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
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
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
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
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