o too_o late_a thus_o do_v god_n gather_v this_o good_a man_n in_o the_o maturity_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o virtue_n as_o a_o man_n perfect_a and_o complete_v to_o place_v he_o in_o heaven_n there_o to_o receive_v his_o just_a reward_n where_o he_o wait_v for_o we_o to_o adore_v and_o glorify_v and_o love_n together_o with_o he_o in_o all_o perfection_n god_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o h._n ghost_n to_o who_o be_v honour_n praise_n benediction_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o adoration_n and_o service_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n the_o conclution_n of_o the_o work_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o read_v the_o live_v of_o saint_n to_o conclude_v this_o work_n and_o render_v it_o more_o useful_a to_o the_o reader_n i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o afford_v he_o some_o instruction_n how_o to_o read_v the_o live_v of_o saint_n and_o history_n of_o person_n eminent_a in_o virtue_n to_o the_o end_n that_o that_o fruit_n may_v be_v reap_v by_o they_o for_o which_o they_o be_v compile_v these_o eminent_a soul_n then_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v two_o several_a way_n 1._o as_o they_o have_v relation_n to_o god_n 2._o as_o to_o ourselves_o for_o the_o first_o as_o they_o relate_v to_o god_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o saint_n and_o person_n famous_a for_o piety_n be_v the_o great_a masterpiece_n the_o rich_a ornament_n the_o most_o precious_a jewel_n the_o choice_a work_n and_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o god_n glory_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n for_o if_o the_o mean_a righteous_a man_n be_v incomparable_o more_o noble_a and_o honourable_a than_o all_o sinner_n put_v together_o since_o
the_o way_n to_o he_o among_o these_o the_o saint_n be_v undoubted_o the_o most_o considerable_a since_o there_o be_v not_o one_o among_o they_o who_o life_n be_v not_o a_o bright_a shine_a light_n unto_o we_o to_o discover_v the_o path_n we_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o and_o like_o that_o famous_a watch-tower_n pharos_n in_o alexandria_n which_o by_o its_o fire_n and_o light_n serve_v to_o guide_v the_o mariner_n in_o the_o night_n how_o safe_o to_o steer_v their_o course_n the_o saint_n say_v s._n gregory_n nyssen_n set_v forth_o their_o life_n to_o man_n who_o direct_v their_o course_n towards_o god_n like_o a_o bright_a lamp_n to_o conduct_v they_o secure_o and_o speak_v of_o s._n ephrem_fw-la he_o call_v he_o a_o great_a luminary_n job_n in_o vita_fw-la s._n ephrem_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d prefat_n in_o job_n who_o have_v more_o enlighten_v the_o world_n by_o his_o life_n than_o the_o sun_n have_v by_o his_o beam_n and_o a_o little_a after_o say_v that_o god_n have_v fix_v he_o as_o a_o stately_a live_a pillar_n like_o the_o mercurâ—es_n of_o the_o ancient_n place_v in_o cross-way_n to_o direct_v passenger_n to_o declare_v to_o man_n the_o highway_n to_o sanctity_n and_o perfection_n s._n gregory_n the_o great_a advise_v we_o moreover_o to_o consider_v how_o that_o as_o god_n the_o creator_n by_o a_o admirable_a providence_n a_o most_o beautiful_a oeconomie_n and_o profound_a wisdom_n have_v so_o order_v the_o course_n and_o season_n of_o star_n that_o every_o one_o keep_v his_o time_n of_o rise_v and_o set_v one_o after_o another_o to_o enlighten_v the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n and_o cast_v their_o influence_n upon_o we_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o have_v send_v and_o dispose_v his_o saint_n like_v so_o many_o star_n to_o give_v we_o light_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o life_n according_o say_v he_o he_o have_v appoint_v abel_n to_o rise_v to_o teach_v we_o innocence_n enoch_n purity_n of_o intention_n in_o our_o action_n noah_n to_o forrifie_v we_o with_o courage_n in_o expect_v our_o long_a delay_a hope_n abraham_n to_o set_v before_o we_o a_o model_n of_o a_o heroic_a obedience_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n ecce_fw-la quam_fw-la fulgentes_fw-la stellas_fw-la as_o that_o holy_a pope_n go_v on_o in_o coelo_fw-la cernimus_fw-la ut_fw-la inoffâ—nso_fw-la pedâ—_fw-la operis_fw-la iter_fw-la nostrae_fw-la noctis_fw-la ambulemus_fw-la behold_v what_o bright_a star_n bespangle_v the_o firmament_n of_o the_o church_n to_o guide_v our_o foot_n safe_o in_o the_o night_n of_o our_o journey_n and_o admirable_a be_v the_o example_n they_o have_v leave_v we_o and_o the_o influence_n of_o virtue_n that_o these_o mysterious_a star_n have_v convey_v to_o we_o fuit_fw-la in_o iis_fw-la say_v s._n augustine_n continentâ—a_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la tenuissimum_fw-la victum_fw-la panis_fw-la &_o aquae_fw-la &_o non_fw-la quotidiana_fw-la solum_fw-la sed_fw-la etiam_fw-la per_fw-la plures_fw-la dâ—es_fw-la perpetuata_fw-la jeâ—unia_fw-la castitas_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la conjugii_fw-la prolisque_fw-la contemptum_fw-la patientia_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la cruces_fw-la flammasque_fw-la neglectas_fw-la liberalitas_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la patrimonia_fw-la distributa_fw-la pauperibus_fw-la denique_fw-la tot_fw-la we_o mundi_fw-la aspernatio_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la desiderum_fw-la mortis_fw-la their_o temperance_n be_v extend_v even_o to_o the_o most_o slender_a diet_n of_o bread_n and_o water_n and_o to_o fast_n not_o of_o a_o single_a day_n only_o until_o the_o evening_n but_o continue_v for_o divers_a day_n together_o chastity_n even_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o marriage_n and_o progeny_n patience_n to_o the_o slight_n of_o gibbet_n and_o flame_n liberality_n to_o the_o distribute_v of_o their_o whole_a patrimony_n to_o the_o poor_a in_o fine_a contempt_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n even_o to_o to_o the_o desire_v of_o death_n and_o all_o this_o to_o instruct_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v sanctorum_fw-la vita_fw-la as_o say_v s._n ambrose_n cap._n 1._o de_fw-fr s._n joseph_n caeteris_fw-la norma_fw-la vivendi_fw-la est_fw-la the_o life_n of_o saint_n be_v our_o rule_n to_o order_v our_o life_n after_o they_o since_o than_o god_n have_v give_v these_o for_o a_o rule_n to_o guide_v our_o life_n after_o and_o for_o beacon_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o sail_v towards_o heaven_n let_v we_o mark_v they_o attentive_o and_o follow_v their_o step_n in_o our_o journey_n thither_o to_o which_o undoubted_o we_o be_v oblige_v because_o god_n demand_v and_o expect_v it_o from_o we_o and_o also_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o most_o profitable_a in_o that_o this_o attentive_a observe_v what_o they_o do_v be_v most_o likely_a to_o make_v the_o deep_a impression_n upon_o our_o spirit_n whereupon_o s._n anthony_n as_o athanasius_n report_v of_o he_o in_o e_z we_o shall_fw-mi tâ—_n recommend_v earnest_o to_o his_o religious_a the_o life_n of_o saint_n to_o fashion_v themselves_o after_o their_o model_n and_o s._n basil_n write_v in_o his_o first_o epistle_n that_o as_o young_a painter_n to_o make_v themselves_o skilful_a look_v often_o upon_o the_o piece_n of_o curious_a and_o excellent_a master_n spend_v whole_a hour_n and_o day_n in_o the_o copy_n of_o suâ—h_a work_n so_o they_o that_o will_v draw_v the_o picture_n of_o virtue_n in_o their_o soul_n to_o the_o life_n must_v diligent_o heed_v these_o most_o excellent_a original_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v in_o time_n become_v in_o some_o measure_n like_v unto_o they_o he_o add_v moreover_o that_o as_o heat_n and_o light_a stream_n natural_o from_o the_o fire_n and_o sweet_a scent_n exhale_v from_o perfume_n in_o like_a manner_n sacred_a knowledge_n arise_v from_o the_o action_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o sweet_a odour_n of_o their_o virtue_n perfume_v such_o as_o be_v much_o conversant_a in_o they_o and_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o that_o continue_v long_o in_o the_o sun_n shall_v not_o receive_v some_o heat_n and_o light_n from_o it_o and_o he_o that_o make_v some_o stay_n in_o the_o perfumer_n shop_n among_o musk_n and_o ambergrise_v shall_v not_o smell_v at_o all_o thereof_o neither_o can_v such_o as_o have_v much_o commerce_n with_o saint_n and_o study_v their_o virtue_n remain_v without_o some_o amendment_n and_o savour_n of_o holiness_n those_o two_o renown_a courtier_n of_o the_o emperor_n which_o s._n austin_n mention_n in_o his_o confession_n lib._n 2_o cap._n 6._o be_v so_o wrought_v upon_o by_o read_v the_o life_n of_o s._n anthony_n that_o they_o present_o take_v up_o a_o resolution_n to_o quit_v the_o world_n and_o all_o other_o thought_n save_v of_o their_o own_o salvation_n legere_fw-la coepâ—t_fw-la unus_fw-la eorum_fw-la these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n &_o mirari_fw-la &_o accendi_fw-la &_o inter_fw-la legendum_fw-la medâ—tari_fw-la arrâ—pere_fw-la talem_fw-la vitam_fw-la &_o relict_n â_fw-la militiâ_fw-la saeculari_fw-la servire_fw-la tibi_fw-la legebat_fw-la &_o mutabatur_fw-la intus_fw-la &_o exuebatur_fw-la mundi_fw-la mens_fw-la ejus_fw-la one_o of_o they_o bâ—gan_v to_o read_v the_o life_n and_o as_o he_o read_v to_o admire_v and_o his_o heart_n burn_v within_o he_o conceive_v a_o resolution_n to_o imitate_v it_o to_o throw_v off_o his_o sword_n and_o the_o emperor_n service_n to_o become_v a_o servant_n of_o god_n thus_o whilst_o he_o read_v he_o find_v his_o heart_n change_v and_o his_o soul_n to_o disentagle_n herself_o from_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o world_n to_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n to_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o new_a and_o of_o himself_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o example_n of_o these_o holy_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v like_o hot_a coal_n cast_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o soul_n heat_n and_o warm_v and_o set_v he_o all_o in_o a_o flame_n s._n columban_n owe_v his_o conversion_n to_o the_o read_n and_o the_o consider_v of_o the_o life_n of_o mary_n of_o egypt_n our_o founder_n s._n ignatâ—us_n his_o to_o the_o life_n of_o several_a saint_n with_o innumerable_a other_o s._n eugendus_n abbot_n of_o claude_n read_v continual_o the_o life_n of_o s._n anthony_n and_o s._n martin_n and_o have_v they_o constant_o before_o his_o eye_n and_o more_o within_o his_o heart_n fashion_v his_o own_o after_o they_o bonaventure_n say_v of_o s._n francis_n that_o exit_fw-la recordatione_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la omnium_fw-la tanquam_fw-la lapidum_fw-la ignitorum_fw-la in_fw-la deificum_fw-la recalescebat_fw-la incendâ—um_fw-la when_o he_o find_v his_o heart_n wax_v cold_a in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n he_o warm_v and_o enkindle_v it_o by_o the_o frequent_a ruminate_v upon_o the_o virtue_n of_o saint_n as_o so_o many_o red_a hot_a stone_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o example_n of_o saint_n be_v serviceble_a unto_o we_o and_o such_o benefit_n be_v we_o to_o extract_v from_o the_o read_n of_o their_o history_n and_o as_o they_o be_v our_o pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n so_o will_v they_o be_v witness_n against_o we_o at_o that_o great_a day_n if_o we_o fail_v herein_o and_o will_v sit_v then_o as_o judge_n to_o condemn_v we_o