live_v in_o heaven_n by_o contemplate_v love_a &_o delight_v in_o god_n &_o what_o appertain_v to_o his_o &_o their_o own_o bless_a life_n although_o our_o soul_n confine_v now_o to_o this_o corruptible_a body_n depend_v thereon_o for_o action_n &_o motion_n in_o this_o our_o sinful_a state_n &_o have_v ever_o a_o natural_a inclination_n to_o abide_v with_o it_o &_o therefore_o with_o pain_n depart_v from_o it_o yet_o be_v she_o receive_v not_o her_o own_o life_n from_o the_o body_n but_o be_v life_n its_o self_n &_o give_v life_n &_o action_n to_o the_o body_n she_o may_v live_v within_o herself_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o inclination_n &_o motion_n of_o the_o body_n this_o she_o may_v soon_o perceive_v in_o herself_o if_o she_o tread_v not_o the_o path_n of_o sensuality_n which_o lead_v to_o earthly_a content_n but_o those_o of_o the_o spirit_n which_o tend_v to_o holy_a &_o divine_a action_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o angelical_a spirit_n who_o working_n be_v to_o be_v ever_o fix_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n &_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o command_n imagine_v therefore_o that_o thou_o kneel_v upon_o some_o high_a mountain_n before_o thy_o crucifix_n &_o thence_o do_v behold_v all_o earthly_a creature_n in_o their_o several_a degree_n &_o employment_n each_o one_o busy_v in_o the_o search_n of_o happiness_n in_o that_o they_o love_v most_o &_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n sudden_o fade_v away_o &_o thyself_o fall_v also_o into_o a_o trance_n &_o die_v &_o so_o do_v abide_v till_o jesus_n descend_v from_o his_o cross_n enter_v into_o thou_o &_o now_o again_o thou_o live_v &_o yet_o not_o thou_o but_o jesus_n christ_n in_o thou_o be_v thus_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n &_o only_o live_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n how_o spiritual_a &_o divine_a shall_v thy_o life_n &_o action_n be_v affection_n how_o happy_a wouldse_v thou_o be_v my_o soul_n if_o whole_o dead_a to_o flesh_n &_o blood_n &_o independent_a on_o all_o earthly_a creature_n thou_o can_v live_v the_o life_n of_o a_o angel_n whole_o drown_v in_o god_n &_o rely_v upon_o the_o light_n grace_n &_o comfort_n which_o proceed_v from_o he_o oh_o what_o joy_n what_o happiness_n to_o be_v dead_a to_o this_o world_n &_o all_o the_o vanity_n thereof_o &_o to_o live_v &_o work_v only_o by_o the_o enliven_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n how_o holy_a will_v thy_o thought_n how_o heavenly_a thy_o desire_n how_o inflame_a will_v thy_o affection_n than_o be_v towards_o spiritual_a &_o divine_a thing_n resolution_n i_o will_v hence_o forth_o lead_v a_o spiritual_a life_n have_v my_o mind_n still_o bend_v upon_o god_n &_o his_o holy_a will_n even_o in_o all_o my_o ordinary_a duty_n endeavour_v to_o lead_v a_o angellical_a life_n as_o if_o already_o separate_v from_o this_o heavy_a burden_n of_o mortality_n &_o without_o need_n of_o earthly_a supportation_n and_o i_o will_v be_v so_o watchful_a over_o my_o action_n as_o if_o i_o only_o live_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n &_o have_v no_o life_n or_o motion_n but_o what_o proceed_v from_o he_o then_o free_v from_o the_o law_n of_o death_n which_o abound_v in_o i_o through_o my_o sinful_a passion_n i_o shall_v serve_v god_n in_o the_o newness_n of_o my_o spirit_n &_o hear_v what_o god_n spirit_n speak_v to_o the_o church_n second_o point_n mental_a recollection_n consideration_n consider_v that_o to_o improve_v the_o soul_n in_o her_o inward_a tranquillity_n she_o must_v endeavour_v to_o be_v recollect_v within_o herself_o in_o all_o place_n at_o all_o time_n with_o all_o person_n &_o amid_o whatsoever_o employment_n we_o be_v by_o our_o present_a state_n of_o life_n obleige_v unto_o this_o inward_a recollection_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v easy_a &_o very_a delightful_a for_o although_o the_o soul_n be_v now_o lodge_v in_o the_o body_n as_o her_o prison_n &_o the_o variety_n of_o occasion_n which_o run_v through_o the_o course_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n much_o solicit_v she_o abroad_o to_o seek_v mean_n how_o to_o make_v her_o prison_n more_o tolerable_a &_o thereby_o hinder_v she_o in_o the_o free_a use_n of_o her_o spiritual_a faculty_n &_o distract_v her_o thought_n from_o god_n &_o heavenly_a thing_n yet_o be_v she_o not_o a_o slave_n to_o any_o passion_n of_o the_o body_n especial_o be_v now_o heal_v &_o repair_v by_o jesus_n christ_n &_o therefore_o she_o may_v by_o mean_n of_o a_o mental_a retreat_n into_o herself_o purchase_v a_o continual_a recollection_n amid_o the_o great_a tumult_n &_o distraction_n which_o may_v befall_v she_o build_v up_o therefore_o philothea_n a_o hermitage_n within_o thy_o heart_n erect_v a_o altar_n &_o place_n thereon_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o most_o amiable_a posture_n imaginable_a &_o whatsoever_o employment_n distraction_n or_o spiritual_a distress_n press_v itself_o upon_o thou_o depart_v not_o thence_o but_o there_o lay_v open_a thy_o want_n &_o weakness_n confer_v with_o he_o of_o thy_o progress_n &_o impediment_n to_o perfection_n harken_v careful_o what_o he_o say_v to_o thou_o &_o if_o some_o violent_a disquiet_n compel_v thy_o thought_n abroad_o endeavour_v to_o re-enter_v speedy_o into_o this_o thy_o hermitage_n bewail_v thy_o inconstancy_n &_o renew_v thy_o purpose_n of_o mental_a recollection_n affection_n ah_o my_o soul_n upon_o how_o slight_a occasion_n have_v thy_o thought_n be_v distract_v &_o thy_o mind_n lose_v its_o frequent_o resolve_v tranquillity_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o thy_o usual_a duty_n how_o o_o my_o god_n be_o i_o so_o sudden_o carry_v away_o with_o these_o outward_a object_n &_o employment_n sure_o be_v i_o true_o spiritual_a i_o shall_v without_o pain_n or_o distraction_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o variety_n of_o this_o life_n conver_v with_o god_n oh_o that_o thou_o will_v build_v up_o the_o ruin_n of_o israël_n &_o sanctify_v my_o heart_n a_o tabernacle_n to_o thy_o name_n then_o may_v i_o seek_v my_o belove_a within_o i_o &_o receive_v from_o he_o a_o kiss_n of_o peace_n resolution_n i_o will_v not_o only_o love_v the_o solitude_n of_o the_o body_n but_o of_o the_o mind_n also_o &_o will_v build_v up_o in_o my_o heart_n a_o holy_a hermitage_n befit_v the_o presence_n of_o my_o jesus_n &_o thither_o will_v i_o still_o retire_v myself_o ever_o confer_v with_o he_o of_o his_o love_n to_o i_o &_o my_o slowness_n of_o return_v love_n to_o he_o discover_v all_o my_o want_n &_o his_o help_n to_o become_v perfect_a in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n that_o i_o may_v thereby_o enjoy_v the_o tranquillity_n of_o my_o spirit_n what_o ever_o occasion_n of_o obedience_n charity_n or_o compliance_n with_o my_o own_o necessity_n call_v i_o forth_o this_o corporal_a retirement_n o_o who_o will_v give_v i_o that_o i_o may_v ever_o set_v by_o this_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n in_o the_o solitude_n of_o my_o own_o heart_n there_o will_v i_o sigh_v &_o mourn_v while_o i_o think_v of_o the_o heavenly_a zion_n third_z point_n union_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o god_n consideration_n consider_v that_o as_o god_n only_o be_v the_o supreme_a good_a &_o happiness_n of_o the_o immortal_a soul_n so_o can_v she_o experience_v any_o true_a &_o complete_a tranquillity_n within_o herself_o unless_o be_v inward_o unite_v to_o he_o she_o become_v one_o spirit_n with_o he_o &_o be_v as_o it_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o supernatural_a &_o divine_a be_v by_o a_o reciprocation_n of_o love_n conformity_n of_o will_n &_o communication_n in_o all_o those_o gift_n grace_n &_o spiritual_a blessing_n whereby_o in_o this_o her_o pilgrimage_n she_o may_v be_v clothe_v with_o a_o likeness_n to_o god_n &_o enjoy_v that_o clearness_n of_o understanding_n alacrity_n of_o will_n calmness_n of_o passion_n &_o universal_a purity_n sweetness_n &_o joy_n in_o the_o whole_a spirit_n which_o god_n usual_o impart_v only_o to_o his_o most_o special_a favourite_n this_o deify_v union_n philothea_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n will_v wonderful_o work_v in_o thou_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o emptiness_n vanity_n &_o nakedness_n of_o all_o creature_n breed_v in_o thou_o a_o loathe_v towards_o the_o best_a of_o they_o &_o cause_n in_o thy_o heart_n a_o restless_a desire_n to_o see_v possess_v &_o embrace_v god_n in_o the_o simplicity_n &_o purity_n of_o his_o own_o essence_n without_o mixture_n of_o any_o thing_n beneath_o himself_o &_o for_o his_o sake_n thou_o will_v strip_v thyself_o willing_o of_o all_o creature_n &_o in_o ward_n inclination_n of_o will_n &_o passion_n &_o welcome_v whatever_o calamity_n &_o misery_n may_v befall_v thou_o for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o that_o soul_n will_v not_o ready_o want_v do_v or_o suffer_v to_o who_o god_n be_v all-in-all_a sure_o in_o this_o delicious_a union_n espousal_n &_o transformation_n by_o love_n the_o soul_n must_v needs_o experience_n god_n a_o rich_a
the_o practice_n of_o holy_a meditation_n in_o this_o experience_n will_v be_v every_o one_o best_o counsellor_n if_o place_n permit_v no_o other_o isaac_n posture_n to_o meditate_v walk_v be_v very_o good_a but_o kneel_v with_o hand_n cross_v on_o the_o breast_n the_o eye_n shut_v &_o face_n towards_o heaven_n &_o sometime_o prostrate_a on_o the_o ground_n be_v a_o posture_n more_o genuine_a &_o natural_a how_o ever_o it_o be_v be_v sure_o the_o frame_n of_o thy_o body_n testify_v profound_a reverence_n towards_o god_n &_o help_v to_o raise_v thy_o thought_n &_o affection_n thitherward_o our_o devotion_n will_v be_v most_o kind_o when_o the_o composure_n of_o the_o body_n which_o be_v the_o soul_n instrument_n be_v most_o humble_a &_o respectful_a &_o this_o also_o must_v needs_o be_v sometime_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o subject_n of_o thy_o contemplation_n §._o 7._o subject_a of_o solitary_a thought_n now_o for_o the_o subject_n &_o matter_n whereon_o thou_o be_v to_o feed_v during_o this_o holy_a solitude_n thou_o must_v use_v great_a circumspection_n i_o doubt_v not_o philothea_n there_o be_v many_o contemplative_n but_o not_o all_o good_a one_o one_o meditate_v how_o to_o do_v his_o neighbour_n a_o mischief_n another_o how_o to_o sin_v unseen_a &_o these_o be_v those_o who_o as_o david_n say_v do_v meditate_v iniquity_n in_o their_o bed_n other_o be_v buisy_n in_o the_o search_n of_o the_o hide_a cause_n of_o visible_a effect_n &_o so_o seek_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a world_n become_v stranger_n to_o their_o own_o home_n &_o whilst_o they_o seek_v to_o know_v other_o be_v quite_o unknown_a to_o themselves_o do_v you_o therefore_o choose_v to_o meditate_v on_o that_o may_v do_v thou_o good_a the_o god_n that_o make_v we_o the_o vileness_n of_o our_o body_n by_o nature_n the_o wretchedness_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o sin_n the_o abundance_n of_o temptation_n the_o danger_n of_o sudden_a death_n the_o beauty_n of_o virtue_n jesus_n christ_n who_o buy_v we_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n he_o purchase_v for_o we_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o life_n death_n &_o resurrection_n the_o benefitt_a of_o the_o sacrament_n our_o vocation_n to_o christianity_n the_o pain_n of_o hell_n the_o glorious_a estate_n of_o the_o bless_a &_o such_o like_a be_v fit_a object_n i_o shall_v think_v to_o entertain_v thy_o self_n there_o in_o earthly_a thing_n proffer_v themselves_o on_o their_o own_o accord_n with_o importunity_n but_o if_o they_o be_v any_o thing_n worth_a they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o forward_o heavenly_a thing_n must_v be_v sue_v unto_o with_o eagerness_n their_o hardness_n to_o be_v obtain_v argue_v their_o worth_n &_o the_o necessity_n of_o serious_a meditation_n thereby_o to_o solicit_v they_o the_o hard_a they_o be_v to_o prosecute_v the_o more_o precious_a they_o be_v be_v obtain_v &_o therefore_o the_o more_o worthy_a our_o endeavour_n while_o the_o soul_n be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n &_o godliness_n it_o can_v miscarry_v yet_o i_o advise_v thou_o to_o be_v cautious_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n where_o more_o of_o belief_n &_o admiration_n be_v to_o be_v use_v then_o of_o reason_n &_o discourse_n and_o that_o matter_n without_o exception_n be_v best_a herein_o which_o work_v compunction_n in_o the_o heart_n most_o stir_v up_o to_o devotion_n &_o incite_v strong_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o the_o end_n &_o to_o virtue_n as_o the_o mean_n to_o he_o wherein_o experience_n will_v be_v a_o great_a mistress_n §._o 8._o a_o method_n of_o meditation_n it_o remain_v now_o that_o i_o say_v something_o of_o the_o form_n &_o method_n which_o thou_o be_v to_o observe_v in_o divide_v thy_o meditation_n &_o in_o handle_v the_o part_n &_o point_n thereof_o but_o this_o have_v much_o variety_n among_o contemplative_n &_o each_o way_n be_v useful_a &_o laudable_a as_o it_o be_v fit_v to_o person_n that_o use_v it_o for_o since_o there_o be_v different_a mansion_n in_o god_n glory_n no_o wonder_n there_o shall_v be_v different_a mean_n to_o purchase_v they_o according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o each_o one_o disposition_n all_o be_v not_o equal_o either_o worldly_a or_o contemplative_a so_o neither_o equal_o dispose_v for_o the_o like_a illumination_n nor_o capable_a of_o pursue_v the_o same_o head_n or_o point_n of_o meditation_n s._n bonaventures_o method_n usual_o practise_v among_o we_o &_o like_v of_o by_o the_o best_a be_v brief_a easy_a well_o order_v &_o much_o help_v the_o memory_n a_o faculty_n which_o have_v great_a influence_n in_o this_o bless_a work_n according_a to_o this_o meditation_n or_o mental_a prayer_n be_v divide_v into_o three_o part_n which_o be_v preparation_n meditation_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a part_n retain_v the_o general_a name_n &_o conclusion_n preparation_n make_v way_n for_o meditation_n meditation_n ruminate_v upon_o the_o matter_n &_o give_v strength_n &_o life_n to_o our_o recollection_n conclusion_n close_v up_o the_o whole_a exercise_n preparation_n first_o place_v we_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o who_o we_o be_v to_o make_v our_o special_a conference_n to_o our_o advancement_n &_o comfort_n with_o all_o fear_n &_o reverence_n then_o second_o it_o choose_v the_o mystery_n or_o subject_n whereon_o we_o intend_v as_o present_v to_o settle_v our_o thought_n three_o it_o implore_v help_v from_o heaven_n whereby_o our_o weakness_n may_v be_v sustain_v in_o this_o heavenly_a work_n &_o enable_v resolute_o to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o and_o true_o since_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n never_o attempt_v any_o notable_a business_n without_o a_o solemn_a apprecation_n of_o good_a success_n a_o christian_a or_o religious_a soul_n shall_v not_o presume_v to_o undertake_v a_o spiritual_a work_n of_o such_o importance_n as_o this_o be_v without_o first_o crave_v aid_n from_o heaven_n wherein_o we_o be_v unable_a to_o do_v well_o without_o god_n assistance_n we_o must_v therefore_o beg_v earnest_o that_o the_o progress_n of_o our_o meditation_n may_v be_v guide_v &_o bless_v by_o he_o &_o that_o he_o will_v banish_v all_o distraction_n enlighten_v our_o understanding_n quicken_v our_o judgement_n rectify_v our_o will_n whet_v our_o affection_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n kindle_v our_o devotion_n &_o so_o enlarge_v our_o heart_n towards_o himself_o that_o we_o may_v find_v our_o imperfection_n abate_v virtue_n strengthen_v &_o our_o soul_n every_o way_n better_v by_o our_o solitude_n meditation_n have_v also_o three_o part_n consideration_n ponder_v serious_o the_o subject_n we_o have_v choose_v thereby_o to_o stir_v up_o our_o affection_n to_o god_n &_o goodness_n &_o thereon_o to_o ground_v our_o ensue_a resolution_n but_o care_n must_v be_v take_v that_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o wrack_v by_o a_o too_o vehement_a inquiry_n for_o this_o will_v tire_v out_o the_o fancy_n &_o interrupt_v the_o chief_a work_n it_o will_v suffice_v to_o take_v the_o most_o pregnant_a &_o obvious_a let_v these_o consideration_n be_v but_o three_o at_o the_o most_o and_o if_o thy_o soul_n find_v sufficient_a satisfaction_n light_n &_o fruit_n in_o the_o first_o of_o they_o dwell_v there_o without_o go_v further_o &_o give_v way_n to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o work_v his_o will_n in_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o find_v not_o there_o the_o expect_a success_n pass_v quiet_o on_o to_o another_o but_o besure_n to_o go_v on_o sweet_o &_o easy_o in_o thy_o search_n without_o tire_v thyself_o too_o much_o thou_o will_v find_v little_a pleasure_n in_o the_o kernel_n if_o thou_o break_v thy_o tooth_n with_o the_o shell_n affection_n succee_v where_o to_o if_o our_o consideration_n reach_v not_o they_o will_v prove_v vain_a or_o to_o little_a purpose_n for_o this_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o meditation_n to_o which_o the_o former_a part_n serve_v only_o as_o instrument_n as_o we_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n by_o our_o reason_n &_o discourse_n so_o be_v we_o christian_n &_o religious_a by_o our_o good_a will_n &_o affection_n towards_o heavenly_a thing_n wherefore_o the_o former_a labour_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v undertake_v to_o move_v the_o affective_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o the_o understanding_n have_v traverse_v the_o point_n propose_v the_o will_n must_v endeavour_v by_o apply_v herself_o thereto_o with_o all_o earnestness_n to_o find_v some_o feel_a relish_n in_o it_o which_o fruit_n through_o god_n blessing_n will_v follow_v a_o deliberate_a consideration_n of_o some_o move_a object_n and_o in_o these_o affection_n we_o must_v permit_v our_o soul_n to_o spread_v &_o dilate_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a if_o thou_o find_v thy_o heart_n to_o pant_v &_o swell_v with_o abundant_a sweetness_n ease_v it_o by_o some_o gentle_a aspiration_n &_o amorous_a sigh_n as_o god_n shall_v then_o inspire_v thou_o the_o last_o be_v resolution_n wherein_o the_o soul_n bewail_v her_o poverty_n dulness_n &_o imperfection_n which_o may_v happy_o appear_v then_o in_o
god_n as_o a_o sheep_n that_o be_v lose_v seek_v thou_o thy_o servant_n &_o i_o will_v not_o be_v unmindful_a of_o thy_o commandment_n resolution_n i_o will_v not_o only_o henceforth_o mortify_v the_o sense_n of_o my_o body_n but_o the_o passion_n of_o my_o mind_n also_o that_o with_o my_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o lip_n i_o may_v honour_v &_o glorify_v my_o saviour_n and_o i_o will_v strict_o examine_v every_o motion_n of_o my_o sensual_a appetite_n that_o i_o may_v discover_v its_o malady_n order_n its_o affection_n &_o prevent_v those_o disquiet_n which_o my_o passion_n have_v hitherto_o raise_v in_o i_o that_o my_o belove_a may_v say_v to_o i_o thou_o be_v a_o garden_n of_o delight_n enclose_v a_o spring_n shut_v up_o &_o a_o fountain_n seal_v third_z point_n mortification_n the_o property_n of_o a_o christian_n consideration_n consider_v that_o by_o mean_n of_o this_o mortification_n of_o our_o sense_n &_o passion_n we_o be_v place_v in_o a_o degree_n of_o perfection_n above_o beast_n who_o be_v void_a of_o reason_n seek_v their_o content_n &_o happiness_n in_o sensual_a delight_n &_o therefore_o those_o carnal_a heart_n which_o still_o wallow_v in_o the_o puddle_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n follow_v the_o allurement_n of_o sensible_a object_n &_o the_o disorder_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n degenerate_a into_o beast_n whereas_o mortification_n be_v the_o special_a badge_n &_o property_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a man_n who_o living_n according_a to_o reason_n &_o grace_n crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o its_o concupiscence_n &_o thereby_o belong_v to_o christ_n but_o especial_o this_o perfect_a mortification_n of_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n be_v the_o proper_a companion_n &_o true_a signet_n of_o the_o solitary_a soul_n who_o retire_v from_o worldly_a conversation_n oblige_v herself_o to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o suffering_n &_o to_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o the_o most_o zealous_a christian_n of_o all_o age_n by_o resist_v the_o irregular_a desire_n of_o sensuality_n that_o the_o flesh_n may_v obey_v the_o spirit_n &_o our_o spirit_n the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o whole_a man._n if_o therefore_o philothea_n thy_o sense_n &_o passion_n have_v hitherto_o be_v loose_o keep_v &_o stray_v after_o inordinate_a satisfaction_n now_o thou_o must_v have_v a_o watchful_a care_n over_o they_o &_o fasten_v they_o to_o the_o cross_n of_o mortification_n prompt_o joyful_o frequent_o perseverent_o &_o universal_o that_o as_o all_o have_v be_v minister_n of_o uncleanness_n they_o may_v also_o be_v promoter_n of_o piety_n thy_o eye_n in_o contemplate_v thy_o crucify_a redeemer_n &_o read_v holy_a book_n thy_o ear_n in_o harken_v to_o devout_a sermon_n thy_o tongue_n in_o prayer_n &_o pious_a discourse_n thy_o hand_n in_o perform_v good_a work_n thy_o foot_n in_o visit_v holy_a place_n &_o thy_o whole_a body_n in_o bear_v patient_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n &_o undergo_a act_n of_o penance_n for_o satisfaction_n of_o past_a &_o prevention_n of_o new_a sin_n so_o contrary_a to_o thy_o christian_a profession_n &_o the_o great_a design_n now_o in_o hand_n affection_n i_o acknowledge_v my_o dear_a lord_n that_o through_o thy_o precious_a blood_n i_o be_o regenerate_v from_o my_o sinful_a state_n sanctify_v to_o christian_a &_o holy_a duty_n &_o strong_o fortify_v against_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o my_o own_o sensuality_n &_o outward_a charm_n of_o earthly_a delight_n &_o yet_o alas_o how_o oft_o how_o vile_o have_v i_o transgress_v thy_o command_n &_o my_o own_o promise_n to_o be_v one_o of_o thy_o flock_n to_o become_v a_o mortify_a christian_a to_o abandon_v all_o worldly_a content_n &_o suffer_v whatever_o austerity_n &_o tribulation_n rather_o than_o to_o loose_v any_o part_n in_o thou_o &_o thy_o bless_a kingdom_n prepare_v for_o i_o but_o thou_o o_o lord_n be_v sweet_a &_o mild_a &_o abound_a with_o mercy_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o o_o god_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o for_o my_o soul_n have_v trust_v in_o thou_o resolution_n i_o will_v take_v a_o special_a view_n of_o all_o abuse_v commit_v through_o immortification_n of_o my_o sense_n &_o passion_n &_o consider_v all_o my_o evil_a inclination_n where_o at_o what_o time_n towards_o what_o object_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o comply_v with_o they_o &_o i_o will_v wary_o watch_v over_o all_o my_o way_n prevent_v danger_n &_o undertake_v such_o mortification_n as_o may_v keep_v my_o heart_n close_o to_o my_o god_n &_o steadfast_a in_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o holy_a commandment_n strengthen_v i_o o_o lord_n with_o thy_o grace_n &_o my_o appetite_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o i_o &_o i_o shall_v have_v power_n over_o it_o the_o evening_n exercise_n first_o discourse_n damage_n incur_v by_o immortification_n as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n join_v with_o self_n contempt_n build_v up_o the_o city_n of_o god_n in_o we_o so_o self_n love_n reach_v to_o the_o contempt_n of_o god_n holy_a commandment_n that_o of_o satan_n this_o self-love_n be_v the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o sphere_n of_o the_o unmortify_v soul_n of_o all_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o sensuality_n whence_o proceed_v all_o those_o calamity_n of_o sinful_a desire_n &_o the_o follow_a disorder_n which_o restles_o war_n against_o god_n spirit_n in_o we_o &_o heavy_o press_v we_o down_o even_o against_o our_o will_n to_o those_o misery_n we_o now_o groan_v under_o &_o long_o to_o be_v free_v from_o our_o first_o parent_n comply_v with_o a_o immoderate_a appetite_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o one_o forbid_a tree_n among_o so_o many_o thousand_o excellent_a one_o allow_v by_o almighty_a god_n for_o their_o use_n &_o pleasure_n notwithstanding_o god_n severe_a prohibition_n under_o pain_n of_o his_o high_a dispeasure_n a_o tedious_a life_n forrowfull_a death_n &_o all_o those_o penalty_n which_o daily_o draw_v so_o many_o tear_n from_o our_o eye_n &_o sigh_n from_o our_o heart_n have_v bring_v god_n heavy_a wrath_n upon_o themselves_o &_o we_o &_o all_o those_o rebellion_n of_o sensuality_n error_n in_o understanding_n difficulty_n in_o obey_v &_o that_o torrent_n of_o care_n &_o sorrow_n which_o continual_o afflict_v our_o spirit_n &_o yet_o we_o still_o add_v to_o our_o misery_n by_o a_o over-ready_a side_v with_o these_o our_o unruly_a passion_n &_o appetite_n what_o grater_n mishap_n can_v befall_v a_o sovereign_a prince_n then_o to_o be_v depose_v his_o throne_n spoil_v of_o his_o royal_a prerogative_n &_o dignity_n &_o to_o be_v banish_v forth_o his_o own_o dominion_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o we_o now_o each_o one_o of_o we_o have_v a_o peaceful_a kingdom_n within_o himself_o &_o be_v supreme_a lord_n therein_o in_o his_o original_a state_n no_o soon_o do_v self_n love_n creep_v in_o to_o our_o heart_n &_o seduce_v the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o prefer_v sensuality_n to_o reason_n &_o justice_n but_o god_n permit_v our_o passion_n to_o overrun_v we_o &_o tyrannize_v within_o we_o whence_o arise_v those_o variety_n of_o concupiscence_n boiling_n &_o rouling_n of_o our_o affection_n love_n &_o hatred_n hope_n &_o fear_n &_o those_o numberless_a disquiet_n which_o torture_v our_o unmortify_v spirit_n he_o take_v from_o we_o the_o safeguard_n of_o justice_n &_o innocency_n whereby_o we_o be_v become_v unable_a to_o govern_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o flight_n of_o evil_a &_o pursuance_n of_o approve_a good_a and_o we_o be_v banish_v forth_o that_o paradise_n which_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o our_o earthly_a happiness_n &_o the_o image_n of_o the_o heavenly_a &_o be_v here_o condemn_v through_o sweat_n &_o sigh_n &_o innumerable_a sorrow_n to_o wear_v out_o a_o anxious_a &_o painful_a life_n these_o be_v the_o misery_n we_o have_v incur_v philothea_n through_o immortification_n of_o our_o sense_n &_o passion_n &_o be_v still_o increase_v in_o we_o by_o give_v reins_n to_o our_o heady_a &_o disorderly_a sensuality_n as_o we_o daily_a experience_n in_o the_o misgovernment_n of_o our_o life_n &_o action_n which_o certain_o none_o can_v serious_o consider_v without_o a_o extreme_a horror_n &_o confusion_n thou_o must_v therefore_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o suppress_v all_o inordinate_a suggestion_n &_o desire_n of_o flesh_n &_o blood_n through_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a humiliation_n &_o bitter_a sorrow_n the_o eat_v one_o forbid_v apple_n cost_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o severe_a prohibition_n god_n have_v make_v against_o unlawfall_n concupiscence_n &_o his_o command_n that_o we_o mortify_v our_o carnal_a appetite_n crucify_v our_o flesh_n chastise_v our_o body_n hate_n &_o deny_v ourselves_o the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n &_o lover_n of_o solitude_n &_o the_o great_a damage_n we_o have_v already_o &_o still_o may_v incur_v by_o consent_v to_o our_o vicious_a affection_n then_o by_o examine_v what_o passion_n abound_v most_o in_o thou_o how_o thou_o may_v timely_o prevent_v danger_n of_o raise_v
how_o superfluous_a how_o treacherous_a how_o dangerous_a have_v singularity_n of_o frienships_n hitherto_o prove_v unto_o i_o adieu_n all_o friend_n henceforth_o my_o only_a trust_n shall_v be_v in_o god_n who_o have_v love_v i_o with_o a_o perpetual_a charity_n &_o have_v engrave_v i_o in_o his_o hand_n that_o he_o may_v be_v ever_o mindful_a of_o i_o forsake_v i_o not_o o_o lord_n &_o i_o will_v be_v always_o with_o thou_o &_o become_v as_o a_o pilgrim_n to_o the_o child_n of_o my_o mother_n resolution_n i_o will_v courageous_o quit_v all_o tie_n even_o to_o my_o dear_a friend_n when_o my_o spiritual_a concernment_n require_v it_o whither_o they_o love_v i_o therefore_o or_o hate_v i_o wish_v i_o well_o or_o persecute_v i_o &_o i_o will_v equal_o prepare_v my_o heart_n to_o be_v love_v or_o persecute_v praise_v or_o condemn_v by_o they_o behave_v myself_o as_o a_o pilgrim_n to_o all_o earthly_a creature_n &_o a_o citizen_n of_o heaven_n i_o have_v choose_v my_o solitude_n with_o my_o abandon_a lord_n &_o master_n nor_o shall_v any_o false_a allurement_n or_o harsh_a deal_n change_v my_o resolution_n he_o have_v give_v i_o a_o glorious_a example_n as_o he_o have_v do_v i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o do_v also_o third_z point_n self-denial_n consideration_n consider_v that_o jesus_n christ_n hang_v on_o the_o cross_n be_v the_o true_a pattern_n of_o self-denial_n this_o be_v his_o doctrine_n while_o he_o live_v &_o this_o his_o practice_n in_o his_o passion_n &_o death_n therefore_o his_o prayer_n to_o his_o eternal_a father_n be_v not_o i_o but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v behold_v then_o how_o he_o lose_v his_o blood_n in_o his_o agony_n his_o esteem_n by_o revile_n &_o blasphemy_n his_o strength_n by_o whip_n &_o thorn_n his_o comeliness_n by_o stripe_n &_o wound_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o low_a region_n of_o his_o soul_n by_o excess_n of_o sorrow_n &_o his_o life_n by_o a_o most_o bitter_a &_o ignominious_a death_n thus_o the_o most_o beautiful_a among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n be_v become_v as_o one_o strike_v of_o god_n cover_v with_o leprosy_n &_o a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n if_o thou_o desire_v philothea_n to_o become_v perfect_a thou_o must_v also_o endeavour_v this_o self-denial_n &_o separation_n of_o thyself_o from_o thyself_o by_o abandon_v thy_o own_o will_n &_o a_o readiness_n to_o sacrifice_v unto_o god_n thy_o tear_n blood_n body_n soul_n &_o all_o the_o calamity_n &_o affliction_n god_n providence_n may_v inflict_v on_o thou_o willing_o suffer_v what_o ever_o cross_n may_v befall_v thou_o in_o conformity_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n &_o the_o counsel_n &_o practice_v of_o thy_o suffer_a lord_n &_o master_n there_o be_v none_o of_o what_o condition_n soever_o but_o must_v more_o or_o less_o take_v up_o christ_n cross_n &_o follow_v he_o by_o self-denial_n &_o bear_v some_o tribulation_n for_o his_o sake_n &_o their_o own_o profit_n through_o sin_n the_o flesh_n &_o spirit_n be_v at_o odds_o &_o sensuality_n rebel_n against_o god_n no_o wonder_n then_o if_o we_o feel_v contradiction_n within_o our_o own_o heart_n &_o suffering_n from_o the_o inordinate_a passion_n desire_n or_o malice_n of_o other_o neither_o saint_n nor_o sinner_n nor_o any_o mortal_a creature_n be_v exempt_a from_o the_o law_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o what_o majesty_n wisdom_n power_n or_o holiness_n soever_o he_o be_v nor_o be_v any_o of_o these_o happy_a unless_o resign_v to_o bear_v all_o thou_o suffer_v not_o alone_a philothea_n all_o must_v willing_o or_o against_o their_o will_n suffer_v with_o thou_o which_o shall_v encourage_v thou_o to_o a_o unbroken_a patience_n amid_o the_o heavy_a press_n of_o tribulation_n which_o may_v happen_v to_o thou_o especial_o since_o thy_o jesus_n thy_o espous_a the_o giver_n of_o all_o good_a suffer_v so_o many_o so_o long_o so_o grievous_a torment_n with_o thou_o nor_o may_v we_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v the_o consolation_n of_o this_o &_o the_o other_o life_n we_o must_v forgo_v one_o or_o the_o other_o either_o suffer_v here_o or_o else_o where_o which_o will_v thou_o choose_v be_v it_o not_o much_o better_a to_o undergo_v a_o momentany_a tribulation_n than_o a_o eternal_a only_o worldly_a pleasure_n can_v destroy_v thou_o therefore_o fly_v from_o they_o the_o cross_n only_o whereby_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v save_v can_v save_v thou_o seek_v it_o then_o &_o with_o it_o thou_o shall_v find_v life_n &_o salvation_n thy_o crown_n of_o thorn_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o a_o crown_n of_o never_o fade_a glory_n &_o if_o thou_o have_v drink_v of_o the_o torrent_n of_o tribulation_n with_o thy_o crucify_a redeemer_n thou_o shall_v also_o taste_v the_o delicacy_n of_o his_o heavenly_a happiness_n in_o his_o glorious_a kingdom_n affection_n if_o jesus_n must_v suffer_v ere_o he_o enter_v his_o glory_n can_v thou_o o_o my_o soul_n hope_v to_o purchase_v heaven_n at_o a_o easy_a rate_n no_o my_o dear_a lord_n since_o love_v move_v thou_o to_o transfigure_v thyself_o into_o a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n for_o my_o sake_n love_v also_o shall_v compel_v i_o to_o be_v conformable_a to_o thou_o my_o holy_a espous_a let_v i_o but_o enjoy_v thou_o &_o then_o let_v what_o ever_o tribulation_n thou_o please_v fall_v upon_o i_o here_o cut_n here_o burn_v so_o thou_o spare_v i_o for_o eternity_n o_o eternity_n who_o can_v live_v with_o thy_o everlasting_a torment_n come_v therefore_o o_o delicious_a cross_n o_o amiable_a tribulation_n by_o which_o i_o may_v purchase_v a_o eternity_n of_o joy_n resolution_n i_o will_v prepare_v myself_o to_o this_o spiritual_a combat_n &_o not_o only_o endure_v the_o tribulation_n which_o my_o sensuality_n &_o disorderly_a passion_n may_v raise_v against_o i_o but_o what_o ever_o cross_v the_o malice_n of_o satan_n or_o the_o sweet_a providence_n of_o my_o heavenly_a father_n shall_v inflict_v upon_o i_o &_o humble_o cast_v myself_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o cross_n i_o will_v say_v behold_v here_o o_o divine_a lord_n behold_v here_o my_o whole_a self_n my_o body_n my_o soul_n my_o all_o ready_a to_o abandon_v all_o content_n &_o to_o suffer_v all_o sorrow_n for_o thou_o thy_o will_v be_v do_v pleasure_n or_o pain_n thorn_n or_o diadem_n life_n or_o death_n all_o shall_v be_v indifferent_o welcome_a only_o be_v thou_o with_o i_o o_o strong_a helper_n &_o none_o shall_v prevail_v against_o me._n evening_n exercise_n first_o discourse_n spiritual_a desolation_n although_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o belove_a of_o the_o eternal_a father_n equal_a to_o he_o in_o essence_n wisdom_n &_o power_n yet_o for_o we_o he_o will_v become_v a_o outcast_n desert_v by_o he_o harken_v philothea_n to_o that_o lamentable_a complaint_n he_o make_v to_o his_o father_n upon_o the_o cross_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o though_o his_o humane_a nature_n lose_v not_o its_o union_n with_o the_o godhead_n nor_o the_o grace_n or_o friendship_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o divinity_n on_o the_o inferior_a portion_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v then_o suspend_v &_o he_o leave_v to_o struggle_v with_o the_o bitter_a torment_n &_o pang_n of_o a_o most_o cruel_a &_o ignominious_a death_n our_o solitary_a pilgrim_n to_o perfection_n must_v be_v prepare_v to_o welcome_v this_o sublime_a state_n of_o spiritual_a desolation_n if_o she_o aspire_v to_o a_o union_n &_o conformity_n with_o her_o heavenly_a espous_a she_o must_v not_o only_o content_o abandon_v all_o friend_n &_o bear_v what_o ever_o cross_n but_o must_v also_o willing_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o those_o delight_n which_o usual_o accompany_v a_o devout_a life_n undergo_v aridity_n of_o the_o spirit_n &_o loose_v the_o savoury_a influence_n of_o god_n gracious_a favour_n &_o instead_o of_o pleasant_a illustration_n of_o the_o understanding_n enflaming_n of_o the_o will_n &_o flow_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o heart_n to_o have_v the_o spirit_n load_v with_o dulness_n barrenness_n &_o insensibility_n to_o heavenly_a thought_n &_o action_n if_o god_n thus_o try_v thy_o constancy_n assure_v thyself_o philothea_n he_o be_v even_o then_o present_a with_o thou_o watch_v in_o the_o centre_n of_o thy_o heart_n over_o thou_o cause_v aversion_n from_o sin_n desire_v to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o thy_o state_n &_o long_n to_o be_v with_o god_n though_o in_o that_o distress_n a_o darkness_n be_v spread_v over_o thy_o soul_n &_o thou_o be_v deprive_v of_o thy_o usual_a cheerfulness_n &_o alacrity_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o our_o desolation_n oft_o be_v in_o ourselves_o either_o a_o too_o eager_a desire_n of_o or_o delight_n in_o spiritual_a consolation_n or_o a_o neglect_n of_o timely_a entertain_v offer_v inspiration_n or_o else_o too_o much_o proneness_n to_o seek_v &_o accept_v of_o sensual_a satisfaction_n but_o the_o chief_a cause_n thereof_o be_v god_n only_o who_o property_n it_o be_v to_o create_v light_n &_o darkness_n &_o