meditation_n for_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o solid_a and_o sure_a fundation_n of_o this_o spiritual_a building_n the_o first_o pointe._n consider_v what_o fundation_n ought_v to_o be_v lay_v to_o support_v this_o weighty_a and_o most_o important_a build_n and_o your_o holy_a father_n will_v tell_v you_o again_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o humility_n do_v you_o say_v he_o pretend_v to_o erect_v a_o fabric_n of_o a_o huge_a height_n think_v first_o of_o the_o foundation_n humility_n and_o by_o how_o much_o high_o we_o intend_v to_o raise_v the_o building_n and_o to_o charge_v more_o weight_n upon_o it_o by_o so_o much_o deep_a we_o must_v dig_v the_o fundation_n now_o unto_o what_o a_o vast_a height_n be_v the_o top_n of_o our_o euangelliall_a tower_n to_o reach_v certes_o even_o into_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o great_a god_n that_o immense_a and_o dreadful_a majesty_n how_o vast_o deep_a then_o ought_v our_o foundation_n to_o be_v dig_v affection_n and_o resol._n yes_o my_o soul_n it_o be_v even_o into_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o dreadful_a majesty_n that_o we_o intend_v that_o the_o top_n of_o our_o tower_n shall_v reach_v that_o majesty_n which_o the_o angel_n praise_n the_o domination_n adore_v the_o power_n tremble_v at_o the_o cherubin_n and_o seraphin_n with_o dread_n singe_v to_o holy_a holy_a holy_a for_o ever_o let_v we_o not_o hazard_v so_o huge_o important_a a_o piece_n upon_o unsound_a groundwork_n which_o will_v prove_v at_o length_n but_o ruin_n nay_o contrary_o let_v we_o dig_v quite_o through_o this_o loose_a earth_n of_o which_o we_o be_v make_v exinanite_n exinanite_n usque_fw-la ad_fw-la fundamentum_fw-la in_o ea_fw-la let_v we_o never_o leave_v dig_v till_o we_o meet_v with_o our_o own_a nothing_o till_o we_o know_v it_o certain_o till_o we_o confess_v it_o ingenuous_o that_o be_v our_o safe_a ground_n to_o build_v upon_o where_o we_o may_v just_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v put_v a_o hand_n too_o and_o raise_v the_o work_n since_o his_o custom_n be_v to_o trade_v upon_o nothing_o and_o to_o work_n wonder_n upon_o it_o ah_o my_o soul_n may_v we_o be_v so_o true_o nothing_o in_o our_o own_o eye_n that_o he_o who_o be_v potent_a may_v look_v upon_o our_o abiectnesse_n and_o do_v great_a thing_n in_o us._n the_o ii_o pointe._n what_o this_o foundation_n humility_n be_v consider_v what_o humility_n true_o be_v and_o you_o will_v receive_v from_o your_o holy_a father_n that_o it_o be_v a_o voluntary_a stoop_n or_o low_a of_o the_o mind_n out_o of_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o what_o our_o almighty_a maker_n be_v and_o what_o we_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o he_o or_o again_o humility_n be_v a_o virtue_n whereby_o a_o man_n wax_v vile_a in_o his_o own_o sight_n by_o the_o true_a knowledge_n he_o have_v of_o his_o own_o misery_n or_o else_o from_o s._n bernard_n humility_n be_v verity_n that_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o be_v man_n which_o be_v well_o know_v and_o ponder_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o our_o heart_n shall_v bow_v down_o to_o the_o very_a ground_n and_o keep_v we_o there_o with_o our_o mouth_n in_o the_o dust_n whereof_o we_o be_v make_v affection_n and_o resolve_v now_o my_o soul_n if_o humility_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o stoop_n of_o the_o heart_n upon_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o we_o be_v let_v our_o consideration_n be_v continual_o fix_v upon_o those_o two_o thing_n as_o the_o sure_a solid_a and_o true_a ground_n thereof_o say_v with_o the_o humble_a s._n francis_n o_o my_o god_n who_o be_v thou_o and_o who_o be_o i_o who_o be_v thou_o but_o a_o immense_a inaccessible_a ineffable_a incomprehensible_a majesty_n and_o who_o be_o i_o but_o a_o miserable_a inconsiderable_a contemptible_a abyss_n of_o misery_n who_o be_v thou_o but_o a_o infinite_a rich_a master_n who_o can_v need_v nothing_o that_o be_v i_o and_o who_o be_o i_o but_o a_o poor_a needy_a beggarly_a servant_n who_o be_o constrain_v to_o beg_v bread_n at_o thy_o door_n every_o day_n who_o be_v thou_o but_o a_o permanent_a independent_a eternal_a essence_n or_o be_v and_o who_o be_o i_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v but_o a_o vapour_n a_o morning_n dew_a a_o dream_n a_o fantome_n a_o fade_a flower_n a_o pure_a vanity_n a_o blast_n of_o wind_n a_o shadow_n in_o aword_n a_o thing_n which_o neither_o have_v any_o other_o thing_n more_o miserable_o poor_a or_o morevaine_o proud_a than_o itself_o dust_n and_o ash_n then_o why_o be_v thou_o proud_a the_o first_o meditat_fw-la for_o the_o second_o day_n of_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o learn_v humility_n the_o first_o pointe._n consider_v of_o who_o you_o ought_v to_o learn_v humility_n and_o s._n augustine_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o he_o send_v you_o not_o to_o publican_n and_o harlot_n who_o yet_o will_v be_v prefer_v before_o the_o proud_a person_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o to_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n himself_o who_o cry_v out_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o public_a auditory_a of_o all_o mankind_n come_v unto_o i_o and_o learn_v of_o i_o but_o tell_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o say_v he_o o_o thou_o son_n of_o god_n what_o must_v i_o learn_v of_o thou_o by_o come_v to_o thou_o that_o i_o be_o mild_a and_o humble_a in_o heart_n be_v then_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n which_o be_v hide_v in_o thou_o reduce_v to_o this_o that_o we_o must_v learn_v this_o of_o thou_o as_o some_o great_a matter_n of_o importance_n that_o thou_o be_v mild_a and_o humble_a in_o heart_n be_v it_o so_o great_a a_o thing_n to_o become_v little_a that_o unless_o we_o learn_v it_o of_o thou_o who_o be_v so_o great_a we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o learn_v it_o yes_o true_o say_v he_o even_o so_o it_o be_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o repose_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o attain_v to_o then_o by_o dissipate_v that_o unrulie_a swell_n which_o make_v a_o man_n seem_v great_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n while_o he_o appear_v unsound_a in_o thy_o o_o lord._n affection_n and_o resolve_v we_o be_v here_o call_v to_o christ_n school_n my_o soul_n to_o learn_v a_o a_o lesson_n which_o the_o world_n be_v never_o acquaint_v with_o before_o the_o great_a rabbi_n of_o the_o law_n look_v over_o it_o to_o find_v the_o first_o place_n in_o the_o synagogue_n the_o learned_a philosopher_n understand_v it_o not_o and_o thence_o vanish_v in_o their_o own_o wisdom_n the_o great_a potentate_n of_o the_o earth_n look_v upon_o it_o with_o scorn_n and_o thence_o they_o be_v throw_v down_o from_o their_o seat_n but_o rhe_n wisdom_n of_o heaven_n make_v himself_o the_o master_n of_o it_o and_o will_v have_v we_o to_o learn_v of_o he_o not_o to_o create_v new_a world_n not_o to_o make_v visible_a and_o invisible_a thing_n not_o to_o work_v miracle_n and_o raise_v the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n which_o we_o shall_v have_v judge_v a_o strange_a since_o a_o impossible_a commande_fw-fr but_o this_o only_a short_a sweet_a and_o easy_a lesson_n mildness_n and_o humility_n of_o heart_n for_o alas_o without_o it_o what_o will_v it_o profit_v we_o to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v as_o some_o shall_v say_v to_o god_n do_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n do_v we_o not_o cast_v our_o devil_n do_v we_o not_o work_v many_o wonder_n what_o will_v it_o profit_v we_o i_o say_v since_o we_o shall_v only_o hear_v with_o they_o i_o know_v you_o not_o be_v go_v from_o i_o o_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n the_o ii_o pointe._n consider_v that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o teach_n of_o humility_n be_v one_o of_o his_o great_a sermon_n to_o all_o mankind_n in_o earth_n since_o as_o it_o may_v seem_v one_o of_o his_o wisdom_n chief_a design_n in_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n be_v to_o teach_v the_o son_n of_o earth_n that_o necessary_a way_n to_o heaven_n according_a to_o that_o none_o ascend_v but_o he_o who_o descend_v to_o wit_n he_o have_v see_v one_o of_o the_o bright_a of_o his_o star_n with_o huge_a multitude_n of_o his_o accurse_a crew_n rush_v down_o to_o hell_n by_o their_o proud_a ambition_n of_o ascend_v and_o therefore_o he_o will_v teach_v the_o earth_n by_o descend_v to_o ascend_v above_o the_o heaven_n they_o lose_v their_o right_n to_o heaven_n by_o aspire_v above_o their_o place_n to_o more_o than_o they_o be_v and_o man_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v to_o cure_v contrary_n by_o contrary_n and_o to_o reintitle_v himself_o to_o heaven_n by_o humble_o stay_v in_o his_o place_n and_o by_o remain_v what_o he_o be_v by_o dwell_v in_o his_o poor_a naked_a nothing_o which_o alone_o be_v it_o anything_o he_o may_v proper_o term_v his_o own_o affection_n and_o resol._n if_o
a_o proper_a look_a glass_n for_o the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n or_o st._n augustine_n life_n abbridge_v and_o reduce_v into_o point_n of_o meditation_n with_o meditation_n for_o a_o spiritual_a exercise_n at_o clothing_n and_o profession_n by_o thomas_n car_n their_o confessor_n post_z nuâ—_n piâ—â—â—_n at_o paris_n m._n dc_o lxv_o the_o i._o meditation_n how_o he_o wander_v from_o his_o heavenly_a father_n house_n and_o by_o what_o degree_n i._o point_n consider_v how_o their_o be_v a_o time_n when_o this_o great_a saint_n himself_n confess_v it_o be_v transport_v by_o the_o heat_n of_o youth_n wander_v out_o of_o he_o father_n house_n even_o into_o a_o land_n of_o extreme_a disproportion_n and_o that_o by_o no_o other_o step_n or_o degree_n but_o first_o by_o idleness_n the_o source_n of_o all_o evil_n hear_v his_o own_o word_n when_o i_o grow_v idle_a at_o home_n with_o my_o parent_n the_o bramble_n of_o unchaste_a desire_n grow_v even_o over_o my_o head_n weigh_v in_o particular_a the_o evil_n you_o may_v have_v fall_v into_o by_o it_o second_o by_o ill_a compaignie_a which_o move_v we_o say_v he_o often_o to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o do_v alone_o but_o whensoever_o it_o be_v say_v let_v we_o go_v and_o let_v we_o do_v this_o or_o that_o we_o be_v ashamed_a and_o blush_v if_o we_o do_v not_o show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v past_a shame_n affection_n âh_o how_o true_a it_o be_v o_o friendship_n that_o we_o experience_v thou_o often_o time_n too_o too_o unfriendly_a nay_o even_o a_o cruel_a seducer_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o that_o which_o the_o devil_n by_o himself_o can_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o friend_n he_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v that_o dear_a name_n of_o love_v and_o be_v belove_v carry_v we_o quite_o away_o to_o perdition_n and_o idleness_n serve_v for_o nothing_o but_o only_a to_o invent_v and_o suggest_v fuel_n to_o this_o consume_a fire_n say_v my_o soul_n be_v it_o not_o so_o indeed_o resolution_n never_o will_v i_o more_o than_o entertain_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n for_o ever_o i_o renounce_v you_o o_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a thought_n i_o abjure_v you_o o_o frivolous_a and_o detestable_a remembrance_n i_o forsake_v you_o for_o ever_o unfaithful_a and_o disloyal_a friendship_n miserable_a and_o lose_a service_n misspend_v gratification_n displease_v and_o indeed_o painful_a pleasure_n ii_o point_n consider_v that_o the_o three_o step_n to_o augustine_n ruin_n be_v his_o neglect_n of_o his_o mother_n counsel_n which_o seem_v to_o he_o but_o like_o old_a wife_n fable_n which_o as_o he_o say_v he_o be_v ashamed_a to_o follow_v ponder_v how_o it_o be_v even_o thus_o that_o all_o our_o misery_n do_v increase_v and_o ripen_v we_o first_o waxetepide_v and_o idle_a in_o god_n service_n we_o spend_v time_n in_o imbrace_v a_o mass_n of_o vain_a thought_n and_o extravagance_n we_o then_o meet_v with_o a_o companion_n of_o the_o same_o mould_n who_o equal_a folly_n do_v feed_v and_o increase_v our_o fancy_n and_o by_o little_a and_o little_o we_o be_v hurry_v on_o to_o a_o precipice_n of_o mischief_n parent_n and_o friend_n counsel_n be_v employ_v to_o prevent_v our_o future_a woe_n but_o be_v reject_v we_o be_v go_v for_o ever_o unless_o god_n special_a grace_n do_v recalle_v we_o affection_n yes_o it_o be_v even_o thus_o o_o my_o soul_n that_o we_o run_v to_o ruin_v the_o fancy_n of_o idle_a hour_n do_v true_o feed_v and_o increase_v our_o misery_n and_o what_o do_v the_o communication_n of_o such_o fancy_n to_o other_o but_o still_o more_o and_o more_o impoison_v and_o ripen_v the_o disease_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o even_o confirm_v our_o heart_n against_o that_o sovereign_a remedy_n the_o good_a counsel_n of_o superior_n and_o friend_n resolution_n against_o idleness_n i_o will_v still_o have_v in_o memory_n that_o upon_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o the_o moment_n of_o time_n which_o we_o now_o have_v a_o happy_a or_o accurse_a eternity_n do_v depend_v and_o that_o a_o time_n will_v come_v that_o a_o moment_n of_o time_n shall_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o repent_v in_o against_o bad_a company_n i_o will_v remember_v that_o he_o who_o touch_v pitch_n shall_v be_v defile_v with_o it_o and_o that_o with_o the_o good_a we_o shall_v be_v good_a and_o with_o the_o perverse_a we_o shall_v be_v pervert_v against_o the_o neglect_n of_o good_a counsel_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o so_o dangerous_a a_o consequence_n that_o the_o proverb_n assure_v past_a counsel_n past_o grace_n i_o will_v have_v these_o sacred_a lesson_n deep_o imprint_v in_o my_o mind_n want_n and_o ignominy_n shall_v be_v his_o share_n who_o forsake_v discipline_n but_o glory_n to_o he_o who_o give_v ear_n to_o one_o who_o do_v counsel_n and_o correct_v proverb_n c._n 13._o and_o prou._n 29._o sudden_a destruction_n shall_v overtake_v or_o fall_v upon_o that_o man_n who_o with_o a_o stiff_a neck_n contemn_v he_o who_o do_v reprehend_v he_o and_o these_o of_o s._n augustine_n i_o think_v it_o be_v only_o she_o who_o speak_v mean_v saint_n monica_n but_o her_o word_n be_v indeed_o thy_o o_o god_n and_o in_o her_o person_n thou_o be_v contemn_v by_o i_o i_o be_v old_a and_o a_o bishop_n be_o ready_a to_o be_v teach_v by_o a_o child_n petition_n say_v with_o solomon_n give_v i_o o_o lord_n a_o docile_a hart_n a_o hart_n mild_a and_o supple_a and_o ready_a to_o take_v the_o good_a tincture_n of_o wholesome_a counsel_n the_o ii_o meditation_n whither_o he_o wander_v and_o what_o misery_n he_o meet_v withal_o in_o his_o wander_a pilgrimage_n i._o point_n consider_v that_o he_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o the_o prodigal_a child_n and_o with_o he_o arrive_v in_o a_o foreign_a land_n whither_o sin_n lead_v he_o and_o put_v he_o into_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o god_n help_a hand_n that_o he_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o thief_n my_o enemy_n say_v he_o do_v with_o i_o what_o ever_o they_o please_v they_o beat_v i_o they_o strip_v i_o naked_a they_o defile_v corrupt_v wound_a and_o even_o kill_v i_o and_o all_o this_o because_o i_o depart_v from_o thou_o and_o because_o i_o become_v a_o very_a nothing_o without_o thou_o affection_n and_o resolut_n woe_n be_v to_o that_o audacious_a soul_n who_o by_o leave_v thou_o o_o dear_a lord_n dare_v presume_v to_o hope_v to_o find_v out_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n not_o only_o better_a than_o thou_o or_o like_v to_o thou_o but_o even_o any_o thing_n tolerable_a without_o thou_o thou_o have_v make_v we_o to_o and_o for_o thyself_o thou_o have_v endow_v our_o soul_n with_o a_o capaciousnes_n capable_a of_o thyself_o and_o our_o heart_n must_v needs_o be_v unquiete_a till_o they_o return_v to_o thou_o and_o repose_v in_o thou_o be_v they_o forsake_v for_o ever_o o_o lord_n who_o forsake_v thou_o may_v their_o name_n be_v write_v upon_o the_o ground_n that_o they_o have_v abandon_v thou_o the_o vein_n of_o live_a water_n ii_o point_n consider_v that_o those_o enemy_n of_o our_o good_a have_v maim_v we_o leave_v we_o not_o so_o but_o observe_v that_o none_o come_v in_o to_o our_o succour_n they_o vilify_v and_o contemn_v we_o they_o make_v their_o way_n over_o our_o belly_n they_o tread_v we_o under_o foot_n and_o with_o the_o filth_n of_o sin_n defile_v god_n holy_a temple_n and_o leave_v we_o gasp_v upon_o the_o ground_n full_a of_o desolation_n and_o wear_v out_o with_o sorrow_n affec_n and_o resol._n this_o sad_a truth_n bless_a augustine_n fear_v not_o to_o publish_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o we_o frequent_o fail_v not_o to_o experience_n in_o own_o particular_n if_o we_o make_v reflection_n and_o yet_o alas_o we_o endeavour_n not_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o fly_v from_o the_o face_n of_o so_o cruel_a a_o foe_n but_o even_o without_o wit_n or_o fear_n we_o trudge_v after_o they_o be_v blind_a and_o naked_a and_o load_v with_o the_o chain_n of_o our_o sin_n they_o wound_v i_o and_o i_o greeve_v not_o they_o hale_v and_o trail_v i_o after_o they_o and_o i_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o iii_o point_n consider_v that_o augustins_n and_o our_o misery_n find_v yet_o no_o period_n but_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o high_a excess_n we_o do_v not_o only_o by_o our_o flight_n from_o god_n fall_v into_o the_o power_n of_o our_o deadly_a foe_n be_v strip_v and_o wound_v by_o they_o while_o yet_o we_o follow_v they_o without_o fear_n and_o grow_v senseless_a but_o we_o even_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o our_o misery_n misfortune_n and_o servitude_n i_o be_v slave_n and_o yet_o love_v my_o slavery_n blind_a and_o yet_o desire_v my_o blindness_n in_o a_o word_n to_o i_o bitter_a sceme_v sweet_a and_o sweet_a bitter_a affec_n and_o resolut_n a_o pitiful_a case_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v
to_o enjoy_v he_o or_o yet_o more_o full_o charity_n be_v a_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o enjoy_v god_n for_o his_o own_o sake_n and_o one_o self_n and_o his_o neighbour_n for_o god_n so_o that_o charity_n be_v a_o love_n which_o look_v only_o upon_o god_n or_o for_o god_n affection_n and_o resol._n good_a god_n how_o sublime_a and_o noble_a a_o object_n how_o worthy_a of_o a_o man_n whole_a thought_n nay_o rather_o how_o far_o be_v it_o above_o man_n and_o who_o do_v embolden_v he_o to_o take_v so_o high_a a_o flight_n ah_o it_o be_v even_o the_o same_o soweraigne_n good_a which_o will_v have_v it_o so_o o_o lord_n what_o be_v thou_o to_o i_o or_o what_o be_o i_o to_o thou_o that_o thou_o shall_v command_v i_o to_o love_v thou_o yea_o and_o be_v angry_a and_o threaten_v to_o lay_v huge_a punishment_n upon_o i_o if_o i_o love_v the_o not_o ah_o be_v it_o not_o of_o itself_o agreat_a and_o even_o the_o worst_a of_o misery_n if_o i_o love_v thou_o not_o ii_o point_n consider_v that_o as_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v not_o fruit_n of_o this_o base_a soil_n so_o nor_o charity_n as_o by_o our_o endeavour_n and_o substance_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o purchase_v they_o so_o nor_o this_o but_o it_o be_v send_v down_o from_o he_o aven_n as_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o god_n gift_n say_v he_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n charity_n be_v diffuse_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v give_v to_o us._n to_o wain_n our_o heart_n from_o earth_n and_o carry_v they_o up_o to_o heaven_n with_o she_o affection_n and_o resol._n o_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a charity_n thy_o extraction_n be_v from_o heaven_n thy_o whole_a aim_n or_o object_n be_v heaven_n thy_o whole_a employment_n in_o earth_n be_v to_o raise_v our_o heart_n to_o heaven_n and_o of_o earthly_a which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v we_o become_v heavenly_a o_o my_o soul_n let_v we_o not_o love_v ourselves_o so_o little_a as_o not_o to_o employ_v ourselves_o whole_o upon_o this_o sacred_a love_n o_o love_n which_o always_o burn_v and_o be_v never_o extinguish_v o_o charity_n which_o be_v my_o god_n let_v i_o be_v whole_o burn_v with_o thy_o fire_n that_o i_o may_v love_v thou_o with_o all_o my_o hart_n with_o all_o my_o soul_n with_o all_o my_o strength_n with_o all_o my_o aim_n and_o intention_n etc._n etc._n iii_o point_n consider_v that_o though_o holy_a charity_n be_v a_o fruit_n original_o of_o paradise_n yet_o be_v plant_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o be_v to_o husband_n water_n and_o increase_v it_o for_o say_v s._n august_n be_v charity_n entire_o perfect_a as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v produce_v no_o but_o it_o be_v produce_v that_o it_o may_v be_v perfect_v to_o wit_n be_v produce_v it_o be_v nourish_v by_o nourishment_n strengthen_v by_o strength_n perfect_v aff._n and_o resol._n o_o let_v we_o careful_o watch_v this_o holy_a fire_n that_o we_o may_v never_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o have_v it_o die_v out_o for_o want_n of_o the_o oil_n of_o our_o work_n let_v all_o our_o thought_n be_v employ_v upon_o the_o husbandry_n of_o this_o seed_n of_o heaven_n let_v it_o be_v water_v with_o the_o plentiful_a tear_n of_o a_o contrite_a and_o humble_a hart_n dear_a god_n smite_v my_o hart_n with_o the_o dart_n of_o thy_o love_n that_o my_o soul_n may_v say_v to_o thou_o i_o be_o wound_v with_o thy_o charity_n and_o out_o of_o that_o love-sore_a a_o flood_n of_o tear_n may_v stream_n day_n and_o night_n the_o xvi_o meditat_fw-la how_o charity_n be_v increase_v i._o point_n consider_v how_o admirable_a charity_n commerce_n be_v which_o quite_o contrary_a to_o worldly_a riches_n increase_v by_o be_v impart_v and_o bestow_v upon_o our_o neighbour_n bestow_v your_o charity_n bountiful_o and_o it_o increase_v abundant_o communicate_v not_o this_o sacred_a fire_n to_o your_o neighbour_n and_o it_o decrease_v languish_v and_o die_v out_o money_n say_v he_o and_o charity_n be_v not_o bestow_v alike_o that_o by_o be_v bestow_v be_v diminish_v this_o be_v increase_v yea_o more_o it_o increase_v in_o his_o hand_n who_o render_v it_o and_o by_o how_o much_o more_o ample_o he_o repay_v it_o by_o so_o much_o more_o plentiful_o he_o retain_v it_o it_o increase_v in_o his_o hand_n affection_n and_o resol._n o_o bless_a tradinge_n easy_a and_o wishfull_a and_o gainful_a traffic_n by_o give_v away_o apace_o we_o speedy_o wax_v rich_a by_o endeavour_v to_o make_v other_o happy_a we_o fail_v not_o ourselves_o to_o become_v happy_a indeed_o we_o will_v therefore_o dilate_v the_o bowel_n of_o charity_n and_o strive_v to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o one_o we_o will_v help_v with_o counsel_n another_o with_o comfort_n or_o what_o other_o way_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o assist_v he_o in_o ii_o point_n consider_v how_o exceed_o easy_a our_o good_a god_n have_v make_v the_o increase_n of_o charity_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o have_v either_o a_o great_a power_n a_o great_a purse_n or_o use_v any_o great_a industry_n for_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o common_a or_o more_o within_o every_o man_n power_n then_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n give_v that_o only_o for_o god_n sake_n and_o charity_n be_v increase_v and_o a_o reward_n be_v promise_v who_o say_v he_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v any_o excuse_n since_o god_n promise_v a_o reward_n even_o for_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n and_o again_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o holy_a love_n and_o true_a charity_n that_o by_o impart_v it_o increase_v affection_n and_o resol._n o_o god_n how_o good_a thou_o be_v who_o while_o we_o have_v nothing_o but_o by_o thy_o free_a gift_n enable_v we_o by_o the_o good_a use_n of_o what_o thou_o have_v forme_o give_v to_o increase_v holy_a love_n and_o thereby_o draw_v a_o number_n of_o new_a blissing_n upon_o us._n there_o be_v nothing_o less_o than_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n nothing_o great_a than_o love_n and_o yet_o even_o by_o that_o this_o be_v increase_v iii_o point_n consider_v further_o with_o your_o holy_a father_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o by_o your_o purse_n power_n or_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n that_o charity_n be_v increase_v but_o even_o by_o a_o good_a look_n a_o good_a wish_n a_o mild_a answer_n despise_v no_o suppliant_a if_o thou_o be_v able_a to_o give_v give_v if_o not_o show_v thy_o affability_n god_n crown_v our_o good_a wish_n where_o he_o find_v no_o wealth_n let_v none_o therefore_o say_v i_o have_v not_o wherewithal_o charity_n come_v not_o out_o of_o our_o coffer_n only_o he_o who_o have_v a_o hart_n full_a of_o charity_n never_o want_v what_o to_o give_v affection_n and_o resol._n o_o dear_a god_n how_o exceed_v easy_a thou_o have_v make_v this_o queen_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v indeed_o alone_o better_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n together_o let_v we_o never_o be_v so_o want_v to_o ourselves_o as_o to_o send_v any_o away_o without_o a_o alm_n since_o a_o good_a word_n a_o look_n a_o wish_n be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o and_o by_o so_o do_v our_o love_n be_v increase_v and_o our_o title_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n enlarge_v the_o xvii_o meditat_fw-la the_o excellency_n of_o charity_n i._o point_n consider_v with_o he_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o better_a more_o precious_a more_o profitable_a more_o lightsome_a more_o strong_a more_o secure_a than_o charity_n affection_n and_o resol._n what_o be_v it_o we_o look_v for_o or_o whether_o be_v it_o that_o with_o pain_n we_o run_v to_o seek_v it_o nothing_o can_v possible_o be_v find_v better_a than_o the_o best_a nor_o more_o precious_a than_o what_o be_v most_o precious_a etc._n etc._n and_o all_o that_o we_o may_v possess_v in_o charity_n alone_o nothing_o can_v better_o enlighten_v our_o blindness_n strengthen_v our_o weakness_n or_o secure_v we_o against_o the_o manifold_a danger_n of_o this_o malignant_a world_n ii_o point_n consider_v that_o charity_n possess_v we_o of_o the_o presence_n and_o sight_n of_o god_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o run_v out_o into_o the_o street_n to_o look_v who_o our_o hart_n love_v since_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n discover_v already_o in_o our_o own_o hart_n who_o we_o love_v why_o do_v we_o send_v he_o who_o have_v charity_n a_o far_o of_o to_o see_v god_n let_v he_o observe_v his_o own_o conscience_n and_o there_o he_o see_v god_n for_o if_o charity_n inhabit_v there_o there_o also_o inhabit_v god_n will_v we_o happy_o see_v he_o in_o heaven_n let_v we_o have_v charity_n and_o he_o be_v in_o our_o hart_n as_o in_o heaven_n affection_n and_o resol._n o_o the_o bliss_n and_o glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o a_o love_a hart_n o_o humane_a hart_n not_o so_o much_o now_o
a_o hart_n as_o a_o heaven_n or_o paradise_n since_o thou_o be_v make_v a_o mansion_n for_o the_o god_n of_o glory_n do_v not_o do_v not_o my_o hart_n gadd_a abroad_o and_o by_o a_o degenerous_a conversation_n forget_v with_o who_o presence_n thou_o be_v honour_v thou_o have_v by_o love_n get_v deus_fw-la tuus_fw-la &_o omne_fw-la contemn_v for_o his_o love_n all_o other_o thing_n say_v dilectus_fw-la meus_fw-la mihi_fw-la &_o ego_fw-la illi_fw-la iii_o point_n consider_v whether_o a_o great_a commendation_n can_v be_v put_v upon_o charity_n then_o by_o say_v god_n be_v charity_n a_o short_a praise_n and_o yet_o a_o great_a praise_n short_a in_o speech_n great_a in_o understanding_n yes_o it_o be_v quick_o say_v god_n be_v charity_n but_o good_a god_n whether_o be_v our_o thought_n carry_v by_o that_o word_n god_n be_v charity_n by_o possess_v charity_n than_o we_o possess_v god_n but_o god_n be_v all_o good_a thing_n therefore_o by_o possess_v charity_n we_o possess_v all_o that_o good_a be_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n affection_n and_o resol._n o_o short_a and_o great_a commendation_n indeed_o since_o so_o great_a as_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v since_o great_a or_o better_a than_o god_n nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v by_o man_n or_o angel_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o humane_a persuasion_n we_o have_v for_o it_o but_o a_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o god_n be_v charity_n and_o who_o remain_v in_o charity_n remain_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o o_o my_o soul_n what_o a_o honour_n and_o comfort_n be_v this_o amid_o all_o the_o calumny_n and_o affliction_n of_o the_o world_n that_o by_o love_n thou_o be_v able_a to_o become_v god_n mansion_n and_o he_o thy_o and_o if_o thy_o belove_a be_v thy_o and_o thou_o he_o what_o can_v be_v want_v to_o a_o well_o bear_v hart_n the_o xviii_o meditat_fw-la a_o continuation_n of_o the_o excellence_n of_o charity_n i._o point_n consider_v that_o charity_n alone_o be_v not_o vex_v at_o another_o felicity_n because_o she_o know_v no_o emulation_n she_o alone_o be_v not_o transport_v with_o her_o own_o felicity_n because_o she_o swell_v not_o with_o pride_n she_o only_o be_v not_o sting_v with_o a_o bad_a conscience_n because_o she_o wrong_v no_o body_n amid_o contumely_n she_o be_v secure_a among_o hatred_n friendly_a among_o brawl_n pleasant_a amid_o deceit_n innocent_a lament_v at_o iniquity_n and_o resume_v hart_n upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n affection_n and_o resolut_n who_o be_v then_o so_o happy_a as_o one_o enjoy_v charity_n what_o have_v the_o world_n which_o can_v give_v so_o solid_a and_o sure_a a_o content_a yea_o what_o have_v it_o that_o be_v not_o brim_n full_a of_o discontent_n whereas_o the_o charitable_a man_n meet_v with_o no_o vexation_n no_o emulation_n no_o swell_n but_o contrary_o joy_n peace_n patience_n under_o the_o shelter_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v that_o happy_a man_n share_n o_o divine_a charity_n how_o thou_o fille_v the_o heart_n which_o thou_o do_v possess_v with_o delight_n sweetness_n and_o tranquillity_n ah_o they_o seem_v even_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n ii_o point_n consider_v that_o it_o be_v charity_n which_o make_v all_o the_o good_a angel_n and_o all_o god_n servant_n compagnions_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o sanctity_n and_o it_o join_v we_o and_o they_o together_o among_o ourselves_o and_o subject_n we_o to_o he_o affection_n and_o resolve_v see_v how_o it_o league_n heaven_n and_o earth_n together_o and_o putt_v we_o in_o mind_n what_o title_n we_o have_v to_o it_o make_v angel_n and_o man_n fellow_n servant_n and_o even_o in_o a_o manner_n equal_a in_o honour_n and_o chain_n they_o together_o in_o link_n of_o holy_a love_n which_o be_v true_a sanctity_n o_o wishfull_a and_o dear_a bond_n see_v what_o a_o sweet_a order_n it_o establish_v betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n make_v each_o one_o love_n and_o honour_n and_o defer_v to_o a_o other_o without_o forget_v their_o due_a subjection_n to_o god_n to_o who_o incomparable_o above_o all_o love_v honour_n and_o glory_n be_v due_a iii_o point_n consider_v what_o a_o huge_a great_a good_a charity_n be_v which_o without_o our_o labour_n make_v what_o be_v good_a in_o other_o our_o own_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o psalmist_n holy_o glory_n that_o he_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o all_o that_o love_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n affedtion_n and_o resolve_v ah_o my_o soul_n if_o thou_o have_v but_o charity_n all_o be_v thy_o own_o there_o be_v no_o good_a work_n do_v in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n but_o thou_o have_v a_o share_n of_o it_o heaven_n and_o earth_n make_v but_o one_o great_a christian_a common_a wealth_n whereof_o charity_n be_v the_o queen_n and_o lodge_v in_o thy_o hart_n what_o ever_o prayer_n fasting_n austerity_n almsdeed_n sufferance_n be_v exercise_v within_o the_o compass_v of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v partly_o thy_o while_o thou_o be_v root_v in_o charity_n the_o xix_o meditat_fw-la of_o some_z motive_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n i._o point_n consider_v that_o s._n augustins_n first_o motive_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o first_o love_v he_o the_o love_n whereby_o god_n love_v we_o not_o be_v comprehend_v nor_o change_v for_o he_o love_v we_o not_o only_o since_o the_o time_n we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n but_o he_o even_o love_v we_o before_o the_o world_n be_v make_v that_o we_o together_o with_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n may_v be_v his_o son_n before_o we_o be_v yet_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o affect_v and_o resolut_n while_o i_o yet_o be_v not_o and_o so_o be_v nothing_o my_o infinite_o good_a god_n have_v thought_n of_o goodness_n for_o i_o to_o raise_v i_o out_o of_o that_o abyss_n of_o nothing_o and_o make_v i_o that_o something_o which_o now_o i_o be_o be_v make_v he_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o his_o own_o work_n mere_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o his_o own_o goodness_n without_o any_o need_n he_o have_v of_o it_o at_o all_o and_o make_v we_o son_n son_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n we_o have_v no_o title_n too_o ah_o my_o soul_n if_o we_o will_v not_o begin_v to_o love_v at_o least_o be_v thus_o gracious_o prevent_v let_v we_o not_o stick_v to_o pay_v love_n for_o love_n the_o hart_n be_v too_o hard_a which_o though_o it_o will_v not_o free_o give_v will_v not_o at_o least_o render_v what_o it_o owe_v ii_o point_n consider_v that_o his_o second_o motive_n be_v the_o excessive_a greatness_n of_o god_n love_n to_o we_o such_o as_o we_o be_v which_o go_v so_o far_o that_o he_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o only_a son_n but_o deliver_v he_o to_o death_n and_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n for_o all_o of_o we_o we_o who_o where_o wicked_a sinner_n remember_v how_o much_o he_o love_v that_o we_o may_v not_o despair_v who_o or_o what_o kind_n of_o creature_n he_o love_v that_o we_o wax_v not_o proud_a a_o son_n for_o a_o servant_n a_o that_o a_o most_o wicked_a one_o deliver_v up_o to_o death_n and_o that_o a_o most_o ignominious_a one_o affection_n and_o resolve_v o_o god_n i_o can_v look_v upon_o that_o great_a price_n that_o infinite_o great_a price_n the_o precious_a blood_n of_o a_o son_n spend_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o a_o servant_n but_o of_o a_o son_n who_o be_v a_o first_o beget_v a_o only_o beget_v and_o a_o only_a belove_a one_o one_o to_o thy_o own_o hart_n in_o who_o thou_o be_v entire_o please_v one_o in_o a_o word_n in_o every_o thing_n equal_a to_o thyself_o i_o can_v i_o say_v look_v upon_o it_o but_o with_o much_o love_n and_o confidence_n nor_o can_v i_o reflect_v upon_o the_o servant_n the_o poor_a miserable_a and_o sinful_a servant_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v spend_v but_o with_o much_o confusion_n o_o god_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o shall_v so_o put_v thy_o hart_n upon_o he_o but_o o_o man_n what_o be_v god_n to_o thou_o and_o yet_o thy_o hart_n depart_v so_o easy_o from_o he_o iii_o point_n consider_v that_o his_o three_o motive_n be_v not_o that_o he_o love_v we_o first_o and_o most_o but_o even_o prepare_v no_o other_o reward_n for_o our_o love_n then_o himself_o what_o then_o say_v he_o shall_v our_o worshipe_n of_o god_n have_v no_o reward_n ah_o yes_o but_o no_o other_o than_o the_o very_a god_n himself_o who_o we_o worshipe_n seek_v nothing_o of_o he_o without_o he_o he_o himself_o will_v suffice_v thou_o affection_n and_o resol._n ah_o that_o hart_n be_v convince_v to_o be_v intolerable_o greedy_a and_o unsatiable_a who_o god_n suffice_v not_o at_o least_o augustins_n noble_a hart_n find_v all_o plenty_n mere_a want_n to_o he_o which_o be_v not_o his_o very_a god_n and_o therefore_o he_o petition_n for_o nothing_o
the_o very_o bright_a starrsfall_n from_o heaven_n where_o pride_n can_v get_v no_o safe_a foot_n what_o ought_v we_o poor_a worm_n to_o do_v in_o earth_n but_o fear_n and_o keep_v ourselves_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o what_o we_o be_v if_o they_o fall_v to_o hell_n by_o aspiringe_v to_o be_v like_a to_o the_o high_a let_v our_o firm_a resolution_n and_o whole_a strife_n be_v to_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n by_o affect_v to_o be_v equal_a to_o or_o even_o less_o than_o the_o low_a since_o thruth_n have_v say_v it_o nor_o can_v he_o deceive_v we_o that_o he_o who_o exalte_v himself_o shall_v be_v humble_v and_o be_v that_o humhle_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v nay_o my_o soul_n since_o the_o same_o truth_n come_v to_o teach_v we_o this_o lesson_n in_o his_o sacred_a passion_n let_v we_o not_o prove_v so_o much_o contrary_n to_o his_o bless_a design_n and_o our_o own_o advantage_n as_o not_o to_o endeavour_n to_o learn_v it_o with_o the_o whole_a strife_n of_o our_o heart_n howbeit_o since_o he_o be_v as_o well_o the_o teacher_n as_o giver_n of_o it_o let_v we_o often_o say_v with_o s._n augustine_n thou_o command_v humility_n o_o lord_n give_v what_o thou_o command_v and_o command_v what_o thou_o will_v the_o ii_o meditation_n for_o the_o 2._o day_n the_o first_o pointe._n consider_v that_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n or_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n nay_o be_v god_n and_o therefore_o can_v think_v it_o no_o stealth_n to_o be_v coequal_a coeternall_a consubstantial_a with_o god_n the_o father_n exinanit_v or_o pour_v himself_o out_o and_o become_v flesh_n et_fw-la verbum_fw-la caro_fw-la factum_fw-la est_fw-la take_v upon_o he_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o servant_n earth_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n upon_o this_o abismall_a humiliation_n little_o kow_v as_o say_v s._n augustine_n what_o to_o say_v to_o it_o or_o what_o conceit_n to_o make_v of_o it_o nay_o the_o heavenly_a power_n stand_v amayse_v to_o sea_n the_o king_n of_o angel_n become_v less_o than_o the_o angel_n you_o just_a like_a to_o one_o of_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n save_o sin_n nay_o one_o of_o we_o indeed_o flesh_n of_o our_o flesh_n bone_n of_o our_o bone_n poor_a man_n unless_o we_o shall_v yet_o say_v further_o less_o than_o man_n novissimus_fw-la virorum_fw-la the_o least_o and_o last_o of_o man_n a_o worm_n and_o not_o a_o man_n with_o the_o royal_a prophet_n affection_n &_o resolut_n ah_o my_o poor_a soul_n if_o the_o gracious_a invitation_n and_o mild_a lesson_n of_o wisdom_n can_v prevail_v to_o pluck_v down_o our_o proud_a heart_n let_v at_o least_o the_o abismall_a example_n of_o our_o humanise_v god_n the_o eternal_a word_n make_v flesh_n put_v before_o our_o eye_n dissipate_v and_o cure_v that_o pernicious_a tumour_n it_o be_v thy_o very_a god_n that_o lie_v humble_v at_o thy_o foot_n my_o soul_n it_o be_v divinity_n itself_o which_o lie_v as_o it_o be_v infirm_a before_o thou_o that_o so_o thy_o swell_a be_v wear_v down_o thou_o may_v deject_v thyself_o and_o cast_v thyself_o prostrate_a upon_o that_o great_a god_n deus_fw-la deorum_fw-la now_o for_o thy_o example_n become_v the_o last_o and_o least_o of_o man_n the_o ii_o pointe._n consider_v that_o if_o this_o heavenly_a design_n and_o resolution_n be_v true_o admirable_a far_o far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o ineffable_o gracious_a and_o even_o ravishinge_v as_o speak_v more_o sweetness_n and_o heavenly_a delight_n to_o humane_a heart_n than_o they_o be_v any_o way_n capable_a to_o comprehend_v so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o entice_v as_o enforce_v the_o say_v heart_n to_o humility_n if_o there_o be_v any_o sense_n of_o man_n leave_v in_o man_n so_o the_o admirable_a circumstance_n which_o accompaignie_a it_o do_v powerful_o preach_v the_o same_o lesson_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n if_o then_o it_o have_v please_v he_o to_o build_v himself_o a_o cottage_n of_o the_o same_o clay_n whereof_o he_o make_v we_o he_o will_v also_o have_v all_o the_o rest_n suit_v to_o it_o this_o most_o humble_a love_n metamorfised-kinge_n will_v have_v a_o humble_a mother_n queen_n a_o poor_a handmaid_n of_o our_o lord_n a_o humble_a putative_a father_n joseph_n a_o carpenter_n a_o humble_a palace_n a_o poor_a rock_n or_o cave_n a_o humble_a chair_n of_o state_n a_o manger_n humble_a attendant_n a_o ox_n and_o a_o ass_n with_o a_o few_o silly_a shepharde_n and_o after_o that_o all_o his_o life_n long_o poor_a tude_z simple_a fisherman_n affection_n and_o resol._n what_o my_o soul_n will_v be_v ever_o able_a to_o decrye_v pride_n if_o this_o do_v not_o and_o what_o will_v be_v able_a to_o imprinte_v humility_n deep_a in_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n if_o this_o prove_v not_o effectual_a his_o poor_a abject_a and_o despicable_a condition_n in_o the_o very_a first_o step_n he_o make_v into_o this_o world_n begin_v to_o publish_v it_o his_o lowly_a obscure_a and_o hide_a life_n all_o the_o time_n of_o his_o infancy_n declare_v it_o in_o his_o ripe_a year_n he_o continual_o preach_v it_o the_o course_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n confirm_v it_o and_o at_o his_o death_n he_o sign_v it_o with_o his_o precious_a blood_n humble_v himself_o to_o death_n and_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o most_o infamous_a of_o all_o death_n o_o my_o soul_n let_v we_o then_o be_v force_v by_o all_o these_o press_v and_o even_o oppress_a argument_n either_o humble_a ourselves_o to_o the_o ground_n in_o all_o occasion_n of_o humiliation_n or_o at_o least_o confess_v to_o our_o confusion_n that_o we_o be_v the_o most_o unworthy_a and_o unsuitable_a servant_n to_o a_o divine_a master_n who_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n so_o incomparable_o humble_a the_o i._o meditation_n for_o the_o three_o day_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o religious_a vocation_n the_o first_o pointe._n consider_v that_o it_o seem_v not_o enough_o to_o that_o king_n of_o glory_n first_o to_o have_v make_v you_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n after_o his_o own_o likeness_n and_o all_o the_o other_o creature_n for_o your_o use_n 2._o to_o have_v regenerate_v you_o to_o a_o new_a and_o better_a life_n by_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o baptism_n 3._o to_o have_v give_v you_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o catholic_a faith_n have_v cull_v you_o out_o of_o multitude_n that_o daily_a perish_v but_o his_o gracious_a benevolence_n go_v yet_o further_o on_o with_o you_o and_o by_o this_o holy_a vocation_n to_o religion_n call_v you_o to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a friend_n and_o servant_n and_o favourite_n to_o have_v a_o more_o near_o and_o dear_a conversation_n with_o he_o and_o to_o make_v it_o your_o business_n in_o earth_n to_o singe_v his_o praise_n and_o mercy_n as_o the_o bless_a shall_v do_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o in_o heaven_n affection_n and_o resol._n o_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o my_o dear_a lord_n who_o go_v still_o on_o in_o my_o behalf_n heap_v benefit_n upon_o benefit_n and_o favour_n upon_o favour_n yea_o favour_n of_o singular_a preference_n tender_a love_n and_o great_a assurance_n towards_o the_o attain_v of_o beatitude_n that_o can_v be_v meet_v with_o upon_o this_o perilous_a sea_n favour_n not_o grant_v to_o all_o nay_o scarce_o to_o a_o few_o among_o multitude_n who_o daily_a suffer_v shipwreck_n while_o thy_o free_a grace_n dear_a god_n not_o my_o merit_n have_v guide_v my_o doubtful_a navigation_n to_o a_o safe_a harbour_n where_o witness_n s._n bernard_n who_o experience_a the_o same_o one_o life_n more_o pure_o fall_v more_o rare_o rise_v more_o quick_o walk_v more_o cautious_o receive_v grace_n more_o frequent_o repose_v more_o secure_o die_v more_o confident_o and_o be_v reward_v more_o abundant_o the_o ii_o pointe._n that_o this_o vocation_n lead_v to_o a_o certain_a state_n consider_v that_o god_n goodness_n by_o mean_n of_o this_o holy_a vocation_n lead_v you_o not_o to_o a_o certain_a indifferency_n of_o serve_v he_o or_o not_o serve_v he_o at_o your_o own_o pleasure_n and_o election_n but_o he_o bring_v you_o thereby_o to_o a_o settle_a and_o permanent_a state_n wherein_o your_o body_n be_v tie_v to_o stability_n in_o a_o certain_a place_n and_o all_o your_o action_n be_v mark_v out_o and_o limit_v by_o rule_n and_o constitution_n and_o all_o these_o confirm_v by_o the_o three_o essential_a vow_n of_o religion_n poverty_n chastity_n and_o obedience_n according_a to_o s._n augustins_n rule_n which_o vow_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n then_o sacred_a and_o solemn_a promise_n free_o deliberate_o and_o with_o out_o constrainte_fw-fr make_v to_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v better_a as_o s._n thomas_n of_o aquine_n teach_v affection_n and_o resol._n this_o my_o soul_n be_v god_n singular_a goodness_n
my_o soul_n and_o the_o banish_n of_o those_o contentious_a word_n i_o and_o thy_o be_v a_o good_a step_n to_o beatitude_n since_o thereby_o innumerable_a occasion_n of_o contention_n and_o quarrel_n be_v cut_v off_o yet_o alas_o that_o be_v not_o all_o that_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n shall_v aim_v at_o who_o in_o their_o poverty_n ought_v to_o express_v the_o poverty_n of_o christ_n who_o neither_o have_v they_o nor_o desire_v they_o nor_o the_o commodity_n and_o delight_n which_o accompany_v they_o it_o profit_v we_o not_o at_o all_o say_v s._n caesarius_n to_o abandonne_fw-fr riches_n outward_o unless_o we_o root_v out_o withal_o the_o inward_a desire_n of_o they_o which_o stick_v close_o to_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v not_o too_o much_o my_o soul_n for_o poor_a naked_a man_n to_o follow_v poor_a and_o naked_a christ_n the_o ii_o meditation_n for_o the_o 4._o day_n of_o the_o vow_n of_o chastity_n consider_v that_o if_o humility_n have_v place_v the_o foundation_n and_o poverty_n raise_v the_o wall_n chastity_n will_v be_v at_o the_o cost_n to_o adorn_v it_o within_o for_o it_o be_v indeed_o virginity_n that_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o spiritual_a beauty_n and_o ornament_n all_o the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o king_n daughter_n be_v within_o yea_o say_v s._n bernarde_n virginity_n be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o wishfull_a furniture_n and_o such_o as_o may_v even_o prove_v a_o kind_n of_o envy_n to_o the_o angel_n themselves_o which_o though_o otherwise_o virgin_n too_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o virgin_n environ_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n whereas_o to_o live_v in_o flesh_n and_o not_o according_a to_o flesh_n be_v not_o a_o earthly_a but_o a_o heavenly_a life_n say_v s._n hierome_n affection_n and_o resolve_v with_o what_o other_o ornament_n my_o soul_n then_o virginal_a purity_n be_v that_o royal_a hall_n or_o earthly_a paradise_n to_o be_v adorn_v which_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o purity_n of_o heaven_n which_o come_v down_o to_o espouse_v man_n nature_n if_o virginal_a purity_n than_o be_v to_o give_v entertainment_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o earth_n no_o wonder_n that_o purity_n too_o must_v adorn_v the_o spiritual_a building_n which_o we_o be_v raise_v up_o into_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n let_v we_o not_o fail_v my_o soul_n to_o put_v a_o inestimable_a price_n upon_o this_o angelical_a virtue_n which_o heaven_n so_o high_o value_v it_o be_v indeed_o the_o ivery_n throne_n which_o the_o heavenly_a salomon_n build_v for_o himself_o and_o let_v we_o never_o esteem_v it_o safe_a but_o only_o upon_o its_o sure_a foundation_n humility_n the_o second_o pointe._n that_o by_o the_o vow_n of_o chastity_n you_o be_v true_o marry_v to_o god_n consider_v to_o what_o a_o height_n of_o dignity_n you_o be_v admit_v by_o this_o heavenly_a vow_n certes_o to_o no_o less_o than_o a_o absolute_a marriage_n with_o god_n so_o be_v we_o teach_v by_o tertullian_n 14._o hundred_o year_n ago_o speak_v to_o a_o virgin_n thou_o be_v marry_v to_o christ_n to_o he_o do_v thou_o deliver_v up_o thy_o body_n to_o he_o thou_o do_v betrouth_n thy_o maturity_n walk_v on_o then_o according_a to_o thy_o spouse_n his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n whence_o the_o church_n of_o god_n till_o this_o day_n appoint_v these_o word_n to_o be_v say_v at_o your_o receive_n of_o the_o veil_n receive_v this_o sacred_a veil_n whereby_o you_o may_v be_v know_v to_o have_v contemn_v the_o world_n and_o to_o have_v subject_v or_o espouse_v yourself_o for_o ever_o to_o christ_n the_o spouse_n of_o virgin_n affection_n and_o resol._n o_o admirable_a dignity_n of_o the_o virgin_n where_o the_o humble_a handmaid_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o bride_n to_o christ_n himself_o the_o bridegroom_n who_o when_o she_o love_v she_o be_v chaste_a who_o when_o she_o touch_v she_o be_v pure_a who_o when_o she_o take_v in_o marriage_n she_o be_v a_o virgin_n o_o supercelestial_a marriage_n from_o whence_o fidelity_n and_o fertility_n be_v expect_v as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o marriage_n because_o such_o as_o break_v the_o first_o faith_n have_v damnation_n say_v the_o apostle_n yea_o the_o happy_a state_n of_o virgin_n assure_v s._n augustine_n be_v more_o fruitful_a and_o fertile_a not_o by_o have_v great_a belly_n but_o great_a mind_n not_o by_o have_v breast_n full_a of_o milk_n but_o heart_n full_a of_o candour_n and_o in_o lieu_n of_o bing_v forth_o earth_n out_o of_o their_o bowel_n by_o bring_v forth_o heaven_n by_o their_o prayer_n hence_o issue_v a_o noble_a progeny_n purity_n justice_n patience_n mildness_n charity_n attend_v by_o all_o her_o noble_a train_n of_o virtue_n the_o holy_a virgin_n heavenly_a issue_n the_o first_o meditat_fw-la for_o the_o 5._o day_n of_o the_o vow_n of_o obedience_n the_o first_o pointe._n consider_v that_o notwithstanding_o that_o in_o humility_n the_o ground_n work_n be_v sure_a that_o scotfree_a poverty_n have_v raise_v the_o wall_n and_o angelical_a purity_n have_v adorn_v the_o work_n interior_o yet_o must_v transcendante_fw-la obedience_n secure_v all_o or_o nothing_o will_v prove_v stable_n all_o be_v sure_a in_o obedience_n all_o without_o it_o be_v in_o danger_n obedience_n say_v your_o holy_a father_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o keeper_n of_o all_o she_o continual_o watch_v that_o no_o part_n of_o our_o spiritual_a building_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o any_o danger_n and_o this_o so_o necessary_a virtue_n of_o obedience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o voluntary_a and_o rational_a sacrifice_n of_o our_o own_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o another_o which_o s._n john_n climacus_n term_n the_o death_n or_o grave_n of_o our_o own_o will_n affection_n and_o resol._n if_o then_o my_o soul_n our_o great_a assurance_n be_v find_v in_o obedience_n let_v our_o great_a care_n be_v employ_v to_o purchase_v conserve_v and_o practice_v it_o by_o obey_v our_o superior_n it_o be_v say_v s._n gregory_n that_o god_n be_v obedient_a to_o our_o prayer_n and_o your_o holy_a father_n dare_v affirm_v that_o one_o prayer_n of_o a_o obedient_a person_n be_v soon_o hear_v thet_o ten_o thousand_o of_o one_o disobedient_a it_o be_v obedience_n which_o make_v we_o secure_a obedience_n which_o free_v we_o from_o care_n and_o solicitude_n obedience_n which_o render_v our_o meat_n drink_n and_o play_v meritorious_a by_o obedience_n we_o equal_o advance_v our_o journey_n towards_o heaven_n in_o stand_v still_o as_o walk_v on_o in_o sleep_v as_o wake_a o_o admirable_a advantage_n of_o obedience_n o_o how_o happy_a and_o secure_a be_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o obedient_a soul_n of_o who_o the_o wiseman_n pronounce_v that_o she_o shall_v singe_v victory_n the_o ii_o pointe._n that_o obedience_n be_v the_o most_o important_a of_o the_o three_o vow_n consider_v that_o though_o the_o vow_n of_o poverty_n and_o chastity_n contribute_v much_o to_o the_o happy_a state_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n yet_o do_v that_o of_o obedience_n far_o excelle_n they_o and_o in_o some_o sort_n contain_v they_o all_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o angelical_a doctor_n for_o whereas_o religion_n be_v a_o sacrifice_n wherein_o poverty_n offer_v all_o her_o good_n of_o fortune_n and_o chastity_n all_o those_o of_o the_o body_n obedience_n go_v yet_o further_o and_o sacryfice_v all_o those_o of_o the_o mind_n as_o self-will_n selfe-iudgement_n and_o even_o the_o whole_a man_n which_o certain_o be_v incomparable_o more_o excellent_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n affection_n and_o resol._n povertie_n and_o chastity_n say_v s._n bernard_n be_v the_o two_o wing_n by_o which_o obedience_n mount_v aloft_o yet_o it_o be_v she_o indeed_o not_o they_o that_o fly_v a_o dozen_o such_o wing_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v proud_a disobedience_n one_o inch_n to_o heavenward_n it_o be_v neither_o our_o good_n of_o fortune_n nor_o those_o of_o our_o body_n which_o will_v prove_v a_o please_a sacrifice_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n unless_o they_o be_v accompany_v with_o obedience_n the_o humble_a submission_n of_o the_o will_n and_o judgement_n banish_v out_o of_o your_o heart_n this_o please_v and_o this_o displease_v say_v your_o brother_n a_o kempis_n and_o nothing_o shall_v trouble_v you_o and_o s._n bernarde_n take_v away_o the_o will_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o hell_n the_o ii_o meditation_n for_o the_o 5._o day_n of_o the_o extont_n of_o obedience_n the_o first_o pointe._n consider_v that_o as_o to_o make_v obedience_n absolute_o blind_a be_v to_o deprive_v man_n of_o man_n that_o be_v of_o reason_n whereby_o he_o be_v difference_v from_o a_o beast_n and_o to_o oppose_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n let_v your_o observance_n be_v reasonable_a so_o to_o leave_v it_o whole_o to_o the_o guidance_n and_o appointment_n of_o reason_n be_v rather_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o philosopher_n then_o either_o a_o good_a religious_a person_n or_o
even_o a_o good_a christian_n it_o must_v so_o far_o see_v as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v god_n part_n because_o the_o decree_n be_v without_o exception_n that_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o obey_v god_n then_o man_n but_o where_o we_o do_v not_o manifest_o see_v that_o god_n right_o be_v trench_v upon_o or_o violate_v we_o ought_v absolute_o to_o obey_v a_o superior_n command_v in_o all_o thing_n without_o reserve_v wherein_o he_o be_v superior_a and_o this_o kind_n of_o obedience_n fall_v under_o your_o vow_n and_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a affection_n and_o resolve_v o_o my_o soul_n if_o our_o own_o reason_n be_v make_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o obedience_n with_o what_o confusion_n and_o endless_a wrangling_n will_v not_o monastery_n be_v replenish_v they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o be_v find_v sacred_a and_o silent_a solitude_n as_o cententious_a academy_n it_o be_v at_o the_o death_n of_o our_o rebellious_a will_n that_o postilent_a source_n of_o man_n misery_n and_o mortal_a poison_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n that_o obedience_n aim_v which_o be_v not_o effect_v by_o proud_a dispute_n but_o by_o humble_a submission_n have_v continual_o in_o mind_n that_o all_o power_n be_v from_o god_n and_o he_o who_o resist_v power_n resist_v god_n ordonnance_n let_v we_o then_o my_o soul_n humble_o and_o prompt_o obey_v god_n in_o our_o superior_n person_n stand_v always_o in_o a_o bliss_v in_o differencie_n with_o s._n paul_n to_o hear_v he_o by_o their_o mouth_n and_o to_o obey_v he_o in_o their_o person_n say_v what_o be_v thy_o holy_a will_n i_o shall_v do_v the_o ii_o pointe._n of_o the_o diverse_a degree_n of_o it_o consider_v that_o though_o necessary_a obedience_n to_o which_o you_o be_v tie_v by_o vow_n consist_v in_o obey_v superior_n command_n according_a to_o rule_n and_o constitution_n or_o what_o conduce_v to_o the_o due_a observance_n thereof_o yet_o be_v not_o the_o pious_a spouse_n of_o christ_n to_o stop_v there_o but_o to_o be_v still_o strive_v to_o emulate_v the_o better_a gift_n and_o to_o render_v themselves_o whole_o agreeable_a to_o their_o divine_a spouse_n be_v perfect_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a say_v our_o saviour_n by_o endeavour_v still_o to_o obey_v in_o the_o most_o perfect_a manner_n which_o that_o great_a servant_n of_o god_n ruisbrochius_fw-la putt_v down_o as_o follow_v in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o must_v be_v prudent_a and_o discreet_a 2._o simple_a 3._o cheerful_a 4._o prompt_a 5._o courageous_a 6._o devoute_a 7._o humble_a affection_n and_o resol._n o_o what_o a_o bless_a life_n be_v lead_v where_o all_o these_o condition_n meet_v o_o what_o a_o heaven_n appear_v in_o earth_n where_o earthly_a angel_n thus_o live_v let_v this_o be_v our_o chief_a endeavour_n my_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v the_o happiness_n security_n and_o ornament_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n let_v we_o with_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n discern_v god_n will_n by_o our_o superior_n mouth_n and_o whether_o we_o be_v command_v to_o watch_v to_o fast_o to_o pray_v or_o work_v etc._n etc._n or_o else_o upon_o occasion_n at_o their_o pleasure_n to_o leave_v they_o off_o let_v it_o be_v do_v simple_o and_o with_o assurance_n that_o by_o how_o much_o more_o simple_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o fruitful_o and_o excellent_o it_o be_v do_v let_v that_o discreet_a simplicity_n be_v second_v with_o quick_a and_o cheesfull_a execution_n for_o god_n love_v a_o free_a and_o merrie-harted_n giver_n if_o the_o thing_n command_v appear_v hard_o yet_o embrace_v it_o with_o a_o manly_a courage_n heaven_n be_v worth_a more_o and_o he_o who_o give_v the_o command_n can_v give_v strength_n to_o perform_v it_o final_o let_v all_o this_o be_v do_v with_o humility_n and_o devotion_n not_o so_o much_o to_o please_v man_n as_o that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n may_v be_v glorify_v the_o first_o meditat_fw-la for_o the_o 6._o day_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o obedience_n the_o first_o pointe._n consider_v with_o devoute_a ruisbrochius_fw-la that_o obedience_n be_v a_o virtue_n of_o so_o great_a excellency_n that_o the_o very_a lest_o work_n be_v it_o of_o what_o kind_n it_o will_v be_v do_v by_o virtue_n thereof_o be_v much_o better_a and_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n then_o even_o other_o geate_n work_v do_v without_o it_o as_o for_o example_n hear_v of_o mass_n read_v pray_v contemplate_v or_o any_o other_o work_v you_o can_v think_v of_o which_o lesson_n we_o be_v yet_o teach_v by_o a_o great_a master_n king_n 1._o 15._o will_v our_o lord_n have_v holocau_v and_o victimes_o and_o not_o rather_o that_o his_o voice_n shall_v be_v obey_v for_o better_o be_v obedience_n then_o victimes_o and_o to_o harken_v rather_o then_o to_o offer_v the_o fat_a of_o ram_n because_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o wickedness_n of_o idolatry_n to_o refuse_v to_o obey_v affect_v and_o reso_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o thing_n then_o my_o soul_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o obedience_n with_o which_o we_o be_v to_o perform_v it_o command_v of_o great_a and_o herociall_a action_n rare_o occur_v whereas_o obedience_n may_v be_v daily_a exercise_v and_o merit_v increase_v in_o a_o number_n of_o small_a matter_n nor_o be_v it_o easy_o to_o be_v conceive_v what_o riches_n be_v to_o be_v treasure_v up_o for_o heaven_n thereby_o devoute_a obedience_n know_v how_o to_o render_v the_o poor_a widow_n mite_n a_o grateful_a offering_n industrious_a obedience_n negotiate_v upon_o trifle_n and_o yet_o like_o the_o honiebee_n store_v her_o hive_n with_o huge_a riches_n many_o other_o virtue_n daughter_n of_o charity_n gather_v main_a heap_n of_o treasure_n together_o yet_o obedience_n so_o far_o outstripp_v they_o all_o that_o she_o make_v herself_o more_o grateful_a to_o god_n than_o a_o sacrifice_n the_o ii_o pointe._n of_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o learn_v obedience_n consider_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o learn_v this_o best_a of_o moral_a virtue_n of_o the_o best_a of_o master_n of_o morality_n jesus_n ch._n who_o be_v as_o well_o the_o master_n as_o the_o disciple_n of_o it_o he_o be_v the_o master_n of_o it_o at_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n while_o he_o live_v in_o it_o and_o at_o his_o departure_n out_o of_o it_o at_o his_o come_n s._n paul_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o person_n in_o the_o head_n of_o the_o book_n it_o be_v write_v of_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v thy_o will_n then_o say_v i_o behold_v i_o come_v that_o i_o may_v do_v thy_o will_n o_o god_n his_o whole_a life_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n who_o send_v he_o and_o in_o obey_v his_o mother_n s._n joseph_n and_o even_o all_o creature_n for_o his_o sake_n at_o his_o departure_n he_o be_v obedient_a even_o unto_o death_n and_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o he_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o it_o too_o since_o as_o s._n paul_n affirm_v though_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o learn_v obedience_n by_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o suffer_v and_o be_v make_v the_o cause_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o all_o that_o obey_v he_o affection_n and_o resol._n o_o what_o a_o excellent_a lesson_n of_o obedience_n have_v the_o son_n of_o god_n leave_v for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o imitate_v he_o who_o as_o god_n can_v be_v obedient_a to_o none_o be_v god-man_n be_v come_v obedient_a to_o all_o man_n for_o his_o heavenly_a father_n sake_n all_o his_o life_n be_v a_o continue_a obedience_n till_o by_o his_o painful_a death_n he_o consummate_v the_o great_a work_n of_o man_n redemption_n for_o which_o he_o be_v send_v father_n i_o have_v consummate_v the_o work_n whih_o thou_o give_v i_o to_o do_v say_v that_o entire_o obedient_a son_n the_o work_n which_o we_o be_v to_o do_v my_o soul_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v our_o whole_a business_n be_v to_o obey_v god_n in_o our_o superior_n command_n and_o by_o such_o submission_n and_o their_o care_n to_o secure_v our_o bless_a eternity_n by_o their_o eye_n we_o best_o discern_v by_o their_o judgement_n we_o most_o wise_o judge_v by_o their_o direction_n and_o order_n we_o most_o sure_o walk_v to_o man_n beatitude_n the_o ii_o meditation_n for_o the_o 6._o day_n that_o charity_n must_v be_v the_o roof_n of_o this_o spiritual_a building_n the_o first_o pointe._n consider_v that_o be_v the_o foundationes_fw-la never_o so_o deep_o dig_v be_v the_o wall_n never_o so_o firm_a and_o confirm_v and_o the_o interior_a part_n never_o so_o fair_o adorn_v yet_o if_o the_o roof_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o rest_n and_o be_v not_o establish_v above_o the_o rest_n it_o lie_v but_o uselesse_o open_a to_o receive_v wind_n and_o shewre_n and_o be_v unfit_a for_o the_o use_n of_o man_n be_v indeed_o no_o perfect_a