feel_v in_o thy_o soul_n during_o thy_o holy_a retirement_n or_o at_o other_o time_n some_o delicious_a whisper_n of_o thy_o belove_a espouse_v yet_o be_v thou_o whole_o ignorant_a what_o will_v befall_v thou_o the_o next_o moment_n how_o long_o or_o short_a thy_o life_n will_v be_v when_o where_o by_o what_o disease_n or_o misfortune_n death_n will_v seize_v upon_o thou_o &_o in_o what_o condition_n of_o grace_n or_o sin_n it_o will_v summon_v thou_o before_o god_n bar_n thereto_o hear_v the_o sentence_n then_o to_o pass_v over_o thou_o &_o consequent_o that_o as_o long_o as_o thou_o be_v in_o this_o life_n thou_o be_v never_o certain_o assure_v of_o thy_o eternal_a salvation_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o strong_a motive_n of_o humiliation_n unto_o thou_o almighty_a god_n have_v from_o all_o eternity_n choose_v some_o to_o be_v heir_n of_o his_o glory_n permit_v other_o yet_o do_v not_o any_o one_o know_v to_o what_o rank_n he_o belong_v when_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o shall_v come_v thither_o till_o it_o please_v god_n to_o cite_v we_o forth_o this_o world_n &_o assume_v we_o to_o his_o heavenly_a paradise_n which_o evident_o lay_v open_v our_o great_a ignorance_n &_o prove_v our_o unchangeable_a dependence_n on_o the_o hide_a disposition_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v not_o this_o enough_o to_o humble_v the_o haughty_a spirit_n in_o the_o world_n wherefore_o in_o whatsoever_o degree_n of_o contemplation_n virtue_n or_o spiritual_a greatness_n thou_o be_v thou_o must_v humble_o acknowledge_v thy_o universal_a dependence_n on_o god_n gracious_a inspiration_n &_o help_n and_o that_o therefore_o thou_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v any_o one_o who_o through_o god_n permission_n thou_o may_v see_v fall_n into_o some_o abominable_a sin_n be_v thou_o be_v not_o thyself_o assure_v how_o long_o thou_o shall_v stand_v in_o thy_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o how_o soon_o that_o person_n may_v arise_v again_o through_o god_n grace_n aid_v to_o a_o timely_a &_o profitable_a repentance_n have_v a_o care_n therefore_o philothea_n thou_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n work_v thy_o salvation_n with_o a_o filial_a &_o humble_a fear_n reflect_v continual_o on_o thy_o own_o nothing_o &_o the_o straight_a dependence_n thou_o have_v on_o the_o grace_n &_o mercy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v redeem_v thou_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n &_o make_v thou_o capable_a of_o life_n everlasting_a with_o himself_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o the_o complete_n that_o great_a work_n of_o thy_o eternal_a salvation_n if_o thou_o do_v humble_o trust_v in_o he_o say_v then_o with_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o thou_o o_o lord_n have_v i_o hope_v &_o i_o be_o not_o confound_v i_o have_v put_v my_o trust_n in_o thou_o &_o have_v find_v help_n affection_n ah_o my_o soul_n wherein_o can_v thou_o now_o glory_n be_v thou_o place_v in_o the_o family_n of_o god_n servant_n have_v many_o good_a notion_n &_o divine_a motion_n in_o thy_o breast_n do_v thou_o through_o some_o strong_a help_n of_o heavenly_a grace_n delightful_o perform_v hard_a &_o painful_a duty_n all_o this_o be_v very_o good_a but_o alas_o thou_o know_v not_o how_o long_o this_o will_v endure_v whether_o for_o a_o year_n or_o a_o day_n or_o even_o the_o next_o moment_n whether_o thou_o be_v confirm_v in_o grace_n list_v among_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_n or_o worthy_a of_o love_n or_o hatred_n thou_o know_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o even_o so_o it_o be_v for_o thou_o o_o my_o god_n be_v a_o most_o glorious_a &_o pure_a father_n of_o spirit_n &_o will_v still_o be_v worship_v in_o fear_n &_o tremble_a however_o although_o thou_o shall_v persecute_v i_o till_o death_n i_o will_v trust_v in_o thou_o even_o at_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n i_o will_v not_o abandon_v my_o hope_n in_o thy_o mercy_n resolution_n i_o will_v cast_v myself_o into_o the_o sea_n of_o god_n abundant_a mercy_n &_o therein_o fix_v the_o auchor_n of_o my_o hope_n rely_v firm_o on_o his_o undeceive_a promise_n &_o save_v help_n of_o grace_n &_o therefore_o i_o will_v annihilate_v myself_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o holy_a decree_n live_v in_o perpetual_a fear_n of_o his_o judgement_n concern_v i_o nor_o will_v i_o only_o become_v humble_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o know_v the_o vileness_n of_o my_o body_n &_o wretchedness_n of_o my_o soul_n with_o whatever_o shall_v befall_v either_o for_o time_n &_o eternity_n but_o i_o will_v also_o willing_o become_v contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o creature_n content_v myself_o with_o the_o low_a place_n mean_a fare_n &_o vile_a employment_n account_v myself_o the_o unworthy_a of_o all_o &_o will_v ever_o say_v with_o the_o holy_a prophet_n i_o be_o a_o worm_n &_o not_o a_o man_n the_o outcast_n of_o man_n &_o the_o offcast_n of_o the_o vulgar_a the_o evening_n exercise_n first_o discourse_n our_o weakness_n to_o good_a if_o thou_o desire_v philothea_n to_o enter_v the_o depth_n of_o thy_o own_o nothing_o thou_o must_v make_v yet_o a_o further_a search_n into_o the_o motive_n of_o humble_v thyself_o before_o god_n wherefore_o have_v now_o wade_v through_o the_o vast_a sea_n of_o thy_o vileness_n in_o body_n wretchedness_n in_o soul_n &_o wonderful_a ignorance_n of_o thy_o future_a state_n of_o life_n &_o happiness_n discourse_v further_o on_o thy_o natural_a weakness_n to_o perform_v good_a &_o upright_a action_n ever_o since_o through_o our_o disobedience_n to_o god_n holy_a commandment_n we_o depart_v from_o his_o temple_n &_o sanctify_v city_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o spiritual_a murderer_n we_o have_v have_v many_o deep_a wound_n and_o deadly_a sore_n in_o our_o soul_n whereof_o though_o some_o have_v beme_fw-mi oft_o cure_v by_o christ_n heal_a sacrament_n yet_o do_v they_o often_o break_v out_o &_o fester_v through_o the_o disorder_n of_o our_o sinful_a life_n other_o remain_v for_o ever_o uncurable_a during_o this_o mortal_a life_n whereby_o we_o be_v whole_o unable_a without_o the_o perpetual_a help_n of_o our_o charitable_a samaritan_n jesus_n christ_n either_o to_o discern_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v back_o to_o god_n or_o secure_o to_o walk_v towards_o he_o in_o this_o our_o pilgrimage_n to_o heavenly_a perfection_n our_o manifold_a doubt_n mistake_n &_o error_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a &_o even_o moral_a truth_n &_o action_n our_o passionate_a affection_n to_o present_v &_o sensible_a delight_n the_o variety_n &_o distraction_n of_o our_o fade_a &_o slippery_a life_n &_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n way_n &_o those_o thought_n &_o work_n whereby_o we_o walk_v in_o they_o &_o purchase_v a_o blessedness_n which_o he_o alone_o can_v bestow_v on_o we_o show_v evident_o that_o god_n live_v in_o a_o unaccessible_a light_n not_o to_o be_v view_v with_o a_o eye_n not_o yet_o cleanse_v by_o divine_a faith_n nor_o to_o be_v aspire_v unto_o without_o that_o hope_n which_o he_o only_o can_v inspire_v into_o we_o nor_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n to_o be_v purchase_v or_o pretend_v to_o without_o the_o special_a gift_n of_o inherent_a sanctity_n &_o other_o supernatural_a help_n of_o clear_n light_n &_o cooperate_a grace_n bestow_v bountiful_o on_o we_o so_o that_o we_o can_v neither_o do_v any_o thing_n worthy_a his_o acceptation_n or_o think_v on_o he_o according_a to_o his_o majesty_n or_o even_o say_v one_o word_n of_o he_o as_o we_o ought_v in_o order_n to_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n without_o his_o special_a inspiration_n conduct_v &_o assistance_n wherefore_o as_o thou_o be_v by_o nature_n a_o mere_a nothing_o &_o by_o sin_n worse_o than_o nothing_o so_o without_o the_o liberal_a gift_n of_o god_n aid_v grace_n thou_o can_v do_v nothing_o if_o then_o thou_o perhaps_o be_v sometime_o raise_v up_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n his_o glory_n &_o those_o allure_a trace_n whereby_o he_o lead_v his_o servant_n to_o the_o love_n of_o eternal_a good_a thing_n yet_o may_v thou_o not_o take_v complacence_n therein_o without_o a_o humble_a submission_n to_o god_n unknown_a will_n towards_o thou_o or_o esteem_v thyself_o by_o they_o to_o be_v in_o a_o settle_a condition_n of_o holiness_n for_o if_o thou_o be_v as_o easy_o thou_o may_v be_v deprive_v of_o those_o light_n of_o grace_n thou_o now_o have_v thy_o soul_n will_v become_v as_o dark_a &_o thy_o action_n as_o imperfect_a as_o any_o other_o these_o divine_a help_n so_o necessary_a to_o we_o and_o so_o much_o above_o our_o reach_n ought_v profound_o to_o humble_v we_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o we_o must_v ever_o worship_v as_o a_o liberal_a &_o free_a giver_n as_o oft_o as_o we_o receive_v any_o favour_n from_o he_o still_o remember_v that_o the_o apostate_n angel_n &_o our_o first_o parent_n lose_v themselves_o by_o a_o complacence_n in_o their_o own_o natural_a
fire_n since_o i_o be_o ignorant_a of_o thy_o wonder_n wrought_v in_o my_o own_o spirit_n so_o nigh_o &_o intimate_v to_o i_o i_o have_v too_o late_o consider_v thou_o o_o ancient_a beauty_n shine_v in_o all_o creature_n i_o have_v too_o slow_o give_v ear_n to_o thou_o who_o speak_v to_o i_o by_o all_o creature_n &_o by_o thy_o gift_n do_v incessant_o call_v upon_o i_o to_o admire_v &_o love_v thou_o the_o giver_n of_o all_o thou_o have_v engrave_v the_o light_n of_o thy_o face_n upon_o i_o o_o lord_n &_o thereby_o give_v gladness_n in_o my_o heart_n resolution_n i_o will_v hence_o forth_o preserve_v god_n sacred_a image_n by_o himself_o imprint_v in_o my_o soul_n from_o be_v soil_v or_o blast_v by_o sinful_a affection_n that_o therein_o as_o in_o a_o clear_a mirror_n i_o may_v contemplate_v his_o majesty_n beauty_n &_o amiableness_n admire_v he_o in_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o my_o body_n &_o mind_n order_n all_o the_o power_n &_o endowment_n of_o both_o to_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o will_n &_o aspire_v to_o a_o endless_a conjunction_n with_o that_o divine_a exemplar_n whereby_o so_o many_o rich_a &_o beautiful_a copy_n have_v be_v draw_v therefore_o all_o thy_o work_n in_o i_o shall_v confess_v unto_o thou_o they_o shall_v tell_v the_o glory_n of_o thy_o kingdom_n &_o shall_v speak_v the_o greatness_n of_o thy_o power_n the_o evening_n exercise_n first_o discourse_n god_n speak_v by_o his_o son_n incarnate_a god_n former_o speak_v to_o man_n by_o his_o prophet_n in_o figure_n &_o riddle_n now_o in_o his_o own_o son_n by_o who_o as_o god_n he_o in_o the_o beginning_n make_v all_o thing_n &_o now_o as_o visible_a in_o our_o mortal_a flesh_n discover_v the_o breadth_n &_o length_n height_n &_o depth_n of_o all_o divine_a mystery_n of_o grace_n &_o glory_n that_o we_o may_v comprehend_v with_o all_o the_o saint_n his_o exceed_a great_a love_n towards_o we_o &_o may_v be_v replenish_v with_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o if_o god_n descend_v to_o we_o take_v our_o nature_n we_o shall_v by_o contemplation_n of_o the_o incarnate_a word_n ascend_v to_o god_n &_o drown_v ourselves_o in_o the_o sea_n of_o his_o essence_n therefore_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o gracious_a doctrine_n and_o efficacious_a example_n be_v the_o way_n we_o must_v walk_v in_o our_o pilgrimage_n to_o heavenly_a perfection_n his_o sacred_a life_n &_o cross_n be_v the_o book_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n &_o unless_o we_o bathe_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o bleed_a wound_n of_o this_o lamb_n slay_v for_o our_o sin_n we_o may_v have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n plant_v in_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n this_o union_n of_o god_n &_o man_n in_o one_o person_n show_v god_n infinite_a power_n man_n redemption_n through_o christ_n sorrow_n &_o suffering_n speak_v he_o a_o abyss_n of_o wisdom_n &_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o only_a son_n in_o our_o weak_a nature_n to_o dignify_v save_v &_o sanctify_v it_o declare_v his_o wonderful_a bounty_n thus_o philothea_n we_o have_v access_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o god_n by_o the_o humanity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o he_o have_v reveal_v the_o treasure_n of_o all_o divine_a knowledge_n &_o love_n now_o therefore_o climb_v up_o mount_n calvary_n &_o there_o contemplate_v this_o man_n of_o sorrow_n fasten_v to_o the_o tree_n of_o shame_n see_v who_o it_o be_v that_o suffer_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o saviour_n of_o man_n &_o angel_n &_o the_o rewarder_n of_o all_o good_a &_o evil_a deed_n what_o his_o condition_n god_n only_a son_n a_o innocent_a man_n one_o that_o love_v we_o dear_o to_o what_o end_n to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n to_o sanctify_v our_o sinful_a heart_n &_o to_o restore_v we_o to_o our_o lose_a seat_n in_o god_n glorious_a kingdom_n what_o be_v his_o torment_n much_o sorrow_n in_o the_o garden_n many_o stripe_n in_o jerusalem_n &_o a_o shameful_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o what_o profit_n thence_o thereby_o be_v declare_v the_o detestablenesse_n of_o sin_n expiate_v by_o this_o bloody_a sacrifice_n the_o dreadfulness_n of_o hell_n fire_n extinguish_v by_o that_o precious_a blood_n the_o obstinacy_n of_o sinner_n still_o crucify_a in_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o their_o ungratitude_n the_o amiableness_n of_o virtue_n recommend_v to_o we_o with_o so_o many_o sigh_n tear_n &_o drop_n of_o blood_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n recover_v at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n &_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n through_o mercy_n give_v his_o only_a son_n to_o we_o through_o justice_n sacrifyze_a that_o son_n for_o we_o &_o through_o wisdom_n exalt_v he_o from_o the_o cross_n to_o a_o equality_n of_o glory_n att_o his_o right_a hand_n where_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o find_v he_o if_o we_o now_o follow_v he_o colloquy_n thy_o word_n be_v live_v &_o full_a of_o force_n o_o lord_n &_o more_o pierce_a than_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n oh_o that_o thou_o will_v awake_v my_o slumber_a soul_n &_o deep_a wound_n my_o spirit_n with_o admiration_n of_o thy_o boundless_a love_n in_o the_o humble_a incarnation_n gracious_a doctrine_n move_v example_n &_o bitter_a passion_n of_o thy_o belove_a son_n my_o habitation_n &_o rest_n shall_v henceforth_o be_v in_o thy_o sacred_a wound_n o_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n by_o they_o i_o will_v find_v entrance_n to_o thy_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n &_o there_o discover_v the_o overflowing_n of_o thy_o love-swelling_a heart_n towards_o sinner_n &_o thy_o hide_a divinity_n for_o by_o these_o we_o have_v plentiful_a redemption_n strong_a help_n &_o fullness_n of_o hope_n oh_o stretch_v forth_o thy_o arm_n once_o streach_v on_o the_o cross_n for_o i_o &_o embrace_v my_o soul_n languish_v to_o be_v with_o thou_o then_o will_v i_o live_v &_o die_v in_o thy_o wound_a heart_n &_o by_o that_o gate_n enter_v into_o the_o city_n of_o my_o god_n &_o find_v who_o my_o soul_n love_v second_o discourse_n god_n reveal_v himself_o have_v now_o pass_v by_o all_o creature_n who_o be_v the_o guard_n of_o our_o earthly_a city_n in_o the_o search_n of_o thy_o belove_a climb_v up_o philothea_n the_o mountain_n of_o vision_n approach_v god_n flame_v bush_n of_o reveal_v mystery_n &_o harken_v what_o he_o there_o speak_v to_o thou_o of_o the_o majesty_n of_o his_o own_o essence_n the_o beauty_n of_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n &_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o bless_a attendant_n whereby_o to_o inflame_v thy_o amorous_a heart_n with_o new_a desire_n of_o communion_n in_o happiness_n with_o the_o already_o glorified_a saint_n &_o angel_n divine_a scripture_n as_o god_n book_n discover_v those_o excellency_n of_o god_n which_o reason_n reach_v not_o he_o only_o inspire_v who_o invite_v the_o humble_a to_o ascend_v high_o hence_o as_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o paradise_n stream_n forth_o four_o sacred_a &_o delicious_a river_n not_o to_o be_v wade_v through_o without_o divine_a help_n history_n describe_v god_n wonder_n to_o his_o choose_a people_n whereby_o to_o draw_v their_o heart_n sweet_o from_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n allegory_n teach_v what_o we_o must_v believe_v of_o god_n trope_n inform_v we_o of_o what_o must_v be_v do_v or_o omit_v in_o order_n to_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o pleasant_a stream_n of_o anagogy_n which_o be_v great_a &_o deep_a do_v wonderful_a enlighten_v heat_n &_o raise_v our_o spirit_n up_o towards_o god_n &_o there_o fix_v our_o thought_n &_o love_n where_o our_o hope_n be_v already_o place_v this_o mystical_a river_n empty_v itself_o in_o the_o vast_a sea_n of_o the_o divinity_n where_o god_n one_o in_o essence_n &_o three_o in_o person_n within_o himself_o infinite_a in_o be_v happiness_n &_o all_o perfection_n receive_v no_o addition_n of_o good_a from_o our_o best_a endeavour_n nor_o any_o detriment_n by_o overflow_a to_o we_o &_o communicate_v his_o great_a gift_n among_o we_o he_o without_o change_n or_o labour_n know_v produce_v &_o govern_v all_o thing_n in_o all_o time_n &_o place_n lead_v each_o by_o their_o special_a way_n to_o their_o last_o ends._n in_o his_o glorious_a kingdom_n he_o be_v environ_v with_o many_o million_o of_o immortal_a &_o bless_a spirit_n who_o divide_v into_o nine_o quire_n make_v up_o the_o heavenly_a hierarchy_n of_o saint_n &_o angel_n happy_a in_o the_o vision_n &_o possession_n of_o god_n &_o be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o proper_a excellency_n of_o nature_n grace_n &_o glory_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o temptation_n sin_n or_o misery_n fear_v nor_o fullness_n of_o happiness_n joy_n or_o peace_n want_v to_o they_o all_o enjoy_n god_n &_o in_o he_o possess_v what_o soever_o may_v complete_a the_o delightfulness_n of_o that_o glorious_a &_o bless_a state_n which_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o tongue_n can_v rehearse_v nor_o can_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n conceive_v colloquy_n oh_o how_o
into_o a_o most_o heavenly_a slumber_n whereby_o free_v from_o all_o noise_n of_o creature_n even_o in_o her_o imaginative_a part_n she_o enjoy_v a_o perfect_a tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n &_o peace_n in_o her_o whole_a soul_n which_o be_v sometime_o accompany_v with_o ecstasy_n whereby_o the_o low_a region_n of_o the_o soul_n become_v insensible_a to_o what_o pass_v through_o the_o outward_a sense_n be_v whole_o absorb_v by_o the_o intense_a working_n of_o the_o superior_a portion_n thereof_o which_o fix_v on_o god_n through_o vehemency_n of_o admiration_n love_n &_o sweetness_n become_v familiar_a with_o he_o view_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o his_o glory_n receive_v plenty_n of_o gift_n &_o blessing_n &_o converse_v with_o he_o face_n to_o face_n these_o be_v the_o delicious_a fruit_n philothea_n grow_v on_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o divine_a grace_n ever_o flow_v in_o the_o soul_n which_o god_n admit_v to_o his_o amiable_a presence_n &_o embracement_n that_o soul_n need_v no_o other_o light_n to_o walk_v by_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o sun_n that_o give_v light_a to_o she_o nor_o any_o other_o fire_n to_o heat_v she_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v diffuse_v through_o all_o her_o power_n purge_v whatever_o be_v frail_a &_o mortal_a &_o transform_v she_o into_o a_o supernatural_a be_v whereby_o she_o be_v raise_v to_o the_o high_a happiness_n imaginable_a &_o the_o experience_n of_o whatever_o god_n have_v promise_v unto_o she_o colloquy_n o_o divine_a tree_n how_o pleasant_a be_v it_o to_o repose_v under_o thy_o delicious_a shade_n whence_o such_o fragrant_a smell_n &_o sweet_a tranquillity_n be_v diffuse_v through_o the_o amorous_a soul_n o_o crystal_n stream_n of_o overflow_a grace_n how_o delightful_a be_v it_o to_o walk_v upon_o thy_o fruitful_a bank_n &_o in_o thou_o to_o contemplate_v the_o overflowing_n of_o love_n in_o our_o breast_n o_o heavenly_a fruit_n how_o sweet_a &_o comfortable_a be_v thou_o to_o the_o thirsty_a &_o languish_a soul_n since_o what_o ever_o knowledge_n love_n joy_n tranquillity_n pleasantness_n or_o repose_n may_v be_v imagine_v proceed_v thence_o oh_o who_o will_v give_v i_o that_o i_o may_v for_o ever_o rest_n under_o the_o shade_n of_o this_o live_a tree_n to_o walk_v upon_o those_o pleasant_a bank_n to_o eat_v my_o fill_n of_o that_o heavenly_a fruit_n let_v the_o spirit_n say_v come_v &_o my_o soul_n shall_v melt_v within_o i_o because_o my_o belove_a bath_n speak_v unto_o i_o second_o discourse_n love_n descent_n god_n unsearchable_a counsel_n &_o decree_n be_v that_o perfection_n ever_o move_v on_o two_o pole_n extreme_o opposite_a which_o s._n paul_n call_v height_n &_o depth_n s._n francis_n what_o be_v god_n &_o what_o be_o i_o although_o god_n invite_v we_o philothea_n to_o climb_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n taste_v its_o fruit_n &_o repose_v under_o the_o shadow_n thereof_o in_o his_o contemplation_n &_o love_n yet_o must_v we_o still_o descend_v into_o ourselves_o by_o consideration_n of_o our_o present_a state_n &_o the_o obligation_n thereof_o which_o must_v ever_o be_v comply_v with_o descend_v then_o philothea_n in_o regard_n of_o thyself_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a contemplation_n raise_v we_o to_o a_o eminent_a knowledge_n love_n &_o union_n with_o god_n unless_o we_o descend_v by_o humble_a act_n &_o seat_v ourselves_o with_o holy_a magdalene_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o our_o belove_a espous_n there_o may_v be_v danger_n of_o fall_v into_o presumption_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n &_o lose_v his_o favour_n trust_v then_o in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n yet_o fear_v his_o justice_n &_o power_n &_o amid_o the_o delight_n of_o thy_o illumination_n &_o spiritual_a caress_n have_v ever_o a_o filial_a fear_n &_o say_v not_o to_o i_o but_o to_o thou_o o_o lord_n be_v all_o honour_n &_o glory_n then_o see_v how_o oft_o thou_o have_v have_v a_o complacence_n in_o thy_o sweet_a contemplation_n &_o the_o amorous_a embracement_n of_o thy_o beloved_n &_o assure_v thyself_o if_o thou_o have_v at_o any_o time_n fall_v into_o dryness_n of_o spirit_n that_o proceed_v from_o thy_o not_o humble_v thyself_o while_o exalt_v to_o those_o singular_a favour_n by_o these_o humble_a act_n thy_o inward_a virtue_n will_v also_o become_v conspicuous_a in_o thy_o outward_a conversation_n to_o the_o example_n &_o edification_n of_o other_o for_o our_o earthly_a conversation_n be_v sociable_a &_o our_o action_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o censure_n if_o then_o our_o outward_a life_n express_v not_o that_o piety_n we_o harbour_v in_o our_o bosom_n we_o may_v be_v account_v singular_a or_o guilty_a of_o hypocrisy_n wherefore_o let_v not_o any_o contemplation_n or_o familiarity_n with_o god_n withdraw_v thou_o from_o a_o friendly_a conversation_n with_o those_o thou_o live_v cause_v a_o affectation_n of_o thy_o own_o opinion_n &_o way_n or_o breed_v a_o harshness_n towards_o thy_o less_o yet_o possible_o more_o perfect_a neighbour_n but_o towards_o all_o be_v humble_a modest_a cheerful_a &_o courteous_a but_o especial_o the_o contemplative_a soul_n must_v oft_o apply_v herself_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o active_a life_n thereby_o to_o shun_v idleness_n the_o nurse_n of_o all_o sin_n &_o source_n of_o temptation_n for_o see_v it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a in_o this_o life_n to_o be_v permanent_a in_o our_o heavenly_a contemplation_n &_o affection_n towards_o god_n we_o must_v accustom_v ourselves_o to_o some_o bodily_a exercise_n especial_o if_o we_o have_v some_o singular_a talon_n whereby_o we_o may_v benefit_v other_o at_o least_o if_o obedience_n require_v that_o service_n from_o we_o and_o the_o work_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o rather_o add_v then_o diminish_v of_o our_o zeal_n to_o perfection_n but_o be_v thou_o ever_o careful_a philothea_n that_o thou_o perform_v it_o with_o a_o upright_a intention_n prompt_o in_o due_a time_n &_o place_n fervent_o cheerful_o &_o humble_o thus_o thy_o labour_n undertake_v for_o god_n will_v be_v grateful_a to_o he_o &_o cherish_v our_o love_n towards_o heavenly_a thing_n thou_o must_v also_o descend_v in_o regard_n of_o thy_o neighbour_n whither_o superior_a subject_a or_o equal_a for_o although_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o pleasant_a to_o we_o then_o sweet_o to_o repose_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o our_o heavenly_a espous_a &_o to_o dive_v into_o the_o abyss_n of_o his_o goodness_n yet_o must_v we_o quit_v all_o these_o overflowing_n of_o love_n when_o our_o neighbour_n need_v our_o help_n so_o that_o whither_o thou_o prevail_v thy_o sin_n philothea_n with_o magdalene_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o with_o s._n paul_n be_v rapt_v to_o the_o three_o heaven_n or_o in_o thy_o private_a closet_n converse_a familiar_o with_o thy_o beloved_n as_o s._n anthony_n of_o milan_n without_o delay_n abandon_v all_o &_o descend_v to_o comfort_v those_o who_o expect_v that_o duty_n of_o thou_o be_v thou_o a_o prince_n or_o governor_n of_o a_o family_n by_o thy_o office_n &_o duty_n thou_o be_v bind_v to_o have_v as_o much_o care_n of_o thy_o subject_n as_o of_o thyself_o especial_o if_o by_o their_o own_o free_a choice_n guide_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n they_o be_v under_o thy_o custody_n &_o direction_n not_o as_o slave_n but_o as_o tender_a child_n for_o who_o thou_o be_v to_o render_v a_o account_n unto_o the_o great_a just_a judge_n who_o expect_v of_o every_o one_o to_o his_o own_o extreme_a peril_n that_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o his_o charge_n wherefore_o if_o thou_o be_v call_v to_o any_o such_o trust_n with_o fear_n &_o tremble_a accept_v of_o it_o &_o comply_v with_o its_o duty_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v not_o call_v thither_o have_v a_o care_n thou_o never_o covet_v a_o place_n of_o so_o much_o danger_n be_v thou_o a_o subject_n the_o vow_n of_o obedience_n under_o which_o thou_o be_v bear_v or_o by_o which_o thou_o have_v free_o sacrifice_v thy_o will_n to_o god_n &_o his_o vicegerent_n do_v then_o oblige_v thou_o to_o leave_n god_n for_o god_n that_o be_v to_o quit_v thy_o high_a contemplation_n &_o comply_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o thou_o by_o the_o lip_n of_o thy_o overseer_n &_o governor_n since_o the_o word_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n equal_a to_o himself_o in_o some_o manner_n quit_v the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n in_o heaven_n to_o obey_v his_o will_n even_o to_o a_o most_o painful_a &_o shameful_a death_n we_o may_v for_o his_o love_n submit_v our_o judgement_n &_o will_n to_o that_o of_o our_o superior_a rule_v in_o his_o stead_n prompt_o entire_o &_o perseverant_o to_o our_o die_a day_n be_v thou_o equal_a to_o he_o thou_o must_v then_o endeavour_v when_o charity_n require_v it_o to_o relieve_v his_o want_n unto_o thy_o power_n either_o corporal_o or_o spiritual_o by_o visit_v for_o example_n &_o help_v the_o needy_a weak_a &_o sick_a &_o by_o counsel_v
man_n so_o must_v my_o contemplation_n &_o union_n be_v with_o thou_o a_o glorious_a god_n &_o a_o suffer_a man_n by_o partake_v the_o joy_n of_o one_o &_o sorrow_n of_o the_o other_o i_o will_v therefore_o ever_o aspire_v to_o be_v with_o thou_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o thy_o father_n yet_o will_v joyful_o cast_v myself_o into_o the_o sea_n of_o love_n thy_o bleed_a heart_n that_o through_o it_o i_o may_v swim_v to_o the_o haven_n of_o thy_o hide_a divinity_n come_v then_o all_o torment_n of_o heaven_n &_o earth_n press_v heavy_a upon_o i_o i_o shall_v never_o sink_v as_o long_o as_o support_v by_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o my_o victorious_a redeemer_n oh_o that_o i_o be_v grow_v by_o the_o tooth_n of_o wild_a beast_n tear_v by_o rack_n scorch_v with_o burn_a flame_n so_o i_o may_v enjoy_v christ_n rather_o here_o o_o lord_n rather_o here_o then_o where_o thy_o wrath_n never_o cease_v for_o thou_o will_v lead_v i_o forth_o this_o prison_n &_o show_v i_o all_o thy_o glory_n &_o i_o shall_v confess_v unto_o thy_o name_n resolution_n i_o will_v for_o ever_o make_v my_o habitation_n in_o the_o wound_a heart_n of_o my_o crucify_a lord_n &_o therein_o read_v over_o the_o vast_a book_n of_o love_n suffer_v that_o by_o it_o i_o may_v govern_v my_o life_n &_o action_n not_o content_v myself_o with_o a_o empty_a name_n void_a of_o the_o substance_n &_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_n therefore_o i_o will_v joyful_o welcome_v all_o tribulation_n as_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n &_o token_n of_o his_o love_n give_v to_o cure_v the_o sore_n of_o my_o sinful_a soul_n exercise_n virtue_n &_o preserve_v to_o life_n everlasting_a for_o who_o ever_o live_v holy_o shall_v suffer_v persecution_n nor_o may_v the_o crown_n of_o endless_a glory_n be_v purchase_v at_o a_o easy_a rate_n i_o will_v therefore_o cheerful_o take_v up_o my_o cross_n rank_n myself_o among_o thy_o zealous_a servant_n &_o follow_v thou_o my_o suffer_a lord_n for_o bless_a be_v he_o who_o suffer_v for_o thou_o because_o when_o he_o be_v try_v he_o shall_v receive_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n &_o immortality_n second_o point_n expropriation_n of_o friend_n consideration_n consider_v that_o to_o attain_v to_o this_o high_a state_n of_o christian_a perfection_n &_o union_n with_o christ_n suffer_v we_o must_v willing_o abandon_v all_o earthly_a content_n &_o embrace_v all_o tribulation_n with_o joy_n in_o imitation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v much_o hard_a &_o consequent_o a_o great_a perfection_n to_o bear_v great_a cross_n with_o patience_n then_o perform_v heroic_a act_n of_o virtue_n without_o difficulty_n for_o our_o virtue_n be_v not_o then_o firm_a when_o not_o shake_v but_o when_o not_o shake_v though_o most_o assail_v by_o adversity_n therefore_o our_o perfection_n grow_v with_o proportion_n to_o our_o suffering_n in_o the_o society_n of_o our_o suffer_a saviour_n who_o pilgrimage_n from_o the_o cribb_n to_o the_o cross_n begin_v in_o tear_n &_o end_v in_o blood_n since_o therefore_o philothea_n thou_o be_v by_o profession_n à _fw-fr christian_n &_o by_o special_a resolution_n a_o seeker_n of_o high_a perfection_n christ_n sorrow_n suffering_n &_o cross_n must_v be_v unto_o thou_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n &_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o thy_o motion_n the_o more_o conformable_a thou_o be_v to_o he_o in_o these_o the_o great_a will_v thy_o perfection_n now_o be_v &_o happiness_n hereafter_o behold_v then_o with_o a_o steadfast_a eye_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n hang_v on_o the_o cross_n &_o as_o in_o his_o passion_n so_o in_o his_o death_n abandon_v by_o his_o apostle_n disciple_n &_o all_o his_o usual_a train_n of_o applaud_v attendant_n he_o who_o in_o his_o glory_n be_v guard_v with_o million_o of_o angel_n to_o who_o all_o knee_n bow_v &_o who_o be_v the_o image_n &_o splendour_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o eternal_a father_n be_v now_o forsake_v by_o all._n love_v make_v he_o our_o brother_n by_o assume_v our_o nature_n compassion_n our_o physician_n by_o his_o heal_a doctrine_n &_o sacrament_n mercy_n our_o ransom_n by_o his_o own_o bitter_a death_n discharge_v our_o debt_n &_o now_o alas_o he_o be_v abandon_v of_o all_o he_o descend_v from_o the_o noble_a prince_n priest_n &_o prophet_n of_o israël_n by_o his_o temporal_a birth_n he_o heal_v lame_a blind_a dumb_a leper_n all_o disease_n by_o his_o divine_a power_n all_o man_n &_o angel_n for_o ever_o glorious_a with_o god_n be_v happy_a through_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o peace-speaking_a blood_n &_o they_o have_v now_o alas_o all_o desert_a he_o this_o be_v the_o pattern_n which_o we_o must_v imitate_v philothea_n ere_o we_o can_v attain_v the_o perfection_n we_o aim_v at_o we_o must_v be_v entire_o resign_v to_o abandon_v &_o be_v abandon_v by_o all_o even_o our_o dear_a &_o most_o oblige_a friend_n this_o may_v seem_v hard_a &_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o for_o friendship_n be_v a_o virtue_n &_o charity_n be_v yet_o a_o great_a it_o be_v hard_o therefore_o to_o persuade_v from_o action_n arise_v from_o so_o sublime_a a_o cause_n yet_o be_v it_o main_o necessary_a if_o we_o will_v become_v perfect_a when_o the_o prune_a time_n be_v come_v superfluous_a shoot_n must_v be_v cut_n off_o else_o few_o &_o small_a fruit_n all_o earthly_a friendship_n be_v superfluous_a in_o order_n to_o inward_a perfection_n therefore_o shall_v be_v lop_v off_o that_o the_o sap_n of_o grace_n may_v quiet_o fructify_v in_o we_o to_o life_n everlasting_a under_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o divine_a guide_n &_o example_n tell_v i_o philothea_n can_v thou_o like_v well_o a_o treason_n in_o thy_o bosom_n friend_n sure_o thou_o can_v not_o if_o david_n have_v be_v curse_v by_o his_o enemy_n he_o can_v have_v bear_v it_o but_o to_o be_v hurt_v by_o a_o friend_n by_o one_o that_o have_v pray_v with_o he_o in_o god_n holy_a house_n that_o be_v a_o unsupportable_a cross_n and_o what_o be_v more_o frequent_a even_o with_o those_o who_o abandon_v the_o world_n shall_v abandon_v its_o weakness_n &_o mutability_n &_o yet_o through_o variety_n of_o opinion_n &_o disposition_n oft_o break_v &_o betray_v a_o friend_n confidence_n if_o then_o for_o the_o love_n of_o thy_o heavenly_a espous_a thou_o have_v forsake_v parent_n kindred_n &_o all_o worldly_a friend_n for_o the_o same_o love_n enter_v not_o now_o or_o at_o least_o break_v off_o any_o singularity_n of_o affection_n even_o towards_o thy_o companion_n in_o the_o study_n of_o perfection_n not_o only_o because_o singularity_n be_v ever_o prejudicial_a in_o professor_n of_o a_o common_a life_n whence_o propriety_n of_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o of_o temporal_a good_n must_v be_v banish_v as_o nurse_n of_o suspicion_n jealousy_n &_o many_o private_a feude_n but_o especial_o because_o they_o hazard_v the_o loss_n of_o our_o inward_a tranquillity_n in_o case_n our_o friend_n to_o who_o we_o have_v imprudent_o disclose_v the_o secret_n of_o our_o heart_n betray_v his_o trust_n use_v our_o freedom_n to_o our_o confusion_n wherefore_o be_v cautious_a in_o trust_v thy_o heart_n string_n to_o any_o but_o as_o the_o wise_a heathen_a say_v ever_o converse_v with_o thy_o friend_n as_o one_o who_o may_v prove_v thy_o enemy_n for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o fire_n to_o burn_v so_o of_o sinner_n to_o be_v weak_a &_o self_n interest_v take_v a_o view_n of_o they_o past_a life_n &_o experience_n will_v teach_v thou_o most_o friendship_n of_o thy_o bosom-friend_n to_o have_v be_v ground_v on_o self-profit_n &_o therefore_o have_v end_v in_o discontent_n &_o enmity_n beside_o the_o superfluity_n &_o treachery_n of_o friendship_n they_o be_v great_a impediment_n of_o virtue_n while_o many_o thought_n be_v spend_v in_o they_o to_o the_o breach_n of_o in_o ward_n peace_n loss_n of_o precious_a time_n &_o neglect_n of_o heavenly_a conference_n with_o our_o divine_a espous_a i_o doubt_v not_o philothea_n but_o thou_o have_v have_v many_o special_a &_o dear_a friend_n &_o much_o delight_v to_o abide_v &_o confer_v with_o they_o &_o what_o profit_n thence_o alas_o much_o vanity_n time_n lose_v languish_n of_o heart_n or_o sin_n even_o now_o then_o knock_v off_o these_o troublesome_a slackle_n whereby_o thou_o be_v fetter_v to_o creature_n however_o dear_a to_o thou_o lest_o thou_o present_v god_n with_o a_o break_a &_o divide_a heart_n whereas_o he_o give_v &_o demand_v a_o whole_a &_o sound_a &_o that_o thou_o owe_v to_o he_o have_v thou_o many_o thousand_o affection_n ah_o how_o hard_o be_v it_o to_o be_v abandon_v by_o all_o friend_n who_o may_v comfort_v we_o in_o our_o desolation_n but_o i_o know_v &_o will_v adore_v the_o power_n that_o work_v this_o happy_a separation_n perhaps_o thou_o have_v for_o ever_o perish_v o_o my_o soul_n have_v not_o not_o thus_o lose_v thy_o friend_n or_o abandon_v he_o for_o god_n alas_o