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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
love_n exact_a good_a great_a 62 3 2.1122 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A52424 Letters concerning the love of God between the author of the Proposal to the ladies and Mr. John Norris, wherein his late discourse, shewing that it ought to be intire and exclusive of all other loves, is further cleared and justified / published by J. Norris. Norris, John, 1657-1711.; Astell, Mary, 1668-1731. 1695 (1695) Wing N1254; ESTC R17696 100,744 365

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virtue_n of_o a_o bare_a submission_n consist_v such_o a_o passive_a obedience_n to_o god_n be_v like_o the_o new_a notion_n some_o have_v get_v of_o passive_a obedience_n to_o their_o governor_n a_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v when_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o help_v it_o but_o our_o divine_a amourist_n have_v a_o entire_a complacency_n in_o whatever_o god_n allot_v he_o in_o a_o manner_n go_v forth_o to_o meet_v it_o choose_v justify_v and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o but_o i_o must_v not_o omit_v what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v a_o peculiar_a character_n and_o special_a effect_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o that_o be_v the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n that_o it_o be_v so_o need_v no_o proof_n be_v express_o affirm_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o his_o belove_a disciple_n let_v we_o inquire_v a_o little_a into_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o god_n by_o the_o prerogative_n of_o his_o nature_n his_o infinite_a beneficence_n and_o love_n to_o we_o have_v a_o right_a to_o all_o our_o love_n whether_o it_o be_v love_n of_o desire_n or_o love_n of_o benevolence_n but_o withal_o be_v no_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o latter_a by_o reason_n of_o his_o infinite_a fullness_n have_v therefore_o think_v fit_a to_o devolve_v all_o his_o right_n to_o that_o love_n on_o our_o neighbour_n and_o to_o require_v as_o strict_a a_o payment_n of_o it_o to_o his_o proxy_n as_o if_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v it_o himself_o by_o this_o notion_n we_o may_v fair_o understand_v st._n john_n reason_v in_o his_o 1_o sy_n epist._n chap._n 4._o 20._o a_o text_n which_o those_o expositor_n that_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o give_v methinks_v but_o a_o crude_a interpretation_n of_o and_o beside_o the_o love_n of_o god_n press_v we_o to_o such_o a_o exact_a imitation_n of_o he_o as_o i_o show_v in_o my_o last_o and_o god_n be_v in_o nothing_o more_o imitable_a than_o in_o his_o charity_n and_o communicativeness_n our_o love_n to_o he_o will_v require_v we_o to_o transcribe_v this_o most_o lovely_a pattern_n and_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o can_v to_o those_o who_o he_o be_v constant_o pursue_v with_o his_o benefit_n it_o likewise_o teach_v we_o the_o true_a measure_n of_o benevolence_n which_o be_v to_o bestow_v the_o great_a share_n of_o our_o love_n on_o those_o who_o be_v dear_a to_o god_n and_o do_v most_o resemble_v he_o i_o can_v forbear_v to_o reckon_v it_o a_o irregular_a affection_n and_o a_o effect_n of_o vicious_a self-love_n to_o love_v any_o person_n mere_o on_o account_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o we_o all_o other_o motive_n be_v equal_a this_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o weigh_v down_o the_o scale_n but_o certain_o no_o man_n be_v the_o better_a in_o himself_o for_o be_v akin_a to_o i_o and_o nothing_o but_o a_o overween_a opinion_n of_o myself_o can_v induce_v i_o to_o think_v so_o i_o shall_v therefore_o choose_v to_o derive_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o regard_v our_o 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well_o as_o in_o other_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n arm_v as_o they_o be_v with_o sensible_a prejudices_fw-la will_v appear_v very_o difficult_a and_o which_o the_o most_o purge_v and_o illuminate_v spirit_n will_v not_o present_o comprehend_v and_o which_o even_o those_o that_o do_v will_v not_o easy_o explain_v so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o intelligible_a to_o other_o practice_n and_o experiment_n will_v go_v further_a here_o but_o after_o all_o we_o must_v be_v often_o force_v to_o cry_v o_o the_o depth_n st._n paul_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v sensible_a of_o this_o when_o he_o pray_v for_o his_o ephesian_n that_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n and_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n this_o perhaps_o may_v be_v chief_o mean_v of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o but_o it_o be_v 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since_o mental_a and_o bodily_a pain_n be_v not_o so_o far_o evil_a but_o that_o in_o some_o circumstance_n they_o may_v become_v eligible_a which_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v without_o assume_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o pure_a and_o absolute_a evil_n and_o further_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a in_o our_o contemplation_n and_o retirement_n to_o distinguish_v between_o great_a and_o lesser_a evil_n to_o compare_v and_o weigh_v they_o together_o and_o to_o allot_v to_o each_o its_o due_a proportion_n of_o choice_n or_o aversion_n yet_o since_o good_a and_o evil_n do_v frequent_o present_v themselves_o to_o our_o mind_n in_o common_a conversation_n and_o business_n when_o we_o have_v neither_o time_n nor_o appetite_n to_o abstract_n and_o consider_v but_o be_v determine_v by_o this_o short_a and_o obvious_a sillogism_n evil_a be_v not_o eligible_a but_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v evil_a therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v choose_v whereas_o perhaps_o 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of_o pain_n for_o i_o do_v it_o well_o understand_v your_o mean_v when_o you_o say_v that_o pain_n anticipate_v all_o thought_n or_o reflection_n i_o do_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o uneasy_a thought_n and_o how_o then_o can_v it_o anticipate_v all_o thought_n the_o bodily_a impression_n indeed_o prevent_v thought_n but_o that_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o pain_n but_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o gratify_v your_o desire_n which_o fall_v in_o so_o much_o with_o my_o own_o inclination_n that_o i_o shall_v further_o communicate_v my_o thought_n concern_v divine_a love_n a_o subject_a on_o which_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v endless_a and_o yet_o impossible_a to_o say_v too_o much_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o religion_n to_o which_o all_o other_o duty_n be_v reducible_a which_o be_v but_o so_o many_o different_a modification_n of_o this_o soul_n that_o animate_v the_o christian_a life_n and_o therefore_o such_o 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feel_v at_o the_o presence_n of_o body_n must_v be_v produce_v by_o some_o high_a cause_n than_o they_o yet_o if_o the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n have_v no_o natural_a efficiency_n towards_o the_o produce_v of_o those_o sensation_n which_o we_o feel_v at_o their_o presence_n if_o they_o serve_v no_o further_o than_o as_o positive_a and_o arbitrary_a condition_n to_o determine_v the_o action_n of_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n if_o they_o have_v nothing_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o qualify_v they_o to_o be_v instrumental_a to_o the_o production_n of_o such_o and_o such_o sensation_n but_o that_o if_o god_n shall_v so_o please_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n notwithstanding_o we_o may_v as_o well_o feel_v cold_a at_o the_o presence_n of_o fire_n as_o of_o water_n and_o heat_n at_o the_o application_n of_o water_n or_o any_o other_o creature_n and_o since_o god_n may_v as_o well_o excite_v sensation_n in_o our_o soul_n without_o these_o positive_a condition_n as_o 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i_o good_a that_o be_v that_o produce_v pleasure_n in_o i_o though_o it_o be_v but_o the_o contemptible_a pleasure_n of_o a_o grateful_a odour_n have_v on_o that_o account_n a_o just_a title_n to_o some_o portion_n of_o my_o love_n since_o in_o some_o case_n the_o occasion_v a_o moral_a and_o durable_a good_a do_v not_o necessary_o challenge_v our_o love_n as_o for_o instance_n my_o enemy_n do_v i_o very_o much_o good_a by_o his_o great_a injury_n and_o most_o virulent_a reproach_n because_o he_o give_v opportunity_n of_o exercise_v my_o charity_n and_o make_v such_o a_o discovery_n of_o my_o fault_n that_o thereby_o i_o come_v to_o know_v and_o amend_v they_o but_o i_o suppose_v you_o will_v say_v i_o be_o oblige_v to_o he_o for_o all_o this_o or_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o desire_v those_o injury_n or_o admit_v he_o to_o my_o bosom_n who_o offer_v they_o though_o perhaps_o my_o dear_a friend_n can_v not_o possible_o do_v i_o a_o great_a good_a we_o do_v not_o therefore_o owe_v love_n 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servant_n aug._n 14._o mr._n norris_n answer_n madam_n you_o be_v no_o less_o happy_a in_o this_o your_o review_n than_o in_o your_o first_o overture_n to_o pitch_v upon_o the_o only_a material_a objection_n to_o which_o the_o proposition_n you_o attack_z be_v liable_a but_o before_o i_o set_v myself_o to_o answer_v it_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o suggest_v to_o you_o that_o it_o be_v a_o proposition_n of_o the_o most_o incontestable_a and_o philosophic_a evidence_n and_o in_o the_o discourse_n you_o refer_v to_o most_o clear_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v so_o that_o the_o body_n that_o be_v about_o we_o be_v not_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o those_o sensation_n which_o we_o feel_v at_o their_o presence_n but_o that_o god_n only_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o being_n have_v the_o sole_a
letter_n concern_v the_o love_n of_o god_n between_o the_o author_n of_o the_o proposal_n to_o the_o lady_n and_o mr._n john_n norris_n wherein_o his_o late_a discourse_n show_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v entire_a and_o exclusive_a of_o all_o other_o love_v be_v further_a clear_v and_o justify_v publish_a by_o j._n norris_n m._n a._n rector_n of_o bemerton_n near_o sarum_n london_n print_v for_o samuel_n manship_n at_o the_o ship_n near_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n and_o richard_n wilkin_n at_o the_o king_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n be_v churchyard_n 1695._o imprimatur_fw-la october_n 7._o 1694._o c._n alston_n to_o the_o true_o honourable_a lady_n the_o lady_z catherine_n jones_n in_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o her_o merit_n and_o in_o testimony_n of_o that_o just_a and_o therefore_o very_o great_a and_o vnseigned_a veneration_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o her_o ladyship_n virtue_n these_o letter_n be_v most_o humble_o dedicate_v and_o present_v to_o the_o reader_n the_o 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neighbourhood_n of_o seraphic_a flame_n but_o my_o expression_n be_v too_o flat_a my_o colour_n too_o dead_a to_o draw_v such_o a_o lovely_a piece_n will_v to_o god_n we_o will_v all_o transcribe_v not_o this_o imperfect_a copy_n but_o that_o incomparable_a original_a she_o daily_o give_v we_o that_o lady_n may_v be_v at_o last_o convince_v that_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o most_o charm_a amiableness_n because_o most_o last_a and_o most_o divine_a and_o that_o no_o ornament_n be_v so_o become_v to_o a_o lady_n as_o the_o robe_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o jewel_n of_o piety_n i_o be_o sir_n your_o much_o oblige_a friend_n and_o servant_n july_n 17_o 1694._o postscript_n to_o the_o preface_n though_o authority_n go_v but_o a_o very_a little_a way_n with_o i_o in_o question_n who_o determination_n depend_v upon_o measure_n of_o reason_n yet_o find_v that_o the_o great_a and_o general_a objection_n that_o lie_v against_o the_o present_a conclusion_n be_v the_o pretend_a singularity_n of_o it_o i_o think_v it_o convenient_a to_o set_v down_o a_o very_a signal_n passage_n which_o since_o the_o writing_n the_o preface_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o late_a continuation_n des_fw-fr essais_n de_fw-fr morale_fw-la part_n 2._o tom._n 1._o pag._n 59_o where_o upon_o that_o text_n of_o st._n peter_n i_o beseech_v you_o as_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n etc._n etc._n the_o excellent_a moralist_n have_v these_o word_n but_o what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o these_o carnal_a desire_n which_o st._n peter_n forbid_v we_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o mark_v it_o out_o for_o all_o that_o which_o be_v not_o god_n be_v carnal_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v a_o consequence_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o have_v
a_o sufficient_a and_o proper_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n notwithstanding_o that_o pain_n which_o be_v also_o but_o after_o a_o different_a manner_n cause_v by_o he_o as_o to_o what_o you_o suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_a namely_o that_o the_o author_n of_o our_o pain_n have_v as_o good_a a_o title_n to_o our_o love_n as_o the_o author_n of_o our_o pleasure_n it_o be_v true_a he_o that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o pain_n have_v as_o good_a a_o title_n to_o it_o as_o the_o author_n of_o our_o pleasure_n because_o they_o be_v both_o one_o and_o the_o same_o but_o not_o as_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o pain_n he_o have_v a_o title_n to_o our_o love_n not_o for_o that_o but_o notwithstanding_o that_o it_o be_v his_o being_n the_o cause_n of_o our_o pleasure_n that_o make_v he_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o love_n which_o he_o be_v notwithstanding_o his_o be_v also_o the_o author_n of_o pain_n but_o then_o say_v you_o if_o his_o do_v 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shall_v have_v a_o speedy_a answer_n from_o madam_n your_o very_a humble_a servant_n j._n norris_n bemerton_n oct._n 13._o 1693._o postscript_n one_o consideration_n more_o when_o you_o speak_v of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o pain_n either_o you_o mean_v as_o to_o this_o life_n or_o as_o to_o the_o next_o if_o as_o to_o the_o next_o that_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o duty_n that_o we_o owe_v he_o here_o if_o as_o to_o the_o present_a life_n the_o pain_n that_o god_n inflict_v upon_o we_o here_o be_v only_o medicinal_a and_o in_o order_n to_o our_o great_a good_a and_o consequent_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o kindness_n and_o i_o think_v set_v aside_o my_o other_o consideration_n there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o pretence_n for_o not_o love_v or_o hate_v god_n for_o this_o than_o for_o hate_v our_o physician_n or_o surgeon_n for_o put_v we_o to_o pain_n in_o order_n to_o our_o health_n or_o cure_n letter_n iii_o to_o mr._n norris_n sir_n you_o see_v how_o greedy_o i_o embrace_v the_o advantageous_a offer_v you_o make_v i_o in_o the_o close_a of_o your_o excellent_a letter_n for_o which_o i_o will_v return_v some_o acknowledgement_n but_o that_o i_o want_v expression_n suitable_a to_o its_o value_n and_o my_o resentment_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o from_o which_o i_o can_v withhold_v my_o assent_n but_o that_o too_o favourable_a opinion_n you_o seem_v to_o have_v conceive_v of_o a_o person_n who_o have_v nothing_o considerable_a in_o she_o but_o a_o honest_a heart_n and_o a_o love_n to_o truth_n i_o be_o therefore_o exceed_o glad_a to_o find_v this_o noble_a and_o necessary_a theory_n that_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o our_o love_n so_o well_o establish_v and_o though_o any_o one_o of_o the_o three_o principle_n you_o argue_v from_o in_o your_o print_a discourse_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o that_o conclusion_n though_o it_o may_v be_v single_o infer_v both_o from_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o love_n and_o from_o the_o obligation_n we_o be_v under_o of_o conform_v to_o his_o will_n as_o well_o as_o from_o his_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o our_o pleasure_n yet_o joint_o they_o be_v irrefragable_a and_o i_o have_v nothing_o more_o left_a to_o wish_v but_o that_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o fix_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o their_o desire_n on_o their_o maker_n as_o it_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o for_o when_o all_o be_v say_v and_o all_o conclusion_n be_v try_v there_o be_v no_o rest_n no_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o in_o her_o god_n she_o can_v never_o be_v at_o ease_n nor_o in_o pleasure_n but_o when_o she_o move_v with_o her_o full_a bent_n and_o inclination_n direct_o towards_o he_o and_o absolute_o and_o entire_o depend_v on_o he_o yet_o i_o be_o very_a well_o please_v that_o i_o make_v the_o objection_n which_o you_o have_v so_o well_o resolve_v because_o it_o have_v procure_v i_o a_o clear_a and_o accurate_a account_n of_o what_o before_o i_o have_v only_o in_o confuse_v and_o indistinct_a notion_n and_o have_v begin_v a_o correspondence_n which_o if_o it_o may_v be_v continue_v i_o shall_v reckon_v the_o great_a advantage_n that_o can_v befall_v i_o for_o though_o by_o observe_v the_o rule_n you_o have_v already_o enrich_v the_o world_n with_o i_o may_v possible_o find_v out_o truth_n yet_o i_o can_v be_v assure_v i_o have_v do_v so_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o suspect_v my_o own_o notion_n mere_o for_o be_v my_o own_o but_o if_o they_o can_v pass_v so_o exact_a a_o touchstone_n as_o your_o judgement_n i_o shall_v without_o hesitancy_n subscribe_v to_o they_o so_o far_o be_o i_o from_o think_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o pain_n be_v any_o just_a impediment_n to_o our_o entire_a love_n of_o he_o that_o i_o be_o almost_o persuade_v to_o rank_v it_o among_o the_o motive_n to_o it_o for_o though_o pain_n consider_v abstract_o be_v not_o a_o good_a yet_o it_o may_v be_v so_o circumstantiate_v and_o always_o be_v when_o god_n inflict_v it_o as_o to_o be_v a_o good_n to_o the_o pious_a man_n it_o be_v so_o both_o intentional_o and_o eventual_o and_o though_o inflict_v as_o a_o punishment_n on_o wicked_a man_n it_o be_v however_o material_o good_a be_v as_o you_o observe_v a_o act_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a maxim_n that_o all_o our_o good_a be_v whole_o and_o absolute_o from_o god_n and_o all_o our_o evil_n pure_o and_o entire_o from_o ourselves_o whatever_o method_n god_n use_v to_o draw_v we_o to_o himself_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v be_v good_a in_o themselves_o and_o good_a for_o we_o
and_o entire_o owe_v to_o ourselves_o and_o since_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_o and_o absolute_o the_o object_n of_o the_o hatred_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n but_o sin_n because_o nothing_o but_o that_o be_v its_o true_a and_o proper_a evil_n consequent_o god_n being_n the_o author_n of_o pain_n can_v be_v no_o just_a bar_n to_o our_o love_n much_o less_o any_o motive_n to_o our_o hatred_n or_o aversion_n i_o consider_v further_o that_o though_o man_n do_v natural_o desire_v pleasure_n in_o all_o his_o capacity_n and_o therefore_o indolence_n be_v necessary_a to_o perfect_a felicity_n yet_o since_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o perfect_a happiness_n or_o perfect_a misery_n in_o this_o world_n that_o which_o have_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o good_a than_o of_o evil_n in_o it_o may_v proper_o enough_o be_v call_v a_o good_a admit_v therefore_o that_o sensible_a pain_n be_v disagreeable_a to_o the_o low_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o be_v it_o be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o better_a and_o improve_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o do_v good_a to_o our_o better_a part_n if_o we_o ourselves_o do_v not_o wilful_o obstruct_v its_o operation_n misapply_v and_o abuse_v those_o opportunity_n it_o give_v we_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o we_o may_v reckon_v it_o a_o good_a and_o therefore_o eligible_a for_o though_o pain_n as_o you_o say_v do_v not_o formal_o and_o direct_o do_v we_o a_o good_a yet_o if_o it_o can_v hinder_v we_o of_o enjoy_v pleasure_n methinks_v we_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o fly_v it_o as_o a_o evil._n for_o what_o though_o my_o body_n suffer_v a_o little_a hunger_n or_o thirst_n or_o cold_a or_o the_o like_a shall_v i_o put_v that_o petty_a inconveniency_n in_o competition_n with_o that_o most_o delicious_a pleasure_n my_o mind_n do_v or_o may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n enjoy_v in_o act_n of_o love_n and_o contemplation_n nay_o even_o with_o that_o pleasure_n which_o these_o very_a inconvenience_n occasion_n the_o entire_a resignation_n of_o my_o will_n to_o god_n and_o the_o joy_n that_o arise_v from_o that_o delightful_a thought_n that_o i_o be_o capable_a of_o suffer_v something_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o in_o conformity_n to_o his_o will_n and_o as_o it_o be_v but_o a_o bad_a bargain_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n by_o suffer_v the_o least_o mulct_n or_o damage_n in_o our_o soul_n so_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o the_o great_a sensible_a calamity_n no_o not_o death_n itself_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o very_o least_o spiritual_a advantage_n for_o alas_o sir_n as_o you_o true_o say_v this_o world_n be_v a_o mere_a show_n a_o shadow_n a_o emptiness_n so_o little_a reason_n have_v our_o pretender_n to_o wit_n to_o discredit_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n that_o in_o right_a estimate_n spirit_n be_v the_o only_a reality_n and_o nothing_o do_v true_o and_o proper_o occasion_n good_a or_o evil_n to_o we_o but_o as_o it_o respect_v our_o mind_n and_o i_o believe_v on_o these_o principle_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o martyrdom_n be_v the_o high_a pleasure_n a_o rational_a creature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o present_a state_n a_o strange_a paradox_n to_o the_o world_n but_o i_o be_o confident_a none_o to_o mr._n norris_n who_o do_v not_o use_v to_o think_v after_o the_o vulgar_a rate_n but_o whilst_o i_o talk_v of_o pain_n i_o forget_v how_o much_o you_o suffer_v by_o this_o tedious_a scribble_n if_o i_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v because_o i_o have_v your_o excellent_a letter_n before_o i_o ordinary_a writer_n i_o can_v penetrate_v at_o the_o first_o view_n but_o every_o period_n of_o you_o dilate_v my_o mind_n call_v it_o forth_o to_o pursue_v its_o recondite_n beauty_n in_o a_o train_n of_o useful_a and_o delightful_a thought_n i_o have_v bring_v in_o my_o unwrought_a ore_n to_o be_v refine_v and_o make_v currant_n by_o the_o brightness_n of_o your_o judgement_n and_o shall_v reckon_v it_o a_o great_a favour_n if_o you_o will_v give_v yourself_o the_o trouble_n to_o point_v out_o my_o mistake_v it_o be_v my_o ambition_n not_o to_o seem_v to_o be_v without_o fault_n but_o if_o i_o can_v real_o to_o be_v so_o and_o i_o know_v no_o way_n more_o conducive_a to_o that_o end_n than_o the_o advantage_n of_o such_o a_o instructor_n permit_v i_o to_o add_v a_o word_n or_o two_o more_o which_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o i_o because_o of_o practical_a consideration_n you_o have_v full_o convince_v i_o that_o god_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a object_n of_o my_o love_n and_o i_o be_o sensible_a it_o be_v the_o high_a injustice_n to_o he_o and_o unkindness_n to_o myself_o to_o defraud_v he_o of_o the_o least_o part_n of_o my_o heart_n but_o i_o find_v it_o more_o easy_a to_o recognize_v his_o right_n than_o to_o secure_v the_o possession_n though_o i_o often_o say_v in_o your_o pathetic_a and_o divine_a word_n no_o my_o fair_a delight_n i_o will_v never_o be_v draw_v off_o from_o the_o love_n of_o thou_o by_o the_o charm_n of_o any_o of_o thy_o creature_n yet_o alas_o sensible_a beauty_n do_v too_o often_o press_v upon_o my_o heart_n whilst_o intelligible_a be_v disregard_v for_o have_v by_o nature_n a_o strong_a propensity_n to_o friendly_a love_n which_o i_o have_v all_o along_o encourage_v as_o a_o good_a disposition_n to_o virtue_n and_o do_v still_o think_v it_o so_o if_o it_o may_v be_v keep_v within_o the_o due_a bound_n of_o benevolence_n but_o have_v likewise_o think_v till_o you_o teach_v i_o better_o that_o i_o need_v not_o cut_v off_o all_o desire_n from_o the_o creature_n provide_v it_o be_v in_o subordination_n to_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o creator_n i_o have_v contract_v such_o a_o weakness_n i_o will_v not_o say_v by_o nature_n for_o i_o believe_v nature_n be_v often_o very_o unjust_o blame_v for_o what_o be_v owe_v to_o will_n and_o custom_n but_o by_o voluntary_a habit_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a thing_n for_o i_o to_o love_v at_o all_o without_o something_o of_o desire_n now_o i_o be_o loath_a to_o abandon_v all_o thought_n of_o friendship_n both_o because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o bright_a virtue_n and_o because_o i_o have_v the_o noble_a design_n in_o it_o fain_o will_v i_o rescue_v my_o sex_n or_o at_o least_o as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o come_v within_o my_o little_a sphere_n from_o that_o meanness_n of_o spirit_n into_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v sink_v persuade_v they_o to_o pretend_v some_o high_a excellency_n than_o a_o well-chosen_a pettycoat_n or_o a_o fashionable_a commode_v and_o not_o whole_o lay_v out_o their_o time_n and_o care_n in_o the_o adornation_n of_o their_o body_n but_o bestow_v a_o part_n of_o it_o at_o least_o in_o the_o embellishment_n of_o their_o mind_n since_o inward_a beauty_n will_v last_v when_o outward_a be_v decay_v but_o though_o i_o can_v say_v without_o boast_v that_o none_o ever_o love_v more_o generous_o than_o i_o have_v do_v yet_o perhaps_o never_o any_o meet_v with_o more_o ungrateful_a return_v which_o i_o can_v attribute_v to_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o kindness_n of_o my_o best_a friend_n who_o see_v how_o apt_a my_o desire_n be_v to_o stray_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o by_o these_o frequent_a disappointment_n will_v have_v i_o learn_v more_o wisdom_n that_o to_o let_v loose_v my_o heart_n to_o that_o which_o can_v satisfy_v and_o though_o i_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n rectify_v this_o fault_n yet_o still_o i_o find_v a_o agreeable_a movement_n in_o my_o soul_n towards_o she_o i_o love_v and_o a_o displeasure_n and_o pain_n when_o i_o meet_v with_o unkindness_n which_o be_v a_o strong_a indication_n of_o somewhat_o more_o than_o pure_a benevolence_n for_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v uneasy_a because_o other_o will_v let_v we_o do_v they_o all_o the_o good_a we_o will_v and_o though_o your_o distinction_n be_v very_o ingenious_a that_o we_o may_v seek_v creature_n for_o our_o good_a but_o not_o love_v they_o as_o our_o good_a yet_o methinks_v it_o be_v too_o nice_a for_o common_a practice_n and_o through_o the_o deception_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o hurry_v of_o our_o passion_n we_o shall_v be_v too_o apt_a to_o reckon_v that_o our_o good_a who_o absence_n we_o find_v uneasy_a to_o we_o be_v please_v therefore_o to_o oblige_v i_o with_o a_o remedy_n for_o this_o disorder_n since_o what_o you_o have_v already_o write_v have_v make_v a_o considerable_a progress_n towards_o a_o cure_n but_o not_o quite_o perfect_v it_o thus_o you_o see_v sir_n what_o a_o trouble_v you_o have_v bring_v upon_o yourself_o by_o your_o oblige_a condescension_n to_o worthy_a sir_n your_o most_o humble_a and_o thankful_a
servant_n all-saint_n eve_n 1693._o letter_n iu._n mr._n norris_n answer_n madam_n the_o sincere_a love_n you_o seem_v to_o have_v for_o truth_n and_o the_o great_a progress_n you_o have_v make_v in_o it_o together_o with_o that_o singular_a aptness_n of_o genius_n that_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o you_o for_o further_a attainment_n make_v i_o not_o only_o willing_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o correspondence_n with_o you_o but_o even_o to_o congratulate_v myself_o the_o opportunity_n of_o so_o uncommon_a a_o happiness_n for_o the_o better_a improvement_n of_o which_o and_o that_o our_o correspondence_n may_v be_v the_o more_o useful_a i_o will_v desire_v that_o it_o may_v be_v continual_o employ_v upon_o serious_a and_o important_a subject_n such_o as_o may_v deserve_v the_o time_n and_o reward_v the_o pain_n that_o shall_v be_v bestow_v on_o they_o and_o may_v occasion_v such_o thought_n and_o reflection_n to_o pass_v between_o we_o as_o may_v serve_v to_o give_v true_a perfection_n and_o enlargement_n to_o the_o rational_a and_o right_a movement_n and_o relish_v to_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o since_o i_o have_v take_v upon_o i_o to_o prescribe_v i_o will_v have_v these_o subject_n well_o sift_v and_o examine_v as_o well_o as_o well_o choose_v that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o enter_v upon_o a_o new_a argument_n till_o that_o which_o be_v first_o undertake_v be_v thorough_o discharge_v whereby_o we_o shall_v avoid_v a_o fault_n very_o incident_a to_o common_a conversation_n wherein_o new_a question_n be_v start_v before_o the_o first_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o issue_n and_o which_o make_v the_o discourse_n of_o the_o most_o intelligent_a person_n turn_v to_o so_o little_a a_o account_n but_o this_o fault_n so_o frequent_a and_o almost_o unavoidable_a in_o the_o best_a company_n be_v easy_o remedy_v in_o letter_n and_o therefore_o since_o we_o be_v now_o fall_v upon_o a_o noble_a and_o sublime_a subject_n i_o desire_v we_o may_v go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o and_o not_o commence_v any_o new_a matter_n till_o we_o have_v go_v over_o all_o that_o be_v of_o material_a consideration_n in_o this_o of_o divine_a love_n so_o much_o by_o way_n of_o proposal_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o content_n of_o your_o present_a letter_n in_o which_o i_o find_v very_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a thing_n and_o such_o as_o will_v deserve_v more_o and_o more_o study_a reflection_n than_o my_o present_a leisure_n i_o fear_v will_v permit_v i_o to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o however_o i_o shall_v go_v as_o far_o as_o my_o time_n and_o paper_n will_v allow_v and_o if_o you_o think_v i_o leave_v any_o thing_n considerable_a omit_v the_o defect_n of_o this_o shall_v be_v supply_v in_o another_o letter_n i_o observe_v then_o that_o though_o you_o declare_v yourself_o satisfy_v with_o the_o account_n i_o give_v in_o my_o last_n why_o god_n being_n the_o author_n of_o pain_n shall_v not_o strike_v off_o that_o obligation_n of_o love_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o his_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o opposite_a sensation_n of_o pleasure_n yet_o so_o great_o be_v you_o concern_v to_o have_v that_o ill_a consequence_n effectual_o shut_v out_o you_o advance_v another_o hypothesis_n for_o the_o solution_n of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o because_o it_o be_v very_o ingenious_a and_o worth_a our_o consider_v i_o shall_v therefore_o first_o of_o all_o set_v down_o what_o by_o compare_v the_o several_a part_n of_o your_o letter_n together_o i_o take_v to_o be_v your_o notion_n which_o when_o i_o have_v state_v and_o consider_v i_o shall_v reflect_v upon_o some_o single_a passage_n in_o your_o letter_n that_o relate_v to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o you_o have_v the_o model_n of_o the_o answer_n that_o i_o intend_v to_o begin_v then_o with_o a_o account_n of_o your_o notion_n you_o distinguish_v of_o two_o sort_n of_o pain_n that_o which_o be_v sensible_a or_o bodily_a and_o that_o which_o be_v mental_a by_o sensible_a pain_n mean_v that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o which_o be_v exercise_v about_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o by_o mental_a pain_n that_o which_o affect_v the_o superior_a and_o intellectual_a part._n now_o as_o for_o mental_a pain_n that_o you_o allow_v to_o be_v a_o evil_a and_o the_o only_a proper_a evil_a of_o man_n but_o than_o you_o say_v god_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o and_o as_o for_o sensible_a or_o bodily_a pain_n that_o you_o allow_v god_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o but_o than_o you_o say_v that_o be_v not_o true_o and_o real_o a_o evil_a as_o not_o affect_v what_o be_v proper_o the_o man._n and_o therefore_o though_o god_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o pian_n as_o well_o as_o pleasure_n yet_o since_o the_o pain_n which_o he_o cause_v be_v not_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n viz._n mental_a pain_n which_o be_v a_o evil_a but_o of_o the_o second_o sort_n viz._n sensible_a pain_n which_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a evil_n of_o the_o man_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o bar_n to_o our_o love_n of_o he_o much_o less_o a_o reason_n of_o make_v he_o the_o object_n of_o our_o aversion_n this_o i_o think_v be_v in_o short_a your_o true_a system_n which_o lie_v thus_o in_o a_o regular_a and_o compendious_a draught_n may_v be_v the_o more_o distinct_o consider_v which_o be_v the_o advantage_n i_o aim_v at_o by_o cast_v it_o into_o this_o form_n my_o first_o remark_n upon_o this_o be_v that_o your_o distinction_n of_o sensible_a and_o mental_a pain_n in_o the_o general_n be_v right_a and_o found_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n for_o certain_o the_o idea_n of_o joy_n and_o sensible_a pleasure_n grief_n and_o bodily_a pain_n be_v very_o distinct_a some_o i_o know_v that_o pretend_v to_o philosophy_n confound_v these_o make_v that_o pleasure_n or_o pain_n suppose_v which_o a_o man_n feel_v upon_o his_o draw_v near_o the_o fire_n to_o be_v all_o one_o with_o joy_n or_o grief_n the_o soul_n know_v say_v they_o or_o feel_v that_o the_o body_n which_o she_o love_v be_v well_o or_o ill_o dispose_v that_o there_o happen_v some_o good_a or_o ill_a to_o its_o mechanical_a frame_n either_o rejoice_v or_o be_v grieve_v at_o it_o the_o one_o be_v our_o pain_n the_o other_o our_o pleasure_n but_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v gross_a philosophy_n though_o the_o author_n of_o it_o think_v it_o fine_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o as_o often_o as_o the_o sentiment_n of_o pleasure_n or_o pain_n do_v give_v we_o notice_n that_o our_o body_n be_v well_o or_o ill_o dispose_v we_o be_v affect_v with_o joy_n or_o grief_n but_o a_o little_a reflection_n may_v help_v we_o to_o perceive_v that_o this_o joy_n and_o grief_n that_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o know_v how_o it_o be_v with_o the_o state_n of_o our_o body_n differ_v exceed_o from_o those_o antecedent_n pain_n and_o pleasure_n whence_o the_o information_n be_v receive_v for_o these_o prevent_v our_o reason_n whereas_o the_o other_o follow_v upon_o it_o pain_n anticipate_v all_o thought_n or_o reflection_n but_o grief_n suppose_v it_o and_o be_v ground_v upon_o it_o i_o grieve_v because_o i_o know_v myself_o to_o be_v in_o pain_n or_o because_o i_o expect_v or_o fear_v it_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o my_o grief_n and_o my_o pain_n be_v not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o but_o two_o very_a different_a and_o distinct_a sentiment_n i_o therefore_o allow_v your_o distinction_n though_o i_o be_o not_o so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o you_o ground_n your_o distinction_n of_o mental_a and_o sensible_a pain_n upon_o a_o double_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o superior_a and_o the_o inferior_a the_o distinction_n be_v authorise_v by_o custom_n and_o what_o be_v more_o by_o you_o but_o i_o must_v own_o to_o you_o sincere_o that_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o i_o have_v hear_v much_o talk_n of_o this_o superior_a and_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o have_v think_v much_o about_o it_o but_o can_v for_o my_o life_n form_n to_o myself_o a_o clear_a idea_n of_o any_o such_o part_n for_o beside_o that_o i_o think_v the_o soul_n have_v no_o part_n at_o all_o if_o it_o have_v sure_o they_o be_v not_o such_o dissimular_a and_o heterogeneous_a part_n as_o superior_a and_o inferior_a intellectual_a and_o sensitive_a the_o soul_n i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o entire_a simple_a uniform_a essence_n intellectual_a throughout_o without_o any_o part_n at_o all_o much_o less_o such_o heterogeneous_a part_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o need_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o such_o for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o present_a distinction_n the_o distinction_n of_o sentiment_n do_v not_o need_v distinction_n of_o part_n in_o the_o soul_n the_o same_o essence_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v various_o modify_v may_v be_v various_o affect_v and_o
pure_o and_o entire_o from_o ourselves_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o i_o absolute_o allow_v and_o contend_v for_o concern_v the_o latter_a i_o distinguish_v when_o you_o say_v that_o all_o our_o evil_n be_v pure_o and_o entire_o from_o ourselves_o if_o you_o mean_v of_o moral_a evil_n i_o grant_v it_o but_o if_o you_o mean_v of_o natural_a evil_n than_o i_o must_v distinguish_v again_o upon_o the_o word_n from_o ourselves_o which_o may_v signify_v either_o a_o physical_a or_o moral_a or_o if_o you_o will_v a_o efficient_a or_o a_o meritorious_a causality_n we_o be_v certain_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o natural_a evil_n as_o bring_v they_o upon_o we_o by_o our_o sin_n but_o that_o we_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o any_o of_o they_o i_o deny_v as_o all_o our_o good_a be_v whole_o from_o god_n so_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v also_o our_o evil_n we_o have_v not_o the_o power_n to_o modify_v our_o own_o soul_n and_o can_v no_o more_o raise_v the_o sensation_n of_o pain_n in_o they_o than_o that_o of_o pleasure_n god_n be_v the_o true_a author_n of_o both_o as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o show_v you_o say_v again_o that_o affliction_n be_v not_o evil_a but_o good_a to_o which_o i_o return_v that_o they_o be_v both_o in_o different_a respect_n they_o be_v certain_o evil_a in_o their_o own_o formal_a nature_n and_o simple_o in_o themselves_o consider_v and_o can_v be_v good_a only_o occasional_o or_o consequential_o as_o they_o may_v serve_v as_o mean_n to_o some_o great_a good_n and_o this_o i_o think_v may_v serve_v to_o reconcile_v the_o goodness_n of_o pain_n to_o that_o assertion_n of_o i_o that_o nothing_o do_v we_o good_a but_o what_o cause_v pleasure_n that_o be_v either_o formal_o and_o direct_o or_o occasional_o and_o consequential_o some_o way_n or_o other_o whatever_o do_v we_o good_a must_v be_v suppose_v to_o cause_v pleasure_n to_o we_o now_o though_o pain_n can_v cause_v pleasure_n formal_o as_o be_v a_o sensation_n formal_o distinct_a from_o it_o yet_o it_o may_v occasional_o and_o consequential_o and_o so_o may_v come_v within_o the_o enclosure_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o do_v we_o good_a you_o think_v fit_a to_o confine_v my_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n pleasure_n to_o such_o only_a as_o be_v true_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n by_o which_o i_o suppose_v you_o mean_v those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v call_v rational_a and_o intellectual_a to_o this_o i_o reply_v that_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o evident_a and_o i_o think_v i_o have_v elsewhere_o make_v it_o so_o that_o god_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n that_o be_v resent_v by_o man._n but_o you_o say_v you_o know_v not_o how_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o please_a sensation_n which_o wicked_a man_n feel_v in_o what_o we_o call_v sinful_a pleasure_n but_o it_o be_v your_o mistake_n to_o suppose_v that_o sensual_a pleasure_n as_o such_o be_v evil_a or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o sinful_a pleasure_n proper_o speak_v as_o sin_n can_v be_v formal_o pleasant_a so_o neither_o can_v pleasure_n be_v formal_o sinful_a all_o pleasure_n in_o itself_o be_v simple_o good_a as_o be_v a_o real_a modification_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o circumstantiate_a of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o evil._n and_o of_o this_o god_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o sinner_n who_o rather_o than_o forego_v such_o a_o agreeable_a sensation_n will_v enjoy_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o be_v not_o for_o his_o own_o or_o for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o therefore_o unlawful_a but_o concern_v this_o matter_n you_o may_v further_o satisfy_v yourself_o out_o of_o the_o letter_n between_o dr._n more_o and_o i_o and_o by_o read_v the_o first_o and_o second_o illustration_n m._n malebranch_n make_v upon_o his_o de_fw-fr la_fw-fr recharche_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr verity_n where_o he_o show_v you_o that_o god_n do_v all_o that_o be_v real_a in_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o determination_n of_o those_o motion_n without_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n there_o be_v two_o other_o passage_n in_o your_o letter_n which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o assent_v to_o till_o i_o better_o comprehend_v they_o one_o be_v that_o mental_a pain_n be_v the_o same_o with_o sin_n the_o other_o be_v that_o sin_n be_v the_o only_a true_a evil_n of_o man._n i_o can_v stay_v long_o upon_o these_o but_o as_o to_o the_o first_o beside_o that_o sin_n be_v a_o act_n and_o pain_v a_o passion_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o pain_n be_v a_o real_a modification_n of_o our_o spirit_n whereas_o sin_n in_o its_o formality_n be_v not_o any_o thing_n positive_a but_o a_o mere_a privation_n i_o say_v beside_o this_o if_o mental_a pain_n be_v the_o same_o with_o sin_n how_o shall_v we_o distinguish_v sin_n from_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o and_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n repent_v for_o his_o sin_n for_o if_o mental_a pain_n be_v the_o same_o with_o sin_n then_o to_o be_v sorry_a for_o one_o sin_n will_v be_v to_o commit_v another_o then_o as_o to_o the_o other_o part_v that_o sin_n be_v the_o only_a evil_n of_o man_n i_o grant_v it_o be_v the_o great_a but_o i_o can_v think_v it_o the_o only_a one_o for_o beside_o that_o mental_a pain_n be_v as_o i_o have_v show_v a_o evil_a distinct_a from_o it_o there_o be_v also_o a_o thing_n call_v bodily_a pain_n which_o i_o have_v also_o show_v to_o be_v a_o evil._n now_o madam_n as_o to_o what_o you_o request_v of_o i_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o your_o letter_n if_o you_o think_v that_o distinction_n of_o i_o of_o seek_v creature_n for_o our_o good_a but_o not_o love_v they_o as_o our_o good_a too_o nice_a i_o further_o illustrate_v it_o thus_o you_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o movement_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o those_o of_o the_o body_n the_o movement_n of_o the_o soul_n ought_v not_o to_o tend_v but_o towards_o he_o who_o only_o be_v above_o she_o and_o only_o able_a to_o act_v in_o she_o but_o the_o movement_n of_o the_o body_n may_v be_v determine_v by_o those_o object_n which_o environ_v it_o and_o so_o by_o those_o movement_n we_o may_v unite_v ourselves_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a or_o occasional_a cause_n of_o our_o pleasure_n thus_o because_o we_o find_v pleasure_n from_o the_o fire_n this_o be_v warrant_n enough_o to_o approach_v it_o by_o a_o bodily_a movement_n but_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o love_v it_o for_o love_n be_v a_o movement_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o reserve_v for_o he_o who_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o that_o pleasure_n which_o we_o resent_v by_o occasion_n of_o the_o fire_n who_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v be_v no_o other_o than_o god._n by_o which_o you_o may_v plain_o perceive_v what_o it_o be_v i_o mean_v by_o say_v that_o creature_n may_v be_v seek_v for_o our_o good_a but_o not_o love_v as_o our_o good_n but_o after_o all_o i_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o as_o all_o our_o other_o duty_n be_v more_o intelligible_a than_o practicable_a though_o to_o render_v it_o so_o i_o know_v no_o other_o way_n than_o by_o long_a and_o constant_a meditation_n to_o free_v our_o mind_n of_o that_o early_a prejudice_n that_o sensible_a object_n do_v act_n upon_o our_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o sensation_n careful_o to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o efficient_a cause_n strict_o so_o call_v and_o a_o occasion_n to_o attribute_v to_o god_n and_o the_o creature_n their_o proper_a part_n in_o the_o production_n of_o our_o pleasure_n to_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o a_o clear_a perception_n and_o habitual_a remembrance_n of_o this_o grand_a truth_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o morality_n that_o god_n only_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o good_a which_o when_o full_o convince_v of_o we_o shall_v no_o long_o question_n whether_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o our_o love_n i_o be_o madam_n with_o great_a respect_n your_o humble_a servant_n j._n norris_n bemerton_n nou._n 13._o 1693._o if_o you_o be_v satisfy_v thus_o far_o i_o will_v desire_v you_o to_o go_v on_o to_o communicate_v what_o other_o thought_n you_o have_v concern_v the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o subject_a i_o like_v and_o will_v willing_o pursue_v to_o the_o utmost_a letter_n v._o to_o mr._n norris_n sir_n so_o candid_a and_o condiscend_v a_o treatment_n of_o a_o stranger_n a_o woman_n and_o so_o inconsiderable_a a_o one_o as_o myself_o show_v you_o to_o be_v as_o much_o above_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n in_o your_o practice_n as_o you_o be_v in_o your_o theory_n and_o
with_o a_o extremity_n of_o joy_n that_o thou_o will_v be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v a_o infinity_o of_o pleasure_n thou_o will_v know_v clear_o their_o nature_n thou_o will_v be_v incessant_o compare_v they_o among_o themselves_o and_o thou_o will_v discover_v truth_n which_o will_v appear_v to_o thou_o so_o worthy_a of_o thy_o application_n that_o whole_o wrap_v up_o and_o absorb_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o thy_o own_o be_v full_a of_o thyself_o of_o thy_o grandeur_n of_o thy_o excellency_n and_o of_o thy_o beauty_n thou_o will_v be_v no_o long_o able_a to_o think_v of_o any_o thing_n beside_o but_o my_o son_n god_n have_v not_o make_v thou_o to_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o thyself_o he_o have_v make_v thou_o for_o himself_o wherefore_o i_o shall_v not_o discover_v to_o thou_o the_o idea_n of_o thy_o be_v till_o that_o happy_a time_n when_o the_o view_n of_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o thy_o god_n shall_v deface_v and_o eclipse_v all_o thy_o beauty_n and_o make_v thou_o despise_v all_o that_o thou_o be_v that_o thou_o may_v think_v only_o of_o contemplate_v he_o the_o account_n of_o this_o excellent_a person_n be_v so_o satisfy_v that_o i_o shall_v not_o pretend_v to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o it_o but_o shall_v only_o observe_v from_o it_o that_o since_o it_o be_v so_o true_a that_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o so_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v none_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o go_v about_o to_o define_v any_o of_o the_o modification_n of_o our_o spirit_n which_o since_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o they_o must_v be_v learn_v by_o inward_a sentiment_n and_o can_v no_o more_o be_v make_v know_v by_o word_n to_o those_o that_o have_v not_o feel_v they_o than_o colour_n can_v be_v describe_v to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v blind_a and_o therefore_o you_o must_v excuse_v i_o if_o i_o own_v myself_o unable_a to_o gratify_v your_o request_n in_o give_v you_o a_o definition_n of_o pleasure_n which_o though_o i_o know_v when_o i_o feel_v it_o and_o be_o able_a to_o distinguish_v from_o light_n or_o colour_n or_o sound_v or_o from_o the_o opposite_a sensation_n of_o pain_n yet_o since_o i_o know_v it_o by_o internal_a consciousness_n only_o or_o sentiment_n and_o not_o by_o idea_n i_o can_v by_o word_n render_v it_o intelligible_a to_o any_o body_n else_o but_o must_v remit_v he_o that_o desire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o nature_n to_o sense_n and_o experience_n for_o he_o can_v never_o know_v it_o till_o he_o feel_v it_o and_o have_v those_o motion_n excite_v in_o the_o organ_n of_o his_o sense_n to_o which_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n have_v annex_v this_o sensation_n however_o i_o may_v venture_v to_o call_v pain_n a_o uneasy_a thought_n not_o that_o i_o intend_v thereby_o to_o define_v it_o for_o i_o think_v it_o no_o more_o capable_a of_o a_o definition_n strict_o so_o call_v than_o pleasure_n but_o only_a to_o intimate_v in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v a_o modification_n belong_v to_o spirit_n and_o not_o to_o body_n for_o see_v clear_o in_o the_o idea_n which_o i_o have_v of_o extension_n that_o all_o its_o modification_n reduce_v themselves_o to_o figure_n and_o motion_n or_o certain_a relation_n of_o distance_n i_o conclude_v that_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o sensation_n which_o i_o feel_v in_o myself_o by_o interior_a sentiment_n be_v not_o modification_n belong_v to_o my_o corporeal_a substance_n but_o to_o some_o other_o which_o i_o call_v my_o spirit_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o i_o call_v pain_n a_o uneasy_a thought_n but_o then_o for_o the_o reconcile_n this_o with_o my_o say_n that_o it_o anticipate_v and_o prevent_v all_o thought_n i_o need_v only_o suggest_v to_o you_o that_o when_o i_o call_v pain_n a_o uneasy_a thought_n i_o take_v thought_n in_o its_o utmost_a latitude_n for_o all_o that_o we_o be_v any_o way_n conscious_a of_o to_o ourselves_o as_o my_o most_o admire_a philosopher_n do_v in_o his_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n p._n 2._o where_o he_o say_v cogitationis_fw-la nomine_fw-la intelligo_fw-la illa_fw-la omne_fw-la quae_fw-la nobis_fw-la consciis_fw-la in_o nobis_fw-la fiunt_fw-la quatenus_fw-la eorum_fw-la in_o nobis_fw-la conscientia_fw-la est_fw-la atque_fw-la ita_fw-la non_fw-la modo_fw-la intelligere_fw-la velle_fw-la imaginare_fw-la sed_fw-la etiam_fw-la sentire_fw-la idem_fw-la est_fw-la hic_fw-la quod_fw-la cogitare_fw-la i._n e._n by_o the_o name_n of_o thought_n i_o understand_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v conscious_a to_o be_v do_v in_o ourselves_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o there_o be_v in_o we_o a_o conscientiousness_n of_o they_o and_o thus_o not_o only_o to_o understand_v to_o will_v to_o imagine_v but_o even_o to_o feel_v be_v the_o same_o here_o as_o to_o think_v but_o when_o i_o say_v that_o pain_n anticipate_v all_o thought_n by_o thought_n i_o mean_v all_o rational_a discursive_a and_o reflect_a thought_n which_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o evident_a by_o all_o experience_n that_o pain_n do_v prevent_v and_o as_o certain_a that_o grief_n do_v suppose_v follow_v and_o proceed_v from_o it_o but_o to_o return_v from_o these_o digression_n for_o i_o call_v all_o thing_n so_o that_o have_v not_o a_o immediate_a connection_n with_o religion_n to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a subject_n of_o our_o correspondence_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o all_o our_o thought_n the_o love_n of_o god._n our_o saviour_n place_n it_o in_o the_o head_n of_o all_o morality_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o his_o apostle_n st._n paul_n place_v it_o in_o the_o rear_n of_o it_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n so_o then_o from_o both_o these_o put_v together_o the_o result_n will_v be_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v both_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n the_o foundation_n and_o the_o top-work_n the_o principle_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o moral_a perfection_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o first_o devoir_n which_o in_o order_n of_o conception_n we_o can_v suppose_v to_o result_v from_o the_o be_v of_o a_o intelligent_a creature_n will_v be_v to_o love_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o if_o he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v be_v also_o the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o good_a comfort_n pleasure_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o be_v nay_o even_o of_o our_o very_a power_n and_o force_n of_o love_a than_o as_o we_o begin_v with_o he_o so_o we_o must_v end_v with_o he_o too_o and_o make_v he_o the_o term_n and_o object_n of_o our_o whole_a love_n unite_n ourselves_o to_o he_o with_o all_o that_o we_o be_v as_o when_o body_n touch_v one_o another_o according_a to_o their_o whole_a supersicy_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n soul_n and_o mind_n but_o of_o this_o already_o and_o perhaps_o further_o hereafter_o at_o present_a i_o consider_v that_o since_o our_o be_v 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as_o the_o natural_a and_o the_o desire_n of_o happiness_n immediate_o succeed_v the_o capacity_n of_o it_o assoon_o as_o we_o be_v we_o desire_v to_o be_v happy_a and_o assoon_o as_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v happy_a we_o must_v seek_v for_o this_o happiness_n in_o some_o object_n or_o other_o if_o therefore_o we_o seek_v it_o not_o in_o god_n we_o must_v seek_v it_o in_o the_o creature_n but_o if_o we_o seeek_v it_o out_o of_o god_n we_o seek_v it_o where_o it_o be_v not_o and_o we_o err_v and_o transgress_v in_o our_o search_n god_n only_o be_v our_o true_a good_n we_o be_v therefore_o oblige_v to_o seek_v union_n with_o god_n assoon_o as_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v happy_a that_o be_v assoon_o as_o we_o desire_v at_o all_o that_o be_v assoon_o as_o we_o be_v our_o obligation_n therefore_o to_o
love_n god_n bear_v date_n from_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o our_o existence_n and_o be_v therefore_o the_o first_o duty_n that_o we_o owe_v he_o as_o thus_o immediate_o result_v from_o our_o have_v a_o be_v and_o thus_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o first_o commandment_n and_o have_v the_o precedency_n in_o the_o scale_n of_o morality_n the_o other_o character_n that_o our_o saviour_n give_v of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v also_o the_o great_a commandment_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o its_o dimension_n add_v one_o more_o than_o we_o attribute_v to_o body_n tell_v we_o of_o its_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n but_o not_o how_o broad_a nor_o how_o long_o nor_o how_o deep_a nor_o how_o high_a and_o indeed_o with_o what_o line_n can_v the_o apostle_n measure_v such_o a_o immense_a vastness_n how_o can_v he_o paint_v light_a and_o flame_n or_o put_v that_o into_o word_n which_o pass_v not_o only_o all_o description_n but_o even_o all_o knowledge_n and_o indeed_o every_o thing_n but_o sense_n and_o experience_n well_o may_v our_o saviour_n call_v it_o the_o great_a commandment_n it_o be_v great_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v of_o the_o most_o weighty_a and_o concern_v importance_n to_o the_o final_a happiness_n of_o man._n great_a in_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v absolute_o indispensable_a it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o god_n shall_v create_v any_o one_o spirit_n without_o oblige_v he_o to_o love_v he_o or_o that_o he_o shall_v ever_o discharge_v he_o from_o that_o obligation_n great_a in_o the_o equity_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n who_o be_v so_o infinite_o amiable_a so_o altogether_o lovely_a great_a in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o as_o be_v the_o most_o fruitful_a and_o prolific_a principle_n the_o root_n and_o seed_n of_o all_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n such_o as_o draw_v on_o with_o it_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o commandment_n and_o be_v therefore_o the_o short_a line_n the_o most_o compendious_a way_n to_o god_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v indeed_o the_o general_a seisin_n the_o universal_a ingredient_n of_o all_o a_o good_a man_n action_n it_o be_v that_o precious_a tincture_n that_o chemical_a spirit_n that_o run_v through_o all_o and_o that_o noble_a divine_a elixir_n which_o give_v worth_a and_o value_n to_o all_o and_o convert_v even_o our_o mean_a and_o most_o indifferent_a action_n into_o religion_n and_o devotion_n great_a last_o in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o duration_n of_o it_o as_o love_n be_v the_o most_o pleasant_a passion_n so_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o please_v love_n a_o love_n that_o reward_v itself_o a_o fire_n that_o be_v its_o own_o fuel_n he_o that_o love_v god_n as_o he_o ought_v as_o he_o can_v so_o he_o need_v not_o love_v any_o thing_n else_o so_o great_a delight_n and_o entertainment_n will_v he_o find_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god._n which_o will_v also_o go_v along_o with_o he_o into_o the_o other_o life_n and_o be_v the_o life_n of_o that_o life_n then_o all_o the_o instrumental_a and_o ministerial_a virtue_n shall_v expire_v and_o be_v of_o no_o further_a use._n whether_o they_o be_v prophecy_n they_o shall_v fail_v etc._n etc._n even_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o be_v now_o so_o high_o magnify_v as_o the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n shall_v then_o cease_v for_o perfect_a love_n shall_v cast_v it_o out_o faith_n shall_v vanish_v hope_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o and_o prayer_n itself_o shall_v be_v silent_a only_a love_n and_o praise_n shall_v endure_v and_o vie_v with_o each_o other_o to_o all_o eternity_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o general_a concern_v which_o all_o i_o have_v say_v seem_v little_a when_o i_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o your_o most_o exalt_a and_o seraphic_a strain_n upon_o it_o i_o intend_v in_o my_o next_o to_o add_v something_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o love_a god_n so_o entire_o as_o i_o state_n it_o in_o my_o sermon_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o deliver_v up_o this_o noble_a subject_n to_o a_o better_a hand_n desire_v you_o to_o communicate_v what_o further_a thought_n you_o have_v upon_o it_o and_o to_o believe_v he_o that_o write_v this_o to_o be_v in_o all_o sincerity_n madam_n your_o most_o humble_a servant_n j._n norris_n bemerton_n jan._n 11._o 1693._o letter_n vii_o to_o mr._n norris_n sir_n i_o be_o glad_a we_o be_v come_v to_o so_o good_a a_o issue_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o debate_n and_o shall_v therefore_o immediate_o apply_v myself_o to_o that_o most_o necessary_a and_o delightful_a theme_n which_o be_v the_o noble_a entertainment_n of_o our_o thought_n the_o best_a improvement_n of_o our_o mind_n at_o present_a and_o will_v be_v the_o inexhaustible_a spring_n of_o our_o joy_n hereafter_o the_o love_n of_o god._n i_o can_v but_o admire_v the_o sottishness_n of_o those_o dull_a epicurean_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o hunt_v after_o pleasure_n as_o vain_a and_o unsatisfactory_a as_o their_o admirer_n be_v childish_a and_o unwise_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n turn_v their_o back_n on_o this_o vast_a repository_n of_o solid_a and_o substantial_a joy_n a_o joy_n who_o perpetual_a current_n always_o afford_v a_o fresh_a delight_n and_o yet_o every_o drop_n of_o it_o so_o entertain_v that_o we_o may_v live_v upon_o it_o to_o all_o eternity_n whilst_o our_o soul_n be_v inebriate_v with_o its_o pleasure_n our_o very_a body_n partake_v of_o its_o sweetness_n for_o it_o excite_v a_o grateful_a and_o easy_a motion_n in_o the_o animal_n spirit_n and_o cause_v such_o a_o agreeble_a movement_n of_o the_o passion_n as_o comprehend_v all_o that_o delight_n abstract_v from_o the_o uneasiness_n which_o other_o object_n be_v apt_a to_o occasion_n our_o passion_n although_o they_o have_v both_o their_o use_n and_o pleasure_n yet_o as_o we_o usual_o feel_v they_o be_v blend_v with_o so_o much_o pain_n that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o determine_v whether_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n they_o do_v we_o be_v the_o great_a and_o a_o man_n sometime_o overpays_a for_o his_o mirth_n by_o that_o sting_n of_o sorrow_n which_o attend_v it_o however_o i_o be_o not_o for_o a_o stoical_a apathy_n i_o will_v not_o have_v my_o hand_n and_o foot_n cut_v off_o lest_o they_o shall_v sometime_o incommode_v i_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o our_o passion_n consider_v in_o themselves_o but_o in_o our_o voluntary_a misapplication_n and_o unsuitable_a management_n of_o they_o and_o if_o love_n which_o be_v the_o lead_n and_o master_n passion_n be_v but_o once_o wise_o regulate_v our_o passion_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o rebel_a against_o and_o disquiet_v we_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o will_v mighty_o facilitate_v the_o great_a work_n we_o have_v to_o do_v give_v wing_n to_o this_o earthly_a body_n that_o press_v down_o the_o soul_n and_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n remove_v those_o impediment_n that_o hinder_v she_o from_o mount_v to_o the_o original_a and_o end_v of_o she_o be_v what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v our_o joy_n tumultuous_a and_o flit_a our_o fear_n torment_v our_o hope_n disquiet_v etc._n etc._n but_o the_o irregularity_n of_o our_o desire_n if_o we_o love_v amiss_o we_o shall_v both_o fear_v and_o hope_n grieve_v and_o rejoice_v without_o reason_n and_o in_o a_o wrong_a measure_n we_o shall_v lash_v out_o into_o a_o thousand_o extravagancy_n and_o be_v as_o unhappy_a as_o we_o be_v unwise_a and_o unreasonable_a whereas_o if_o we_o tune_v our_o love_n to_o the_o right_a key_n we_o need_v not_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o discord_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o passion_n all_o their_o motion_n will_v be_v natural_a and_o regular_a and_o all_o concert_n in_o a_o become_a harmony_n the_o divine_a nature_n be_v a_o field_n in_o which_o our_o grateful_a passion_n may_v free_o take_v their_o range_v if_o we_o make_v god_n the_o object_n of_o our_o desire_n our_o hope_n will_v neither_o delude_v nor_o our_o joy_n forsake_v we_o there_o be_v no_o serpent_n lurk_v in_o this_o grass_n all_o be_v calm_a and_o placid_a secure_a and_o entertain_v and_o yet_o unwise_a that_o we_o be_v how_o hard_o be_v it_o to_o drive_v we_o to_o our_o felicity_n how_o difficult_a to_o convince_v we_o of_o our_o happiness_n how_o many_o evasion_n do_v we_o find_v to_o withhold_v our_o love_n from_o he_o who_o require_v it_o not_o for_o his_o own_o but_o our_o advantage_n when_o shall_v we_o be_v i_o need_v not_o say_v so_o just_a to_o god_n but_o so_o kind_a to_o ourselves_o as_o total_o to_o withdraw_v every_o straggle_a desire_n from_o the_o creature_n the_o very_o best_a of_o which_o be_v not_o able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o long_n and_o fill_v the_o
capacity_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o boundlessness_n of_o desire_n be_v a_o plain_a indication_n to_o i_o that_o it_o be_v never_o make_v for_o the_o creature_n for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o nature_n that_o can_v satisfy_v desire_n what_o but_o he_o who_o make_v it_o can_v replenish_v and_o content_v it_o i_o need_v not_o bring_v argument_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o every_o one_o have_v experience_n enough_o to_o confirm_v it_o for_o after_o all_o our_o researche_n after_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n where_o be_v the_o happy_a person_n who_o have_v not_o be_v defeat_v in_o his_o hope_n or_o frustrate_v in_o his_o enjoyment_n though_o he_o have_v obtain_v his_o object_n have_v he_o satisfy_v his_o desire_n for_o how_o amiable_a soever_o create_v good_a may_v appear_v at_o a_o distance_n a_o close_a inspection_n and_o intimate_a knowledge_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v vain_a and_o empty_a and_o a_o very_a improper_a quarry_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man._n indeed_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o neighbour_n have_v the_o most_o plausible_a pretence_n to_o our_o love_n as_o be_v the_o most_o godlike_a of_o all_o the_o creature_n but_o since_o it_o be_v as_o indigent_a as_o our_o own_o how_o can_v it_o supply_v our_o want_n or_o consequent_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o if_o you_o will_v forgive_v a_o remark_n which_o perhaps_o be_v not_o so_o solid_a as_o the_o subject_n require_v i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o that_o bashfulness_n and_o unwillingness_n we_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o to_o declare_v love_n though_o never_o so_o pure_a and_o so_o refine_v from_o base_a and_o low_a design_n and_o which_o show_v itself_o in_o most_o but_o especial_o in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o generous_a temper_n proceed_v from_o hence_o the_o soul_n blush_v to_o declare_v her_o indigence_n and_o to_o go_v out_o of_o herself_o to_o seek_v for_o happiness_n in_o that_o which_o be_v not_o can_v be_v the_o 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good_a of_o other_o and_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a philanthropy_n expand_v herself_o in_o act_n of_o kindness_n and_o beneficence_n as_o uncircumscribed_o and_o universal_o as_o the_o capacity_n of_o her_o nature_n will_v permit_v what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_n be_v sufficient_a to_o authorise_v i_o without_o suspicion_n of_o injustice_n to_o withdraw_v my_o heart_n from_o my_o neighbour_n and_o fix_v it_o entire_o on_o he_o who_o have_v merit_n enough_o to_o deserve_v and_o kindness_n enough_o to_o embrace_v and_o requite_v the_o high_a and_o most_o arduous_a degree_n of_o love_n i_o can_v possible_o bestow_v on_o he_o but_o it_o may_v further_o be_v consider_v that_o our_o saviour_n command_v we_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o and_o to_o love_v one_o another_o as_o he_o have_v love_v we_o now_o our_o love_n to_o ourselves_o be_v a_o
love_n of_o benevolence_n and_o consequent_o such_o a_o love_n to_o our_o neighbour_n do_v full_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n of_o that_o command_n nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o saviour_n love_v with_o a_o love_n of_o desire_n as_o he_o be_v god_n he_o can_v not_o and_o as_o he_o be_v man_n he_o need_v not_o for_o a_o love_n of_o benevolence_n will_v answer_v all_o the_o end_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n the_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a mention_n some_o happy_a favourite_n who_o have_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o his_o love_n than_o other_o we_o read_v that_o jesus_n love_v lazarus_n and_o of_o the_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n to_o understand_v this_o of_o a_o love_n of_o desire_n and_o whatever_o other_o reason_n may_v be_v assign_v for_o this_o particular_a kindness_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v the_o main_a design_n of_o it_o be_v for_o our_o example_n that_o as_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o pattern_n 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great_a need_n of_o our_o benevolence_n by_o how_o much_o he_o do_v the_o less_o deserve_v it_o our_o kindness_n when_o he_o no_o long_o return_v it_o be_v the_o more_o excellent_a and_o generous_a because_o more_o free_a and_o though_o it_o can_v be_v call_v friendship_n when_o the_o bond_n be_v break_v on_o one_o side_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v a_o most_o refine_a and_o exalt_a benevolence_n on_o the_o other_o after_o all_o methinks_v benevolence_n be_v the_o most_o great_a and_o noble_a kind_a of_o love_n and_o i_o wonder_v what_o shall_v make_v we_o so_o fond_a of_o desire_n and_o so_o unwilling_a to_o withdraw_v it_o from_o the_o creature_n since_o so_o place_v it_o be_v a_o continual_a reproach_n to_o we_o and_o perpetual_o upbraid_v we_o with_o our_o weakness_n and_o indigence_n to_o need_v and_o desire_v nothing_o out_o of_o himself_o be_v the_o prerogative_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o though_o a_o creature_n need_v not_o blush_v to_o languish_v after_o god_n fullness_n and_o to_o thirst_v for_o this_o fountain_n of_o live_v water_n yet_o methinks_v it_o shall_v to_o long_o after_o break_a cistern_n creature_n as_o dry_a and_o empty_a as_o itself_o do_v we_o therefore_o consult_v either_o our_o honour_n or_o our_o interest_n we_o shall_v without_o reluctancy_n banish_v the_o creature_n from_o our_o heart_n abandon_v all_o other_o desire_v but_o that_o which_o have_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o love_n without_o any_o of_o its_o pain_n and_o imperfection_n and_o thus_o sir_n i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o this_o and_o my_o last_o to_o point_v out_o though_o very_o imperfect_o some_o of_o the_o prerogative_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o utility_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o fix_v the_o whole_a of_o our_o love_n on_o our_o maker_n and_o in_o truth_n if_o we_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o love_n god_n at_o all_o i_o know_v not_o how_o we_o can_v with_o safety_n permit_v our_o heart_n to_o love_v any_o thing_n else_o for_o though_o we_o may_v fancy_v that_o the_o love_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v not_o contradictory_n but_o subordinate_a to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n yet_o love_v be_v the_o most_o rapid_a of_o all_o motion_n if_o once_o our_o desire_n be_v set_v a_o move_a in_o vain_a do_v we_o think_v to_o stop_v and_o circumscribe_v it_o and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v unjust_a so_o it_o be_v unsafe_a to_o give_v it_o the_o least_o tendency_n towards_o any_o object_n but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a and_o adequate_a one_o i_o be_o exceed_o please_v with_o m._n malbranch_n account_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o wish_v i_o can_v read_v that_o ingenious_a author_n in_o his_o own_o language_n or_o that_o he_o speak_v i_o however_o i_o have_v some_o query_n to_o make_v about_o the_o matter_n but_o must_v refer_v it_o to_o another_o opportunity_n you_o tell_v i_o i_o must_v not_o expect_v a_o definition_n of_o pleasure_n all_o i_o desire_n be_v only_o such_o a_o account_n as_o we_o have_v of_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o strict_o speak_v be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o definition_n that_o notion_n which_o i_o have_v entertain_v of_o pleasure_n be_v that_o it_o be_v that_o grateful_a relish_n or_o sensation_n which_o every_o faculty_n enjoy_v in_o the_o regular_a application_n of_o itself_o to_o such_o object_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o its_o nature_n or_o if_o you_o please_v pleasure_n i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o gratification_n of_o natural_a appetite_n according_a to_o and_o not_o exceed_v the_o intention_n of_o nature_n and_o i_o pray_v be_v so_o kind_a as_o to_o tell_v i_o wherein_o i_o mistake_v whereby_o you_o will_v further_o engage_v i_o to_o be_v sir_n your_o very_a
humble_a and_o thankful_a servant_n february_n 15._o 1693._o letter_n viii_o mr._n norris_n answer_n madam_n i_o be_o no_o less_o please_v than_o yourself_o that_o my_o great_a argument_n for_o the_o entire_a love_n of_o god_n take_v from_o his_o be_v the_o only_a true_a cause_n of_o our_o good_a be_v so_o well_o discharge_v of_o that_o difficulty_n which_o you_o urge_v against_o it_o because_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o in_o my_o first_o i_o think_v it_o the_o only_a material_a one_o to_o which_o it_o stand_v expose_v and_o because_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o your_o skilful_a hand_n the_o utmost_a advantage_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o that_o now_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v the_o bottom_n i_o go_v upon_o to_o be_v very_o sound_a not_o expect_v to_o be_v attack_v by_o a_o strong_a objection_n or_o by_o one_o better_a manage_v the_o same_o occur_v to_o my_o own_o thought_n while_o i_o be_v compose_v my_o discourse_n but_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o consider_v it_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v object_v and_o i_o have_v since_o meet_v with_o a_o little_a fly_a touch_n of_o it_o in_o a_o modern_a philosopher_n of_o very_a considerable_a note_n mounseur_fw-fr regis_fw-la a_o cartesian_a who_o in_o the_o 16_o the_o chapter_n of_o his_o metaphysic_n contend_v upon_o this_o very_a ground_n that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o moral_a good_a of_o man_n god_n say_v he_o be_v not_o the_o moral_a good_a of_o man_n neither_o because_o he_o produce_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o he_o nor_o because_o he_o cause_v those_o pleasure_n which_o he_o feel_v not_o the_o first_o because_o god_n will_v then_o be_v the_o moral_a good_a of_o all_o other_o creature_n as_o well_o as_o man_n because_o he_o do_v as_o much_o produce_v what_o in_o agreeable_a to_o they_o as_o what_o be_v so_o to_o man._n not_o the_o second_o because_o god_n will_v then_o be_v no_o less_o the_o moral_a evil_n of_o man_n than_o his_o moral_a good_a because_o he_o do_v no_o less_o 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love_v at_o all_o which_o be_v manifest_o absurd_a or_o that_o love_n of_o benevolence_n be_v the_o love_n that_o must_v fall_v to_o his_o share_n and_o that_o which_o consequent_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o i_o wonder_v how_o it_o shall_v enter_v into_o so_o many_o man_n head_n as_o it_o do_v to_o imagine_v that_o any_o other_o love_n than_o this_o be_v here_o intend_v for_o though_o it_o be_v otherwise_o never_o so_o lawful_a and_o allowable_a to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n with_o love_n of_o desire_n and_o he_o otherwise_o never_o so_o capable_a of_o it_o yet_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o command_n and_o require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o duty_n be_v it_o
require_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o love_n from_o man_n to_o one_o another_o but_o there_o need_v no_o argument_n from_o without_o to_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v his_o meaning_n the_o text_n you_o refer_v to_o john_n 13._o 34._o sufficient_o speak_v its_o own_o sense_n a_o new_a commandment_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o that_o you_o also_o love_v one_o another_o wherein_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o our_o saviour_n refer_v to_o that_o signal_n instance_n of_o his_o benevolence_n in_o his_o undertake_n the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o in_o proportion_n require_v the_o same_o sort_n of_o love_n from_o his_o disciple_n that_o if_o occasion_n be_v they_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o brethren_n as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o they_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o make_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o best_a expositor_n that_o i_o know_v of_o 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benevolence_n so_o whenever_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o opposite_a vice_n do_v it_o not_o always_o describe_v it_o by_o contrary_a character_n do_v it_o ever_o describe_v it_o by_o want_n of_o desire_n no_o but_o by_o want_n of_o good_a will_n by_o anger_n wrath_n envy_n bitterness_n malice_n and_o such_o like_a term_n and_o by_o what_o measure_n of_o love_n it_o be_v that_o christ_n will_v proceed_v in_o his_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n whether_o by_o love_n of_o benevolence_n or_o by_o love_n of_o desire_n i_o shall_v leave_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o what_o he_o say_v himself_o concern_v that_o matter_n in_o the_o 25_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n from_o all_o which_o put_v together_o i_o think_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o certain_a than_o that_o the_o love_n intend_v and_o require_v in_o the_o second_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o love_n of_o desire_n but_o only_a love_n of_o benevolence_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v what_o beside_o the_o equivocation_n of_o the_o word_n love_n shall_v make_v the_o world_n run_v so_o general_o upon_o a_o contrary_a notion_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o clause_n in_o the_o commandment_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o whence_o perhaps_o it_o have_v be_v conclude_v that_o because_o the_o first_o be_v mean_v of_o love_n of_o desire_n therefore_o the_o second_o must_v be_v so_o too_o but_o he_o must_v be_v either_o much_o prejudice_v or_o very_a dull-sighted_n that_o do_v not_o see_v that_o by_o like_a unto_o it_o be_v only_o mean_v of_o equal_a authority_n and_o obligation_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o pharisaic_a partiality_n towards_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n well_o then_o the_o result_n of_o the_o present_a consideration_n be_v this_o since_o that_o most_o entire_a love_n of_o god_n i_o stand_v for_o in_o the_o first_o commandment_n do_v not_o at_o all_o interfere_v with_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n in_o the_o second_o suppose_v that_o by_o love_n there_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v love_n of_o desire_n but_o only_a love_n of_o benevolence_n and_o since_o as_o i_o have_v show_v love_n of_o benevolence_n be_v the_o love_n there_o sole_o intend_v i_o may_v now_o with_o assurance_n conclude_v that_o the_o account_v i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o first_o commandment_n as_o high_a as_o it_o be_v be_v no_o way_n injurious_a to_o the_o second_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v general_o lay_v to_o my_o charge_n but_o you_o go_v further_o undertake_v to_o show_v that_o my_o account_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o that_o of_o our_o neighbour_n that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a solid_a foundation_n it_o can_v rest_v upon_o i_o thorough_o approve_v what_o you_o say_v upon_o this_o part_n but_o shall_v not_o offer_v to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o it_o because_o indeed_o you_o have_v say_v all_o i_o promise_v in_o my_o last_o that_o in_o my_o next_o i_o will_v add_v something_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o love_a god_n so_o entire_o but_o have_v fall_v upon_o a_o vein_n of_o other_o thought_n and_o those_o of_o no_o slight_a importance_n must_v beg_v you_o to_o let_v i_o be_v in_o your_o debt_n for_o this_o until_o another_o opportunity_n as_o also_o for_o what_o you_o further_o desire_v concern_v pleasure_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o leave_v you_o to_o that_o of_o your_o own_o meditation_n more_o of_o which_o upon_o this_o great_a subject_n will_v be_v high_o grateful_a to_o madam_n your_o very_a humble_a servant_n j._n norris_n bemerton_n march_v 23._o letter_n ix_o to_o mr._n norris_n sir_n you_o have_v so_o clear_o remove_v the_o objection_n make_v against_o the_o entire_a love_n of_o god_n on_o account_n of_o its_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n that_o i_o hope_v we_o shall_v hear_v no_o more_o of_o that_o matter_n and_o true_o when_o our_o objector_n have_v once_o feel_v as_o they_o will_v for_o certain_a soon_o or_o late_a the_o disquiet_a and_o uneasiness_n we_o may_v well_o refer_v they_o to_o their_o own_o experience_n for_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o such_o desire_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v perceive_v the_o objection_n be_v found_v upon_o supposition_n that_o all_o human_a love_n be_v a_o love_n of_o desire_n a_o love_n that_o arise_v from_o and_o terminate_v in_o that_o insatiable_a desire_n we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o happiness_n which_o methinks_v be_v a_o very_a great_a reproach_n to_o humane_a nature_n which_o as_o bad_a as_o it_o be_v be_v not_o uncapable_a of_o a_o pure_a and_o disinterest_v benevolence_n have_v they_o due_o attend_v to_o what_o you_o have_v write_v in_o you_o theory_n of_o love_n part_n 1_o sect._n 5._o they_o will_v have_v discern_v the_o falseness_n of_o their_o supposition_n but_o though_o all_o other_o argument_n shall_v fail_v my_o own_o experience_n will_v assure_v i_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o unmixed_a benevolence_n for_o there_o be_v some_o person_n in_o the_o world_n to_o who_o i_o can_v perform_v the_o high_a service_n without_o any_o the_o least_o intuition_n of_o reward_n or_o prospect_n of_o better_v my_o own_o be_v and_o now_o to_o proceed_v in_o our_o most_o excellent_a subject_n though_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a how_o much_o i_o depretiate_v it_o by_o my_o unkilful_a management_n yet_o that_o i_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o your_o better_a meditation_n and_o because_o of_o the_o just_a deference_n i_o pay_v you_o i_o be_o content_v in_o compliance_n with_o your_o desire_n rather_o to_o discover_v my_o ignorance_n than_o be_v want_v in_o my_o respect_n i_o will_v therefore_o first_o declare_v what_o i_o think_v may_v be_v add_v to_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o love_v the_o creature_n and_o second_o what_o to_o the_o reasonableness_n
of_o interpret_n the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n in_o the_o strict_a notion_n all_o along_o subjoyn_v such_o remark_n as_o offer_v themselves_o and_o seem_v not_o to_o i_o altogether_o foreign_a to_o the_o subject_a for_o the_o first_o i_o think_v it_o very_o unreasonable_a to_o love_v the_o creature_n because_o it_o can_v never_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o love_n we_o desire_v only_o in_o order_n to_o happiness_n nothing_o be_v desirable_a any_o further_a than_o as_o it_o promote_v that_o end_v but_o the_o love_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o hinder_v than_o advance_v our_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o love_a and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reason_n creature_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v desirable_a it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o this_o be_v metaphysical_a nonsense_n for_o the_o creature_n be_v so_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o good_a that_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v happy_a that_o 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be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o love_n god_n and_o he_o only_o but_o if_o abstract_a reason_n can_v persuade_v we_o to_o the_o entire_a love_n of_o god_n let_v it_o further_o be_v consider_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v to_o we_o that_o which_o we_o be_v so_o very_o fond_a of_o even_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o creature_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o divine_a benignity_n do_v neither_o grudge_n nor_o envy_n nor_o arbitrary_o deny_v we_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o true_a tendency_n towards_o our_o satisfaction_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o deprive_v we_o of_o those_o occasional_a good_n that_o minister_v to_o our_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n it_o be_v only_a that_o he_o may_v more_o full_o secure_v our_o interest_n in_o our_o true_a and_o only_o good_a by_o remove_v those_o thing_n that_o stand_v between_o we_o and_o it_o which_o eclipse_v our_o view_n withdraw_v our_o affection_n and_o hinder_v we_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o fix_v our_o love_n warm_o and_o entire_o on_o god_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a way_n to_o be_v sure_a of_o possess_v all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o cross_n and_o disappointment_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o be_v main_o design_v to_o divert_v we_o from_o our_o vain_a pursuit_n after_o the_o shadow_n of_o good_a and_o to_o direct_v we_o towards_o the_o substance_n to_o show_v we_o experimental_o since_o we_o will_v not_o sufficient_o attend_v to_o what_o reason_n suggest_v the_o emptiness_n and_o unsatisfactoriness_n of_o all_o create_v good_a that_o so_o we_o may_v more_o direct_o pursue_v and_o inseparable_o cleave_v to_o the_o uncreated_a i_o may_v add_v that_o if_o we_o have_v any_o generosity_n in_o we_o any_o sense_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v little_a and_o low_a and_o unbecoming_a the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o place_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o its_o happiness_n in_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o since_o the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v the_o first_o and_o sovereign_n good_a and_o since_o he_o free_o offer_v himself_o to_o her_o embrace_n it_o be_v as_o injurious_a to_o her_o honour_n as_o to_o her_o happiness_n to_o stoop_v to_o a_o creature_n and_o to_o degrade_v herself_o to_o such_o mean_a enjoyment_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o add_v somewhat_o to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o interpret_n the_o great_a commandment_n in_o the_o strict_a notion_n that_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o our_o soul_n exclusive_o of_o all_o other_o love_v may_v be_v presume_v from_o the_o great_a aptitude_n there_o be_v in_o such_o a_o love_n to_o promote_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a which_o be_v to_o retrieve_v the_o original_a rectitude_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n or_o rather_o to_o improve_v it_o to_o new_o draw_v and_o perfect_a in_o our_o soul_n that_o beautiful_a image_n of_o our_o maker_n which_o by_o our_o sin_n and_o error_n we_o have_v deface_v in_o a_o word_n to_o make_v we_o as_o godlike_a as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o creature_n and_o i_o know_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o do_v so_o effectual_o conduce_v to_o this_o as_o the_o entire_a love_n of_o god._n the_o end_n of_o love_n be_v to_o unite_v its_o self_n to_o its_o object_n every_o motion_n it_o make_v be_v in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n and_o since_o heterogeneous_a substance_n can_v never_o cordial_o unite_v since_o without_o similitude_n of_o disposition_n there_o can_v be_v no_o union_n therefore_o love_n do_v ever_o endeavour_v after_o likeness_n it_o will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a have_v a_o identity_n of_o essence_n and_o as_o far_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v incorporate_v with_o the_o belove_a object_n hence_o nothing_o be_v so_o excellent_a at_o imitation_n as_o love_n nothing_o do_v so_o easy_o assimilate_v which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v one_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o love_v the_o world_n because_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v conform_v to_o it_o if_o then_o we_o love_v god_n entire_o we_o shall_v with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o and_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o love_n so_o will_v be_v the_o nearness_n of_o our_o resemblance_n for_o we_o can_v make_v god_n like_o ourselves_o if_o therefore_o we_o desire_v a_o union_n we_o must_v be_v conform_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n love_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n long_o since_o observe_v surpass_v all_o thing_n for_o illumination_n and_o wherefore_o do_v it_o so_o but_o because_o it_o fix_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n upon_o its_o object_n make_v they_o keen_a and_o pierce_a cause_v our_o thought_n to_o dwell_v upon_o its_o beauty_n for_o they_o will_v always_o be_v busy_v about_o what_o we_o love_v and_o as_o love_n be_v very_o sagacious_a in_o find_v out_o every_o little_a punctilio_n that_o will_v recommend_v it_o to_o its_o belove_a so_o it_o be_v most_o restless_a and_o unwearied_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o endearment_n it_o will_v regulate_v all_o its_o operation_n by_o his_o model_n imitate_v all_o his_o imitable_a perfection_n that_o so_o it_o may_v most_o powerful_o recommend_v itself_o by_o that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a band_n of_o affection_n similitude_n of_o nature_n since_o therefore_o the_o love_n of_o god_n have_v such_o a_o aptness_n to_o promote_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o our_o lord_n upon_o this_o very_a account_n do_v so_o high_o magnify_v and_o so_o strict_o
enforce_v it_o and_o indeed_o since_o love_n do_v so_o powerful_o influence_n all_o our_o motion_n since_o all_o our_o endeavour_n all_o our_o operation_n and_o variety_n of_o act_v tend_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o some_o desire_n it_o be_v but_o fit_a and_o decorous_a that_o all_o our_o desire_n shall_v fix_v on_o he_o who_o we_o be_v and_o for_o who_o glory_n we_o be_v create_v to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n we_o may_v further_o add_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o and_o that_o upon_o a_o double_a account_n first_o because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a vital_a principle_n of_o holiness_n the_o only_a effectual_a mean_n of_o secure_v our_o obedience_n and_o consequent_o of_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god._n there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o unite_n ourselves_o to_o god_n but_o by_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o then_o and_o not_o otherwise_o do_v we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o be_v in_o we_o since_o therefore_o 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detail_n i_o will_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o management_n of_o our_o thought_n because_o on_o they_o depend_v our_o word_n and_o action_n and_o derive_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o entire_a love_n of_o god_n from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o govern_v our_o thought_n as_o we_o ought_v without_o it_o now_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o what_o we_o love_v will_v be_v uppermost_a in_o our_o mind_n there_o be_v no_o better_a diagnostic_n to_o discover_v our_o love_n than_o by_o observe_v what_o be_v the_o most_o frequent_a subject_n of_o our_o thought_n for_o thought_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o some_o certain_a object_n which_o she_o desire_v either_o to_o contemplate_v or_o enjoy_v a_o form_n in_o herself_o the_o image_n and_o representation_n of_o what_o she_o delight_v in_o or_o contrive_v how_o she_o may_v obtain_v it_o and_o remove_v what_o stand_v betwixt_o she_o and_o it_o and_o therefore_o wherever_o 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can_v offer_v to_o bribe_v our_o heart_n be_v paltry_a and_o inconsiderable_a it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o have_v not_o such_o a_o aversion_n to_o god_n as_o we_o pretend_v but_o it_o be_v the_o defect_n of_o our_o love_n our_o wilful_a misplace_n that_o divine_a affection_n our_o voluntary_a hankering_n after_o the_o creature_n that_o set_v we_o at_o distance_n from_o the_o creator_n for_o let_v any_o one_o who_o have_v be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o movement_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n tell_v i_o whether_o he_o do_v not_o find_v that_o all_o the_o strong_a gust_n of_o temptation_n blow_v from_o the_o quarter_n whilst_o he_o due_o contemplate_v the_o divine_a perfection_n look_n on_o god_n as_o his_o true_a and_o only_o good_a and_o desire_n he_o according_o be_v not_o his_o obedience_n prompt_v and_o ready_a do_v not_o his_o mind_n move_v with_o alacrity_n and_o unwearied_a vigour_n and_o be_v not_o all_o its_o motion_n regular_a and_o please_a but_o no_o soon_o do_v his_o desire_n step_n into_o a_o by-path_n and_o he_o suffer_v himself_o to_o dote_v on_o the_o creature_n but_o all_o be_v unhinged_a and_o fall_v into_o disorder_n the_o wheel_n of_o his_o chariot_n move_v slow_o his_o thought_n wander_v his_o devotion_n languish_v his_o passion_n grow_v unruly_a his_o intention_n corrupt_v and_o his_o good_a action_n become_v lame_a and_o break_a let_v we_o not_o therefore_o complain_v of_o our_o listlessness_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n our_o coldness_n and_o wander_n in_o his_o service_n how_o much_o labour_n it_o cost_v we_o to_o raise_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o heaven_n and_o put_v they_o in_o a_o right_a tune_n but_o rather_o let_v we_o complain_v of_o our_o want_n of_o love_n for_o that_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o this_o untowardness_n all_o our_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n our_o moral_n mistake_v and_o imperfection_n proceed_v from_o nothing_o else_o but_o this_o let_v we_o 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amor_fw-la qui_fw-la semper_fw-la ardes_fw-la &_o nunquam_fw-la extingueris_fw-la dulcis_fw-la christ_n bone_n jesu_n charitas_fw-la deus_fw-la meus_fw-la accende_fw-la i_o totum_fw-la igne_fw-la tuo_fw-la amore_fw-la tui_fw-la svavitate_fw-la &_o dulcedine_fw-la tuâ_fw-la jucunditate_fw-la &_o exultatione_n tuâ_fw-la voluptate_fw-la &_o concupiscentiâ_fw-la tuâ_fw-la quae_fw-la sancta_fw-la est_fw-la &_o bona_fw-la casta_fw-la &_o munda_fw-la tranquilla_fw-la est_fw-la &_o secura_fw-la ut_fw-la totus_fw-la dulcedine_fw-la amoris_fw-la tui_fw-la plenus_fw-la totus_fw-la flammâ_fw-la charitatis_fw-la tuus_fw-la succensus_fw-la diligam_fw-la te_fw-la deum_fw-la meum_fw-la ex_fw-la toto_fw-la cord_n meo_fw-la totisque_fw-la medullis_fw-la praecordiorum_fw-la meorum_fw-la habens_fw-la te_fw-la in_o cord_n in_o ore_n &_o prae_fw-la oculis_fw-la meis_fw-la semper_fw-la &_o ubiquè_fw-fr ita_fw-la utnullus_fw-la pateat_fw-la in_o i_o locus_fw-la adulterinis_fw-la amoribus_fw-la fill_v always_o i_o beseech_v thou_o my_o heart_n with_o a_o unquenchable_a love_n of_o thou_o with_o a_o continual_a remembrance_n of_o thou_o that_o so_o as_o a_o burn_a flame_n i_o may_v burn_v all_o over_o in_o the_o sweetness_n of_o thy_o love_n which_o may_v not_o be_v quench_v even_o by_o many_o water_n make_v i_o sweet_a lord_n to_o love_v thou_o and_o through_o the_o desire_n of_o thou_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o weight_n of_o all_o carnal_a desire_n and_o the_o most_o heavy_a load_n of_o earthly_a concupiscence_n which_o fight_v against_o and_o weigh_v down_o my_o miserable_a soul_n so_o that_o run_v expedite_o after_o thou_o in_o the_o odour_n of_o thy_o ointment_n i_o may_v be_v worthy_a to_o arrive_v to_o the_o effectual_o satisfy_v vision_n of_o thy_o beauty_n for_o two_o love_n one_o good_a and_o another_o bad_a one_o sweet_a and_o another_o bitter_a can_v dwell_v together_o in_o the_o same_o breast_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o one_o love_n any_o thing_n beside_o thou_o thy_o love_n o_o 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