strike_v and_o smite_v he_o to_o the_o end_n that_o nothing_o but_o love_n may_v flow_v from_o he_o and_o that_o the_o substantial_a and_o essential_a love_n which_o be_v god_n himself_o which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o before_o all_o gift_n and_o grace_n without_o any_o merit_n of_o we_o for_o righteousness_n may_v through_o the_o holy_a ghost_n flow_v through_o and_o whole_o penetrate_v our_o heart_n from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v gather_v this_o conclusion_n that_o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o be_v a_o mere_a pure_a grace_n and_o favour_n above_o all_o our_o art_n or_o ability_n and_o above_o all_o our_o work_n and_o merit_n chap._n xi_o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o vouchsaved_a to_o all_o belove_a once_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n or_o degree_n to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o love_v he_o save_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o even_o in_o save_v love_n there_o be_v high_a and_o low_o great_a and_o less_o degree_n it_o will_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a or_o unprofitable_a to_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o say_a difference_n or_o diversity_n there_o be_v some_o in_o this_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v call_v incipientes_fw-la i.e._n beginner_n other_o proficientes_fw-la proficient_n or_o goer_n forward_o and_o some_o again_o perfecti_fw-la that_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o of_o which_o three_o sort_n the_o first_o love_n god_n least_o the_o second_o more_o the_o three_o or_o last_o most_o of_o all_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o love_n he_o above_o all_o thing_n for_o do_v they_o love_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o god_n or_o equal_a with_o he_o their_o love_n will_v rather_o be_v hatred_n of_o god_n because_o therein_o they_o do_v not_o render_v he_o his_o true_a and_o due_a honour_n as_o god_n love_n say_v man_n indeed_o may_v build_v straw_n hay_o and_o wood_n gold_n silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n upon_o the_o rock_n but_o for_o all_o that_o the_o foundation_n do_v not_o suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v shake_v or_o remove_v christ_n must_v still_o be_v christ_n and_o god_n must_v be_v belove_v as_o god_n that_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o true_a foundation_n of_o all_o love_n and_o good_a desire_n and_o this_o be_v common_a to_o all_o true_a lover_n of_o what_o rank_n soever_o but_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o diversity_n of_o some_o love_a more_o some_o less_o some_o in_o a_o high_a and_o other_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n be_v this_o because_o god_n kind_n and_o amiable_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o do_v not_o act_v necessary_o like_o nature_n according_a to_o its_o utmost_a power_n and_o ability_n but_o more_o or_o less_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n please_v and_o how_o and_o when_o he_o please_v therefore_o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o free_a grace_n but_o every_o degree_n of_o love_n be_v so_o likewise_o chap._n xii_o how_o or_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o beginner_n love_v god_n above_o all_o thing_n the_o first_o degree_n of_o love_n manifest_v itself_o in_o this_o manner_n when_o the_o loveliness_n of_o god_n be_v so_o deep_o imprint_v on_o the_o heart_n that_o a_o man_n begin_v to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n than_o such_o a_o love_n infallible_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o a_o loathe_n or_o dislike_n of_o whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n as_o of_o all_o deadly_a sin_n and_o more_o especial_o of_o pride_n whereby_o man_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o place_v himself_o on_o even_a ground_n with_o or_o above_o god_n which_o every_o man_n do_v when_o he_o love_v himself_o as_o much_o as_o or_o more_o than_o god_n this_o love_n bring_v along_o with_o it_o humility_n in_o honour_n temperance_n in_o lust_n and_o holy_a fear_n not_o such_o as_o servant_n stand_v in_o of_o their_o master_n but_o such_o as_o young_a child_n have_v for_o their_o father_n in_o these_o beginner_n there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o fear_n and_o love_n and_o a_o conjunction_n of_o heavenly_a and_o earthly_a desire_n they_o love_v many_o thing_n together_o with_o god_n therefore_o the_o virtue_n or_o goodness_n of_o these_o consist_v only_o in_o this_o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o they_o continual_o bring_v forth_o heavenly_a desire_n and_o that_o though_o they_o love_v god_n together_o with_o other_o thing_n yet_o they_o love_v he_o above_o and_o more_o than_o they_o wherefore_o also_o the_o beginner_n fall_v often_o into_o many_o lesser_a sin_n by_o the_o delight_n he_o take_v in_o temporal_a profit_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n and_o into_o strong_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o temporal_a loss_n and_o trouble_v find_v also_o in_o himself_o strong_a inclination_n to_o deadly_a sin_n so_o that_o often_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o sin_n but_o that_o the_o friendly_a and_o lovely_a perception_n of_o god_n in_o his_o heart_n do_v hinder_v he_o wherefore_o it_o still_o appear_v that_o whatsoever_o the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n beget_v or_o bring_v forth_o in_o the_o heart_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o mere_a grace_n chap._n xiii_o how_o the_o proficient_a love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n moreover_o it_o oft_o happen_v that_o god_n from_o heaven_n do_v manifest_v himself_o yet_o more_o friendly_a and_o amiable_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o thereby_o inflame_v the_o will_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o now_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o only_a love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n but_o also_o make_v use_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o subordination_n and_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n aim_v at_o his_o praise_n and_o glory_n such_o a_o one_o be_v more_o concern_v how_o he_o may_v please_v god_n than_o about_o sin_n displease_v of_o he_o now_o he_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v to_o love_n god_n in_o this_o degree_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o exact_a he_o in_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o love_v in_o he_o this_o love_n be_v immediate_o follow_v by_o the_o love_n of_o righteousness_n great_a strength_n and_o courage_n of_o mind_n a_o liberal_a heart_n prudent_a converse_n wise_a purpose_n and_o undertake_n and_o other_o such_o like_a virtue_n that_o help_v to_o raise_v a_o man_n above_o himself_o i_o have_v say_v that_o man_n be_v so_o high_o excite_v and_o move_v with_o the_o divine_a kindness_n and_o loveliness_n do_v love_n god_n in_o this_o manner_n or_o rather_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o love_v in_o he_o to_o the_o end_n that_o no_o body_n may_v attribute_v his_o proficiency_n or_o rise_n high_a to_o himself_o but_o appropriate_a and_o impute_v it_o to_o god_n alone_o even_o as_o christ_n instruct_v his_o disciple_n and_o in_o they_o all_o of_o we_o when_o you_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o king_n and_o governor_n for_o my_o sake_n take_v no_o thought_n how_o or_o what_o you_o shall_v speak_v for_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o in_o that_o same_o hour_n what_o you_o shall_v speak_v for_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o father_n that_o speak_v in_o you_o mat._n 10.18_o 19_o 20._o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a truth_n now_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v who_o we_o see_v move_v his_o tongue_n and_o lip_n who_o voice_n we_o hear_v and_o perceive_v his_o breath_n why_o shall_v not_o we_o then_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n appropriate_a and_o impute_v the_o love_n we_o feel_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n alone_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v his_o only_a the_o move_a or_o motion_n be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o perceive_v of_o it_o be_v we_o as_o when_o any_o one_o tickle_v we_o the_o tickle_v be_v another_o but_o the_o sensation_n it_o produce_v be_v our_o own_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o love_n of_o proficient_n together_o with_o the_o virtue_n flow_v from_o it_o be_v mere_a grace_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o beginner_n chap._n fourteen_o how_o the_o perfect_a lover_n love_v god_n above_o all_o thing_n he_o be_v call_v perfect_a in_o love_n to_o who_o god_n manifest_v and_o represent_v himself_o so_o kind_a so_o sweet_a and_o so_o amiable_a that_o he_o become_v whole_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o lovely_a but_o god_n nothing_o kind_a sweet_a and_o friendly_a but_o god_n such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o loathe_v and_o be_v burden_v with_o himself_o hate_v this_o life_n and_o belong_v for_o death_n that_o nothing_o may_v hinder_v he_o in_o his_o love_n wherefore_o also_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a work_n proceed_v from_o such_o a_o one_o all_o which_o god_n by_o love_n work_v in_o he_o he_o be_v full_a of_o joy_n peace_n and_o rest_n he_o do_v not_o trouble_v himself_o about_o either_o heaven_n or_o hell_n angel_n or_o devil_n friend_n or_o foe_n he_o hate_v father_n and_o mother_n wife_n and_o
ever_o to_o attain_v the_o supreme_a bliss_n and_o beatitude_n but_o with_o the_o help_n of_o love_n and_o desire_n for_o love_n be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a life_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o wedding-garment_n and_o its_o utmost_a perfection_n in_o which_o all_o the_o law_n 15.7_o john_n 13.34_o &_o ch._n 15.7_o and_o the_o prophet_n yea_o and_o our_o lord_n commandment_n too_o be_v include_v as_o be_v the_o centre_n and_o substance_n of_o they_o all_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n that_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n 1.5_o rom._n 13.10_o 1_o tim._n 1.5_o and_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n that_o charity_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o cemmandment_n chap._n xiii_o the_o qualification_n of_o true_a prayer_n and_o the_o usefulness_n thereof_o and_o how_o the_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v recollect_v and_o gather_v up_o into_o itself_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o of_o ourselves_o be_v altogether_o insufficient_a for_o these_o and_o all_o other_o good_a thing_n and_o that_o we_o can_v of_o ourselves_o render_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o lord_n god_n from_o who_o alone_o proceed_v all_o good_a which_o be_v not_o his_o own_o before_o save_o one_o thing_n only_o according_a to_o what_o he_o himself_o with_o his_o bless_a mouth_n and_o example_n have_v be_v please_v to_o instruct_v we_o viz._n that_o we_o in_o all_o case_n and_o event_n have_v continual_a recourse_n to_o prayer_n as_o be_v guilty_a miserable_a poor_a beggar_n weak_a destitute_a subject_n servant_n and_o son_n and_o whole_o desolate_a in_o ourselves_o and_o that_o we_o with_o the_o most_o humble_a prostration_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o fear_n and_o love_n recollected_o and_o composed_o with_o a_o deliberate_a true_a naked_a affection_n of_o shame_n with_o earnest_a desire_n and_o fervency_n with_o inward_a groan_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o with_o simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o mind_n shall_v supplicate_v he_o and_o lay_v open_a before_o he_o with_o full_a confidence_n all_o our_o impend_a danger_n and_o ready_o secure_o and_o naked_o commit_v resign_v and_o offer_v up_o ourselves_o total_o and_o faithful_o to_o he_o to_o our_o very_a last_o breath_n as_o be_v true_o and_o entire_o he_o reserve_v nothing_o to_o ourselves_o that_o so_o the_o say_n of_o the_o bless_a father_n isaak_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o 6._o in_o cassian_n collat_n 10._o c._n 6._o who_o speak_v of_o this_o king_n of_o prayer_n say_v than_o it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v one_o in_o god_n and_o our_o lord_n god_n alone_o shall_v be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o we_o when_o that_o perfect_a love_n wherewith_o he_o have_v first_o love_v we_o shall_v become_v the_o love_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o our_o love_n all_o our_o desire_n all_o our_o study_n and_o our_o endeavour_n and_o last_o all_o our_o thought_n yea_o and_o every_o thing_n that_o we_o see_v speak_v or_o hope_v for_o shall_v be_v god_n and_o when_o that_o unity_n which_o now_o be_v between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o between_o the_o son_n and_o the_o father_n shall_v be_v transfuse_v into_o our_o sense_n and_o mind_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o as_o he_o love_v we_o with_o a_o sincere_a pure_a and_o unchangeable_a love_n so_o we_o also_o may_v be_v join_v to_o he_o by_o a_o perpetual_a and_o inseparable_a dilection_n be_v so_o intimate_o unite_v to_o he_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o hope_v whatsoever_o we_o understand_v whatsoever_o we_o speak_v and_o pray_v for_o may_v be_v god_n this_o therefore_o must_v be_v the_o purpose_n this_o the_o endeavour_n and_o end_n of_o a_o true_o spiritual_a man_n to_o be_v find_v worthy_a to_o possess_v the_o image_n of_o the_o future_a beatitude_n in_o this_o corruptible_a body_n and_o to_o obtain_v a_o foretaste_n of_o that_o celestial_a bliss_n conversation_n and_o glory_n even_o in_o this_o transitory_a life_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n that_o the_o mind_n be_v purify_v from_o all_o the_o dregs_o of_o carnality_n may_v be_v sublime_v to_o that_o pitch_n of_o spirituality_n that_o its_o whole_a conversation_n and_o all_o the_o outgoing_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o one_o continual_a never_o cease_v prayer_n and_o when_o the_o mind_n thus_o have_v shake_v off_o its_o earthly_a defilement_n and_o entanglement_n 5._o collat._n 9_o c._n 5._o do_v breath_n out_o itself_o to_o god_n in_o who_o alone_o the_o intention_n of_o a_o spiritual_a man_n ought_v always_o to_o be_v fix_v from_o which_o sovereign_a good_a the_o least_o separation_n ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o present_a death_n and_o the_o most_o pernicious_a destruction_n and_o that_o she_o the_o mind_n be_v well_o found_v and_o root_v in_o forego_v peace_n and_o tranquillity_n and_o set_v loose_a from_o the_o band_n of_o all_o carnal_a passion_n and_o by_o a_o most_o resolute_a and_o tenacious_a purpose_n cleave_v to_o that_o one_o sovereign_n good_a than_o i_o say_v she_o will_v be_v able_a to_o fulfil_v that_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n 5.17_o 1_o thes_n 5.17_o pray_v without_o cease_v and_o in_o all_o place_n 2.8_o 1._o tim._n 2.8_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v for_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v as_o it_o be_v whole_o absorb_v by_o this_o purity_n and_o transform_v from_o its_o earthly_a state_n into_o a_o spiritual_a or_o angelical_a likeness_n in_o this_o condition_n whatsoever_o she_o take_v in_o whatsoever_o she_o handle_v whatsoever_o she_o do_v will_v be_v the_o pure_a and_o true_a prayer_n wherefore_o if_o thou_o shall_v without_o interruption_n continue_v this_o exercise_n as_o have_v be_v here_o set_v down_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o will_v be_v as_o easy_a and_o obvious_a to_o thou_o in_o thy_o introversion_n and_o recollection_n to_o contemplate_v and_o enjoy_v as_o it_o be_v for_o thou_o to_o live_v in_o nature_n chap._n fourteen_o in_o all_o judgement_n that_o be_v make_v of_o we_o we_o be_v still_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n moreover_o to_o attain_v to_o this_o spiritual_a perfection_n purity_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n in_o god_n it_o will_v be_v of_o no_o small_a advantage_n to_o we_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v speak_v or_o judge_v of_o we_o or_o act_v towards_o we_o we_o always_o silent_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o the_o inmost_a retreat_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o there_o be_v abstract_v from_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o total_o recollect_v within_o ourselves_o place_n ourselves_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o truth_n within_o we_o where_o we_o shall_v plain_o find_v and_o see_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o of_o no_o advantage_n but_o a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o we_o to_o be_v praise_v and_o honour_v from_o without_o when_o according_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v indeed_o culpable_a and_o guilty_a and_o as_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v of_o no_o advantage_n at_o all_o to_o a_o man_n to_o be_v praise_v outward_o by_o man_n when_o his_o conscience_n accuse_v he_o within_o so_o neither_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v it_o any_o the_o least_o hurt_n or_o hindrance_n to_o a_o man_n if_o he_o be_v despise_v revile_v blame_v and_o persecute_v from_o without_o when_o he_o be_v inward_o innocent_a unreprovable_a and_o harmless_a yea_o rather_o he_o have_v great_a reason_n in_o patience_n silence_n and_o peace_n to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n on_o this_o account_n forasmuch_o as_o no_o adversity_n can_v hurt_v where_o iniquity_n do_v not_o prevail_v and_o as_o no_o wickedness_n ever_o go_v unpunished_a so_o no_o good_a can_v be_v without_o its_o reward_n neither_o let_v we_o be_v willing_a with_o hypocrite_n to_o expect_v or_o receive_v our_o reward_n or_o recompense_n from_o man_n but_o of_o our_o lord_n god_n alone_o not_o at_o present_a but_o hereafter_o not_o in_o this_o transitory_a time_n but_o in_o eternity_n it_o be_v evident_a therefore_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o great_a moment_n or_o better_a for_o we_o than_o always_o in_o every_o tribulation_n and_o event_n to_o retire_v to_o the_o inmost_a secret_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o there_o to_o call_v upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o who_o be_v our_o helper_n in_o temptation_n and_o tribulation_n and_o there_o to_o be_v humble_v before_o he_o confess_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o praise_n god_n and_o our_o father_n who_o as_o he_o bruise_n and_o chasten_v so_o he_o also_o comfort_n and_o heal_v we_o and_o over_o and_o â—bove_o all_o this_o to_o take_v and_o accept_v of_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n ready_o and_o secure_o happen_v to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o whether_o prosperous_a or_o adverse_a with_o a_o even_o quiet_a temper_n of_o mind_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o unerring_a providence_n and_o orderly_a dispose_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o faithful_a
to_o something_o that_o be_v better_a for_o as_o all_o good_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o his_o operation_n so_o by_o his_o permission_n all_o evil_a thing_n be_v make_v good_a and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v manifest_v his_o power_n wisdom_n and_o clemency_n through_o our_o saviour_n christ_n his_o mercy_n and_o justice_n the_o virtue_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o weakness_n and_o failure_n of_o nature_n the_o beauty_n of_o the_o universe_n which_o spring_v from_o the_o contraposition_n of_o opposite_n the_o praise_n of_o the_o good_a and_o the_o wickedness_n and_o punishment_n of_o reprobate_n so_o likewise_o in_o a_o sinner_n convert_v be_v manifest_v contrition_n confession_n and_o repentance_n as_o well_o as_o the_o meekness_n and_o long_o suffer_v of_o god_n his_o kindness_n and_o charity_n his_o praise_n and_o goodness_n not_o that_o it_o always_o tend_v to_o their_o good_a that_o do_v wicked_o for_o most_o common_o indeed_o it_o do_v precipitate_v they_o into_o great_a danger_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o evil_n viz._n the_o loss_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o obnoxiousness_n to_o gild_n and_o punishment_n and_o sometime_o of_o that_o which_o be_v eternal_a from_o which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n of_o his_o mercy_n preserve_v we_o amen_n two_o ancient_a spiritual_a treatise_n of_o dr._n john_n of_o staupitz_n abbot_n of_o st._n peter_n at_o saltsburg_n in_o germany_n concern_v the_o sweet_a love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o holy_a christian_n faith_n faithful_o translate_v out_o of_o high-dutch_a into_o english_a london_n print_v for_o r._n baldwin_n near_o the_o oxford-arms-inn_n in_o warwick-lane_n 1692._o chap._n i._o god_n be_v lovely_a above_o all_o thing_n if_o any_o one_o inquire_v how_o it_o can_v be_v make_v out_o that_o god_n be_v lovely_a above_o all_o thing_n he_o may_v answer_v himself_o by_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v god_n and_o consequent_o not_o only_a full_a of_o all_o perfection_n but_o perfection_n itself_o in_o who_o by_o who_o and_o from_o who_o all_o perfection_n consist_v flow_v and_o proceed_v as_o likewise_o that_o he_o be_v love_n itself_o than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v or_o imagine_v more_o lovely_a as_o be_v that_o very_a love_n which_o make_v all_o thing_n lovely_a it_o light_v upon_o if_o it_o light_v on_o a_o hateful_a enemy_n it_o change_v he_o into_o a_o lovely_a friend_n if_o it_o light_v on_o horrid_a darkness_n it_o become_v immediate_o change_v into_o pleasant_a light_n if_o it_o fall_v upon_o nothing_o the_o nothing_o immediate_o be_v make_v something_o and_o something_o that_o be_v good_a too_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o all_o whatsoever_o god_n love_v must_v needs_o be_v lovely_a and_o every_o one_o easy_o conceive_v that_o without_o or_o beside_o this_o love_n nothing_o be_v or_o can_v be_v lovely_a and_o that_o nothing_o that_o be_v unlovely_a can_v flow_v from_o it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o self-subsisting_a essential_a love_n who_o goodness_n be_v in_o and_o of_o itself_o our_o love_n receive_v the_o measure_n or_o proportion_n of_o its_o goodness_n from_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o belove_a object_n and_o be_v then_o only_o good_a when_o it_o love_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o better_o when_o it_o love_v something_o that_o be_v better_a and_o best_a of_o all_o when_o it_o love_v the_o high_a good_a and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n become_v evil_a when_o it_o love_v that_o which_o be_v not_o good_a nay_o whatsoever_o object_n it_o light_v upon_o whether_o good_a or_o evil_a yet_o to_o love_n be_v always_o sweet_a and_o lovely_a in_o itself_o wherefore_o also_o it_o make_v all_o thing_n not_o only_o tolerable_a but_o easy_a and_o delightful_a which_o without_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a to_o endure_v if_o not_o altogether_o intolerable_a how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o high_a best_a unalterable_a constant_a faithfulness_n and_o eternal_a love_n which_o be_v god_n himself_o shall_v be_v loveless_a harsh_a or_o unpleasant_a chap._n ii_o god_n must_v be_v love_v above_o all_o thing_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n say_v moses_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o thy_o soul_n 6.5_o matth._n 22.37_o deut._n 6.5_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n and_o with_o all_o strength_n above_o thing_n this_o be_v what_o all_o of_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o command_n and_o the_o obedience_n we_o we_o owe_v he_o and_o this_o because_o he_o be_v our_o god_n to_o who_o out_o of_o love_n we_o be_v to_o return_v and_o give_v up_o again_o all_o that_o we_o be_v and_o all_o that_o we_o have_v our_o heart_n soul_n mind_n strength_n and_o power_n house_n ad_fw-la good_n land_n and_o possession_n wife_n and_o child_n brother_n and_o sister_n father_n and_o mother_n and_o in_o a_o word_n nothing_o except_v even_o ourselves_o also_o to_o be_v dispose_v of_o as_o he_o please_v for_o death_n or_o for_o life_n for_o heaven_n or_o for_o hell_n these_o be_v indeed_o very_o hard_a work_n which_o notwithstanding_o a_o superlative_a lovely_a love_n be_v able_a to_o make_v light_n sweet_a and_o easy_a forasmuch_o then_o as_o god_n will_v have_v all_o this_o perform_v by_o we_o and_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o it_o as_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o sorrowful_a but_o cheerful_a mind_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o he_o work_v in_o we_o his_o love_n above_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o perform_v his_o will_n herein_o chap._n iii_o where_o god_n be_v not_o love_v above_o all_o thing_n there_o he_o be_v not_o glorify_v as_o god_n all_o man_n be_v create_v to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v praise_v and_o honour_n god_n and_o magnify_v and_o glorify_v he_o in_o themselves_o with_o heart_n word_n and_o work_n now_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n whereby_o the_o heart_n and_o will_n may_v give_v to_o god_n his_o peculiar_a and_o high_a honour_n than_o by_o rest_v in_o his_o love_n and_o by_o love_v he_o only_o for_o himself_o with_o all_o the_o heart_n soul_n and_o mind_n be_v altogether_o satiate_v and_o satisfy_v with_o his_o divine_a perfection_n and_o whole_o empty_v of_o all_o other_o love_n beside_o for_o whosoever_o love_v god_n for_o his_o own_o advantage_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v outward_a or_o temporal_a he_o prefer_v the_o creature_n before_o the_o creator_n and_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o high_a honour_n and_o make_v that_o to_o be_v his_o god_n which_o be_v not_o god_n for_o that_o which_o the_o heart_n love_v most_o the_o same_o it_o honour_n as_o god_n whatsoever_o the_o mouth_n may_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_n who_o know_v not_o that_o if_o a_o christian_a shall_v now_o a_o day_n say_v that_o his_o wife_n be_v his_o god_n or_o his_o child_n or_o his_o good_n he_o will_v be_v condemn_v for_o a_o blasphemer_n if_o he_o persist_v therein_o and_o yet_o who_o be_v there_o of_o we_o who_o do_v not_o see_v in_o the_o daily_a practice_n and_o action_n of_o man_n that_o temporal_a good_n pleasure_n and_o honour_n be_v prefer_v before_o god_n and_o his_o love_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o just_a lamentation_n we_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n endure_v the_o reproach_n of_o be_v idolater_n though_o indeed_o we_o be_v so_o real_o and_o in_o truth_n no_o less_o than_o other_o be_v of_o old_a at_o this_o very_a day_n o_o gracious_a god_n many_o in_o christendom_n worship_n cow_n horse_n gold_n silver_n wood_n and_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n as_o the_o heathen_n do_v thousand_o year_n ago_o notwithstanding_o they_o say_v with_o their_o mouth_n our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o true_a adoration_n consist_v in_o love_v and_o not_o in_o speak_v he_o pray_v well_o who_o love_v much_o and_o he_o who_o love_v not_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v pray_v though_o he_o shall_v repeat_v a_o thousand_o psalm_n or_o prayer_n he_o who_o love_v god_n serve_v he_o but_o he_o who_o do_v not_o love_v he_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v serve_v he_o how_o great_a work_n soever_o he_o may_v outward_o perform_v wherefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o useful_a and_o advantageous_a to_o man_n than_o to_o excite_v draw_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n especial_o in_o this_o miserable_a state_n we_o be_v in_o where_o we_o be_v oft_o hinder_v from_o love_v by_o want_n of_o necessary_n which_o we_o can_v be_v without_o by_o outward_a profit_n which_o we_o can_v hardly_o deny_v ourselves_o in_o and_o by_o our_o inborn_a infirmity_n which_o no_o body_n of_o himself_o can_v rid_v himself_o of_o to_o which_o we_o may_v likewise_o add_v the_o pomp_n luxury_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o cunning_a malice_n and_o tyranny_n of_o our_o grand_a enemy_n the_o devil_n chap._n iu._n to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o
forasmuch_o as_o the_o divine_a love_n only_o flow_v forth_o from_o god_n love_v reveal_v and_o manifest_v to_o we_o it_o for_o the_o most_o part_n happen_v that_o we_o through_o our_o vehement_a earnestness_n and_o eager_a pursuit_n after_o she_o hinder_v ourselves_o from_o relish_v her_o sweet_a savour_n which_o be_v best_a taste_v and_o perceive_v when_o we_o be_v silent_a and_o introvert_v inward_o attentive_a when_o we_o open_v our_o mouth_n wide_a expect_v the_o heavenly_a food_n when_o we_o work_v or_o do_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a but_o attend_v the_o work_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o we_o in_o this_o manner_n david_n hearken_v and_o hear_v what_o god_n speak_v in_o he_o and_o find_v he_o speak_v peace_n he_o open_v his_o mouth_n wide_a and_o experience_a god_n fill_v it_o be_v silent_a and_o wait_v upon_o god_n and_o receive_v income_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o power_n ps_n 81.10.40_o 1.85.8_o for_o the_o almighty_a word_n say_v the_o wise_a king_n wisd_v 18.14,15_o come_v not_o down_o from_o heaven_n his_o royal_a throne_n nor_o suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v hear_v till_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o quiet_a silence_n therefore_o for_o a_o conclusion_n we_o must_v above_o all_o thing_n labour_n and_o endeavour_v for_o inward_a stillness_n and_o quiet_a of_o heart_n and_o to_o reduce_v our_o prayer_n and_o other_o outward_a and_o inward_a exercise_n to_o rest_n and_o silence_n that_o so_o we_o may_v hear_v the_o heavenly_a voice_n of_o god_n and_o perceive_v his_o lovely_a motion_n thus_o thou_o see_v how_o our_o good_a god_n permit_v himself_o to_o be_v overtake_v by_o a_o soft_a or_o slow_a pace_n but_o never_o by_o run_v according_a as_o we_o read_v concern_v the_o divine_a spouse_n cant._n 3.1_o 2_o 4._o c._n 5.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o that_o when_o she_o lay_v down_o on_o her_o bed_n and_o have_v no_o desire_n after_o her_o bridegroom_n but_o rather_o seem_v to_o be_v trouble_v at_o his_o knock_n yet_o be_v this_o the_o time_n he_o take_v to_o manifest_v himself_o in_o all_o friendliness_n and_o love_n towards_o she_o whereas_o when_o she_o run_v out_o after_o he_o he_o hide_v himself_o from_o she_o chap._n xvi_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n alter_v and_o be_v change_v according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o self-subsisting_a love_n of_o god_n suitable_a to_o what_o he_o know_v to_o be_v most_o useful_a for_o men._n to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n therefore_o be_v a_o perpetual_a and_o constant_a work_n always_o abide_v the_o same_o as_o long_o as_o the_o lover_n abide_v in_o the_o true_a love_n yet_o not_o always_o at_o the_o same_o height_n or_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n but_o sometime_o more_o and_o at_o other_o time_n less_o as_o god_n know_v it_o will_v be_v most_o profitable_a for_o the_o belove_a person_n to_o paul_n be_v give_v a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n a_o angel_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v he_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n vouchsafe_v unto_o he_o 2_o cor._n 12.7_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o see_v the_o robber_n be_v assure_v of_o his_o part_n in_o paradise_n luk._n 23.43_o and_o have_v a_o clear_a sight_n give_v he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o salvation_n and_o be_v favour_v with_o a_o joyful_a death_n to_o the_o end_n the_o depth_n of_o his_o sin_n may_v not_o overwhelm_v he_o at_o one_o time_n paul_n cry_v out_o rom._n 7.24_o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o death_n and_o not_o long_o after_o we_o hear_v he_o boast_v and_o triumph_v at_o such_o a_o rate_n as_o this_o rom._n 8.38_o 39_o for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v separate_v i_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n this_o be_v a_o perfect_a word_n proceed_v from_o a_o perfect_a love_n thus_o it_o happen_v still_o at_o this_o day_n that_o god_n often_o in_o a_o hour_n time_n yea_o in_o a_o much_o short_a space_n do_v oft_o alter_v the_o degree_n of_o love_n in_o we_o sometime_o we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o a_o perfect_a elevation_n of_o our_o mind_n with_o entire_a and_o total_a resignation_n and_o soon_o after_o experience_n a_o frightful_a and_o doubt_a heart_n and_o a_o unstable_a will_n and_o many_o be_v in_o the_o same_o moment_n comfort_v again_o with_o courageousness_n and_o a_o peaceful_a and_o joyful_a mind_n which_o make_v they_o break_v forth_o with_o david_n psalm_n 56.11_o in_o god_n have_v i_o put_v my_o trust_n and_o will_v not_o fear_v what_o all_o my_o enemy_n can_v do_v unto_o i_o so_o that_o a_o man_n here_o upon_o earth_n be_v not_o constant_a in_o any_o degree_n of_o love_n but_o sometime_o be_v raise_v above_o himself_o and_o at_o other_o time_n sink_v beneath_o himself_o according_a as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n draw_v he_o furthermore_o we_o be_v to_o know_v to_o our_o great_a comfort_n that_o the_o love_n which_o god_n have_v towards_o we_o do_v neither_o admit_v of_o increase_n dminution_n and_o frequent_o be_v do_v the_o very_o best_a for_o we_o when_o we_o least_o of_o all_o perceive_v or_o understand_v it_o we_o be_v also_o for_o the_o most_o part_n most_o sweet_a and_o well_o please_v to_o he_o when_o he_o seem_v most_o bitter_a and_o harsh_a to_o we_o here_o upon_o earth_n where_o his_o divine_a love_n more_o exert_v its_o self_n for_o our_o cross_n and_o suffer_a than_o for_o our_o joy_n heaven_n be_v the_o place_n where_o god_n continual_o manifest_v and_o display_v himself_o in_o everlasting_a joy_n not_o this_o earth_n forasmuch_o therefore_o as_o there_o be_v more_o advantage_n and_o profit_n in_o poverty_n than_o in_o riches_n more_o in_o suffer_v than_o in_o enjoyment_n more_o in_o weep_v than_o in_o laughter_n more_o in_o hunger_n than_o in_o fullness_n or_o satiety_n more_o in_o communion_n of_o suffer_v than_o in_o communion_n of_o comfort_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n manifest_v itself_o in_o a_o full_a and_o great_a measure_n to_o we_o when_o it_o procure_v we_o lamentation_n sorrow_n suffer_v and_o misery_n than_o when_o it_o afford_v we_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n wherefore_o although_o the_o feel_n of_o that_o quiet_a and_o peace_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o those_o who_o be_v perfect_a in_o love_n be_v sweet_a and_o more_o delightful_a yet_o be_v the_o love_n of_o proficient_n wherein_o god_n manifest_v himself_o for_o the_o strengthen_n and_o encourage_v of_o the_o mind_n more_o profitable_a for_o advantage_n and_o amendment_n beside_o it_o be_v far_o more_o profitable_a and_o advantageous_a to_o our_o salvation_n that_o we_o despair_v of_o our_o own_o strength_n than_o that_o we_o confide_v in_o our_o own_o work_n or_o labour_n for_o which_o cause_n also_o god_n of_o his_o great_a grace_n do_v frequent_o take_v away_o from_o we_o the_o love_n of_o proficient_n and_o drive_v we_o into_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o disability_n and_o into_o fearfulness_n and_o despair_v of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o end_n that_o as_o little_a helpless_a child_n we_o may_v run_v to_o he_o as_o our_o only_a redeemer_n account_v ourselves_o nothing_o and_o magnify_v his_o grace_n and_o power_n alone_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o we_o then_o from_o the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o ward_n the_o love_n of_o beginner_n prove_v of_o great_a use_n and_o advantage_n to_o we_o and_o we_o do_v experience_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o comfort_n from_o god_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o we_o despair_v of_o our_o own_o power_n when_o we_o do_v not_o trust_v in_o our_o strength_n nor_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o strive_v and_o struggle_v but_o only_o six_o our_o eye_n upon_o the_o lift_v up_o brazen_a serpent_n 9_o numb_a 21.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o as_o in_o the_o figure_n it_o be_v very_o comfortable_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o when_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v dangerous_o and_o mortal_o hurt_v by_o the_o poysonful_a sting_a of_o the_o fiery_a serpent_n god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v they_o a_o brazen_a serpent_n lift_v up_o on_o a_o pole_n even_o a_o serpent_n without_o poison_n make_v of_o brass_n and_o whosoever_o do_v only_o behold_v the_o same_o become_v immediate_o heal_v and_o all_o the_o serpent_n flee_v away_o from_o he_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n which_o figure_n import_v thus_o much_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o ready_a or_o compendious_a way_n for_o a_o man_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o the_o poison_n of_o diabolical_a temptation_n than_o when_o he_o despair_n of_o any_o opposition_n himself_o can_v make_v
against_o it_o and_o lay_n hold_v only_o on_o the_o cross_n trust_v and_o confide_v in_o that_o fight_n and_o combat_n which_o christ_n without_o sin_n maintain_v against_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o exterminate_v the_o diabolical_a poison_n and_o in_o the_o same_o come_v off_o a_o conqueror_n and_o triumphator_n and_o thus_o a_o christian_a boast_v of_o christ_n alone_o and_o whole_o despair_v of_o himself_o wherefore_o it_o be_v much_o better_a for_o a_o man_n to_o commit_v and_o resign_v himself_o whole_o to_o god_n neither_o pray_v for_o this_o or_o the_o other_o feeling_n or_o perception_n of_o the_o divine_a love_n but_o that_o he_o will_v order_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n when_o a_o man_n come_v to_o this_o state_n he_o enjoy_v a_o constant_a and_o abide_a peace_n tranquillity_n and_o comfort_n found_v and_o bottom_v on_o the_o unchangeable_a love_n god_n bear_v towards_o we_o however_o dead_a barren_a or_o heavy_a he_o may_v find_v himself_o but_o they_o who_o will_v not_o rest_v save_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o love_n and_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v god_n be_v with_o they_o when_o they_o do_v not_o feel_v in_o themselves_o the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o love_n or_o at_o least_o some_o comfort_n and_o solace_n of_o his_o spirit_n such_o as_o these_o have_v no_o constant_a abide_n comfort_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o be_v in_o eminent_a danger_n both_o as_o to_o soul_n and_o body_n chap._n xvii_o that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o the_o best_a of_o the_o elect_n that_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n all_o thing_n and_o all_o creature_n be_v they_o who_o belong_v to_o christ_n and_o be_v his_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 3._o v._n 21_o 22_o 23._o the_o apostle_n the_o world_n life_n death_n thing_n present_a and_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o in_o a_o word_n all_o creature_n be_v he_o who_o himself_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n without_o a_o mean_a be_v god_n but_o we_o be_v his_o through_o or_o by_o mean_n of_o christ_n wherefore_o also_o the_o elect_a soul_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o christ_n so_o high_o seat_v in_o god_n favour_n that_o all_o evil_a yea_o even_o sin_n itself_o be_v not_o only_o not_o hurtful_a to_o she_o but_o also_o conducive_a and_o helpful_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n her_o great_a physician_n to_o she_o best_o state_n very_o a_o true_a christian_a be_v a_o miraculous_a creature_n of_o god_n with_o who_o god_n from_o eternity_n in_o the_o high_a love_n have_v so_o intimate_o unite_v himself_o that_o though_o as_o david_n say_v psalm_n 89.30_o 31_o 32._o he_o forsake_v the_o divine_a law_n and_o walk_v not_o in_o his_o judgement_n though_o he_o profane_v his_o statute_n and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n yet_o god_n for_o all_o this_o will_v only_o chastise_v he_o temporal_o and_o not_o utter_o take_v away_o his_o love_a kindness_n from_o he_o so_o that_o even_o his_o sin_n must_v be_v helpful_a to_o his_o salvation_n for_o what_o god_n have_v once_o determine_v can_v never_o fail_v and_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v once_o promise_v must_v eternal_o be_v true_a who_o god_n love_v and_o favour_n to_o he_o heaven_n and_o hell_n good_a and_o evil_a must_v be_v helpful_a and_o advantageous_a and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v very_o subject_a to_o be_v mistake_v and_o confound_v in_o our_o reflect_v on_o the_o work_n of_o other_o man_n and_o find_v that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a in_o the_o least_o to_o pass_v a_o true_a judgement_n or_o estimate_n what_o be_v profitable_a or_o hurtful_a to_o man_n forasmuch_o as_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o god_n sometime_o out_o of_o great_a and_o faithful_a love_n permit_v he_o that_o stand_v to_o fall_v who_o doubt_v but_o that_o peter_n fall_n wherein_o he_o deny_v his_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v far_o more_o profitable_a and_o advantageous_a for_o he_o than_o to_o have_v continue_v and_o persevere_v in_o his_o selfconfidence_n our_o lord_n and_o god_n have_v a_o great_a interest_n and_o be_v more_o concern_v to_o manifest_v and_o display_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n mercy_n than_o to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o our_o righteousness_n his_o least_o suffering_n be_v sufficient_a to_o reconcile_v his_o heavenly_a father_n to_o we_o to_o justify_v to_o preserve_v or_o make_v we_o persevere_v in_o righteousness_n and_o to_o save_v we_o but_o this_o will_v not_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o hold_v forth_o the_o unmeasurableness_n of_o his_o love_n or_o the_o unalterableness_n of_o his_o mercy_n therefore_o paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 11.32_o that_o god_n have_v conclude_v all_o under_o unbelief_n and_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o if_o you_o take_v away_o sin_n who_o then_o will_v be_v able_a clear_o to_o understand_v that_o god_n mercy_n be_v above_o and_o beyond_o all_o his_o work_n or_o that_o christ_n the_o true_a son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n which_o no_o other_o way_n can_v ever_o have_v be_v manifest_v but_o by_o his_o unalterable_a love_n and_o by_o that_o great_a instance_n of_o his_o transcendent_a pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n and_o therefore_o gregory_n call_v sin_n salutary_a or_o save_v because_o by_o divine_a mercy_n it_o procure_v we_o so_o glorious_a a_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o god_n make_v use_v of_o sin_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o divine_a glory_n it_o be_v no_o long_o any_o wonder_n that_o he_o make_v the_o same_o also_o advantageous_a to_o the_o sinner_n but_o we_o must_v not_o argue_v from_o hence_o that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o we_o may_v therefore_o free_o sin_n without_o danger_n by_o no_o mean_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v our_o duty_n at_o all_o time_n with_o our_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o strength_n to_o avoid_v sin_n as_o we_o will_v the_o most_o deadly_a poison_n for_o to_o cover_v sin_n with_o mercy_n be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n alone_o it_o be_v he_o only_o that_o can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a we_o can_v fall_v of_o ourselves_o but_o not_o rise_v again_o of_o ourselves_o this_o rest_v only_o in_o the_o gracious_a mercifulness_n of_o god_n which_o excel_v and_o surmount_v all_o his_o work_n chap._n xviii_o whosoever_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o he_o all_o the_o temporal_a good_a thing_n that_o god_n afford_v he_o be_v of_o no_o profit_n st_n paul_n faith_n 1_o cor_n 13_o 1_o 2_o 3._o though_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o have_v not_o love_n or_o charity_n i_o be_o become_v like_o a_o sounding-brass_n or_o a_o loud_a cymbol_n and_o though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o knowledge_n and_o though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n so_o that_o i_o can_v remove_v mountain_n and_o have_v no_o charity_n i_o be_o nothing_o moreover_o though_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o though_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v if_o i_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o yea_o what_o be_v still_o more_o where_o love_n be_v not_o it_o be_v to_o a_o person_n hurt_v and_o loss_n that_o ever_o he_o be_v bear_v a_o man_n and_o the_o high_a gift_n or_o benefit_n god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o he_o serve_v only_o for_o his_o great_a condemnation_n it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o judas_n he_o have_v neverbeen_v bear_v as_o christ_n himself_o testify_v that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v a_o apostle_n that_o he_o have_v never_o wrought_v any_o miracle_n that_o he_o have_v never_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o jesus_n and_o have_v never_o eat_v the_o sweet_a food_n with_o he_o at_o the_o same_o table_n than_o that_o after_o such_o great_a and_o inestimable_a favour_n receive_v he_o shall_v become_v his_o betrayer_n sell_v he_o and_o deliver_v he_o to_o the_o jew_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o our_o dear_a lord_n god_n bestow_v that_o often_o in_o his_o wrath_n which_o he_o deny_v in_o his_o love_n from_o whence_o also_o follow_v that_o the_o high_a the_o gift_n be_v we_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o more_o they_o engage_v we_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o love_a god_n above_o all_o thing_n though_o they_o can_v make_v we_o to_o love_n god_n so_o and_o therefore_o be_v rather_o poison_n than_o gift_n if_o love_n do_v not_o come_v along_o with_o they_o neither_o can_v they_o certain_o assure_v we_o of_o that_o love_n wherewith_o god_n love_v we_o to_o salvation_n moreover_o these_o gift_n when_o they_o eat_v separate_v from_o love_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o puff_v up_o spirit_n proud_a mind_n censorious_a judge_v arrogant_a action_n imprudent_a behaviour_n and_o converse_n self_n conceitedness_n hypocrisy_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o simple_a
so_o free_o and_o powerful_o move_v his_o own_o work_n or_o how_o the_o unutterable_a loveliness_n of_o god_n taste_v and_o feel_v in_o the_o heart_n do_v sublime_a and_o raise_v the_o spirit_n in_o love_n kindle_v it_o melt_v it_o and_o make_v it_o triumphant_o joyful_a and_o full_a of_o jubilee_n do_v the_o stone_n draw_v the_o iron_n to_o itself_o without_o so_o much_o as_o touch_v it_o how_o much_o more_o than_o must_v needs_o the_o most_o rocky_a and_o obdurate_a soul_n be_v touch_v by_o the_o eternal_a heavenly_a loadstone_n be_v raise_v above_o itself_o and_o run_v into_o the_o embrace_n of_o this_o powerful_a drawer_n 1.4_o cantic_a 1.4_o or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o after_o this_o taste_n of_o the_o transcendent_a divine_a sweetness_n all_o tribulation_n and_o suffer_v strew_v over_o with_o this_o sugar_n must_v needs_o become_v sweet_a and_o desirable_a or_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o that_o all_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o love_n opposite_a to_o this_o must_v needs_o lose_v its_o taste_n and_o become_v bitter_a and_o loathsome_a see_v the_o common_a proverb_n assure_v we_o that_o to_o he_o who_o relish_v the_o spirit_n the_o flesh_n become_v ditasteful_a and_o abominable_a for_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o the_o self-subsisting_a love_n of_o god_n be_v this_o that_o wheresoever_o she_o touch_v she_o draw_v and_o allure_v where_o she_o be_v rellish_v she_o drive_v and_o impell_v where_o she_o be_v feel_v and_o experience_v she_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n moreover_o she_o have_v this_o particular_a property_n that_o she_o rob_v the_o flesh_n of_o all_o its_o sweetness_n like_v as_o the_o meridian_n brightness_n of_o the_o sun_n discountenance_n and_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n furthermore_o she_o have_v this_o also_o among_o the_o rest_n of_o her_o property_n that_o she_o sweeten_v all_o pain_n and_o grief_n comfort_n and_o relieve_v misery_n and_o wretchedness_n restore_v all_o weakness_n make_v all_o labour_n light_n and_o easy_a turn_v weep_v into_o laughter_n and_o sorrow_n into_o joy_n he_o that_o experimental_o find_v she_o rejoice_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n from_o his_o very_a heart_n desire_v to_o bear_v the_o cross_n with_o christ_n and_o belong_v for_o the_o fire_n of_o temptation_n that_o therein_o his_o love_n be_v try_v and_o refine_v from_o all_o dross_n may_v pure_o and_o naked_o cleave_v to_o god_n and_o therefore_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o divine_a spouse_n caâ—tic_n 4.16_o arise_v thou_o north_n wind_n and_o come_v on_o east_n wind_n and_o blow_v upon_o my_o garden_n that_o my_o spice_n may_v flow_v forth_o and_o give_v their_o sweet_a odour_n as_o if_o she_o have_v say_v come_v temptation_n from_o all_o quarter_n try_v and_o prove_v my_o virtue_n and_o grace_n that_o they_o may_v become_v pure_a gold_n and_o be_v for_o the_o amendment_n and_o edification_n of_o all_o that_o hear_v or_o see_v they_o o_o holy_a and_o divine_a spirit_n o_o sweet_a guest_n and_o inmate_n of_o the_o soul_n o_o only_a life_n of_o man_n he_o that_o want_v thou_o though_o alive_a be_v dead_a before_o god_n and_o he_o that_o have_v get_v thou_o can_v never_o die_v with_o god_n though_o the_o world_n be_v carry_v he_o forth_o to_o his_o grave_n thou_o be_v far_o more_o necessary_a to_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o the_o body_n where_o thou_o be_v not_o there_o the_o outward_a die_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o eternal_a death_n but_o where_o thou_o be_v of_o eternal_a life_n in_o thou_o most_o holy_a god_n we_o be_v in_o thou_o we_o live_v in_o thou_o we_o be_v save_o move_v and_o all_o this_o from_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n in_o who_o the_o unutterable_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o over_o great_a love_n to_o we_o be_v so_o clear_o manifest_v and_o through_o thou_o o_o holy_a ghost_n so_o plain_o image_v and_o deep_o imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o can_v look_v for_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o love_n from_o the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n so_o that_o it_o be_v now_o no_o more_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o take_v any_o strange_a god_n for_o our_o god_n than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o one_o else_o to_o show_v we_o such_o transcendent_a and_o unmeasurable_a mercy_n kindness_n and_o love_n as_o thou_o have_v make_v we_o partaker_n of_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o it_o have_v oft_o happen_v that_o even_o wicked_a man_n have_v wrought_v miracle_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n scripture_n testify_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v do_v at_o his_o come_n it_o be_v also_o possible_a that_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n may_v in_o outward_a gift_n of_o charity_n show_v themselves_o more_o liberal_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n than_o ever_o thou_o have_v do_v and_o to_o make_v other_o by_o their_o liberality_n rich_a and_o powerful_a and_o such_o like_a but_o all_o these_o be_v but_o uncertain_a sign_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o right_n true_a love_n to_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o belove_a object_n be_v a_o true_a and_o infallible_a sign_n of_o love_n when_o this_o be_v do_v for_o god_n sake_n it_o show_v a_o love_n sufficient_a to_o salvation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v do_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o friend_n then_o be_v it_o a_o expression_n of_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o human_a love_n as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n witness_v no_o man_n can_v have_v great_a love_n than_o this_o that_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o friend_n joh._n 15.31_o but_o if_o this_o love_n rise_v get_v high_a even_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o make_v a_o man_n willing_a to_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o his_o enemy_n then_o be_v it_o a_o certain_a mark_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n alone_o we_o read_v of_o antichrist_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n and_o diligence_n as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o appear_v outward_o like_a to_o christ_n in_o miracle_n work_v of_o wonder_n and_o in_o all_o his_o other_o action_n and_o behaviour_n yea_o to_o be_v more_o kind_a and_o beneficent_a in_o outward_a gift_n and_o liberality_n he_o will_v as_o be_v before_o hint_v by_o his_o liberality_n make_v those_o rich_a and_o powerful_a that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o will_v also_o draw_v to_o his_o party_n such_o as_o be_v rich_a and_o powerful_a with_o rigour_n and_o severity_n and_o by_o fear_n compel_v they_o for_o he_o will_v horrible_o afflict_v torment_n and_o put_v to_o death_n such_o as_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o it_o will_v never_o please_v he_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o enemy_n and_o to_o die_v for_o those_o that_o hate_v he_o by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o his_o love_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o true_a divine_a love_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o human_n love_n wherefore_o also_o all_o these_o pompous_a show_n of_o his_o love_n will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n with_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n to_o deceive_v they_o out_o of_o christ_n alone_o as_o be_v say_v before_o the_o high_a love_n of_o god_n break_v forth_o and_o manifest_v itself_o out_o of_o he_o alone_o flow_v forth_o the_o water_n of_o grace_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n wherein_o and_o whereby_o we_o may_v be_v save_v save_v only_o the_o sweet_a name_n jesus_n to_o who_o alone_o therefore_o we_o point_v and_o direct_v all_o who_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o in_o he_o alone_o we_o meet_v with_o all_o that_o ought_v and_o must_v be_v seek_v for_o in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n chap._n xxi_o the_o most_o sure_a and_o certain_a sign_n of_o all_o as_o well_o of_o our_o entire_a love_n to_o god_n as_o of_o his_o gracious_a love_n to_o we_o be_v a_o perfect_a emptiness_n or_o exinanition_n of_o spirit_n the_o heart_n of_o a_o true_a lover_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n become_v empty_v and_o void_a of_o all_o creature_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o perfect_a love_n so_o that_o nothing_o but_o god_n free_a and_o alone_o remain_v in_o his_o spirit_n all_o creature_n whatsoever_o soever_o be_v drive_v thence_o but_o as_o long_o as_o this_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o our_o soul_n all_o the_o most_o specious_a and_o apparent_a sign_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o be_v uncertain_a doubtful_a and_o to_o be_v suspect_v but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v become_v void_a and_o empty_a of_o himself_o and_o all_o creature_n when_o he_o forget_v his_o own_o life_n his_o merit_n his_o salvation_n and_o seek_v nothing_o but_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n when_o he_o be_v only_o well_o please_v with_o his_o will_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o
his_o profit_n or_o loss_n please_v or_o displease_v when_o he_o daily_o condemn_v himself_o and_o judge_v no_o body_n but_o himself_o only_o then_o without_o doubt_n god_n have_v take_v up_o his_o abode_n in_o he_o and_o he_o be_v top_n and_o brimful_a of_o god_n wherefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o not_o in_o the_o least_o and_o effect_n of_o his_o wrath_n when_o he_o make_v we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n no_o faith_n no_o constant_a love_n upon_o earth_n when_o he_o manifest_o discover_v to_o a_o man_n that_o those_o who_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v he_o and_o to_o return_v good_a for_o evil_a do_v requite_v he_o evil_a for_o his_o good_a unfaithfulness_n for_o love_n for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o ready_a way_n by_o which_o god_n from_o heaven_n through_o his_o special_a grace_n empty_v flesh_n of_o flesh_n and_o fasten_v spirit_n to_o spirit_n wherefore_o beg_v thou_o of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o empty_v thou_o of_o thyself_o and_o of_o all_o creature_n and_o take_v it_o for_o a_o special_a friendly_a sure_a token_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o thou_o when_o that_o become_v unloving_a or_o displease_v to_o thou_o what_o at_o any_o time_n thou_o have_v love_v out_o of_o measure_n for_o as_o long_o as_o thou_o cleave_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o god_n thou_o must_v needs_o be_v and_o continue_v uncertain_a whether_o god_n be_v in_o thou_o or_o no_o and_o though_o he_o may_v be_v in_o thou_o without_o thy_o knowledge_n yet_o will_v he_o never_o clear_o come_v unto_o thou_o and_o full_o manifest_v himself_o in_o thou_o until_o all_o other_o love_n be_v rid_v out_o of_o thy_o heart_n this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n paul_n declare_v when_o he_o say_v 1_o cor._n 3.11_o 12_o 13._o that_o they_o who_o build_v stubble_n hay_n and_o wood_n upon_o the_o save_a foundation_n shall_v indeed_o be_v save_v because_o they_o love_v god_n above_o all_o thing_n yet_o no_o otherwise_o but_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o they_o love_v other_o thing_n beside_o and_o together_o with_o god_n but_o they_o who_o build_v fine_a gold_n silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n which_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o rust_v and_o be_v refine_v and_o purge_v from_o all_o dross_n and_o refuse_v upon_o the_o true_a foundation_n viz._n the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n they_o need_v not_o to_o pass_v the_o fire_n because_o they_o love_v god_n only_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o he_o will_v be_v love_v of_o his_o most_o belove_a friend_n of_o who_o he_o require_v according_a to_o the_o gospel-doctrine_n that_o they_o hate_v their_o father_n and_o mother_n their_o brother_n and_o sister_n yea_o even_o their_o own_o soul_n now_o they_o who_o do_v love_n at_o this_o rate_n they_o have_v escape_v from_o and_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o hell_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o have_v love_v god_n above_o all_o thing_n they_o will_v also_o be_v rid_v of_o all_o temporal_a suffering_n be_v it_o not_o that_o their_o bodily_a suffering_n do_v above_o measure_n conduce_v to_o their_o eternal_a joy_n and_o that_o their_o heart_n be_v to_o that_o degree_n inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o they_o desire_v nothing_o more_o or_o high_o than_o as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v make_v conformable_a to_o the_o suffer_a lamb_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o also_o who_o love_n be_v arrive_v at_o this_o high_a pitch_n have_v nothing_o which_o they_o cleave_v unto_o but_o a_o entire_a poor_a spirit_n wherefore_o also_o they_o suffer_v nothing_o here_o upon_o earth_n save_v only_a love-suffering_n as_o also_o our_o lord_n jesus_n endure_v no_o other_o suffering_n save_o those_o of_o love_n for_o out_o of_o love_n alone_o be_v he_o conceive_v bear_v circumcise_a drive_v from_o his_o abode_n subject_n to_o joseph_n baptise_a tempt_v out_o of_o love_n alone_o he_o preach_v wrought_v miracle_n break_v his_o rest_n and_o sleep_n out_o of_o singular_a transcendent_a great_a love_n he_o leave_v his_o most_o holy_a mother_n his_o dear_a friend_n his_o apostle_n sweat_v blood_n be_v in_o a_o agony_n be_v seize_v smite_v on_o the_o face_n endure_v false_a witness_n perverse_a judgement_n mock_n scourge_n condemn_v to_o death_n the_o weight_n and_o bitterness_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o last_o of_o all_o the_o most_o cruel_a and_o painful_a death_n wherefore_o to_o he_o be_v praise_n honour_n and_o thanksgiving_n now_o and_o at_o all_o time_n even_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n an._n dom._n 1518._o jesus_n thou_o i_o be_o save_v i_o b.j._n von_fw-mi staupitz_fw-fr the_o second_o treatise_n concern_v the_o holy_a christian_n faith_n by_o dr._n john_n von_n staupitz_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v a_o lamentable_a thing_n that_o christian_n since_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n decease_n be_v fall_v into_o so_o great_a a_o ignorance_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o true_a faith_n out_o of_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v and_o though_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o dispute_v about_o the_o establish_a and_o confirm_v faith_n yet_o brotherly_a love_n require_v every_o one_o to_o give_v his_o neighbour_n all_o the_o information_n help_v and_o assistance_n he_o can_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o good_a and_o the_o root_n of_o all_o virtue_n the_o only_a comfort_n of_o the_o elect_n viz._n the_o firm_a hope_n and_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n may_v not_o perish_v or_o be_v lose_v wherefore_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v and_o bind_v in_o duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o my_o function_n and_o call_v to_o feed_v the_o hungry_a with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o rather_o to_o lead_v and_o point_v they_o to_o the_o say_a food_n and_o according_o trust_v in_o god_n i_o have_v here_o undertake_v to_o write_v simple_o of_o the_o faith_n in_o christ_n he_o that_o can_v do_v better_o let_v he_o set_v about_o it_o all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n and_o amendment_n of_o his_o neighbour_n amen_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o obligation_n and_o duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o to_o believe_v and_o of_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n there_o be_v no_o man_n i_o hope_v so_o dark_a and_o blind_a in_o his_o understanding_n as_o not_o to_o know_v that_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o believe_v the_o infallible_a truth_n which_o be_v god_n himself_o and_o that_o god_n be_v high_o dishonour_v and_o the_o truth_n blaspheme_v when_o this_o due_a faith_n be_v not_o give_v to_o he_o it_o be_v a_o unbecoming_a thing_n for_o one_o honest_a man_n not_o to_o believe_v another_o in_o all_o reasonable_a thing_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v no_o express_a command_n upon_o we_o so_o to_o do_v because_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o psal_n 116.11_o that_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n this_o earthly_a faith_n be_v leave_v to_o a_o man_n free_a will_n and_o pleasure_n whether_o he_o will_v believe_v or_o no_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v only_o the_o word_n of_o mere_a men._n but_o god_n word_n we_o must_v and_o be_v bind_v always_o to_o believe_v because_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n itself_o all_o understanding_n must_v deliver_v themselves_o captive_n to_o the_o same_o and_o all_o heart_n must_v assent_v to_o it_o be_v the_o matter_n never_o so_o high_a above_o our_o reach_n and_o understanding_n yet_o we_o must_v believe_v they_o because_o god_n have_v speak_v they_o without_o any_o further_o question_v or_o require_v any_o further_a proof_n or_o reason_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o faith_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v please_v god_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o duty_n and_o necessity_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v reveal_v much_o truth_n to_o his_o elect_n and_o promise_v to_o they_o great_a grace_n and_o many_o good_a thing_n and_o thereby_o in_o duty_n bind_v they_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a truth_n undoubted_o to_o believe_v and_o look_v for_o the_o same_o at_o his_o hand_n whosoever_o we_o be_v whether_o good_a or_o bad_a jew_n or_o gentile_n the_o divine_a promise_n neither_o can_v nor_o may_v be_v procure_v or_o hasten_v by_o our_o virtue_n or_o hinder_v by_o our_o sin_n but_o continue_v eternal_o unchangeable_a and_o constant_a in_o its_o truth_n wherefore_o in_o order_n to_o our_o receive_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o whatsoever_o name_n they_o be_v call_v faith_n in_o christ_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o all_o the_o divine_a promise_n believe_v thou_o therefore_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o doubt_v not_o in_o the_o least_o but_o that_o in_o he_o through_o he_o and_o for_o his_o sake_n all_o the_o good_a thou_o
and_o therefore_o be_v in_o a_o more_o damnable_a condition_n than_o the_o heathen_n they_o have_v receive_v many_o more_o benefit_n from_o he_o than_o from_o any_o one_o beside_o but_o yet_o do_v not_o love_v he_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n who_o have_v love_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a so_o as_o to_o give_v his_o life_n for_o they_o and_o thus_o at_o this_o day_n we_o frequent_o find_v that_o those_o who_o have_v christ_n most_o in_o their_o tongue_n have_v he_o least_o in_o their_o heart_n whence_o follow_v that_o they_o also_o communicate_v or_o impart_v he_o to_o other_o so_o as_o they_o have_v he_o themselves_o viz._n on_o the_o tongue_n and_o not_o in_o the_o heart_n they_o teach_v they_o to_o talk_v much_o of_o he_o but_o to_o love_v little_a by_o which_o mean_v the_o poor_a simple_a people_n be_v much_o hinder_v in_o the_o way_n to_o true_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n chap._n vii_o the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n can_v enter_v into_o a_o man_n except_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v there_o before_o saint_n paul_n say_v the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n through_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n who_o he_o that_o have_v not_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n wherefore_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o first_o the_o great_a and_o the_o high_a favour_n god_n bestow_v upon_o a_o choose_a soul_n be_v that_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o take_v up_o his_o dwelling_n in_o he_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o be_v that_o the_o essential_a self_n subsist_v love_n which_o be_v god_n himself_o be_v always_o in_o man_n before_o his_o own_o love_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v call_v good_a and_o much_o the_o same_o thing_n happen_v to_o every_o pious_a soul_n as_o befall_v the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n the_o mother_n of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v tell_v she_o by_o the_o angel_n that_o she_o shall_v conceive_v and_o be_v with_o child_n of_o god_n whereupon_o when_o the_o virgin_n demand_v how_o this_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o by_o who_o see_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n to_o which_o question_n she_o and_o all_o holy_a soul_n with_o she_o receive_v this_o answer_n the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o high_a shall_v overshadow_v thou_o luk._n 1.35_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v not_o bear_v of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n alone_o job_n 1.13_o in_o which_o birth_n the_o soul_n be_v endue_v with_o divine_a power_n to_o fulfil_v all_o thing_n and_o all_o command_n through_o the_o love_n of_o god_n wherefore_o if_o at_o any_o time_n any_o thing_n that_o be_v holy_a or_o good_a be_v do_v by_o we_o we_o must_v not_o attribute_v and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o god_n only_o who_o be_v the_o only_a father_n of_o all_o good_a fruit_n and_o gift_n in_o we_o upon_o which_o account_n also_o the_o angel_n give_v we_o this_o further_a information_n say_v therefore_o that_o holy_a thing_n which_o shall_v be_v bear_v of_o thou_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n o_o happy_a yea_o more_o than_o happy_a be_v that_o man_n into_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v down_o from_o above_o in_o who_o the_o self-subsisting_a essential_a love_n which_o be_v god_n himself_o have_v take_v up_o his_o abode_n for_o in_o he_o continual_o and_o for_o ever_o divine_a fruit_n grow_v and_o spring_v forth_o whether_o he_o know_v it_o or_o not_o for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v never_o idle_a sometime_o he_o stir_v in_o we_o motion_n of_o anger_n to_o reprehend_v and_o reprove_v that_o which_o he_o will_v have_v reprove_v sometime_o he_o move_v we_o to_o mirth_n and_o jocose_v word_n to_o revive_v and_o rejoice_v those_o who_o he_o will_v have_v comfort_v etc._n etc._n and_o frequent_o make_v we_o in_o those_o very_a thing_n his_o fruit_n and_o child_n whereby_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o fear_v that_o we_o be_v become_v his_o enemy_n many_o very_o many_o fruit_n of_o our_o salvation_n do_v he_o work_v in_o we_o whereof_o we_o know_v nothing_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o can_v we_o now_o in_o this_o manner_n always_o see_v he_o in_o ourselves_o and_o clear_o discern_v and_o know_v he_o this_o will_v be_v to_o be_v happy_a indeed_o here_o on_o earth_n but_o it_o have_v rather_o please_v he_o and_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o eye_n to_o be_v hide_v and_o conceal_v in_o we_o according_a to_o the_o say_v of_o the_o prophet_n david_n ps_n 18.11_o he_o bow_v the_o heaven_n and_o come_v down_o and_o darkness_n be_v under_o his_o foot_n he_o make_v darkness_n his_o hide_v place_n his_o cover_n round_o about_o he_o be_v dark_a water_n etc._n etc._n chap._n viii_o from_o the_o indwel_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n first_o proceed_v the_o light_n of_o true_a christian_n faith_n that_o no_o man_n can_v reach_v the_o sense_n and_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n from_o any_o outward_a learning_n or_o information_n whatsoever_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o plain_o declare_v when_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n job_n 16.12_o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v to_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o to_o you_o and_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o will_v open_v to_o you_o the_o hide_a mystical_a understanding_n of_o the_o thing_n i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o christ_n must_v depart_v and_o pass_v away_o from_o the_o eye_n into_o the_o heart_n from_o the_o flesh_n into_o the_o spirit_n before_o ever_o he_o can_v be_v know_v to_o salvation_n upon_o which_o account_n he_o himself_o disow_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o outward_a doctrine_n when_o the_o same_o be_v separate_v and_o divide_v from_o the_o inward_a teach_v it_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n st._n paul_n declare_v that_o as_o well_o his_o teach_v as_o that_o of_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v nothing_o except_o god_n himself_o teach_v in_o the_o heart_n neither_o can_v any_o man_n with_o any_o word_n how_o high_a and_o choice_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v declare_v make_v out_o or_o represent_v the_o above_o measure_n lovely_a love_n of_o god_n if_o god_n do_v not_o first_o reveal_v himself_o in_o the_o heart_n wherefore_o it_o be_v without_o all_o doubt_n that_o god_n himself_o bring_v into_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o by_o who_o he_o will_v be_v love_v above_o all_o thing_n that_o light_n whereby_o his_o great_a loveliness_n and_o kindness_n be_v clear_o see_v and_o discern_v through_o a_o firm_a faith_n without_o doubt_v before_o ever_o we_o know_v or_o understand_v what_o be_v right_a and_o good_a wherefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n be_v a_o pure_a mere_a grace_n of_o god_n chap._n ix_o that_o man_n be_v never_o comfort_v in_o hope_n who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n himself_o do_v not_o comfort_n all_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o world_n be_v vain_a useless_a and_o empty_a all_o confidence_n in_o the_o creature_n be_v deceitful_a for_o which_o reason_n the_o holy_a scripture_n denounce_v curse_n against_o all_o those_o who_o confide_v in_o their_o own_o 6._o jer._n 17.5_o 6._o or_o other_o create_v power_n or_o ability_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n seek_v their_o comfort_n in_o and_o from_o the_o creature_n the_o only_a true_a comfort_n upon_o earth_n be_v found_v and_o ground_v in_o this_o as_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o that_o we_o boast_v ourselves_o and_o triumph_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n 11._o rom._n 5.2_o 11._o that_o be_v in_o our_o indubitable_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n foreknown_a and_o elect_v to_o eternal_a glory_n this_o be_v the_o comfort_n which_o no_o creature_n can_v give_v neither_o can_v any_o deserve_v it_o it_o must_v and_o can_v only_o be_v give_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n to_o who_o only_o it_o belong_v to_o comfort_v his_o people_n and_o who_o property_n it_o be_v to_o convey_v a_o lively_a hope_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o choose_a and_o this_o even_o before_o there_o be_v any_o merit_n in_o they_o neither_o have_v our_o save_a hope_n
and_o single_a heart_a and_o other_o such_o like_a wherefore_o also_o jesus_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n when_o they_o boast_v themselves_o because_o of_o the_o high_a gift_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o more_o espicial_o because_o the_o devil_n be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a to_o they_o through_o his_o name_n i_o behold_v satan_n as_o lightning_n fall_v from_o heaven_n and_o add_v this_o follow_a lesson_n true_a it_o be_v i_o have_v give_v you_o power_n to_o tread_v upon_o serpent_n and_o scorpion_n and_o over_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n notwithstanding_o for_o this_o rejoice_v not_o nor_o in_o particular_a for_o that_o the_o evil_a spirit_n be_v subject_a to_o you_o but_o ratherrejoyce_v because_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n luke_n 10.17_o 18_o 19_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o judas_n as_o well_o as_o peter_n heal_v the_o sick_a cast_v out_o devil_n and_o wrought_v other_o miracle_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o want_v love_n all_o this_o be_v of_o no_o avail_n to_o he_o wherefore_o it_o behoove_v we_o always_o to_o walk_v with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v and_o to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o humble_a as_o we_o enjoy_v more_o of_o these_o divine_a gift_n and_o grace_n whereof_o we_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n how_o we_o have_v employ_v they_o chap._n xix_o whosoever_o have_v a_o true_a love_n to_o god_n he_o undoubted_o keep_v all_o his_o command_n a_o true_a mark_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o command_v of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o wiseman_n for_o love_n beget_v likeness_n and_o conformity_n make_v one_o heart_n one_o will_n one_o soul_n in_o the_o lover_n and_o the_o belove_a when_o love_n raise_v herself_o above_o herself_o she_o frame_v herself_o into_o the_o will_n of_o her_o belove_a and_o if_o she_o stoop_v beneath_o herself_o she_o mould_v all_o thing_n into_o her_o own_o likeness_n and_o esteem_v or_o value_v nothing_o according_a to_o its_o natural_a goodness_n but_o according_a to_o her_o own_o good_a like_n or_o pleasure_n and_o so_o make_v that_o evil_a which_o be_v by_o god_n create_v good_a in_o nature_n he_o who_o love_v god_n above_o all_o thing_n be_v well_o please_v with_o whatsoever_o be_v well_o please_v to_o god_n and_o be_v trouble_v at_o every_o thing_n that_o displease_v he_o and_o therefore_o he_o love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v iniquity_n do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o avoid_v evil_a i_o say_v he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a though_o not_o always_o according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o always_o in_o conformity_n with_o the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n for_o it_o happen_v sometime_o that_o a_o man_n in_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a and_o good_a with_o reference_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n now_o the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n with_o which_o no_o manner_n of_o evil_n do_v may_v consist_v so_o that_o he_o who_o true_o love_v god_n keep_v all_o that_o god_n have_v command_v he_o even_o whatsoever_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o divine_a word_n accord_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o st._n austin_n who_o express_v himself_o in_o these_o follow_a word_n love_v but_o and_o then_o do_v what_o thou_o will_v be_v thou_o silent_a be_v silent_a for_o love_n do_v thou_o cry_v aloud_o cry_v aloud_o for_o love_n do_v thou_o reprove_v reprove_v for_o love_n do_v thou_o reconcile_v reconcile_v out_o of_o love_n keep_v but_o this_o root_n in_o thy_o heart_n even_o true_a divine_a love_n and_o charity_n and_o than_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v good_a can_v ever_o come_v from_o thou_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v by_o thou_o but_o what_o be_v save_v or_o tend_v to_o salvation_n wherefore_o man_n can_v never_o be_v divine_o teach_v by_o any_o one_o save_v only_o in_o the_o school_n of_o love_n with_o her_o alone_a be_v find_v the_o doer_n of_o of_o the_o divine_a word_n all_o other_o art_n and_o learn_v whatsoever_o make_v nothing_o but_o hearer_n only_o to_o this_o art_n of_o art_n even_o the_o love_n of_o god_n parent_n shall_v draw_v and_o allure_v their_o child_n the_o master_n their_o scholar_n the_o spiritual_a pastor_n their_o sheep_n or_o rather_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v they_o teach_v beside_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o labour_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n neither_o indeed_o be_v there_o any_o other_o art_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v true_a too_o that_o no_o body_n can_v effectual_o teach_v this_o divine_a art_n of_o love_n but_o god_n himself_o as_o before_o have_v be_v declare_v wherefore_o aiso_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n forbid_v we_o to_o look_v out_o for_o any_o other_o master_n for_o to_o attain_v the_o art_n of_o salvation_n save_v himself_o alone_o chap._n xx._n they_o who_o love_n god_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n do_v not_o think_v the_o yoke_n and_o burden_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v heavy_a or_o troublesome_a but_o rather_o easy_a and_o light_n alas_o how_o many_o heavy_a and_o intolerable_a burden_n do_v we_o see_v which_o in_o this_o miserable_a state_n the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o our_o fleshly_a uncleanness_n and_o corrupt_a inclination_n make_v very_o easy_a and_o desirable_a in_o order_n to_o get_v riches_n we_o see_v the_o merchant_n expose_v himself_o to_o the_o rage_a sea_n break_v his_o sleep_n and_o shorten_v his_o life_n to_o arrive_v to_o honour_n and_o dignity_n a_o man_n abandon_v himself_o to_o a_o continual_a slavery_n at_o court_n and_o to_o all_o that_o which_o be_v hurtful_a and_o grievous_a to_o soul_n and_o body_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o lust_n and_o impure_a love_n more_o especial_o that_o which_o man_n bear_v to_o woman_n and_o woman_n to_o man_n what_o intolerable_a burden_n be_v not_o ready_o willing_o and_o glad_o bear_v for_o love_n alas_o be_v so_o fast_o root_v and_o rivet_v in_o our_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o beyond_o any_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o no_o body_n without_o the_o special_a grace_n and_o assurance_n of_o god_n can_v any_o long_o moderate_v curb_n or_o restrain_v it_o much_o less_o quite_o root_v it_o our_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o heart_n bring_v the_o love_n of_o woman_n along_o with_o it_o into_o paradise_n and_o we_o suck_v the_o same_o from_o our_o mother_n breast_n yea_o we_o take_v it_o from_o our_o mother_n heart_n whilst_o we_o be_v yet_o hide_v in_o the_o womb._n for_o the_o sake_n of_o woman_n saithe_n zorobabel_n as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o 1_o esdras_n 4.14_o 15_o 16._o man_n forsake_v and_o abandon_v their_o honour_n life_n and_o good_n yea_o virtue_n and_o reason_n and_o become_v captivate_v yea_o senseless_a and_o distract_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o love_n they_o bear_v to_o they_o this_o inborn_a and_o inbred_a love_n neither_o frock_n nor_o cowl_n neither_o church_n nor_o convent_n neither_o cell_n nor_o dungeon_n can_v keep_v out_o except_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n come_v in_o to_o our_o help_n but_o indeed_o when_o that_o once_o come_v the_o work_n be_v light_a and_o easie_n for_o if_o that_o once_o sweet_o impress_v and_o engrave_v the_o unutterable_a love_n of_o god_n on_o the_o heart_n than_o all_o other_o love_n must_v pack_v up_o and_o be_v go_v and_o the_o more_o clear_o she_o manifest_v herself_o and_o the_o more_o amiable_o she_o image_v or_o form_n herself_o in_o the_o soul_n so_o much_o the_o more_o speedy_o must_v flesh_n and_o blood_n sink_v and_o perish_v yea_o sometime_o she_o appear_v so_o sweet_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o all_o creature_n become_v distasteful_a to_o it_o here_o it_o be_v that_o our_o iron-hard_a heart_n become_v soft_a pliant_a and_o yield_v the_o heavy_a and_o troublesome_a yoke_n become_v sweet_a and_o easy_a and_o insuportable_a burden_n light_n and_o pleasurable_a and_o all_o this_o because_o god_n do_v amiable_o move_v and_o affect_v our_o spirit_n will_v you_o have_v i_o communicate_v this_o art_n to_o you_o and_o tell_v you_o how_o it_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v these_o great_a thing_n pray_v resolve_v i_o first_o of_o a_o matter_n which_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n less_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o he_o heavy_a lumpish_a iron_n run_v to_o the_o embrace_n of_o the_o load_n stone_n and_o why_o as_o soon_o as_o a_o dish_n or_o basin_n wherein_o iron_n lie_v be_v touch_v with_o the_o load_n stone_n do_v the_o iron_n raise_v itself_o and_o begin_v to_o move_v that_o way_n to_o which_o the_o load_n stone_n draw_v it_o do_v thou_o say_v the_o stone_n be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o though_o thou_o can_v not_o tell_v i_o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_n then_o wonder_v no_o more_o how_o the_o creator_n of_o nature_n can_v
enjoy_v or_o expect_v be_v hand_v to_o thou_o believe_v in_o he_o i_o say_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o be_v he_o not_o the_o essential_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n itself_o must_v not_o he_o forsake_v and_o deny_v himself_o before_o he_o can_v forsake_v or_o deny_v thou_o and_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o plain_a deny_v of_o himself_o in_o case_n he_o shall_v not_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a his_o father_n promise_n to_o thou_o be_v it_o not_o he_o that_o make_v thou_o in_o thy_o first_o creation_n be_v it_o not_o he_o that_o have_v redeem_v thou_o in_o the_o second_o birth_n or_o regeneration_n be_v it_o not_o he_o that_o have_v whole_o and_o without_o reserve_v offer_v up_o himself_o to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n for_o thou_o and_o make_v himself_o one_o with_o thou_o by_o feed_v thou_o with_o his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o eternal_a life_n chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o blessing_n in_o jesus_n christ_n god_n promise_v to_o abraham_n that_o in_o his_o seed_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v and_o that_o out_o of_o his_o seed_n even_o of_o isaac_n christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v and_o yet_o withal_o god_n command_v he_o to_o slay_v and_o offer_v up_o this_o his_o son_n isaak_n abraham_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o divine_a command_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o objection_n crowd_v in_o upon_o he_o firm_o believe_v god_n promise_v without_o the_o least_o stagger_v or_o be_v solicitous_a how_o the_o promise_n can_v be_v fulfil_v if_o he_o shall_v slay_v his_o son_n isaak_n in_o his_o youth_n but_o cast_v all_o his_o care_n upon_o god_n not_o doubt_v but_o he_o will_v know_v how_o to_o make_v good_a his_o own_o word_n and_o perform_v his_o promise_n o_o what_o a_o gracious_a promise_n be_v this_o what_o a_o strong_a and_o unquestionable_a assurance_n and_o what_o a_o gracious_a paternal_a performance_n and_o accomplishment_n what_o god_n then_o promise_v he_o have_v since_o make_v good_a and_o perform_v for_o we_o have_v see_v his_o glory_n say_v st._n john_n chap._n 1.14_o the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n who_o can_v be_v more_o sure_a to_o perform_v this_o for_o we_o than_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o who_o beside_o be_v bind_v to_o we_o in_o such_o a_o intimate_a tie_n of_o the_o high_a love_n that_o he_o rather_o choose_v to_o die_v for_o we_o than_o that_o we_o shall_v fail_v or_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o least_o of_o his_o father_n promise_n wherefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o thou_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n but_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n thou_o must_v be_v bless_v of_o god_n for_o heaven_n and_o earth_n may_v pass_v away_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v for_o ever_o alas_o what_o be_v it_o that_o blind_v we_o poor_a wretched_a creature_n we_o pretend_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v become_v man_n and_o yet_o doubt_v of_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o blessing_n annex_v to_o it_o by_o god_n himself_o what_o great_a affront_n can_v we_o put_v upon_o eternal_a truth_n or_o what_o great_a ingratitude_n can_v we_o express_v to_o the_o unutterable_a love_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o therefore_o for_o we_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v become_v man_n but_o we_o must_v also_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v do_v for_o our_o good_a and_o benefit_n and_o that_o by_o his_o incarnation_n he_o have_v put_v we_o in_o possession_n of_o whatsoever_o have_v be_v promise_v to_o we_o neither_o may_v we_o desire_v or_o look_v for_o our_o salvation_n blessing_n grace_n and_o mercy_n from_o any_o one_o but_o from_o he_o alone_o and_o beside_o he_o take_v in_o no_o other_o comfort_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v it_o true_o and_o indeed_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n which_o be_v only_o youchsafe_v to_o god_n blessed_a one_o herein_o christian_n must_v daily_o exercise_v themselves_o try_v themselves_o and_o view_v themselves_o and_o in_o case_n they_o find_v themselves_o doubtful_a in_o any_o thing_n they_o must_v cry_v to_o god_n for_o the_o strengthen_n and_o increase_v of_o their_o faith_n for_o these_o two_o thing_n to_o believe_v and_o earnest_o to_o desire_v it_o be_v very_o near_o of_o kin_n to_o each_o other_o but_o because_o we_o have_v no_o strong_a desire_n to_o believe_v therefore_o neither_o do_v we_o pray_v hearty_o for_o it_o and_o thus_o he_o who_o be_v yet_o weak_a in_o faith_n may_v take_v comfort_n from_o the_o fervent_a desire_n he_o have_v to_o believe_v which_o alone_o will_v approve_v he_o before_o god_n in_o a_o word_n believe_v in_o christ_n or_o at_o least_o desire_v firm_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o then_o doubt_v no_o further_o but_o that_o thou_o be_v bless_v by_o he_o and_o in_o he_o chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o promise_n of_o our_o be_v enlighten_v by_o christ_n the_o prophet_n jeremy_n declare_v that_o they_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v not_o need_v any_o teacher_n to_o instruct_v they_o how_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n they_o shall_v not_o teach_v every_o man_n his_o brother_n faith_n god_n jer._n 31.33_o 34._o saying_n know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o great_a of_o they_o and_o that_o i_o will_v forgive_v their_o iniquity_n and_o will_v remember_v their_o sin_n no_o more_o yea_o what_o be_v more_o they_o shall_v know_v my_o will_n and_o do_v it_o for_o i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n for_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o light_n walk_v in_o the_o light_n and_o be_v child_n of_o the_o light_n they_o have_v christ_n the_o promise_a messiah_n in_o who_o god_n have_v place_v his_o word_n and_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o they_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v command_v he_o and_o whosoever_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o but_o despise_v the_o word_n which_o he_o shall_v speak_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v dequire_v it_o at_o his_o hand_n deut._n 18.18_o 19_o to_o he_o we_o must_v draw_v near_o and_o apply_v ourselves_o so_o shall_v not_o our_o face_n be_v ashamed_a he_o we_o must_v follow_v so_o shall_v we_o not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n which_o not_o only_o enlighten_v we_o but_o also_o quicken_v and_o make_v we_o alive_a excite_v we_o to_o all_o that_o be_v good_a inflame_v we_o with_o the_o divine_a love_n and_o lift_v we_o above_o and_o out_o of_o ourselves_o draw_v we_o into_o himself_o so_o that_o we_o become_v extinguish_v in_o ourselves_o but_o flame_v and_o enlighten_v in_o he_o and_o deliver_v from_o all_o blindness_n and_o error_n neither_o indeed_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o child_n of_o light_n i._n e._n such_o who_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n shall_v ever_o err_v or_o go_v astray_o now_o this_o light_n be_v find_v in_o faith_n i.e._n in_o christ_n wherefore_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o christ_n walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o be_v already_o judge_v to_o eternal_a darkness_n and_o damn_a whereas_o they_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v enlighten_v here_o and_o hereafter_o chap._n v._o concern_v the_o assurance_n of_o our_o be_v eternal_o foresee_v and_o elect_v of_o god_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v become_v trouble_v and_o solicitous_a about_o or_o doubtful_a of_o his_o eternal_a election_n he_o may_v easy_o satisfy_v himself_o from_o the_o information_n god_n have_v give_v he_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o christ_n fear_v no_o condemnation_n and_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o elect_n foresee_v and_o fore-ordained_n to_o salvation_n and_o have_v his_o name_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o he_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o christ_n as_o be_v hint_v before_o in_o john_n 3.15_o 18._o he_o be_v already_o condemn_v because_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n for_o whosoever_o be_v foreknow_v the_o same_o be_v also_o predestinate_v to_o a_o conformity_n with_o the_o image_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v call_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n justify_v and_o glorify_v rom._n 8_o 29._o on_o the_o other_o hand_n whosoever_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v not_o predestinate_v to_o salvation_n what_o need_v therefore_o any_o further_a question_v about_o the_o matter_n we_o have_v here_o a_o clear_a and_o plain_a information_n that_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n than_o we_o have_v christ_n and_o together_o with_o he_o salvation_n and_o shall_v never_o perish_v these_o be_v they_o who_o the_o father_n have_v draw_v to_o christ_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v
child_n brother_n and_o sister_n yea_o even_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o lose_v himself_o whole_o and_o altogether_o in_o this_o world_n that_o he_o may_v find_v himself_o in_o his_o belove_a he_o be_v get_v beyond_o self_n choose_v and_o his_o own_o work_n and_o only_o wait_v upon_o what_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o choose_v think_v speak_v and_o work_v in_o he_o with_o total_a profound_a obedience_n and_o perfect_a resignation_n he_o live_v even_o as_o if_o he_o live_v not_o for_o his_o spirit_n cleave_v so_o fast_o to_o god_n that_o he_o become_v one_o spirit_n with_o he_o fear_n take_v no_o place_n in_o he_o his_o labour_n be_v without_o weariness_n and_o his_o suffering_n be_v become_v his_o joy_n triumph_n and_o exultation_n but_o to_o who_o be_v we_o to_o ascribe_v all_o these_o great_a strange_a and_o wonderful_a work_n to_o man_n sure_o no_o that_o be_v far_o from_o any_o christian_a mind_n god_n himself_o be_v the_o worker_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v that_o fire_n which_o total_o consume_v man_n and_o burn_v he_o to_o ash_n yea_o whole_o and_o altogether_o annihilate_v or_o bring_v he_o to_o nothing_o that_o so_o he_o alone_o may_v remain_v the_o all_o in_o all_z in_o he_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n let_v every_o soul_n in_o this_o station_n careful_o take_v heed_n not_o to_o attribute_v or_o appropriate_v any_o thing_n of_o activity_n or_o operativeness_n to_o herself_o but_o let_v she_o rejoice_v in_o she_o most_o faithful_a and_o most_o love_a god_n who_o have_v draw_v she_o out_o of_o herself_o and_o have_v of_o free_a grace_n favour_v she_o to_o live_v in_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o let_v such_o a_o soul_n examine_v herself_o whether_o she_o find_v those_o fruit_n in_o she_o which_o spring_n from_o the_o foresay_a high_a degree_n of_o love_n whether_o or_o no_o she_o be_v that_o tree_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v plant_v for_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v not_o plant_v must_v be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n cast_v away_o and_o burn_v in_o the_o fire_n wherefore_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o state_n be_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o two_o thing_n more_o especial_o the_o one_o be_v that_o she_o be_v never_o without_o good_a thought_n word_n or_o work_n the_o other_o be_v that_o she_o in_o her_o inactivity_n or_o cease_v from_o her_o work_n do_v find_v herself_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_z whence_o proceed_v the_o divine_a adoption_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 8.14_o for_o they_o who_o be_v lead_v and_o actuate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o can_v sin_n a_o st._n john_n say_v 1_o john_n 3.6_o 9_o for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bear_v witness_n with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint-heir_n with_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n rom._n 8.15_o 16._o he_o who_o have_v this_o witness_n in_o himself_o he_o do_v not_o own_o his_o work_n to_o be_v his_o own_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o who_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o whole_o leave_v nature_n and_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o child_n of_o grace_n as_o have_v by_o the_o new_a birth_n pass_v out_o of_o nature_n into_o grace_n chap._n xv._o the_o degree_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n have_v a_o mutual_a subordination_n and_o respect_n to_o one_o another_o but_o yet_o be_v not_o all_o give_v by_o god_n in_o the_o same_o order_n from_o imperfection_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n we_o advance_v and_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n and_o nothing_o grow_v great_a which_o have_v not_o before_o be_v little_a in_o all_o case_n where_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v keep_v but_o when_o perfection_n come_v from_o abroad_o and_o be_v a_o free_a gift_n than_o it_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o power_n of_o he_o that_o bestow_v it_o to_o give_v it_o in_o a_o low_a or_o high_a degree_n as_o please_v he_o best_o for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o bestow_v a_o thousand_o pound_n upon_o any_o one_o of_o his_o free_a will_n he_o may_v at_o first_o give_v he_o one_o pound_n at_o another_o ten_o at_o another_o a_o hundred_o and_o so_o on_o or_o if_o he_o please_v he_o may_v invert_v this_o order_n and_o give_v at_o first_o a_o hundred_o next_o ten_o and_o afterward_o one_o or_o else_o may_v give_v the_o whole_a thousand_o pound_n at_o once_o as_o best_o like_v he_o forasmuch_o therefore_o as_o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o free_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o depend_v whole_o of_o his_o will_n to_o bestow_v the_o same_o in_o the_o high_a or_o low_a degree_n soon_o or_o late_a or_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o together_o and_o at_o once_o according_a as_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o in_o his_o eye_n for_o notwithstanding_o the_o beginner_n love_v be_v in_o itself_o inferior_a and_o less_o the_o proficient_n better_a and_o the_o love_n of_o those_o who_o be_v perfect_a best_a of_o all_o yet_o be_v it_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n with_o he_o to_o make_v a_o sinner_n perfect_a in_o love_n at_o the_o first_o as_o to_o make_v he_o a_o beginner_n according_a as_o frequent_o he_o have_v do_v thus_o very_o we_o see_v that_o the_o repentance_n of_o paul_n peter_n and_o mary_n magdalen_n be_v perfect_a work_n in_o which_o paul_n be_v catch_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n peter_n become_v melt_v into_o sweet_a tear_n of_o love_n and_o mary_n magdalen_n with_o joy_n of_o heart_n wash_v the_o foot_n of_o god_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n notwithstanding_o that_o repentance_n in_o itself_o be_v the_o work_n of_o beginner_n many_o person_n likewise_o experience_n in_o themselves_o that_o at_o their_o first_o take_v leave_n of_o sin_n by_o true_a repentance_n they_o find_v in_o themselves_o a_o readiness_n to_o forsake_v themselves_o and_o all_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o work_n of_o perfect_a love_n and_o yet_o two_o or_o three_o day_n after_o it_o may_v be_v the_o same_o person_n find_v great_a difficulty_n and_o opposition_n to_o deny_v themselves_o in_o part_v with_o the_o least_o part_n of_o their_o good_n or_o some_o filthy_a lust_n which_o be_v the_o weak_a and_o defective_a work_n of_o beginner_n sometime_o at_o the_o beginning_n of_o our_o conversion_n we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v a_o hundred_o weight_n which_o belong_v to_o those_o that_o be_v proficient_n when_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o after_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v a_o pound_n weight_n which_o be_v a_o state_n beneath_o that_o of_o beginner_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o alteration_n be_v because_o we_o do_v not_o bear_v our_o burden_n by_o our_o own_o strength_n but_o by_o the_o may_v and_o power_n of_o the_o most_o high_a who_o impart_v the_o same_o unto_o we_o when_o and_o how_o he_o will_v not_o according_a to_o our_o but_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n and_o like_n this_o discover_v the_o great_a folly_n of_o those_o who_o think_v by_o their_o good_a deed_n to_o move_v and_o incline_v god_n according_a to_o their_o will_n and_o pleasure_n who_o in_o their_o own_o conceit_n will_v make_v themselves_o lovely_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o allure_v god_n to_o they_o by_o their_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n as_o they_o lure_v hawk_n with_o a_o bait_n by_o which_o persuasion_n they_o rob_v the_o divine_a mercy_n of_o its_o due_a privilege_n and_o prerogative_n and_o carry_v blast_v oat_n to_o market_n they_o will_v fain_o purchase_v gold_n with_o dung_n and_o be_v save_v by_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o to_o defend_v their_o folly_n allege_v the_o say_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n which_o they_o never_o yet_o understand_v and_o be_v also_o extreme_o displease_v with_o those_o who_o can_v comply_v with_o they_o in_o this_o their_o folly_n o_o folly_n beyond_o all_o folly_n to_o mistake_v about_o the_o number_n of_o the_o star_n the_o height_n of_o heaven_n the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o such_o like_a be_v no_o great_a damage_n or_o loss_n but_o to_o mistake_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v our_o salvation_n be_v a_o loss_n inestimable_a and_o irreparable_a and_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o he_o that_o mistake_v in_o this_o love_n mistake_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n whereas_o he_o who_o be_v not_o mistake_v in_o this_o can_v err_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o of_o necessity_n conduce_v to_o salvation_n will_v to_o god_n that_o all_o the_o book_n be_v lose_v wherein_o man_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o practise_v virtue_n so_o that_o love_n alone_o be_v but_o find_v by_o we_o for_o then_o every_o one_o will_v do_v what_o he_o ought_v but_o