must_v adhere_v thereto_o and_o have_v adhere_v to_o it_o we_o must_v act_v and_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o adherence_n let_v we_o propose_v a_o example_n in_o common_a thing_n to_o facilitate_v the_o practice_n i_o look_v upon_o god_n i_o consider_v his_o infinite_a essence_n i_o see_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n all_o creature_n be_v as_o nothing_o have_v take_v and_o imprint_v this_o thought_n in_o my_o spirit_n i_o believe_v and_o immediate_o adhere_v thereunto_o say_v it_o be_v true_a then_o make_v use_n of_o this_o truth_n which_o i_o believe_v i_o despise_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o god_n for_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n which_o i_o perform_v teach_v i_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v nothing_o all_o creature_n be_v nothing_o before_o god_n in_o like_a manner_n amid_o my_o action_n make_v use_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o i_o profess_v and_o believe_v sometime_o i_o despise_v one_o thing_n sometime_o another_o esteem_v god_n only_o but_o account_v all_o the_o rest_n as_o nothing_o thus_o i_o act_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o make_v use_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o give_v a_o example_n more_o common_a i_o will_v form_v in_o myself_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n hereupon_o i_o will_v rouse_v up_o in_o my_o spirit_n the_o thought_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o teach_v i_o god_n be_v present_a every_o where_o and_o thence_o infer_v that_o consequent_o he_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n with_o the_o same_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n that_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n amid_o the_o cherubim_n and_o saint_n for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n have_v conceive_v this_o truth_n i_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o say_v it_o be_v true_a then_o make_v use_n of_o it_o i_o find_v myself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n i_o hold_v myself_o before_o he_o in_o great_a reverence_n i_o walk_v with_o recollection_n of_o spirit_n and_o a_o sweet_a application_n of_o my_o soul_n to_o god_n who_o be_v present_a now_o i_o look_v on_o he_o with_o love_n next_o i_o adore_v he_o do_v all_o these_o action_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n this_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o truth_n the_o thing_n be_v not_o hard_o we_o must_v only_o apply_v ourselves_o hearty_o hereunto_o for_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o we_o advance_v and_o perfectionate_a ourselves_o in_o this_o exercise_n shall_v our_o action_n be_v perfect_a and_o perform_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o much_o importance_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v persuade_v all_o christian_n to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o cause_n root_n and_o source_n of_o all_o good_a action_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o effect_n that_o faith_n produce_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n 11.1_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o he_o will_v compare_v faith_n to_o substance_n and_o say_v that_o as_o substance_n be_v the_o support_n of_o all_o accident_n so_o faith_n be_v the_o support_n and_o basis_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o grace_n faith_n be_v the_o first_o gift_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o elder_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n she_o contain_v and_o substain_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o the_o use_n we_o make_v thereof_o be_v we_o virtuous_a and_o advance_v in_o christian_a perfection_n as_o this_o be_v the_o first_o of_o god_n gift_n so_o the_o first_o care_n of_o a_o christian_a must_v be_v to_o compass_v so_o fruitful_a and_o profitable_a a_o grace_n this_o be_v a_o talon_n whereof_o god_n will_v demand_v a_o most_o exact_a account_n when_o we_o shall_v appear_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o his_o divine_a justice_n god_n give_v we_o not_o so_o great_a a_o grace_n but_o to_o profit_v thereby_o and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o it_o belong_v to_o god_n alone_o to_o give_v faith_n to_o move_v our_o will_n to_o illuminate_v our_o understanding_n but_o it_o be_v in_o man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o to_o show_v by_o his_o work_n the_o faith_n he_o have_v receive_v of_o god_n in_o fine_a what_o advantage_n be_v it_o to_o possess_v faith_n which_o be_v a_o infuse_a habit_n and_o to_o let_v it_o sleep_v in_o we_o to_o possess_v truth_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o under_o restraint_n i'faith_o we_o say_v be_v a_o supernatural_a habit_n a_o light_n of_o grace_n we_o must_v therefore_o put_v it_o in_o action_n and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o light_n to_o walk_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o path_n of_o virtue_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n evident_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n the_o eternal_a father_n send_v and_o give_v we_o his_o son_n the_o uncreated_a and_o essential_a truth_n to_o speak_v to_o we_o &_o conduct_v we_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o son_n converse_v among_o man_n to_o bear_v witness_n 18.37_o as_o he_o himself_o say_v unto_o the_o truth_n the_o same_o son_n of_o god_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n send_v to_o we_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o enlighten_v we_o and_o teach_v we_o the_o truth_n and_o why_o have_v god_n so_o great_a a_o care_n that_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n but_o because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o may_v save_v we_o and_o make_v we_o free_a that_o be_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n may_v draw_v we_o from_o vice_n and_o sin_n to_o lead_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o acquisition_n and_o possession_n of_o virtue_n look_v upon_o a_o soul_n guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n you_o shall_v see_v that_o immediate_o she_o detest_v ill_a and_o embrace_v good_a it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o it_o to_o engender_v and_o form_v act_n of_o virtue_n if_o the_o soul_n know_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n make_v use_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o truth_n she_o will_v present_o be_v carry_v to_o a_o great_a esteem_n of_o god_n from_o this_o esteem_n spring_v reverence_n reverence_n operate_v love_n love_n bring_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n the_o soul_n so_o unite_v by_o love_n fear_v to_o displease_v he_o this_o fear_n which_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o love_n bring_v into_o the_o soul_n a_o vigilancy_n not_o to_o offend_v he_o she_o love_v but_o it_o be_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n this_o vigilancy_n form_v a_o purity_n in_o the_o soul_n this_o purity_n render_v we_o worthy_a to_o possess_v god_n thus_o faith_n summon_v all_o the_o virtue_n 10.38_o embrace_v they_o and_o bind_v they_o all_o together_o and_o as_o she_o be_v mother_n so_o be_v she_o also_o nurse_v of_o they_o in_o brief_a she_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n the_o nourishment_n of_o all_o good_a action_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o saint_n paul_n who_o say_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a faith_n be_v a_o light_n of_o truth_n he_o than_o that_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n walk_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o truth_n be_v to_o hate_v sin_n which_o be_v a_o liar_n this_o be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n and_o possession_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o in_o the_o term_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o live_v in_o jesus_n 14.6_o who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n it_o therefore_o great_o import_v soul_n which_o will_v live_v good_a christian_n and_o obtain_v true_a virtue_n to_o establish_v themselves_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o use_v of_o faith_n to_o demand_v it_o of_o god_n and_o to_o refer_v all_o their_o good_a exercise_n thereunto_o which_o be_v true_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o principle_n the_o entertainer_n and_o supporter_n of_o christian_a perfection_n this_o exercise_n be_v very_o large_a faith_n and_o truth_n have_v effect_n almost_o innumerable_a he_o who_o apply_v himself_o thereto_o shall_v taste_v the_o fruit_n more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o his_o care_n therein_o but_o if_o we_o will_v know_v the_o most_o important_a where_o we_o must_v begin_v i_o answer_v it_o be_v the_o esteem_n of_o god_n wherein_o the_o soul_n must_v entertain_v itself_o much_o and_o lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n to_o arrive_v at_o this_o esteem_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o high_a and_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o frequent_a love_a and_o affectionate_a consideration_n of_o god_n we_o must_v never_o speak_v of_o god_n or_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o concern_v he_o but_o in_o word_n worthy_a of_o the_o subject_n with_o a_o sense_n full_a of_o respect_n and_o reverence_n
when_o we_o speak_v or_o think_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n we_o must_v believe_v they_o be_v ineffahle_fw-mi far_o above_o all_o that_o we_o can_v think_v or_o speak_v we_o must_v not_o make_v small_a account_n of_o what_o concern_v god_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v have_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o soul_n a_o great_a esteem_n and_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o god_n have_v do_v of_o all_o he_o have_v say_v and_o of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n in_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o little_a god_n be_v as_o adorable_a and_o estimable_a in_o the_o least_o as_o in_o the_o great_a final_o it_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o give_v itself_o to_o this_o exercise_n to_o draw_v from_o all_o thing_n and_o upon_o every_o subject_a a_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o to_o form_n in_o heart_n solid_a and_o serious_a thought_n thereof_o to_o assist_v we_o in_o this_o practice_n and_o to_o advance_v we_o in_o this_o virtue_n we_o ordinary_o make_v use_v of_o read_v prayer_n and_o meditation_n but_o it_o be_v good_a to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o be_v guide_v in_o this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n how_o we_o make_v use_v of_o the_o thought_n the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n we_o receive_v herein_o many_o seek_v only_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o do_v nothing_o but_o busy_a their_o own_o spirit_n they_o seek_v and_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o relish_v and_o resentment_n they_o leap_v from_o one_o subject_n to_o another_o they_o run_v from_o the_o first_o point_n to_o the_o second_o and_o apply_v themselves_o sometime_o to_o one_o affection_n sometime_o to_o another_o spend_v the_o whole_a time_n in_o a_o multiplicity_n and_o disturbance_n of_o thought_n to_o profit_v herein_o we_o must_v proceed_v otherwise_o for_o in_o these_o exercise_n and_o all_o other_o we_o must_v only_o seek_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o esteem_v it_o and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o worthy_a the_o grace_n necessary_a to_o accomplish_v his_o will_n and_o to_o please_v his_o divine_a majesty_n and_o have_v put_v ourselves_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v lay_v hold_v upon_o truth_n we_o must_v rest_v therein_o naked_o and_o simple_o we_o must_v adhere_v thereunto_o and_o keep_v ourselves_o firm_a in_o this_o first_o view_n with_o care_n quiet_o to_o leave_v our_o spirit_n to_o be_v replenish_v of_o god_n and_o bathe_v ourselves_o as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o thought_n we_o must_v unite_v ourselves_o to_o this_o knowledge_n imprint_v by_o degree_n in_o our_o heart_n the_o light_n strength_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o propose_a truth_n whether_o the_o knowledge_n be_v great_a or_o little_a we_o must_v always_o keep_v our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n open_a and_o free_a to_o receive_v the_o thought_n thereof_o these_o will_v put_v we_o into_o a_o esteem_n of_o god_n by_o this_o esteem_n we_o shall_v easy_o be_v carry_v to_o a_o humble_a respect_n and_o desire_v to_o serve_v and_o love_v so_o high_a a_o majesty_n and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o that_o many_o thing_n will_v be_v do_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o christ_n if_o she_o dispose_v herself_o thereto_o as_o she_o ought_v if_o she_o leave_v herself_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o abandon_v herself_o to_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o grace_n attend_v they_o with_o a_o humble_a patience_n but_o oh_o the_o misfortune_n of_o our_o self-love_n the_o soul_n seek_v herself_o and_o her_o own_o satisfaction_n withdraw_v and_o separate_v herself_o from_o god_n to_o follow_v she_o own_o inclination_n to_o content_v her_o sense_n and_o to_o employ_v herself_o in_o what_o she_o please_v make_v herself_o hereby_o unworthy_a to_o feel_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o bear_v the_o effect_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o deduce_v all_o into_o particular_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a but_o not_o to_o trouble_v myself_o with_o all_o the_o fail_n that_o happen_v in_o this_o exercise_n it_o suffice_v that_o i_o say_v that_o the_o first_o study_n of_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v to_o know_v god_n according_a to_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o faith_n to_o adhere_v strong_o to_o this_o knowledge_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o esteem_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o then_o to_o honour_v and_o adore_v he_o with_o a_o honour_n worthy_a of_o god_n these_o word_n express_v much_o and_o include_v the_o first_o duty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o show_v wherein_o she_o must_v employ_v herself_o with_o care_n before_o all_o thing_n hence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o their_o practice_n be_v not_o good_a who_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o enter_v into_o some_o knowledge_n and_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v some_o light_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o feel_v themselves_o move_v and_o as_o it_o be_v draw_v by_o a_o humble_a respect_n and_o inward_a reverence_n before_o god_n instead_o of_o stay_v and_o receive_v at_o leisure_n this_o little_a touch_n this_o sweet_a beam_n of_o heaven_n follow_v this_o little_a interior_a light_n and_o annihilate_v themselves_o before_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n of_o god_n they_o retire_v from_o it_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o false_a humility_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o other_o thought_n and_o fear_v evil_a on_o purpose_n to_o lose_v time_n and_o be_v deceive_v or_o to_o lose_v themselves_o in_o their_o estate_n they_o shut_v the_o ear_n to_o god_n and_o their_o eye_n to_o the_o light_n to_o entertain_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o conception_n and_o imagination_n and_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o themselves_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o this_o way_n be_v ill_a we_o may_v easy_o observe_v that_o such_o soul_n never_o advance_v or_o if_o there_o appear_v some_o advancement_n it_o be_v but_o in_o appearance_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v always_o in_o fear_n and_o in_o a_o spirit_n of_o self-love_n never_o in_o solid_a virtue_n the_o reason_n be_v manifest_a if_o prayer_n be_v a_o elevation_n and_o union_n of_o our_o heart_n a_o speak_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o we_o may_v advise_v to_o quit_v this_o application_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n to_o torment_v her_o imagination_n and_o cast_v she_o into_o the_o consideration_n of_o exterior_a thing_n into_o the_o examination_n of_o divers_a circumstance_n into_o a_o continual_a regard_n of_o what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o wherefore_o all_o this_o see_v it_o pertain_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n let_v we_o leave_v it_o to_o they_o who_o treat_v thereof_o and_o content_v ourselves_o to_o conclude_v with_o that_o which_o we_o will_v persuade_v that_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o he_o must_v practice_v who_o will_v live_v a_o perfect_a christian_n be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o this_o light_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o esteem_n of_o god_n which_o be_v support_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o of_o what_o he_o be_v what_o course_n we_o must_v take_v to_o obtain_v this_o knowledge_n we_o will_v proceed_v to_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o subject_n of_o humility_n the_o second_o disposition_n chap._n viii_o of_o humility_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n the_o picture_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a describe_v one_o after_o another_o not_o all_o the_o virtue_n but_o those_o only_o which_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o the_o base_n and_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n the_o mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o the_o rest_n faith_n lead_v the_o way_n humility_n follow_v for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v and_o esteem_v of_o god_n so_o far_o be_v we_o humble_a faith_n make_v we_o know_v god_n humility_n lead_v we_o to_o god_n faith_n dispose_v we_o and_o show_v we_o true_a virtue_n humility_n acquire_v they_o and_o be_v acquire_v conserves_n they_o this_o be_v she_o that_o open_v and_o make_v plain_a the_o way_n to_o charity_n and_o who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o mistress_n of_o god_n house_n she_o alone_o lay_v up_o and_o keep_v safe_a the_o divine_a gift_n st._n paul_n by_o way_n of_o excellency_n call_v she_o the_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o virtue_n appertain_v to_o he_o more_o than_o to_o any_o and_o that_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v ever_o accomplish_v in_o humility_n it_o be_v moreover_o his_o virtue_n in_o that_o he_o publish_v it_o and_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o will_n that_o his_o humility_n be_v the_o object_n and_o example_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n 11.29_o learn_v of_o i_o say_v he_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a
she_o own_o motion_n to_o dwell_v in_o ourselves_o be_v to_o think_v of_o ourselves_o to_o take_v care_n of_o ourselves_o to_o have_v a_o continual_a regard_n to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o self-interest_n to_o use_v the_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o not_o pure_o to_o please_v god_n to_o love_v thus_o be_v to_o wear_v the_o mask_n and_o false_a appearance_n of_o virtue_n but_o not_o to_o have_v the_o reality_n by_o these_o principle_n of_o piety_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v how_o dangerous_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o speak_v of_o religious_a soul_n who_o be_v in_o a_o most_o pure_a and_o perfect_a estate_n and_o according_a to_o the_o eminency_n of_o their_o vocation_n say_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v night_n christian_n as_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n and_o persuade_v other_o that_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o inward_a virtue_n and_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o they_o to_o become_v punctual_a and_o to_o live_v with_o order_n and_o fidelity_n in_o their_o exterior_a conduct_n make_v they_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o more_o that_o this_o self-desertion_n be_v above_o their_o strength_n nay_o that_o it_o be_v folly_n so_o to_o leave_v themselves_o to_o live_v in_o such_o a_o general_a manner_n of_o abandon_v themselves_o this_o be_v a_o manifest_a error_n for_o not_o only_o the_o religious_a estate_n but_o even_o that_o of_o christianity_n oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o virtue_n see_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v perfect_a according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o do_v easy_o appear_v by_o all_o the_o motive_n handle_v in_o this_o second_o part._n now_o if_o all_o they_o who_o aim_v at_o perfection_n in_o any_o profession_n whatsoever_o must_v enter_v into_o this_o conduct_n of_o grace_n and_o subjection_n if_o they_o must_v live_v divest_v themselves_o to_o obey_v god_n more_o perfect_o and_o to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o a_o true_a christian_n the_o true_a life_n of_o grace_n what_o ought_v those_o soul_n to_o do_v who_o by_o particular_a grace_n and_o allurement_n of_o special_a favour_n be_v call_v by_o god_n cherish_v and_o enrich_v with_o his_o gift_n o_o how_o great_a will_v these_o obligation_n appear_v to_o those_o that_o consider_v they_o o_o how_o ought_v such_o soul_n to_o take_v care_n and_o be_v vigilant_a to_o cooperate_v with_o the_o design_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o and_o to_o become_v faithful_a according_a to_o the_o estate_n and_o fullness_n of_o grace_n communicate_v to_o they_o this_o will_v require_v a_o long_a deduction_n for_o nothing_o be_v of_o more_o importance_n or_o needs_o a_o more_o ample_a discourse_n to_o content_v our_o spirit_n and_o satisfy_v our_o piety_n but_o it_o shall_v suffice_v that_o we_o show_v the_o fundation_n and_o principle_n thereof_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v now_o speak_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o second_o part._n the_o care_n and_o vigilancy_n which_o a_o soul_n must_v have_v which_o seek_v perfection_n and_o will_v live_v in_o true_a subjection_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o conduct_v of_o jesus_n christ._n we_o have_v clear_o enough_o deduce_v and_o demonstrate_v by_o divers_a motive_n the_o obligation_n all_o christians_n have_v to_o seek_v perfection_n and_o whole_o to_o subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o spirit_n and_o conduct_v of_o god_n yet_o must_v we_o not_o understand_v this_o doctrine_n so_o general_o but_o that_o there_o be_v something_o more_o to_o be_v do_v and_o that_o we_o fail_v not_o in_o our_o care_n and_o vigilancy_n to_o cooporate_v with_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o we_o and_o to_o become_v faithful_a to_o his_o conduct_n and_o here_o we_o will_v show_v what_o this_o care_n and_o vigilancy_n ought_v to_o be_v let_v we_o first_o enter_v into_o consideration_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o know_v it_o we_o may_v be_v ravish_v with_o its_o beauty_n elevate_v and_o excite_v to_o conserve_v it_o careful_o in_o perfection_n according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o easy_a for_o the_o soul_n be_v such_o a_o lively_a image_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o god_n have_v invest_v she_o with_o so_o many_o light_n that_o our_o spirit_n be_v too_o feeble_a to_o sustain_v the_o beam_n thereof_o and_o to_o penetrate_v the_o splendour_n of_o this_o beauty_n if_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o she_o we_o must_v say_v that_o she_o so_o perfect_o represent_v her_o prototype_n god_n that_o as_o we_o can_v better_o comprehend_v god_n then_o in_o aver_v he_o be_v incomprehensible_a so_o we_o can_v enter_v better_a into_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o perfect_a beauty_n of_o our_o soul_n then_o in_o say_v she_o can_v be_v know_v for_o all_o that_o we_o can_v say_v of_o she_o be_v below_o she_o so_o near_o do_v she_o approach_v to_o the_o infinite_a greatness_n and_o ineffable_a perfection_n of_o her_o creator_n the_o high_a that_o we_o can_v say_v of_o she_o that_o seem_v to_o imply_v the_o last_o draught_n of_o her_o perfection_n be_v that_o she_o be_v a_o capacity_n of_o god_n a_o image_n wherein_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divinity_n be_v engrave_v so_o as_o we_o may_v compare_v it_o to_o a_o seal_n wherein_o the_o image_n of_o a_o prince_n be_v perfect_o and_o artificial_o cut_v as_o the_o seal_n be_v capable_a of_o receive_v the_o soft_a wax_n apply_v to_o it_o and_o imprint_n thereon_o a_o second_o image_n so_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v capable_a of_o receive_v god_n and_o receive_v he_o once_o she_o bear_v a_o continual_a image_n of_o he_o his_o true_a resemblance_n the_o soul_n therefore_o in_o as_o much_o as_o she_o be_v the_o image_n be_v also_o a_o capacity_n of_o god_n since_o as_o the_o image_n she_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v god_n and_o this_o capacity_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o she_o be_v and_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o her_o perfection_n and_o beauty_n comprehend_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o she_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o penetrate_v this_o truth_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o faith_n teach_v we_o that_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o soul_n her_o fullness_n that_o he_o have_v create_v she_o to_o enjoy_v his_o greatness_n to_o associate_v she_o into_o his_o glory_n to_o communicate_v to_o she_o his_o divine_a perfection_n in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o design_n it_o be_v that_o he_o give_v she_o so_o great_a a_o amplitude_n and_o capacity_n that_o she_o can_v be_v fill_v but_o with_o god_n which_o cause_v saint_n bernard_n to_o say_v that_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v occupate_v by_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o she_o can_v be_v fill_v with_o any_o but_o god_n who_o create_v she_o for_o himself_o alone_o to_o fill_v to_o live_v in_o she_o and_o to_o advance_v she_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n not_o of_o gift_n not_o of_o grace_n only_o but_o of_o glory_n and_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o divinity_n all_o this_o begin_v upon_o earth_n and_o be_v consummate_v and_o perfect_v in_o heaven_n indeed_o it_o can_v be_v in_o heaven_n if_o it_o begin_v not_o upon_o earth_n since_o the_o soul_n after_o death_n enjoy_v but_o what_o she_o have_v merit_v in_o her_o life_n for_o we_o see_v that_o here_o below_o the_o soul_n receive_v her_o god_n by_o grace_n she_o receive_v he_o in_o his_o love_a communication_n and_o she_o be_v fill_v of_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n which_o dwell_v in_o she_o and_o in_o heaven_n she_o possess_v he_o full_o by_o glory_n by_o this_o possession_n all_o her_o capacity_n be_v fill_v according_a to_o all_o god_n design_n upon_o she_o thus_o saint_n john_n we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v 3.2_o we_o shall_v be_v like_a to_o he_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v now_o we_o can_v see_v god_n and_o be_v like_a to_o he_o in_o glory_n which_o be_v a_o pemanent_fw-la estate_n without_o possess_v he_o and_o we_o can_v possess_v he_o but_o in_o this_o capacity_n which_o be_v give_v we_o by_o god_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o be_v and_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o soul_n so_o great_a a_o perfection_n that_o we_o conceive_v it_o far_o than_o we_o know_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n for_o as_o god_n be_v great_a this_o capacity_n be_v great_a ample_a and_o admirable_a this_o deserve_v profound_a consideration_n and_o may_v serve_v to_o all_o man_n as_o a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o sever_v themselves_o from_o all_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o seek_v god_n only_o for_o who_o alone_o we_o be_v create_v who_o alone_o be_v our_o fullness_n this_o truth_n discover_v the_o favour_n we_o receive_v from_o this_o infinite_a
of_o heart_n it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v thunder_v and_o pronounce_v this_o sentence_n 23.12_o whosoever_o shall_v exalt_v himself_o shall_v be_v abase_v and_o he_o that_o shall_v humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v natural_a and_o powerful_a word_n pronounce_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o truth_n why_o shall_v we_o seek_v further_a evidence_n how_o acceptable_a this_o be_v to_o god_n and_o how_o he_o reward_v this_o truth_n and_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v a_o perfect_a christian_a let_v we_o no_o further_o demur_v upon_o this_o subject_n but_o examine_v wherein_o it_o consist_v let_v we_o learn_v what_o humility_n be_v that_o be_v it_o we_o be_v most_o ignorant_a of_o humility_n be_v truth_n to_o be_v humble_a be_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n i_o say_v humility_n be_v truth_n because_o true_a humility_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o god_n by_o his_o infinite_a bounty_n by_o his_o operation_n of_o love_n and_o grace_n infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n a_o light_n which_o make_v it_o see_v the_o truth_n in_o all_o thing_n more_a or_o less_o as_o it_o please_v god_n this_o light_n which_o bring_v with_o it_o knowledge_n abase_v &_o annihilate_v the_o soul_n in_o herself_o and_o cause_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n she_o annihilate_v herself_o because_o this_o truth_n teach_v she_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o the_o creature_n be_v so_o that_o this_o grace_n which_o i_o call_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n give_v not_o only_a knowledge_n but_o also_o actual_o annihilate_v the_o soul_n and_o detain_v she_o in_o her_o lowness_n in_o she_o nothing_o and_o be_v in_o she_o nothing_o she_o be_v true_o where_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o hereby_o she_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o act_v in_o this_o state_n she_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o act_v with_o humility_n many_o will_v wonder_v hereat_o who_o think_v they_o have_v humility_n have_v it_o not_o who_o think_v to_o attain_v it_o by_o certain_a exercise_n of_o humiliation_n do_v but_o deceive_v themselves_o not_o but_o that_o their_o exercise_n be_v good_a and_o conduce_v to_o humility_n but_o if_o we_o pass_v no_o further_o if_o we_o possess_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n act_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o simplicity_n we_o may_v make_v many_o act_n of_o humility_n but_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v humility_n for_o humility_n in_o its_o formality_n and_o essence_n consist_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n be_v god_n to_o be_v humble_a then_o we_o must_v act_v in_o this_o spirit_n i_o will_v explicate_v and_o make_v this_o more_o intelligible_a humility_n be_v a_o supernatural_a light_n which_o i_o call_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n because_o it_o make_v we_o know_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v on_o one_o side_n it_o draw_v and_o advance_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o other_o his_o divine_a perfection_n and_o by_o this_o knowledge_n form_n in_o we_o a_o esteem_n of_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o same_o light_a cause_n we_o to_o see_v what_o we_o be_v our_o own_o meanness_n unworthiness_n impotency_n indigence_n the_o truth_n of_o our_o nothing_o and_o by_o consequence_n before_o god_n she_o make_v we_o see_v the_o truth_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o this_o truth_n so_o conceive_v possess_v our_o spirit_n and_o and_o act_n in_o our_o soul_n annihilate_v and_o debase_v we_o in_o all_o thing_n in_o all_o our_o action_n with_o so_o much_o facility_n that_o the_o soul_n can_v do_v no_o otherwise_o for_o she_o can_v but_o act_v according_a to_o her_o knowledge_n so_o that_o act_v whole_o according_a to_o this_o light_n and_o take_v all_o thing_n as_o she_o conceive_v they_o she_o walk_v in_o humility_n and_o as_o we_o say_v humble_v herself_o and_o in_o effect_n she_o do_v humble_a herself_o not_o know_v it_o for_o she_o have_v no_o eye_n but_o to_o see_v the_o truth_n no_o power_n but_o to_o act_v according_a to_o truth_n i_o call_v here_o humility_n a_o light_n and_o a_o light_n of_o truth_n for_o so_o in_o effect_n she_o be_v whence_o it_o follow_v that_o by_o humility_n we_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n as_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n we_o see_v the_o sun_n so_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n wherein_o consist_v humility_n we_o see_v truth_n thus_o we_o understand_v it_o when_o we_o say_v that_o god_n reveal_v his_o divine_a secret_n and_o greatness_n and_o teach_v the_o truth_n to_o humble_a soul_n 11.25_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n that_o be_v to_o the_o humble_a say_v jesus_n christ_n to_o his_o father_n whence_o we_o infer_v that_o to_o understand_v the_o catholic_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n and_o to_o possess_v they_o we_o must_v go_v to_o they_o with_o humility_n not_o sufficiency_n nor_o capacity_n much_o less_o curiosity_n god_n be_v please_v with_o little_a one_o so_o much_o read_v so_o much_o curiosity_n so_o many_o question_n so_o many_o reason_n wherein_o man_n take_v pain_n be_v unprofitable_a labour_n and_o rather_o separate_v we_o from_o christian_a truth_n then_o bring_v we_o near_o to_o it_o 57.15_o for_o god_n dwell_v with_o the_o humble_a spirit_n say_v the_o oracle_n of_o heaven_n so_o that_o retire_v ourselves_o from_o the_o truth_n be_v to_o make_v we_o uncapable_a of_o humility_n and_o without_o humility_n we_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n whence_o we_o may_v imagine_v what_o danger_n the_o spirit_n of_o this_o age_n run_v into_o further_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o they_o who_o will_v acquire_v christian_a humility_n must_v not_o stop_v at_o exterior_a action_n of_o meanness_n and_o humiliation_n nor_o at_o word_n of_o confusion_n and_o abasement_n nor_o at_o some_o submission_n and_o accommodation_n although_o they_o be_v frequent_a and_o profitable_a but_o we_o must_v pass_v further_o and_o penetrate_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o to_o establish_v the_o throne_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o make_v our_o heart_n the_o treasury_n of_o the_o light_n of_o god_n to_o be_v humble_a we_o must_v endavour_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n we_o must_v possess_v it_o we_o must_v act_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v do_v it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o come_v to_o the_o exterior_a and_o to_o produce_v infinite_a act_n of_o humility_n and_o annihilation_n for_o we_o can_v have_v humility_n without_o do_v all_o these_o action_n but_o a_o man_n may_v do_v all_o these_o action_n without_o have_v humility_n but_o we_o must_v now_o know_v how_o we_o may_v acquire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n consist_v in_o know_v god_n and_o ourselves_o a_o man_n may_v arrive_v at_o this_o knowledge_n two_o way_n by_o infusion_n by_o acquisition_n the_o first_o come_v from_o god_n alone_o who_o communicate_v and_o infuse_v into_o our_o soul_n a_o light_n spring_v from_o truth_n which_o we_o call_v the_o spirit_n and_o light_n of_o faith_n this_o light_n bring_v and_o give_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o and_o this_o knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o the_o light_n be_v a_o operation_n of_o god_n who_o by_o this_o divine_a light_n which_o he_o spread_v in_o we_o annihilate_v our_o soul_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n detain_v it_o whole_o in_o this_o annihilation_n wherein_o consist_v humility_n thus_o be_v humility_n a_o grace_n infuse_v and_o a_o pure_a operation_n of_o god_n alone_o this_o operation_n be_v great_a or_o lesser_a according_a as_o god_n please_v who_o by_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o divine_a light_n consummate_v and_o annihilate_v the_o soul_n more_o or_o less_o as_o he_o please_v for_o his_o glory_n this_o first_o manner_n be_v for_o few_o person_n because_o few_o be_v advance_v to_o this_o way_n few_o render_v themselves_o worthy_a of_o such_o grace_n the_o second_o and_o more_o ordinary_a be_v acquire_v we_o propose_v divers_a mean_n to_o acquire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o the_o most_o common_a and_o easy_a whereof_o be_v consideration_n and_o application_n assist_v by_o grace_n without_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v we_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n not_o by_o sublime_a penetration_n of_o the_o attribute_n of_o divinity_n that_o be_v not_o necessary_a and_o few_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o but_o by_o faith_n when_o the_o soul_n consider_v god_n as_o he_o be_v simple_a propose_v in_o the_o creed_n to_o we_o according_a to_o the_o bare_a and_o simple_a signification_n of_o
effect_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o operate_v in_o we_o that_o which_o natural_a death_n do_v by_o death_n the_o soul_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n so_o grace_n shall_v separate_v we_o from_o ourselves_o from_o all_o thing_n from_o sin_n that_o be_v whole_o so_o separate_v we_o may_v be_v dead_a to_o our_o self_n and_o to_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o god_n and_o of_o god_n this_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n further_o show_v all_o the_o property_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n the_o end_n whereof_o be_v that_o be_v separate_v from_o all_o we_o may_v be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v unite_v by_o a_o indissoluble_a union_n to_o jesus_n christ_n life_n of_o his_o life_n and_o be_v refer_v with_o he_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a st._n paul_n say_v be_v hide_v because_o it_o be_v indeed_o hide_v from_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o world_n which_o neither_o see_v it_o as_o it_o be_v nor_o esteem_v it_o and_o because_o it_o be_v little_a humble_a and_o abject_a disdain_v to_o behold_v &_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o as_o unworthy_a the_o name_n and_o society_n of_o man_n they_o that_o will_v live_v christianly_o will_v not_o subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o age_n so_o this_o life_n be_v hide_v from_o the_o sight_n and_o more_o from_o the_o power_n of_o this_o world_n for_o the_o soul_n that_o live_v christian_o be_v above_o all_o humane_a power_n and_o insensible_a to_o all_o contempt_n and_o confusion_n and_o as_o the_o diamond_n continue_v entire_a and_o strengthen_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o blow_n so_o the_o perfect_a christian_n remain_v more_o content_a in_o the_o violence_n of_o temptation_n more_o assure_v in_o the_o motion_n of_o disgrace_n more_o firm_a amid_o the_o battery_n of_o affliction_n even_o prosperity_n change_v not_o his_o spirit_n he_o be_v alike_o in_o all_o thing_n for_o by_o grace_n and_o true_a christian_a virtue_n the_o soul_n be_v raise_v above_o all_o thing_n and_o life_n in_o god_n you_o be_v dead_a and_o yet_o your_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o god_n such_o be_v the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n a_o life_n that_o imitate_v that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o earth_n who_o according_a to_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n and_o we_o hide_v as_o it_o be_v our_o face_n from_o he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o we_o esteem_v he_o not_o when_o hell_n the_o world_n devil_n sinner_n think_v to_o triumph_v over_o he_o 10.18_o and_o ravish_v both_o his_o honour_n and_o life_n at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o triumph_v over_o they_o show_v that_o he_o have_v power_n as_o he_o say_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n and_o he_o have_v power_n to_o take_v it_o again_o at_o his_o pleasure_n thus_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n who_o know_v he_o not_o and_o from_o their_o power_n see_v he_o triumph_v over_o his_o enemy_n over_o death_n and_o sin_n such_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o life_n of_o a_o christian._n 24._o st._n paul_n say_v the_o same_o in_o other_o term_n when_o he_o exhort_v the_o ephesian_n that_o they_o put_v off_o concern_v the_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o the_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o that_o they_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n this_o be_v the_o first_o protestation_n we_o make_v in_o baptism_n in_o which_o solemn_a action_n before_o that_o we_o be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o holy_a trinity_n receive_v and_o make_v the_o child_n of_o god_n we_o make_v a_o particular_a protestation_n to_o renounce_v adam_n and_o the_o world_n and_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o the_o one_o to_o unite_v ourselves_o to_o the_o other_o so_o in_o this_o action_n so_o holy_a and_o happy_a we_o unclothe_v ourselves_o of_o the_o one_o to_o clothe_v we_o again_o with_o the_o other_o that_o be_v the_o first_o step_n we_o make_v into_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n we_o see_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o all_o his_o happiness_n consist_v in_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o clothe_v with_o he_o for_o as_o all_o the_o grandeur_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v choose_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n to_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o word_n which_o subsist_v in_o he_o and_o operate_v by_o he_o so_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_n soul_n consist_v in_o dwell_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o operate_n by_o he_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_n soul_n consist_v in_o that_o it_o dwell_v in_o christ_n that_o it_o adheare_v to_o he_o that_o it_o live_v of_o his_o life_n and_o operate_v not_o but_o by_o his_o spirit_n now_o this_o can_v be_v but_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v divide_v from_o itself_o 3.9_o and_o from_o all_o creature_n for_o according_a to_o st._n paul_n we_o be_v to_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o abnegation_n and_o uncloathing_n be_v the_o principal_a point_n of_o christian_n perfection_n so_o necessary_a that_o st._n bernard_n say_v it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o we_o never_o to_o have_v be_v then_o to_o dwell_v in_o ourselves_o and_o to_o ourselves_o for_o the_o great_a misfortune_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o see_v itself_o separate_v from_o god_n but_o god_n come_v not_o into_o neither_o dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n till_o such_o time_n as_o it_o go_v out_o of_o itself_o uncloathe_n and_o annihilate_v itself_o and_o the_o great_a its_o annihilation_n be_v the_o more_o it_o make_v place_n for_o god_n if_o it_o take_v but_o little_a away_o god_n fill_v it_o with_o little_a if_o it_o deprive_v itself_o of_o much_o god_n fill_v it_o much_o and_o without_o doubt_n he_o will_v take_v it_o up_o and_o dwell_v whole_o in_o it_o if_o the_o soul_n do_v annihilate_v and_o whole_o unclothe_v itself_o we_o see_v and_o adore_v this_o proceed_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n the_o cause_n and_o example_n of_o the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o the_o eternal_a word_n choose_v humane_a nature_n to_o unite_v himself_o unto_o it_o and_o to_o operate_v in_o and_o by_o it_o our_o redemption_n will_v unclothe_v it_o of_o its_o own_o substance_n and_o humane_a person_n to_o show_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o acceptable_a to_o god_n if_o we_o do_v not_o abandon_v ourselves_o and_o that_o if_o we_o divest_v ourselves_o of_o ourselves_o and_o deprive_v our_o self_n of_o all_o create_a thing_n god_n will_v fill_v we_o with_o divine_a thing_n for_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o nature_n abhor_v vacuity_n let_v we_o learn_v then_o to_o deprive_v our_o self_n of_o humane_a thing_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enrich_v with_o divine_a let_v we_o go_v out_o of_o our_o self_n and_o quit_v the_o commerce_n that_o we_o have_v with_o the_o creature_n to_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o enter_v into_o society_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n let_v we_o renounce_v our_o own_o spirit_n and_o government_n to_o leave_v ourselves_o to_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o suffer_v he_o to_o live_v and_o reign_v in_o we_o according_a to_o what_o he_o true_o design_v of_o we_o in_o brief_a let_v we_o divest_v our_o self_n of_o our_o self_n to_o reinvest_v our_o self_n with_o the_o son_n of_o god_n herein_o consist_v the_o happiness_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o that_o christian_a perfection_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o search_v for_o here_o upon_o earth_n the_o necessity_n and_o practice_n whereof_o be_v in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n the_o second_o part_n wherein_o be_v propose_v the_o sundry_a motive_n which_o oblige_v christian_n to_o perfection_n chap._n i._n the_o obligation_n that_o we_o have_v to_o acquire_v true_a virtue_n wherein_o consist_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o inward_a life_n of_o a_o christian._n man_n be_v in_o honour_n abide_v not_o 1â—_n but_o be_v compare_v unto_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v thus_o david_n describe_v the_o deplorable_a estate_n of_o man_n after_o sin_n a_o sad_a condition_n a_o miserable_a fall_n which_o have_v deprive_v man_n
christian_a life_n do_v consist_v what_o difficulty_n do_v we_o find_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n all_o the_o obstacle_n if_o we_o near_o consider_v it_o proceed_v from_o not_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o interior_a life_n of_o the_o soul_n many_o believe_v it_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o abstract_n life_n and_o of_o the_o other_o world_n a_o life_n full_a of_o care_n a_o life_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o humane_a society_n other_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o life_n of_o insupportable_a solitude_n and_o inaccessible_a contemplation_n every_o one_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o he_o please_v some_o condemn_v it_o other_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a most_o believe_v it_o difficult_a let_v we_o not_o insist_v upon_o word_n they_o be_v explicate_v to_o all_o sense_n let_v we_o only_o say_v that_o the_o life_n we_o call_v interior_a be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v god_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o life_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o mother_n of_o all_o virtue_n thus_o than_o the_o interior_a life_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o virtuous_a christian_a life_n to_o which_o life_n all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a man_n must_v fear_v god_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o soul_n must_v high_o esteem_v of_o all_o that_o be_v in_o christianity_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n must_v be_v vigilant_a to_o do_v nothing_o to_o displease_v god_n careful_a to_o preserve_v his_o soul_n and_o conscience_n in_o the_o purity_n of_o grace_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n 13.18_o to_o have_v a_o esteem_n of_o god_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o of_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o to_o carry_v a_o mean_a esteem_n of_o himself_o and_o all_o creature_n to_o live_v in_o this_o manner_n be_v that_o which_o i_o call_v a_o inward_a life_n the_o rest_n without_o this_o be_v nothing_o and_o to_o teach_v soul_n any_o other_o life_n be_v to_o betray_v they_o now_o who_o see_v not_o that_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n if_o they_o will_v be_v save_v who_o find_v not_o now_o how_o much_o this_o life_n be_v easy_a than_o it_o be_v represent_v and_o all_o together_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v expect_v let_v we_o then_o take_v a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o embrace_v it_o and_o to_o give_v ourselves_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n to_o he_o who_o have_v give_v himself_o to_o we_o he_o have_v right_a and_o power_n to_o live_v in_o we_o to_o do_v in_o we_o and_o of_o we_o all_o that_o he_o please_v let_v we_o only_o take_v care_n that_o we_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o to_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v assist_v by_o his_o grace_n let_v we_o cheerful_o endeavour_v the_o acquisition_n of_o christian_a virtue_n let_v we_o so_o order_n that_o grace_n may_v reign_v in_o we_o according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o god_n that_o god_n may_v dwell_v in_o we_o as_o in_o a_o live_a tabernacle_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v consecrate_v by_o his_o blood_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o experience_n that_o with_o the_o apostle_n 4.13_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o jesus_n christ_n who_o strengthen_v we_o chap._n ii_o that_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n whereto_o we_o can_v arrive_v but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ._n before_o i_o proceed_v i_o must_v suppose_v that_o i_o speak_v to_o soul_n desirous_a to_o live_v virtuous_o and_o perfect_o in_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n according_a to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o law_n and_o rule_n my_o address_n be_v to_o such_o who_o be_v faithful_a dispensator_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v make_v use_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n endeavour_v to_o profit_v a_o hundred_o fold_n the_o first_o thing_n that_o i_o ask_v of_o they_o be_v what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o as_o in_o thing_n natural_a &_o artificial_a the_o first_o thought_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o workman_n be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o work_n so_o in_o piety_n we_o must_v consider_v and_o know_v the_o end_n and_o the_o life_n of_o christian_a action_n that_o know_v they_o we_o may_v resolve_v courageous_o to_o undertake_v they_o and_o promise_v ourselves_o great_a fidelity_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v propose_v to_o we_o or_o be_v necessary_a for_o to_o arrive_v at_o so_o happy_a a_o estate_n we_o know_v the_o end_n of_o a_o christian_a soul_n be_v nothing_o but_o god_n 1.23_o who_o be_v he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o say_v the_o apostle_n who_o it_o seek_v to_o and_o possess_v as_o its_o sole_a happiness_n and_o to_o enjoy_v he_o for_o ever_o none_o reject_v this_o truth_n though_o it_o appear_v high_a and_o extraordinary_a for_o they_o that_o discourse_n ordinary_o of_o christian_a perfection_n say_v all_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o in_o perfect_a charity_n which_o be_v true_a but_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o this_o love_n mean_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n have_v privilege_n and_o power_n to_o give_v god_n who_o be_v essential_a love_n thus_o consider_v this_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o perfection_n consist_v in_o love_n which_o love_n give_v we_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o soul_n must_v be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n he_o that_o will_v comprehend_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o must_v know_v the_o greatness_n and_o dignity_n of_o god_n from_o which_o knowledge_n he_o shall_v learn_v what_o the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n must_v be_v what_o our_o entertainment_n and_o how_o holy_a our_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v for_o if_o the_o mean_n be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o end_n it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o end_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v supernatural_a and_o nothing_o less_o than_o god_n himself_o the_o mean_n also_o that_o we_o must_v use_v to_o arrive_v to_o this_o end_n must_v be_v supernatural_a and_o divine_a they_o therefore_o who_o seek_v perfection_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o end_n must_v have_v a_o particular_a care_n not_o only_o to_o embrace_v all_o action_n and_o use_n which_o may_v conduct_v they_o but_o shun_v and_o contemn_v all_o vain_a and_o superfluous_a thing_n which_o serve_v not_o to_o attain_v to_o this_o end_n and_o must_v detest_v they_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o we_o can_v arrive_v at_o this_o end_n nor_o to_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a his_o fullness_n and_o the_o consummation_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o by_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n himself_o by_o grace_n alone_o and_o mercy_n and_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n none_o can_v arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o by_o his_o divine_a light_n and_o by_o a_o special_a revelation_n 11.27_o no_o man_n know_v the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n neither_o know_v any_o man_n the_o father_n save_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o who_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o and_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o this_o knowledge_n he_o can_v make_v no_o good_a use_n of_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v aid_v with_o a_o new_a favour_n he_o can_v go_v to_o god_n nor_o enjoy_v his_o grace_n or_o spirit_n unless_o he_o be_v aid_v and_o guide_v by_o he_o who_o say_v 14.6_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o and_o that_o which_o show_v our_o great_a impotency_n or_o need_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o grace_n be_v that_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o worthy_a and_o capable_a to_o approach_v unto_o god_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o possess_v he_o 15.5_o without_o i_o say_v he_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o on_o the_o one_o side_n the_o soul_n see_v and_o confess_v that_o god_n be_v her_o perfection_n her_o happiness_n and_o heritage_n that_o in_o he_o she_o have_v all_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v her_o sufficiency_n her_o life_n and_o consummation_n on_o the_o other_o side_n she_o find_v that_o she_o can_v go_v to_o he_o nor_o enjoy_v he_o nor_o think_v of_o he_o but_o by_o he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o his_o grace_n by_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n she_o feel_v that_o she_o bear_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o she_o be_v not_o only_a incapacity_n impotency_n and_o feeblness_n but_o of_o opposition_n to_o grace_n to_o the_o gift_n and_o work_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n she_o carry_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n love_n she_o
mean_n to_o possess_v all_o christian_a virtue_n that_o virtue_n which_o we_o call_v christian_n be_v a_o hide_a treasure_n hide_v in_o god_n the_o very_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n 13.46_o be_v such_o it_o be_v the_o pearl_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o who_o will_v obtain_v heaven_n must_v seek_v and_o buy_v he_o must_v seek_v it_o in_o god_n with_o all_o diligence_n and_o buy_v it_o at_o the_o price_n of_o all_o the_o world_n nothing_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o true_a virtue_n which_o alone_o render_v we_o like_a to_o god_n and_o worthy_a of_o paradise_n all_o thing_n else_o be_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n amuzement_n of_o spirit_n and_o unprofitable_a travel_n of_o know_v and_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o the_o possession_n of_o so_o rich_a a_o treasure_n there_o be_v one_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o which_o though_o little_o consider_v and_o perhaps_o little_o know_v be_v most_o important_a without_o which_o all_o other_o be_v ineffectual_a this_o be_v the_o adherence_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o jesus_n christ_n this_o put_v we_o into_o possession_n of_o virtue_n he_o who_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n be_v one_o spirit_n with_o he_o possess_v he_o and_o in_o he_o all_o virtue_n to_o comprehend_v this_o truth_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o we_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v our_o all_o whence_o it_o follow_v he_o be_v our_o humility_n our_o love_n our_o patience_n our_o virtue_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v possess_v he_o shall_v possess_v all_o in_o he_o he_o be_v the_o foundation_n the_o treasure_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o soul_n 1.30_o he_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o say_v saint_n paul_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o redemption_n who_o then_o will_v have_v wisdom_n righteousness_n and_o other_o virtue_n let_v he_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n he_o that_o will_v acquire_v and_o possess_v perfection_n 3._o let_v he_o possess_v jesus_n for_o in_o he_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n the_o apostle_n explain_v this_o further_a 8.32_o say_v the_o eternal_a father_n give_v we_o his_o son_n and_o with_o he_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n by_o which_o word_n he_o not_o only_o imply_v that_o by_o his_o merit_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o for_o his_o love_n we_o have_v all_o but_o moreover_o that_o with_o jesus_n christ_n note_n the_o energy_n of_o this_o word_n with_o jesus_n we_o have_v all_o possess_v he_o we_o possess_v all_o we_o must_v add_v that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o possess_v nor_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n we_o can_v have_v true_a christian_n virtue_n this_o truth_n be_v not_o hard_a to_o conceive_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o essence_n of_o christian_n virtue_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n or_o jesus_n himself_o live_v in_o we_o and_o work_v in_o we_o that_o which_o be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n 13.21_o say_v the_o apostle_n our_o ordinary_a manner_n of_o speak_v teach_v we_o as_o much_o for_o we_o say_v virtue_n and_o christian_n perfection_n have_v their_o beginning_n in_o grace_n from_o whence_o they_o spring_v and_o what_o go_v out_o of_o a_o just_a soul_n that_o we_o call_v grace_n now_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v in_o grace_n nor_o just_a but_o by_o the_o habitation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n live_v and_o act_v in_o she_o so_o the_o apostle_n the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 5.5_o which_o be_v give_v to_o we_o whence_o we_o infer_v that_o if_o to_o live_v in_o christian_n virtue_n we_o must_v be_v in_o grace_n and_o if_o grace_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o holy_a spirit_n live_v in_o we_o and_o there_o act_v see_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n it_o follow_v evident_o that_o to_o live_v christian_o we_o must_v possess_v true_a virtue_n and_o to_o possess_v they_o we_o must_v possess_v jesus_n and_o adhere_v to_o he_o for_o grace_n and_o righteousness_n consist_v in_o this_o possession_n let_v we_o rise_v high_o and_o come_v to_o the_o source_n hereof_o faith_n teach_v we_o that_o in_o adam_n we_o be_v devest_v of_o innocence_n fall_v from_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o perfection_n whereto_o we_o be_v destine_v by_o creation_n and_o by_o the_o first_o design_n of_o god_n by_o this_o fall_n we_o have_v lose_v for_o ever_o the_o virtue_n grace_n and_o supernatural_a gift_n wherewith_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n have_v enrich_v and_o clothe_v the_o first_o man_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o misfortune_n god_n be_v move_v only_o by_o his_o own_o goodness_n to_o be_v merciful_a to_o we_o will_v raise_v we_o from_o this_o fall_n and_o enrich_v we_o more_o than_o ever_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o heavenly_a favour_n where_o sin_n abound_v say_v the_o apostle_n 5.20_o grace_n do_v much_o more_o abound_v to_o raise_v we_o to_o this_o happiness_n he_o will_v give_v we_o a_o new_a beginning_n of_o life_n and_o grace_n his_o only_a son_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v make_v man_n by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n be_v establish_v father_n and_o principle_n of_o that_o be_v and_o life_n of_o grace_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o man_n as_o we_o participate_v in_o sin_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o adam_n and_o be_v with_o he_o despoil_a of_o all_o virtue_n and_o grace_n adhere_v to_o he_o as_o to_o our_o natural_a principle_n and_o have_v with_o he_o his_o be_v and_o his_o nature_n so_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o to_o our_o head_n our_o new_a principle_n we_o participate_v of_o his_o be_v of_o his_o spirit_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o of_o his_o virtue_n this_o witness_v the_o forerunner_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o say_v of_o his_o fullness_n we_o have_v all_o receive_v 1.16_o and_o grace_n for_o grace_n from_o this_o being_n deliberate_o consider_v we_o may_v derive_v worthy_a document_n to_o our_o subject_n first_o we_o see_v how_o much_o we_o ought_v to_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n if_o we_o will_v live_v his_o life_n and_o participate_v his_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o only_a christian_a virtue_n for_o in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o adhere_v to_o adam_n we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o thing_n but_o to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o sinner_n we_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n to_o practice_v or_o possess_v any_o chrstian_a virtue_n if_o we_o will_v live_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o obtain_v power_n to_o practice_v and_o possess_v virtue_n we_o must_v lay_v hold_v of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o receive_v it_o of_o he_o we_o must_v adhere_v to_o he_o for_o we_o can_v possess_v he_o but_o in_o adhere_v to_o he_o wherein_o appear_v also_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o adherence_n from_o this_o truth_n we_o draw_v a_o second_o document_n how_o much_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o speak_v mean_o and_o indifferent_o of_o true_a christians_n or_o of_o a_o thing_n proportion_v to_o our_o reason_n and_o be_v for_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o word_n of_o saint_n paul_n as_o christian_n we_o must_v put_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 13.14_o that_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n in_o such_o manner_n that_o we_o may_v be_v like_a unto_o he_o in_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o perfection_n that_o we_o may_v bear_v in_o we_o a_o expression_n and_o a_o lively_a image_n of_o the_o life_n and_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n christian_n virtue_n be_v not_o animitation_n of_o the_o life_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o perfect_a man_n not_o of_o adam_n consider_v in_o his_o innocency_n and_o original_a justice_n to_o have_v virtue_n after_o this_o manner_n be_v not_o much_o it_o be_v a_o lively_a image_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n man-god_n or_o to_o say_v better_o it_o be_v the_o life_n and_o virtue_n itself_o of_o jesus_n in_o man_n as_o man_n be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o habit_n so_o be_v true_a christian_n from_o other_o by_o these_o virtue_n and_o these_o virtue_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o if_o there_o be_v any_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n here_o then_o appear_v the_o divinity_n and_o perfection_n of_o christian_a virtue_n they_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n himself_o according_a to_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o be_v new_a creature_n as_o creature_n of_o jesus_n 5.17_o we_o must_v bear_v his_o image_n which_o be_v divine_a and_o celestial_a not_o that_o of_o adam_n which_o be_v humane_a and_o terrestrial_a that_o be_v our_o life_n and_o virtue_n must_v not_o be_v of_o a_o man_n but_o of_o god_n life_n and_o virtue_n as_o different_a according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o heaven_n be_v distant_a from_o the_o earth_n as_o unlike_a as_o jesus_n be_v
be_v deceive_v by_o this_o way_n our_o spirit_n be_v too_o feeble_a this_o way_n too_o eminent_a and_o that_o it_o occasion_n a_o perpetual_a combat_n in_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v troublesome_a to_o a_o man_n to_o walk_v in_o darkness_n so_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o the_o soul_n to_o go_v this_o way_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v obscure_a and_o hide_a but_o if_o we_o will_v learn_v it_o well_o we_o must_v say_v the_o contrary_a all_o other_o way_n be_v uncertain_a and_o deceitful_a virtue_n alone_o be_v infallible_a we_o shall_v never_o be_v deceive_v if_o we_o stick_v to_o it_o it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o mean_a esteem_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o faith_n god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o conduct_v we_o be_v capable_a of_o lose_v we_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n to_o guide_v our_o reason_n and_o that_o our_o reason_n must_v submit_v thereunto_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o faith_n be_v annihilate_v as_o saint_n paul_n say_v we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n meaning_n that_o to_o live_v christianly_o 5.7_o we_o must_v let_v our_o reason_n be_v guide_v by_o faith_n not_o faith_n by_o reason_n wherein_o we_o see_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o necessity_n of_o our_o walk_n by_o the_o light_n of_o this_o torch_n or_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a manner_n of_o speech_n see_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o will_v live_v a_o perfect_a christian_a to_o follow_v only_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o learn_v to_o make_v use_n of_o evangelicall_n truth_n if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o soul_n who_o take_v this_o way_n be_v deceive_v it_o be_v in_o that_o they_o go_v out_o of_o it_o and_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o devil_n or_o self-love_n or_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o humane_a spirit_n which_o esteem_v itself_o in_o every_o thing_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o conduct_n of_o faith_n to_o follow_v that_o of_o humane_a prudence_n choose_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o worldly_a vanity_n rather_o than_o by_o the_o maxim_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o heavenly_a truth_n thus_o indeed_o they_o find_v themselves_o deceive_v and_o fall_v into_o misfortune_n not_o for_o have_v take_v this_o way_n of_o faith_n but_o for_o have_v quit_v it_o and_o adhere_v to_o humane_a prudence_n and_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n which_o like_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la will_v lead_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n unless_o we_o be_v aid_v by_o a_o supernatural_a force_n and_o guide_v by_o a_o more_o sure_a light_n such_o as_o be_v this_o of_o faith_n but_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v faithful_a apply_v herself_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n and_o maxim_n of_o christianity_n that_o seek_v god_n with_o simplicity_n and_o humility_n there_o must_v necessary_o arrive_v great_a profit_n and_o advantage_n in_o christian_n perfection_n we_o must_v not_o therefore_o condemn_v this_o way_n and_o reject_v it_o as_o too_o high_a too_o difficult_a and_o too_o painful_a for_o it_o be_v the_o way_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n and_o command_v all_o his_o child_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v teach_v it_o every_o one_o accommodate_v ourselves_o to_o their_o several_a capacity_n and_o give_v they_o all_o the_o mean_n to_o pursue_v it_o without_o go_v out_o of_o it_o lest_o they_o be_v deceive_v if_o we_o find_v here_o any_o difficulty_n it_o be_v in_o ourselves_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o man_n which_o hinder_v his_o progress_n this_o way_n one_o be_v esteem_v of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o own_o spirit_n the_o other_o be_v the_o love_n that_o he_o bear_v himself_o and_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n to_o the_o creature_n to_o pursue_v this_o way_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o faith_n he_o must_v go_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o renounce_v his_o own_o spirit_n and_o raise_v himself_o above_o all_o creature_n to_o adhere_v to_o truth_n to_o believe_v and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o what_o he_o do_v believe_v he_o must_v renounce_v his_o judgement_n his_o reason_n and_o his_o sense_n and_o annihilate_v they_o if_o our_o reason_n sense_n and_o judgement_n repugn_v the_o truth_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n we_o must_v quit_v our_o reason_n and_o our_o sense_n to_o unite_v ourselves_o to_o the_o truth_n if_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v propose_v that_o the_o uncreated_a eternal_a word_n become_v man_n that_o god_n die_v reason_n and_o sense_n oppose_v this_o truth_n reason_n can_v comprehend_v that_o the_o eternal_a god_n shall_v make_v himself_o subject_a to_o time_n the_o immortal_a submit_v himself_o to_o death_n yet_o to_o believe_v this_o our_o will_n move_v by_o grace_n notwithstanding_o the_o opposition_n of_o reason_n and_o sense_n must_v say_v i_o will_v believe_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n propose_v the_o will_n adhere_v hereto_o command_v reason_n and_o judgement_n which_o obey_v she_o believe_v what_o she_o propose_v the_o understanding_n which_o use_v to_o command_v and_o be_v free_a render_v itself_o captive_a and_o obedient_a annihilate_v its_o own_o thought_n and_o reason_n that_o so_o it_o may_v adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n propose_v and_o form_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n thus_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o of_o saint_n paul_n 10.5_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n by_o faith_n the_o understanding_n which_o use_v to_o command_v be_v make_v captive_a and_o obedient_a to_o the_o will_n therefore_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n go_v out_o of_o herself_o and_o no_o more_o obey_v her_o judgement_n or_o sense_n she_o no_o more_o regard_v herself_o but_o the_o truth_n only_o which_o she_o embrace_v as_o her_o object_n adhere_v and_o unite_n herself_o thereto_o thus_o by_o faith_n the_o soul_n be_v elevate_v above_o herself_o to_o be_v tie_v and_o unite_v to_o the_o eternal_a and_o infallible_a truth_n reveal_v and_o propose_v to_o she_o this_o well_o consider_v will_v show_v we_o the_o excellency_n and_o dignity_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o knowledge_n we_o shall_v learn_v how_o much_o we_o be_v to_o esteem_v the_o state_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_a and_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_n in_o particular_a see_v that_o according_a to_o god_n design_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o christian_n as_o christian_n must_v live_v and_o be_v guide_v only_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o light_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a draw_v we_o out_o of_o ourselves_o to_o unite_v and_o tie_v we_o to_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n we_o shall_v moreover_o see_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o what_o we_o think_v it_o consist_v not_o in_o great_a learning_n in_o many_o reason_n and_o several_a argument_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v for_o the_o simple_a and_o for_o those_o who_o can_v go_v out_o of_o themselves_o who_o can_v annihilate_v themselves_o in_o their_o reason_n and_o quit_v the_o regard_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o creature_n adhere_v and_o follow_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v common_o that_o the_o learned_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v most_o prudence_n most_o reason_n the_o most_o solid_a judgement_n and_o capacity_n of_o spirit_n have_v likewise_o most_o opposition_n to_o faith_n for_o they_o be_v less_o able_a to_o go_v out_o of_o themselves_o to_o annihilate_v their_o own_o spirit_n and_o judgement_n thus_o jesus_n christ_n after_o he_o have_v sum_v up_o the_o truth_n of_o heaven_n and_o describe_v the_o contentment_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o just_a 11.25_o conclude_v with_o a_o enthusiasm_n of_o truth_n i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n say_v he_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n these_o truth_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o meek_a which_o show_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o god_n give_v it_o to_o the_o humble_a and_o little_a one_o that_o to_o adhere_v to_o it_o we_o must_v humble_v and_o abase_v ourselves_o in_o a_o word_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n conceive_v we_o must_v go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o out_o of_o esteem_n of_o ourselves_o let_v we_o practice_v this_o for_o it_o be_v our_o principal_a design_n to_o make_v use_n of_o faith_n and_o truth_n conceive_v we_o must_v first_o consider_v what_o faith_n propose_v but_o we_o must_v consider_v it_o bare_o and_o simple_o without_o any_o discourse_n upon_o it_o we_o
true_o all_o virtue_n be_v good_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o perfect_a christian_a the_o practice_n thereof_o profitable_a the_o acquisition_n useful_a and_o necessary_a but_o his_o chief_a care_n and_o exercise_n must_v be_v piety_n 8._o for_o he_o add_v godliness_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o advice_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v his_o disciple_n we_o must_v here_o propose_v to_o our_o perfect_a christian_a have_v already_o speak_v of_o virtue_n the_o most_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n there_o remain_v then_o no_o more_o to_o commend_v unto_o he_o but_o a_o true_a and_o solid_a christian_a piety_n for_o this_o piety_n be_v the_o ornament_n or_o mistress_n of_o all_o other_o virtue_n i_o mean_v the_o christian_a virtue_n dispose_v we_o assist_v we_o and_o put_v we_o into_o a_o capacity_n agreeable_a to_o god_n and_o to_o honour_v he_o they_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o make_v we_o worthy_a of_o god_n they_o show_v we_o the_o way_n to_o god_n but_o piety_n lead_v we_o to_o god_n and_o make_v use_v of_o all_o virtue_n to_o conduct_v we_o thither_o and_o have_v no_o object_n but_o god_n teach_v we_o the_o worship_n and_o honour_n that_o we_o must_v render_v to_o he_o and_o like_o a_o good_a mistress_n put_v we_o into_o a_o ready_a and_o easy_a practice_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o entertain_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o action_n that_o honour_n god_n and_o be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o in_o brief_a she_o enable_v we_o to_o pay_v god_n what_o we_o owe_v he_o this_o piety_n be_v the_o first_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o a_o soul_n as_o the_o first_o motion_n the_o first_o instinct_n the_o first_o light_n we_o have_v from_o nature_n to_o know_v god_n so_o the_o first_o exercise_n she_o inspire_v we_o with_o be_v to_o honour_v the_o same_o god_n to_o render_v he_o that_o worship_n and_o service_n which_o the_o creature_n owe_v its_o creator_n this_o piety_n teach_v to_o this_o she_o incite_v we_o this_o she_o produce_v in_o we_o whence_o we_o may_v apprehend_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o know_v wherein_o this_o true_a piety_n consist_v and_o to_o establish_v our_o self_n therein_o for_o above_o all_o that_o we_o have_v say_v already_o which_o be_v very_o considerable_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o true_a piety_n be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a foundation_n whereby_o christian_n perfection_n be_v support_v in_o the_o conduct_n of_o man_n all_o action_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o life_n be_v rule_v according_a to_o piety_n and_o as_o we_o common_o say_v according_a to_o the_o devotion_n they_o have_v if_o then_o their_o piety_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o a_o solid_a foundation_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n will_v be_v unconstant_a and_o its_o exercise_n very_o uncertain_a superficial_a and_o perhaps_o whole_o unprofitable_a 3.5_o as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o devotion_n of_o many_o which_o be_v only_o in_o the_o exterior_a who_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v have_v the_o form_n of_o godliness_n despise_v the_o power_n thereof_o in_o such_o soul_n we_o see_v nothing_o solid_a nothing_o but_o inconstancy_n in_o their_o life_n imperfection_n in_o their_o action_n disquiet_a disturbance_n and_o adherence_n to_o several_a creature_n in_o their_o spirit_n a_o small_a blast_n of_o adversity_n overturn_v they_o if_o we_o consider_v all_o their_o life_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o appearance_n and_o shadow_n of_o piety_n counterfeit_a pearl_n that_o make_v a_o fair_a glitter_a show_n but_o be_v full_o only_a of_o wind_n some_o fall_n into_o this_o evil_a by_o ignorance_n other_o by_o default_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o direct_v both_o into_o the_o truth_n it_o concern_v we_o therefore_o to_o examine_v wherein_o piety_n and_o true_a christian_a devotion_n consist_v several_a person_n speak_v of_o it_o several_o every_o one_o add_v to_o it_o and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o his_o own_o inclination_n humour_n and_o particular_a affection_n but_o according_a to_o catholic_n truth_n the_o foundation_n of_o solid_a and_o true_a christian_a piety_n consist_v in_o the_o soul_n being_n jesus_n christ_n and_o belong_v to_o he_o by_o a_o relation_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n true_a piety_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n esteem_n adherence_n and_o subjection_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o jesus_n chr_v from_o which_o esteem_n adherence_n and_o subjection_n all_o our_o exercise_n action_n of_o devotion_n and_o piety_n must_v proceed_v as_o heat_v from_o the_o fire_n the_o effect_n from_o the_o cause_n this_o description_n of_o piety_n may_v seem_v new_a but_o it_o will_v appear_v manifest_a if_o we_o weigh_v with_o patience_n the_o deduction_n thereof_o and_o consider_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v our_o saviour_n our_o mediator_n by_o who_o we_o have_v access_n to_o god_n by_o who_o we_o honour_v god_n render_v our_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o most_o high_a and_o most_o adorable_a trinity_n and_o refer_v our_o life_n action_n and_o our_o self_n thereto_o herein_o consist_v true_a piety_n for_o by_o jesus_n christ_n we_o be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o by_o he_o god_n who_o be_v all_o sufficient_a in_o himself_o vouchsafe_v to_o accept_v our_o will_n to_o sanctify_v our_o action_n and_o recompense_v our_o good_a work_n st._n paul_n teach_v this_o when_o he_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v all_o our_o glory_n 8._o it_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o he_o that_o we_o live_v in_o he_o we_o merit_v and_o satisfy_v by_o fruit_n worthy_a repentance_n it_o be_v in_o he_o that_o they_o be_v meritorious_a it_o be_v he_o that_o offer_v they_o to_o his_o father_n consider_v these_o word_n and_o his_o father_n accept_v they_o and_o they_o be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o for_o his_o sake_n what_o more_o clear_a or_o more_o to_o our_o purpose_n hence_o we_o conclude_v that_o devotion_n and_o christian_a piety_n can_v be_v in_o a_o soul_n if_o that_o soul_n be_v not_o jesus_n christ_n if_o it_o adhere_v not_o to_o he_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o spirit_n for_o if_o we_o live_v not_o if_o we_o merit_v not_o nor_o can_v satisfy_v god_n but_o by_o jesus_n christ_n it_o necessary_o follow_v we_o can_v live_v if_o we_o be_v not_o jesus_n christ_n he_o therefore_o say_v saint_n john_n 5.12_o who_o have_v not_o the_o son_n have_v not_o life_n imply_v he_o have_v nothing_o and_o consequent_o he_o have_v no_o capacity_n to_o honour_n and_o serve_v god_n wherein_o consist_v true_a piety_n whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o to_o acquire_v true_a devotion_n we_o must_v begin_v with_o this_o esteem_n of_o jesus_n and_o by_o a_o adherence_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o spirit_n and_o conduct_v let_v we_o more_o particular_o explain_v wherein_o this_o true_a piety_n consist_v to_o know_v it_o we_o must_v not_o stop_v at_o exterior_a thing_n or_o at_o action_n which_o have_v nothing_o but_o appearance_n but_o we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o regard_v true_a devotion_n only_o in_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o proper_a office_n and_o principal_a duty_n of_o true_a piety_n be_v to_o cause_v we_o to_o regard_n god_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o render_v to_o god_n what_o we_o owe_v he_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n not_o by_o speculation_n or_o sublime_a knowledge_n but_o by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n this_o knowledge_n lead_v we_o to_o esteem_v god_n by_o this_o esteem_n we_o enter_v into_o a_o propriety_n and_o a_o true_a and_o absolute_a subjection_n to_o his_o greatness_n and_o will_n all_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o true_a devotion_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v render_v to_o god_n the_o honour_n love_n and_o service_n we_o owe_v he_o but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o esteem_v he_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o see_v then_o piety_n consist_v in_o render_v to_o god_n the_o honour_n love_n and_o service_n we_o owe_v he_o and_o that_o we_o can_v otherwise_o honour_v or_o serve_v he_o then_o as_o we_o esteem_v he_o and_o depend_v of_o he_o and_o his_o divine_a will_n it_o follow_v that_o to_o be_v true_o devout_a we_o must_v act_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n and_o follow_v this_o supernatural_a light_n we_o must_v conceive_v a_o great_a esteem_n of_o god_n and_o live_v in_o great_a subjection_n to_o his_o law_n and_o divine_a conduct_n and_o so_o to_o live_v be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o piety_n and_o to_o be_v true_o devout_a but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o we_o must_v proceed_v further_o the_o christian_a be_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o heart_n dispose_v after_o the_o manner_n we_o mention_v feel_v a_o spiritual_a vivacity_n a_o
the_o word_n as_o all_o good_a all_o wise_a all_o mighty_a this_o manner_n be_v sufficient_a therefore_o we_o must_v accustom_v ourselves_o to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o which_o faith_n propose_v and_o after_o excite_v in_o ourselves_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o entertain_v ourselves_o therein_o not_o by_o speculation_n but_o by_o obedience_n and_o affection_n which_o be_v that_o we_o call_v a_o affective_a thought_n of_o god_n as_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v in_o our_o heart_n yea_o my_o god_n thou_o be_v whole_o wise_a and_o whole_o good_a i_o will_v leave_v myself_o to_o thy_o conduct_n i_o will_v submit_v myself_o to_o thy_o divine_a will_n by_o these_o frequent_a thought_n of_o god_n the_o soul_n unite_v itself_o to_o god_n adhere_v to_o his_o truth_n and_o by_o little_a and_o little_a ascend_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n this_o manner_n be_v not_o hard_o neither_o require_v it_o any_o rule_n we_o must_v only_o be_v vigilant_a often_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o thereto_o when_o any_o thing_n give_v occasion_n thereof_o to_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o it_o suffice_v not_o to_o consider_v our_o own_o impotency_n our_o feebleness_n and_o our_o imperfection_n we_o see_v they_o and_o know_v they_o but_o too_o much_o we_o make_v a_o custom_n of_o it_o and_o this_o truth_n will_v never_o lead_v we_o to_o humility_n but_o we_o must_v elevate_v our_o thought_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o soul_n must_v present_v itself_o before_o god_n and_o have_v conceive_v as_o well_o as_o she_o can_v the_o infinite_a be_v and_o sovereign_a majesty_n of_o the_o divinity_n before_o which_o she_o be_v she_o regard_v he_o she_o adore_v he_o then_o she_o begin_v to_o compare_v she_o be_v with_o that_o of_o god_n she_o entertain_v herself_o in_o this_o thought_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n and_o present_o acknowledge_v the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n above_o her_o own_o she_o account_v herself_o as_o if_o she_o be_v not_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infinite_a distance_n she_o see_v betwixt_o god_n and_o she_o and_o in_o this_o view_n she_o regard_v herself_o rather_o in_o a_o not_o be_v and_o a_o nothing_o then_o in_o a_o be_v the_o soul_n fill_v herself_o with_o this_o thought_n and_o possess_v with_o this_o truth_n humble_v herself_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o she_o nothing_o and_o abase_v herself_o as_o much_o as_o she_o can_v for_o have_v conceive_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n throughout_o she_o see_v that_o she_o be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o this_o truth_n annihilate_v all_o creature_n yea_o the_o most_o perfect_a upon_o earth_n and_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n force_v by_o this_o principle_n humble_v themselves_o and_o make_v themselves_o as_o nothing_o before_o the_o supreme_a and_o incomprehensible_a majesty_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o who_o all_o creature_n together_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o grain_n of_o sand._n the_o soul_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o truth_n must_v say_v in_o herself_o if_o all_o creature_n be_v nothing_o before_o god_n 15._o what_o be_o i_o who_o be_o the_o least_o and_o if_o i_o be_o nothing_o before_o god_n can_v i_o make_v myself_o any_o thing_n if_o before_o the_o creator_n i_o find_v not_o myself_o by_o reason_n i_o be_o so_o much_o plunge_v into_o nothing_o will_v i_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o truth_n appear_v to_o be_v something_o before_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o truth_n the_o spirit_n be_v vanquish_v the_o soul_n know_v what_o she_o be_v and_o be_v constrain_v to_o humble_v herself_o we_o must_v pass_v far_o and_o enter_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o total_a and_o absolute_a dependence_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o god_n a_o dependence_n so_o great_a that_o she_o hold_v only_o of_o god_n she_o subsist_v not_o nor_o move_v but_o in_o god_n with_o so_o much_o necessity_n that_o the_o beam_n subsist_v not_o by_o nor_o depend_v more_o on_o the_o sun_n than_o the_o soul_n do_v on_o her_o god_n o_o happy_a dependence_n which_o give_v we_o god_n and_o bind_v we_o to_o god_n in_o consider_v this_o truth_n the_o soul_n find_v that_o she_o be_v nothing_o and_o that_o she_o have_v nothing_o either_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o essence_n create_v or_o in_o the_o order_n of_o grace_n for_o all_o be_v in_o god_n and_o depend_v on_o god_n in_o such_o manner_n that_o if_o god_n shall_v whole_o withdraw_v himself_o she_o shall_v leave_v to_o be_v that_o which_o she_o be_v and_o shall_v find_v herself_o in_o she_o nothing_o so_o that_o if_o she_o have_v any_o thing_n she_o see_v that_o it_o be_v in_o god_n not_o in_o herself_o in_o he_o say_v st._n paul_n we_o live_v and_o move_v 17.28_o and_o have_v our_o be_v reflect_v hereupon_o she_o say_v in_o her_o heart_n if_o all_o that_o i_o have_v belong_v not_o to_o i_o nor_o be_v of_o i_o but_o of_o god_n and_o belong_v to_o god_n then_o be_o i_o nothing_o nor_o have_v any_o thing_n wherefore_o do_v i_o flatter_v myself_o and_o believe_v myself_o to_o be_v something_o when_o in_o truth_n i_o be_o nothing_o why_o do_v i_o glorify_v myself_o and_o please_v myself_o in_o that_o which_o belong_v not_o to_o i_o wherefore_o shall_v i_o attribute_v to_o myself_o the_o honour_n contentment_n and_o glory_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o my_o lord_n no_o no_o i_o will_v keep_v in_o my_o meanness_n i_o will_v hide_v myself_o in_o the_o abyss_n of_o my_o nothing_o and_o if_o god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o and_o out_o of_o his_o bounty_n give_v i_o something_o i_o will_v hold_v it_o of_o he_o i_o will_v only_o keep_v it_o for_o he_o and_o i_o resolve_v from_o this_o time_n and_o to_o all_o eternity_n i_o will_v live_v in_o the_o dependence_n that_o i_o owe_v to_o the_o regard_n of_o my_o lord_n and_o god_n let_v we_o not_o stay_v here_o but_o advance_v forward_o to_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o let_v we_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o need_n we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v what_o we_o be_v and_o that_o we_o be_v nothing_o nor_o have_v nothing_o as_o have_v receive_v all_o of_o god_n and_o we_o possess_v nothing_o either_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a in_o nature_n or_o in_o grace_n but_o only_o that_o which_o god_n reserve_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o withdraw_v his_o gift_n or_o cease_v to_o preserve_v they_o we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o like_o adam_n naked_a and_o poor_a and_o shall_v return_v to_o our_o nothing_o let_v we_o behold_v ourselves_o then_o so_o naked_a and_o devest_v and_o let_v we_o pause_v upon_o this_o thought_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v whether_o we_o will_v or_o not_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o but_o with_o a_o humility_n full_a of_o love_n and_o confidence_n which_o shall_v make_v we_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n to_o heaven_n to_o behold_v he_o on_o who_o we_o so_o absolute_o depend_v from_o who_o hand_n we_o have_v receive_v all_o and_o must_v yet_o every_o moment_n receive_v influence_n conduct_n grace_n and_o stability_n and_o that_o so_o necessary_o that_o if_o we_o happen_v to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o he_o and_o if_o he_o but_o stop_v his_o assistance_n and_o his_o concourse_n leave_v we_o to_o ourselves_o we_o assure_o shall_v fall_v and_o in_o a_o instant_n lose_v all_o in_o what_o state_n soever_o we_o be_v of_o sanctity_n and_o grace_n o_o most_o powerful_a truth_n to_o humble_v we_o if_o consider_v a_o truth_n that_o humble_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o just_a upon_o earth_n and_o which_o annihilate_v the_o angel_n and_o seraphim_n in_o heaven_n a_o truth_n which_o make_v the_o glorious_a spirit_n angel_n and_o saint_n who_o enjoy_v god_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o but_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o stability_n but_o in_o god_n a_o acknowledgement_n so_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o pluck_v they_o and_o unite_v they_o to_o he_o indissoluble_o if_o otherwise_o they_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o he_o by_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n this_o be_v the_o very_a state_n of_o a_o soul_n of_o jesus_n who_o know_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n and_o see_v himself_o his_o creature_n penetrate_v those_o truth_n by_o a_o light_n spring_v from_o the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o word_n a_o light_a worthy_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n humble_v itself_o but_o with_o a_o humility_n that_o shall_v be_v eternal_a a_o humility_n more_o profound_a than_o that_o of_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n a_o humility_n which_o alone_o be_v worthy_a to_o honour_n and_o adore_v the_o infinite_a essence_n and_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n of_o god_n so_o that_o