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all_o i_o know_v not_o how_o we_o can_v with_o safety_n permit_v our_o heart_n to_o love_v any_o thing_n else_o for_o though_o we_o may_v fancy_v that_o the_o love_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v not_o contradictory_n but_o subordinate_a to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n yet_o love_v be_v the_o most_o rapid_a of_o all_o motion_n if_o once_o our_o desire_n be_v set_v a_o move_a in_o vain_a do_v we_o think_v to_o stop_v and_o circumscribe_v it_o and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v unjust_a so_o it_o be_v unsafe_a to_o give_v it_o the_o least_o tendency_n towards_o any_o object_n but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a and_o adequate_a one_o i_o be_o exceed_o please_v with_o m._n malbranch_n account_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o wish_v i_o can_v read_v that_o ingenious_a author_n in_o his_o own_o language_n or_o that_o he_o speak_v i_o however_o i_o have_v some_o query_n to_o make_v about_o the_o matter_n but_o must_v refer_v it_o to_o another_o opportunity_n you_o tell_v i_o i_o must_v not_o expect_v a_o definition_n of_o pleasure_n all_o i_o desire_n be_v only_o such_o a_o account_n as_o we_o have_v of_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o strict_o speak_v be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o definition_n that_o notion_n which_o i_o have_v entertain_v of_o pleasure_n be_v that_o it_o be_v that_o grateful_a relish_n or_o sensation_n which_o every_o faculty_n enjoy_v in_o the_o regular_a application_n of_o itself_o to_o such_o object_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o its_o nature_n or_o if_o you_o please_v pleasure_n i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o gratification_n of_o natural_a appetite_n according_a to_o and_o not_o exceed_v the_o intention_n of_o nature_n and_o i_o pray_v be_v so_o kind_a as_o to_o tell_v i_o wherein_o i_o mistake_v whereby_o you_o will_v further_o engage_v i_o to_o be_v sir_n your_o very_a
humble_a and_o thankful_a servant_n february_n 15._o 1693._o letter_n viii_o mr._n norris_n answer_n madam_n i_o be_o no_o less_o please_v than_o yourself_o that_o my_o great_a argument_n for_o the_o entire_a love_n of_o god_n take_v from_o his_o be_v the_o only_a true_a cause_n of_o our_o good_a be_v so_o well_o discharge_v of_o that_o difficulty_n which_o you_o urge_v against_o it_o because_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o in_o my_o first_o i_o think_v it_o the_o only_a material_a one_o to_o which_o it_o stand_v expose_v and_o because_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o your_o skilful_a hand_n the_o utmost_a advantage_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o that_o now_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v the_o bottom_n i_o go_v upon_o to_o be_v very_o sound_a not_o expect_v to_o be_v attack_v by_o a_o strong_a objection_n or_o by_o one_o better_a manage_v the_o same_o occur_v to_o my_o own_o thought_n while_o i_o be_v compose_v my_o discourse_n but_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o consider_v 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or_o fame_n or_o life_n itself_o but_o only_o deliberate_v how_o he_o may_v reserve_v they_o for_o the_o most_o opportune_a season_n of_o expend_v they_o free_o in_o his_o belove_n service_n there_o be_v nothing_o bitter_a and_o uneasy_a in_o love_n the_o great_a labour_n be_v delight_n for_o what_o so_o grateful_a to_o a_o lover_n as_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o service_n because_o it_o eminent_o recommend_v that_o passion_n which_o can_v surmount_v it_o on_o which_o account_n love_n by_o make_v religion_n our_o business_n and_o interest_n our_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n take_v off_o that_o uneasiness_n which_o though_o real_o we_o do_v not_o find_v we_o however_o fancy_n to_o be_v in_o it_o by_o view_v it_o only_o in_o the_o unpleasant_a prospect_n of_o mere_a task_n and_o duty_n again_o love_n cut_v off_o all_o narrow_a and_o illiberal_a thought_n give_v the_o most_o genteel_a and_o generous_a temper_n to_o the_o soul_n it_o extinguish_v all_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n torment_v care_n and_o despond_v fear_n it_o have_v a_o salve_n for_o every_o cross_a event_n and_o a_o sagacity_n to_o read_v god_n kindness_n in_o such_o providence_n as_o be_v vulgar_o resolve_v into_o his_o displeasure_n hence_o it_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o the_o most_o entire_a resignation_n and_o exact_a conformity_n a_o true_a lover_n neither_o question_n god_n revelation_n nor_o dispute_v his_o command_n deliberate_v no_o further_a than_o to_o obtain_v a_o good_a assurance_n that_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n be_v real_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n he_o do_v not_o only_o submit_v to_o his_o dispensation_n how_o disagreeable_a soever_o to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o his_o own_o expectation_n this_o a_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n do_v and_o therefore_o i_o can_v discern_v wherein_o the_o
letter_n concern_v the_o love_n of_o god_n between_o the_o author_n of_o the_o proposal_n to_o the_o lady_n and_o mr._n john_n norris_n wherein_o his_o late_a discourse_n show_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v entire_a and_o exclusive_a of_o all_o other_o love_v be_v further_a clear_v and_o justify_v publish_a by_o j._n norris_n m._n a._n rector_n of_o bemerton_n near_o sarum_n london_n print_v for_o samuel_n manship_n at_o the_o ship_n near_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n and_o richard_n wilkin_n at_o the_o king_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n be_v churchyard_n 1695._o imprimatur_fw-la october_n 7._o 1694._o c._n alston_n to_o the_o true_o honourable_a lady_n the_o lady_z catherine_n jones_n in_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o her_o merit_n and_o in_o testimony_n of_o that_o just_a and_o therefore_o very_o great_a and_o vnseigned_a veneration_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o her_o ladyship_n virtue_n these_o letter_n be_v most_o humble_o dedicate_v and_o present_v to_o the_o reader_n the_o letter_n herelay_v open_a to_o thy_o view_n be_v a_o late_a correspondence_n between_o myself_o and_o a_o gentlewoman_n and_o to_o add_v to_o thy_o wonder_n a_o young_a gentlewoman_n her_o name_n i_o have_v not_o the_o liberty_n to_o publish_v for_o her_o person_n as_o her_o modesty_n will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o say_v much_o of_o she_o so_o the_o present_a production_n of_o her_o pen_n make_v it_o utter_o needless_a to_o say_v any_o thing_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o prevention_n to_o obviate_v a_o diffidence_n in_o some_o who_o from_o the_o surprise_v excellency_n of_o these_o write_n may_v be_v tempt_v to_o question_v whether_o my_o correspondent_n be_v real_o a_o woman_n or_o no._n to_o who_o my_o answer_n be_v that_o indeed_o i_o do_v not_o see_v she_o write_v these_o letter_n but_o that_o i_o have_v all_o the_o moral_a and_o reasonable_a assurance_n that_o she_o do_v write_v they_o and_o be_v the_o true_a author_n of_o they_o that_o can_v be_v have_v in_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o i_o hope_v my_o credit_n may_v be_v good_a enough_o with_o those_o that_o know_v i_o to_o be_v believe_v upon_o my_o serious_a word_n where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o satisfaction_n to_o be_v give_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o correspondence_n be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a that_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o intelligent_a creature_n can_v possible_o exercise_v itself_o about_o the_o love_n of_o god._n and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o this_o be_v make_v more_o the_o subject_n not_o only_o of_o our_o conversation_n and_o letter_n instead_o of_o those_o many_o empty_a and_o impertinent_a foxmality_n that_o usual_o fill_v and_o engross_v they_o but_o even_o of_o our_o book_n and_o more_o elaborate_a composure_n which_o i_o think_v will_v be_v better_o employ_v in_o lay_v good_a foundation_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o raise_v the_o low-sunk_a practice_n of_o it_o than_o in_o curious_a researche_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o a_o eternal_a contention_n and_o tedious_a chicane_n about_o the_o trinity_n man_n may_v wrangle_v for_o ever_o about_o these_o abstruse_a theory_n and_o soon_o dispute_v themselves_o out_o of_o charity_n than_o into_o truth_n but_o our_o will_n have_v at_o present_a a_o large_a capacity_n than_o our_o understanding_n and_o our_o love_n of_o god_n may_v be_v very_o flame_a and_o seraphic_a when_o after_o the_o great_a elevation_n and_o soar_v of_o thought_n our_o conception_n of_o he_o be_v but_o faint_a and_o shadowy_a and_o we_o see_v he_o but_o in_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o if_o we_o will_v even_o make_v this_o glass_n more_o transparent_a it_o be_v love_n that_o must_v clarify_v and_o refine_v it_o a_o affectionate_a sense_n of_o god_n will_v discover_v more_o of_o he_o to_o we_o than_o all_o the_o dry_a study_n and_o speculation_n of_o scholastic_a head_n the_o fire_n of_o our_o heart_n will_v give_v the_o best_a and_o true_a light_n to_o our_o eye_n and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a contemplation_n however_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v the_o best_a practice_n love_n be_v not_o only_o the_o short_a and_o most_o compendious_a way_n to_o perfection_n but_o the_o great_a height_n and_o pitch_n of_o it_o the_o more_o we_o have_v of_o love_n the_o near_a advances_n we_o make_v to_o god_n who_o be_v love_n itself_o and_o who_o breathe_v forth_o from_o he_o essential_a and_o substantial_a love_n the_o more_o fit_a we_o be_v to_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o divine_a communion_n and_o religious_a walk_v with_o he_o here_o and_o the_o better_o prepare_v to_o relish_v and_o enjoy_v the_o full_a display_v of_o his_o sovereign_a excellence_n hereafter_o heaven_n be_v but_o a_o state_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o comsummate_v love_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a thing_n we_o can_v practise_v upon_o earth_n be_v to_o tune_v our_o heart_n to_o this_o divine_a strain_n to_o set_v they_o as_o high_a as_o we_o can_v for_o sure_a the_o best_a preparation_n for_o love_n must_v be_v love_n itself_o but_o whatever_o other_o qualification_n be_v requisite_a a_o heart_n once_o true_o touch_v with_o this_o divine_a passion_n can_v long_o want_v they_o love_n will_v draw_v along_o after_o it_o all_o other_o virtue_n will_v perfect_v and_o improve_v they_o and_o will_v at_o least_o hide_v those_o fault_n of_o they_o which_o it_o can_v correct_v for_o this_o be_v that_o universal_a excellency_n which_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o other_o work_n but_o which_o if_o want_a such_o a_o necessary_a and_o vital_a part_n it_o be_v nothing_o else_o can_v supply_v or_o compound_v for_o neither_o tongue_n nor_o prophecy_n nor_o knowledge_n nor_o faith_n nor_o alm_n nor_o even_o martyrdom_n itself_o signify_v any_o thing_n without_o charity_n the_o heart_n be_v the_o sacrifice_n that_o god_n demand_v and_o unless_o that_o be_v offer_v the_o rich_a oblation_n will_v find_v no_o acceptance_n other_o gift_n and_o grace_n whether_o intellectual_a or_o moral_a come_v indeed_o from_o heaven_n but_o they_o often_o leave_v we_o upon_o earth_n love_v only_o elevate_v we_o up_o thither_o and_o be_v able_a to_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n it_o be_v this_o indeed_o that_o give_v we_o the_o strict_a union_n on_o with_o he_o in_o this_o life_n by_o faith_n we_o live_v upon_o god_n by_o obedience_n we_o live_v to_o he_o but_o it_o be_v by_o love_n alone_o that_o we_o live_v in_o he_o and_o so_o st._n john_n god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o a_o passage_n that_o make_v high_o for_o the_o privilege_n of_o love_n and_o which_o i_o can_v mention_v without_o call_v to_o mind_n a_o most_o divine_a remark_n which_o the_o port_n royal_a abrege_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr morale_n des_fw-fr epistres_n etc._n etc._n tom._n 4._o pag._n 112._o in_o their_o late_a abstract_n of_o the_o morality_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v upon_o it_o o_o great_a god_n you_o be_v all_o love_n in_o yourself_o and_o all_o love_n for_o man_n and_o man_n dare_v deliberate_a whether_o he_o shall_v love_v you_o and_o to_o inquire_v when_o and_o how_o far_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v it_o if_o to_o love_n god_n be_v to_o possess_v he_o and_o to_o be_v possess_v by_o he_o what_o a_o emptiness_n be_v there_o in_o that_o heart_n which_o do_v not_o love_n god_n or_o of_o what_o be_v it_o full_a if_o not_o of_o vanity_n and_o indigence_n itself_o but_o i_o may_v be_v concern_v to_o plead_v as_o well_o as_o to_o recommend_v the_o greatness_n of_o our_o subject_n which_o indeed_o be_v so_o sublime_a and_o vast_a have_v such_o immense_a dimension_n such_o heighth_n and_o depth_n in_o it_o that_o there_o need_v no_o other_o apology_n than_o the_o theme_n we_o treat_v of_o to_o excuse_v the_o defectiveness_n of_o our_o meditation_n upon_o it_o if_o there_o be_v any_o argument_n that_o will_v oppress_v a_o writer_n with_o its_o weight_n dazzle_v he_o with_o its_o glory_n and_o make_v every_o thing_n that_o he_o shall_v think_v or_o say_v upon_o it_o appear_v little_a it_o be_v this_o certain_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o theory_n of_o too_o exalt_v a_o nature_n for_o any_o humane_a pen_n and_o such_o as_o angel_n alone_o be_v fit_a to_o write_v upon_o they_o that_o contemplate_v the_o face_n of_o god_n can_v tell_v it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n how_o lovely_a he_o be_v and_o the_o very_a transport_n of_o their_o high_a passion_n will_v furnish_v they_o with_o expression_n but_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o soul_n that_o see_v only_o his_o backpart_n to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a representation_n of_o his_o beauty_n and_o for_o a_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v and_o converse_v upon_o earth_n to_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o heaven_n there_o be_v mystery_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o
well_o as_o in_o other_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n arm_v as_o they_o be_v with_o sensible_a prejudices_fw-la will_v appear_v very_o difficult_a and_o which_o the_o most_o purge_v and_o illuminate_v spirit_n will_v not_o present_o comprehend_v and_o which_o even_o those_o that_o do_v will_v not_o easy_o explain_v so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o intelligible_a to_o other_o practice_n and_o experiment_n will_v go_v further_a here_o but_o after_o all_o we_o must_v be_v often_o force_v to_o cry_v o_o the_o depth_n st._n paul_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v sensible_a of_o this_o when_o he_o pray_v for_o his_o ephesian_n that_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n and_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n this_o perhaps_o may_v be_v chief_o mean_v of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o which_o have_v its_o dimension_n too_o a_o depth_n which_o we_o can_v hardly_o sound_a and_o a_o height_n which_o we_o can_v hardly_o reach_v some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v here_o that_o we_o have_v reach_v beyond_o it_o by_o carry_v the_o measure_n of_o divine_a love_n to_o too_o great_a a_o height_n but_o let_v i_o only_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v beside_o what_o they_o will_v find_v for_o the_o justification_n of_o our_o measure_n in_o the_o follow_a paper_n that_o the_o love_n here_o discourse_v of_o and_o recommend_v be_v the_o love_n of_o a_o god_n that_o be_v of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a of_o all_o that_o be_v perfect_a of_o all_o that_o be_v lovely_a of_o all_o that_o be_v desirable_a in_o short_a of_o all_o that_o true_o be_v and_o can_v any_o love_n be_v too_o great_a or_o too_o high_a for_o such_o a_o object_n or_o rather_o do_v he_o not_o deserve_v infinite_o more_o than_o we_o or_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n can_v bestow_v upon_o he_o what_o can_v a_o infinite_a good_a be_v love_v too_o much_o or_o be_v any_o degree_n of_o love_n too_o high_a for_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_o lovely_a and_o who_o infinite_o love_v himself_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n too_o great_a a_o sacrifice_n for_o a_o god_n though_o it_o be_v entire_o offer_v and_o whole_o burn_v and_o consume_v at_o his_o altar_n especial_o since_o he_o himself_o demand_v it_o all_o require_v we_o to_o love_v he_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n soul_n and_o mind_n and_o will_v we_o present_v he_o with_o less_o what_o do_v we_o think_v the_o whole_a too_o great_a for_o he_o that_o we_o thus_o mince_v and_o divide_v it_o but_o do_v not_o our_o conscience_n secret_o reproach_v we_o when_o we_o do_v so_o yes_o it_o continual_o upbraid_v to_o we_o the_o love_n of_o creature_n and_o be_v always_o like_o a_o faithful_a advocate_n plead_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o god_n and_o assert_v his_o sovereign_a right_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v such_o a_o stretch_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o make_v it_o entire_a and_o exclusive_a of_o all_o other_o love_v can_v we_o love_v god_n too_o much_o or_o creature_n too_o little_a or_o be_v it_o such_o a_o paradox_n to_o make_v the_o church_n speak_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o same_o language_n wherein_o he_o condescendes_fw-la to_o speak_v to_o she_o my_o love_n my_o undefiled_a be_v but_o one_o but_o after_o all_o be_v this_o such_o a_o rare_a and_o unheard_a of_o conclusion_n that_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o sole_a and_o entire_a object_n of_o our_o love_n to_o be_v so_o stare_v at_o as_o i_o find_v it_o be_v and_o look_v upon_o as_o such_o a_o singularity_n no_o certain_o nothing_o more_o ordinary_a in_o book_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n than_o to_o meet_v with_o expression_n of_o this_o kind_a st._n augustine_n devotional_a tract_n be_v full_a of_o they_o and_o so_o be_v our_o modern_a writer_n who_o common_o run_v upon_o the_o same_o strain_n as_o may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a for_o it_o be_v endless_a to_o make_v particular_a quotation_n here_o in_o all_o those_o book_n that_o be_v write_v after_o the_o mystical_a and_o spiritual_a way_n particular_o in_o the_o work_v of_o the_o great_a spanish_a seraphic_a st._n theresa_n especial_o in_o she_o pensées_fw-fr sur_fw-fr l'amour_fw-fr de_fw-fr dieu_fw-fr in_o cardinal_n bona_n via_fw-la compendii_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la chrestien_n interieur_n thomas_n a_o kempis_n of_o the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o great_a french_a poet_n corneille_n in_o a_o book_n of_o divine_a poem_n upon_o the_o same_o subject_a where_o he_o have_v this_o memorable_a passage_n o_fw-fr qu'_fw-fr heureux_fw-fr est_fw-fr celuy_fw-fr qui_fw-fr de_fw-fr coeur_fw-fr &_o d'_fw-fr esprit_fw-fr scait_fw-fr gouster_n ce_fw-fr que_fw-fr c'est_fw-fr que_fw-fr d'_fw-fr aimer_fw-fr jesus_n christ_n et_fw-fr joindre_fw-fr à _fw-fr cest_fw-fr amour_fw-fr le_fw-fr mépris_fw-fr de_fw-fr soymesme_a o_fw-fr qu'_fw-fr heureux_fw-fr est_fw-fr celuy_fw-fr qui_fw-fr se_fw-fr laisse_fw-fr charmer_n aux_fw-fr celestes_fw-la attrait_n de_fw-la sa_fw-fr beaute_fw-fr supréme_v jusqu_n '_o à _fw-fr quitter_fw-fr tout_fw-fr ce_fw-fr qu'_fw-fr il_fw-fr aime_fw-fr pour_v un_fw-fr dieu_fw-fr qu'_fw-fr il_fw-fr faut_fw-fr seul_fw-fr aimer_fw-fr ce_fw-fr doux_fw-fr &_o saint_n tyrant_n de_fw-fr nostre_fw-fr affection_n a_o de_fw-fr la_fw-fr jalousie_n &_o de_fw-fr l'_fw-fr ambition_n il_fw-fr veut_fw-fr regner_n luy_fw-fr seul_fw-fr sur_fw-fr tout_fw-fr nostre_fw-fr courage_n il_fw-fr veut_fw-fr estre_fw-fr aimé_fw-fr seul_fw-fr &_o ne_fw-fr scauroit_fw-fr souffrir_fw-fr qu'autre_fw-fr amour_fw-fr que_fw-fr le_fw-fr sien_n pvisse_fw-fr entrer_fw-fr en_fw-fr partage_n nigh_o du_fw-fr coeur_fw-fr qu'_fw-fr il_fw-fr prend_fw-fr en_fw-fr hostage_n nigh_o des_fw-fr voeux_fw-fr qu'_fw-fr on_o luy_fw-fr doit_fw-fr offrir_fw-fr mounseur_fw-fr jurieu_fw-fr have_v also_o a_o great_a deal_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o his_o book_n of_o christian_a devotion_n and_o i_o may_v name_v several_a among_o our_o own_o writer_n but_o there_o be_v one_o that_o deliver_v himself_o so_o full_a and_o home_o to_o the_o business_n that_o i_o need_v mention_n no_o more_o but_o shall_v only_o present_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o passage_n out_o of_o he_o it_o be_v bishop_n lake_n who_o in_o his_o seven_o sermon_n upon_o those_o word_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n etc._n etc._n matth._n 22._o and_o 37._o the_o very_a text_n we_o build_v upon_o express_v himself_o thus_o in_o the_o question_n of_o perfection_n divine_v require_v a_o double_a perfection_n one_o partium_fw-la the_o other_o graduum_fw-la there_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o the_o part_n in_o man_n which_o must_v be_v season_v with_o the_o virtue_n and_o the_o virtue_n in_o those_o part_n must_v arise_v unto_o its_o full_a pitch_n this_o text_n require_v both_o these_o perfection_n in_o 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a_o sufficient_a and_o proper_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n notwithstanding_o that_o pain_n which_o be_v also_o but_o after_o a_o different_a manner_n cause_v by_o he_o as_o to_o what_o you_o suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_a namely_o that_o the_o author_n of_o our_o pain_n have_v as_o good_a a_o title_n to_o our_o love_n as_o the_o author_n of_o our_o pleasure_n it_o be_v true_a he_o that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o pain_n have_v as_o good_a a_o title_n to_o it_o as_o the_o author_n of_o our_o pleasure_n because_o they_o be_v both_o one_o and_o the_o same_o but_o not_o as_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o pain_n he_o have_v a_o title_n to_o our_o love_n not_o for_o that_o but_o notwithstanding_o that_o it_o be_v his_o being_n the_o cause_n of_o our_o pleasure_n that_o make_v he_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o love_n which_o he_o be_v notwithstanding_o his_o be_v also_o the_o author_n of_o pain_n but_o then_o say_v you_o if_o his_o do_v 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shall_v have_v a_o speedy_a answer_n from_o madam_n your_o very_a humble_a servant_n j._n norris_n bemerton_n oct._n 13._o 1693._o postscript_n one_o consideration_n more_o when_o you_o speak_v of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o pain_n either_o you_o mean_v as_o to_o this_o life_n or_o as_o to_o the_o next_o if_o as_o to_o the_o next_o that_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o duty_n that_o we_o owe_v he_o here_o if_o as_o to_o the_o present_a life_n the_o pain_n that_o god_n inflict_v upon_o we_o here_o be_v only_o medicinal_a and_o in_o order_n to_o our_o great_a good_a and_o consequent_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o kindness_n and_o i_o think_v set_v aside_o my_o other_o consideration_n there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o pretence_n for_o not_o love_v or_o hate_v god_n for_o this_o than_o for_o hate_v our_o physician_n or_o surgeon_n for_o put_v we_o to_o pain_n in_o order_n to_o our_o health_n or_o cure_n letter_n iii_o to_o mr._n norris_n sir_n you_o see_v how_o greedy_o i_o 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so_o circumstantiate_v and_o always_o be_v when_o god_n inflict_v it_o as_o to_o be_v a_o good_n to_o the_o pious_a man_n it_o be_v so_o both_o intentional_o and_o eventual_o and_o though_o inflict_v as_o a_o punishment_n on_o wicked_a man_n it_o be_v however_o material_o good_a be_v as_o you_o observe_v a_o act_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a maxim_n that_o all_o our_o good_a be_v whole_o and_o absolute_o from_o god_n and_o all_o our_o evil_n pure_o and_o entire_o from_o ourselves_o whatever_o method_n god_n use_v to_o draw_v we_o to_o himself_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v be_v good_a in_o themselves_o and_o good_a for_o we_o
pure_o and_o entire_o from_o ourselves_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o i_o absolute_o allow_v and_o contend_v for_o concern_v the_o latter_a i_o distinguish_v when_o you_o say_v that_o all_o our_o evil_n be_v pure_o and_o entire_o from_o ourselves_o if_o you_o mean_v of_o moral_a evil_n i_o grant_v it_o but_o if_o you_o mean_v of_o natural_a evil_n than_o i_o must_v distinguish_v again_o upon_o the_o word_n from_o ourselves_o which_o may_v signify_v either_o a_o physical_a or_o moral_a or_o if_o you_o will_v a_o efficient_a or_o a_o meritorious_a causality_n we_o be_v certain_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o natural_a evil_n as_o bring_v they_o upon_o we_o by_o our_o sin_n but_o that_o we_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o any_o of_o they_o i_o deny_v as_o all_o our_o good_a be_v whole_o from_o god_n so_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v also_o our_o evil_n we_o have_v not_o the_o power_n to_o modify_v our_o own_o soul_n and_o can_v no_o more_o raise_v the_o sensation_n 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but_o towards_o he_o who_o only_o be_v above_o she_o and_o only_o able_a to_o act_v in_o she_o but_o the_o movement_n of_o the_o body_n may_v be_v determine_v by_o those_o object_n which_o environ_v it_o and_o so_o by_o those_o movement_n we_o may_v unite_v ourselves_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a or_o occasional_a cause_n of_o our_o pleasure_n thus_o because_o we_o find_v pleasure_n from_o the_o fire_n this_o be_v warrant_n enough_o to_o approach_v it_o by_o a_o bodily_a movement_n but_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o love_v it_o for_o love_n be_v a_o movement_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o reserve_v for_o he_o who_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o that_o pleasure_n which_o we_o resent_v by_o occasion_n of_o the_o fire_n who_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v be_v no_o other_o than_o god._n by_o which_o you_o may_v plain_o perceive_v what_o it_o be_v i_o mean_v by_o say_v that_o creature_n may_v be_v seek_v for_o our_o good_a but_o not_o love_v as_o our_o 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only_a object_n of_o our_o love_n i_o be_o madam_n with_o great_a respect_n your_o humble_a servant_n j._n norris_n bemerton_n nou._n 13._o 1693._o if_o you_o be_v satisfy_v thus_o far_o i_o will_v desire_v you_o to_o go_v on_o to_o communicate_v what_o other_o thought_n you_o have_v concern_v the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o subject_a i_o like_v and_o will_v willing_o pursue_v to_o the_o utmost_a letter_n v._o to_o mr._n norris_n sir_n so_o candid_a and_o condiscend_v a_o treatment_n of_o a_o stranger_n a_o woman_n and_o so_o inconsiderable_a a_o one_o as_o myself_o show_v you_o to_o be_v as_o much_o above_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n in_o your_o practice_n as_o you_o be_v in_o your_o theory_n and_o
innocence_n so_o it_o make_v the_o best_a provision_n for_o our_o pleasure_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v as_o well_o cease_v to_o be_v as_o cease_v to_o love_v something_o or_o other_o it_o must_v desire_v but_o so_o long_o as_o it_o move_v towards_o the_o creature_n it_o may_v amuse_v its_o crave_n but_o can_v never_o satisfy_v they_o how_o often_o will_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n be_v want_v how_o often_o will_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n be_v want_v how_o often_o will_v they_o be_v unkind_a and_o suppose_v they_o as_o present_v and_o as_o kind_a as_o we_o can_v wish_v they_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v as_o sick_a of_o our_o fruition_n as_o we_o be_v of_o our_o desire_n for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o the_o creature_n but_o emptiness_n vanity_n and_o vexation_n but_o the_o object_n of_o divine_a love_n be_v always_o essential_o present_a nothing_o can_v hide_v he_o from_o we_o but_o our_o own_o neglect_n if_o we_o do_v but_o fix_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n 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trouble_v by_o draw_v conclusion_n from_o false_a premise_n and_o make_v use_n of_o improper_a term_n i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o add_v but_o my_o repeat_v thanks_o for_o that_o great_a condescension_n you_o continue_v to_o show_v to_o worthy_a sir_n your_o most_o oblige_a and_o humble_a servant_n december_n 12._o 1693._o letter_n vi_o mr._n norris_n answer_n madam_n it_o deserve_v neither_o your_o thanks_o nor_o your_o admiration_n that_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v particular_o civil_a to_o a_o person_n of_o your_o extraordinary_a worth_n and_o accomplishment_n which_o indeed_o appear_v so_o great_a and_o so_o beyond_o what_o i_o ever_o yet_o find_v or_o can_v imagine_v as_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o command_v and_o lessen_v the_o high_a respect_n and_o deference_n that_o can_v be_v show_v to_o you_o your_o hypothesis_n as_o you_o now_o explain_v and_o rectify_v it_o run_v clear_a and_o unperplext_v and_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o equitable_o understand_v 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that_o he_o have_v in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v very_o true_a and_o certain_a that_o both_o the_o mental_a and_o the_o sensible_a pain_n which_o god_n inflict_v in_o this_o life_n for_o as_o to_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o next_o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v the_o present_a question_n concern_v in_o it_o be_v not_o all_o thing_n consider_v true_o and_o proper_o evil_n because_o upon_o the_o whole_a they_o be_v eligible_a which_o sin_n can_v never_o be_v it_o be_v a_o contradictory_n supposition_n that_o that_o shall_v be_v eligible_a as_o a_o mean_n to_o avoid_v a_o great_a evil_n which_o be_v itself_o the_o great_a of_o all_o and_o herein_o i_o take_v it_o consist_v the_o peculiarity_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v never_o eligible_a but_o always_o the_o due_a and_o just_a object_n of_o our_o hatred_n and_o aversion_n so_o that_o if_o in_o this_o sense_n you_o will_v have_v sin_n to_o be_v the_o only_a evil_n that_o whereas_o all_o other_o evil_n be_v not_o so_o far_a 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illustration_n upon_o that_o chapter_n page_n 461._o of_o amsterdam_n edition_n and_o the_o same_o most_o excellent_a person_n elsewhere_o viz._n in_o his_o meditation_n chrestiennes_n of_o cologne_n edition_n page_n 152_o give_v a_o very_a satisfy_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o have_v not_o please_v god_n to_o give_v we_o a_o idea_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v that_o if_o we_o do_v see_v clear_o what_o we_o be_v we_o can_v not_o be_v so_o close_o unite_v to_o our_o body_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o animal_n life_n we_o shall_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o part_n of_o ourselves_o and_o unhappy_a as_o we_o be_v at_o present_a we_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o worth_a our_o care_n to_o preserve_v it_o and_o consequent_o have_v so_o little_a value_n and_o regard_v for_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o sacrifice_n to_o offer_v to_o god_n etc._n etc._n his_o other_o reason_n he_o pursue_v more_o at_o large_a and_o 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the_o object_n that_o environ_v thou_o those_o colour_n those_o odour_n those_o savour_n with_o a_o infinity_o of_o other_o sentiment_n with_o which_o thou_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v touch_v be_v no_o other_o than_o modification_n of_o thy_o own_o substance_n that_o harmony_n which_o so_o elevate_v thou_o be_v not_o in_o the_o air_n which_o strike_v thy_o ear_n and_o those_o infinite_a pleasure_n of_o which_o the_o great_a voluptuary_n have_v but_o a_o feeble_a sentiment_n be_v include_v in_o the_o capacity_n of_o thy_o soul_n now_o if_o thou_o have_v a_o clear_a idea_n of_o thyself_o if_o thou_o do_v see_v in_o i_o that_o archetypal_a spirit_n upon_o which_o thou_o be_v form_v thou_o will_v discover_v so_o many_o beauty_n and_o so_o many_o truth_n in_o contemplate_v it_o that_o thou_o will_v neglect_v all_o thy_o devoirs_fw-fr thou_o will_v discover_v
love_n god_n bear_v date_n from_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o our_o existence_n and_o be_v therefore_o the_o first_o duty_n that_o we_o owe_v he_o as_o thus_o immediate_o result_v from_o our_o have_v a_o be_v and_o thus_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o first_o commandment_n and_o have_v the_o precedency_n in_o the_o scale_n of_o morality_n the_o other_o character_n that_o our_o saviour_n give_v of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v also_o the_o great_a commandment_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o its_o dimension_n add_v one_o more_o than_o we_o attribute_v to_o body_n tell_v we_o of_o its_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n but_o not_o how_o broad_a nor_o how_o long_o nor_o how_o deep_a nor_o how_o high_a and_o indeed_o with_o what_o line_n can_v the_o apostle_n measure_v such_o a_o immense_a vastness_n how_o can_v he_o paint_v light_a and_o flame_n or_o put_v that_o into_o word_n which_o pass_v not_o only_o all_o description_n but_o even_o all_o knowledge_n 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add_v something_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o love_a god_n so_o entire_o as_o i_o state_n it_o in_o my_o sermon_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o deliver_v up_o this_o noble_a subject_n to_o a_o better_a hand_n desire_v you_o to_o communicate_v what_o further_a thought_n you_o have_v upon_o it_o and_o to_o believe_v he_o that_o write_v this_o to_o be_v in_o all_o sincerity_n madam_n your_o most_o humble_a servant_n j._n norris_n bemerton_n jan._n 11._o 1693._o letter_n vii_o to_o mr._n norris_n sir_n i_o be_o glad_a we_o be_v come_v to_o so_o good_a a_o issue_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o debate_n and_o shall_v therefore_o immediate_o apply_v myself_o to_o that_o most_o necessary_a and_o delightful_a theme_n which_o be_v the_o noble_a entertainment_n of_o our_o thought_n the_o best_a improvement_n of_o our_o mind_n at_o present_a and_o will_v be_v the_o inexhaustible_a spring_n of_o our_o joy_n hereafter_o the_o love_n of_o god._n i_o can_v but_o admire_v the_o sottishness_n of_o those_o dull_a epicurean_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o hunt_v after_o pleasure_n as_o vain_a and_o unsatisfactory_a as_o their_o admirer_n be_v childish_a and_o unwise_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n turn_v their_o back_n on_o this_o vast_a repository_n of_o solid_a and_o substantial_a joy_n a_o joy_n who_o perpetual_a current_n always_o afford_v a_o fresh_a delight_n and_o yet_o every_o drop_n of_o it_o so_o entertain_v that_o we_o may_v live_v upon_o it_o to_o all_o eternity_n whilst_o our_o soul_n be_v inebriate_v with_o its_o pleasure_n our_o very_a body_n partake_v of_o its_o sweetness_n for_o it_o excite_v a_o grateful_a and_o easy_a motion_n in_o the_o animal_n spirit_n and_o cause_v such_o a_o agreeble_a movement_n of_o the_o passion_n as_o comprehend_v all_o that_o delight_n abstract_v from_o the_o uneasiness_n which_o other_o object_n be_v apt_a to_o occasion_n our_o passion_n although_o they_o have_v both_o their_o use_n and_o pleasure_n yet_o as_o we_o usual_o feel_v they_o be_v blend_v with_o so_o much_o pain_n that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o determine_v whether_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n they_o do_v we_o be_v the_o great_a and_o a_o man_n sometime_o overpays_a for_o his_o mirth_n by_o that_o sting_n of_o sorrow_n which_o attend_v it_o however_o i_o be_o not_o for_o a_o stoical_a apathy_n i_o will_v not_o have_v my_o hand_n and_o foot_n cut_v off_o lest_o they_o shall_v sometime_o incommode_v i_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o our_o passion_n consider_v in_o themselves_o but_o in_o our_o voluntary_a misapplication_n and_o unsuitable_a management_n of_o they_o and_o if_o love_n which_o be_v the_o lead_n and_o master_n passion_n be_v but_o once_o wise_o regulate_v our_o passion_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o rebel_a against_o and_o disquiet_v we_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o will_v mighty_o facilitate_v the_o great_a work_n we_o have_v to_o do_v give_v wing_n to_o this_o earthly_a body_n that_o press_v down_o the_o soul_n and_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n remove_v those_o impediment_n that_o hinder_v she_o from_o mount_v to_o the_o original_a and_o end_v of_o she_o be_v what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v our_o joy_n tumultuous_a and_o flit_a our_o fear_n torment_v our_o hope_n disquiet_v etc._n etc._n but_o the_o irregularity_n of_o our_o desire_n if_o we_o love_v amiss_o we_o shall_v both_o fear_v and_o hope_n grieve_v and_o rejoice_v without_o reason_n and_o in_o a_o wrong_a measure_n we_o shall_v lash_v out_o into_o a_o thousand_o extravagancy_n and_o be_v as_o unhappy_a as_o we_o be_v unwise_a and_o unreasonable_a whereas_o if_o we_o tune_v our_o love_n to_o the_o right_a key_n we_o need_v not_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o discord_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o passion_n all_o their_o motion_n will_v be_v natural_a and_o regular_a and_o all_o concert_n in_o a_o become_a harmony_n the_o divine_a nature_n be_v a_o field_n in_o which_o our_o grateful_a passion_n may_v free_o take_v their_o range_v if_o we_o make_v god_n the_o object_n of_o our_o desire_n our_o hope_n will_v neither_o delude_v nor_o our_o joy_n forsake_v we_o there_o be_v no_o serpent_n lurk_v in_o this_o grass_n all_o be_v calm_a and_o placid_a secure_a and_o entertain_v and_o yet_o unwise_a that_o we_o be_v how_o hard_o be_v it_o to_o drive_v we_o to_o our_o felicity_n how_o difficult_a to_o convince_v we_o of_o our_o happiness_n how_o many_o evasion_n do_v we_o find_v to_o withhold_v our_o love_n from_o he_o who_o require_v it_o not_o for_o his_o own_o but_o our_o advantage_n when_o shall_v we_o be_v i_o need_v not_o say_v so_o just_a to_o god_n but_o so_o kind_a to_o ourselves_o as_o total_o to_o withdraw_v every_o straggle_a desire_n from_o the_o creature_n the_o very_o best_a of_o which_o be_v not_o able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o long_n and_o fill_v the_o
require_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o love_n from_o man_n to_o one_o another_o but_o there_o need_v no_o argument_n from_o without_o to_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v his_o meaning_n the_o text_n you_o refer_v to_o john_n 13._o 34._o sufficient_o speak_v its_o own_o sense_n a_o new_a commandment_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o that_o you_o also_o love_v one_o another_o wherein_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o our_o saviour_n refer_v to_o that_o signal_n instance_n of_o his_o benevolence_n in_o his_o undertake_n the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o in_o proportion_n require_v the_o same_o sort_n of_o love_n from_o his_o disciple_n that_o if_o occasion_n be_v they_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o brethren_n as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o they_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o make_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o best_a expositor_n that_o i_o know_v of_o upon_o the_o place_n but_o beside_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n always_o express_v our_o love_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n as_o a_o love_n of_o benevolence_n only_o love_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 13._o 10._o work_v no_o ill_a to_o his_o neighbour_n that_o be_v do_v not_o hurt_v or_o injure_v he_o but_o do_v he_o all_o good_a which_o character_n show_v it_o to_o be_v true_o mean_v of_o love_n of_o benevolence_n i_o say_v true_o and_o that_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o that_o only_a as_o be_v of_o itself_o entire_o commensurate_a to_o the_o full_a extent_n of_o charity_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o word_n that_o follow_v therefore_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n of_o what_o law_n not_o to_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o first_o table_n for_o our_o love_n to_o our_o neighbour_n though_o never_o so_o perfect_a can_v satisfy_v our_o obligation_n to_o god._n it_o must_v be_v therefore_o of_o the_o second_o table_n which_o be_v thus_o fulfil_v by_o benevolence_n can_v require_v no_o other_o love_n than_o that_o this_o be_v demonstration_n again_o when_o the_o same_o apostle_n reckon_v up_o the_o fruit_n of_o charity_n do_v he_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o desire_n do_v he_o not_o describe_v they_o all_o by_o the_o expression_n of_o benevolence_n he_o say_v it_o suffer_v long_a and_o be_v kind_a that_o it_o envy_v not_o vaunt_v not_o itself_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o do_v not_o behave_v itself_o unseemly_a seek_v not_o her_o own_o be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v think_v no_o evil_a rejoice_v not_o in_o iniquity_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n that_o it_o bear_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_n all_o thing_n and_o endure_v all_o thing_n but_o it_o seem_v the_o apostle_n have_v forget_v to_o put_v in_o desire_n or_o else_o he_o think_v it_o no_o part_n of_o christian_a charity_n and_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o be_o of_o the_o latter_a opinion_n and_o as_o the_o scripture_n always_o speak_v of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n in_o term_n import_v benevolence_n so_o whenever_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o opposite_a vice_n do_v it_o not_o always_o describe_v it_o by_o contrary_a character_n do_v it_o ever_o describe_v it_o by_o want_n of_o desire_n no_o but_o by_o want_n of_o good_a will_n by_o anger_n wrath_n envy_n bitterness_n malice_n and_o such_o like_a term_n and_o by_o what_o measure_n of_o love_n it_o be_v that_o christ_n will_v proceed_v in_o his_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n whether_o by_o love_n of_o benevolence_n or_o by_o love_n of_o desire_n i_o shall_v leave_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o what_o he_o say_v himself_o concern_v that_o matter_n in_o the_o 25_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n from_o all_o which_o put_v together_o i_o think_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o certain_a than_o that_o the_o love_n intend_v and_o require_v in_o the_o second_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o love_n of_o desire_n but_o only_a love_n of_o benevolence_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v what_o beside_o the_o equivocation_n of_o the_o word_n love_n shall_v make_v the_o world_n run_v so_o general_o upon_o a_o contrary_a notion_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o clause_n in_o the_o commandment_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o whence_o perhaps_o it_o have_v be_v conclude_v that_o because_o the_o first_o be_v mean_v of_o love_n of_o desire_n therefore_o the_o second_o must_v be_v so_o too_o but_o he_o must_v be_v either_o much_o prejudice_v or_o very_a dull-sighted_n that_o do_v not_o see_v that_o by_o like_a unto_o it_o be_v only_o mean_v of_o equal_a authority_n and_o obligation_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o pharisaic_a partiality_n towards_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n well_o then_o the_o result_n of_o the_o present_a consideration_n be_v this_o since_o that_o most_o entire_a love_n of_o god_n i_o stand_v for_o in_o the_o first_o commandment_n do_v not_o at_o all_o interfere_v with_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n in_o the_o second_o suppose_v that_o by_o love_n there_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v love_n of_o desire_n but_o only_a love_n of_o benevolence_n and_o since_o as_o i_o have_v show_v love_n of_o benevolence_n be_v the_o love_n there_o sole_o intend_v i_o may_v now_o with_o assurance_n conclude_v that_o the_o account_v i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o first_o commandment_n as_o high_a as_o it_o be_v be_v no_o way_n injurious_a to_o the_o second_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v general_o lay_v to_o my_o charge_n but_o you_o go_v further_o undertake_v to_o show_v that_o my_o account_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o that_o of_o our_o neighbour_n that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a solid_a foundation_n it_o can_v rest_v upon_o i_o thorough_o approve_v what_o you_o say_v upon_o this_o part_n but_o shall_v not_o offer_v to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o it_o because_o indeed_o you_o have_v say_v all_o i_o promise_v in_o my_o last_o that_o in_o my_o next_o i_o will_v add_v something_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o love_a god_n so_o entire_o but_o have_v fall_v upon_o a_o vein_n of_o other_o thought_n and_o those_o of_o no_o slight_a importance_n must_v beg_v you_o to_o let_v i_o be_v in_o your_o debt_n for_o this_o until_o another_o opportunity_n as_o also_o for_o what_o you_o further_o desire_v concern_v pleasure_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o leave_v you_o to_o that_o of_o your_o own_o meditation_n more_o of_o which_o upon_o this_o great_a subject_n will_v be_v high_o grateful_a to_o madam_n your_o very_a humble_a servant_n j._n norris_n bemerton_n march_v 23._o letter_n ix_o to_o mr._n norris_n sir_n you_o have_v so_o clear_o remove_v the_o objection_n make_v against_o the_o entire_a love_n of_o god_n on_o account_n of_o its_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n that_o i_o hope_v we_o shall_v hear_v no_o more_o of_o that_o matter_n and_o true_o when_o our_o objector_n have_v once_o feel_v as_o they_o will_v for_o certain_a soon_o or_o late_a the_o disquiet_a and_o uneasiness_n we_o may_v well_o refer_v they_o to_o their_o own_o experience_n for_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o such_o desire_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v perceive_v the_o objection_n be_v found_v upon_o supposition_n that_o all_o human_a love_n be_v a_o love_n of_o desire_n a_o love_n that_o arise_v from_o and_o terminate_v in_o that_o insatiable_a desire_n we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o happiness_n which_o methinks_v be_v a_o very_a great_a reproach_n to_o humane_a nature_n which_o as_o bad_a as_o it_o be_v be_v not_o uncapable_a of_o a_o pure_a and_o disinterest_v benevolence_n have_v they_o due_o attend_v to_o what_o you_o have_v write_v in_o you_o theory_n of_o love_n part_n 1_o sect._n 5._o they_o will_v have_v discern_v the_o falseness_n of_o their_o supposition_n but_o though_o all_o other_o argument_n shall_v fail_v my_o own_o experience_n will_v assure_v i_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o unmixed_a benevolence_n for_o there_o be_v some_o person_n in_o the_o world_n to_o who_o i_o can_v perform_v the_o high_a service_n without_o any_o the_o least_o intuition_n of_o reward_n or_o prospect_n of_o better_v my_o own_o be_v and_o now_o to_o proceed_v in_o our_o most_o excellent_a subject_n though_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a how_o much_o i_o depretiate_v it_o by_o my_o unkilful_a management_n yet_o that_o i_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o your_o better_a meditation_n and_o because_o of_o the_o just_a deference_n i_o pay_v you_o i_o be_o content_v in_o compliance_n with_o your_o desire_n rather_o to_o discover_v my_o ignorance_n than_o be_v want_v in_o my_o respect_n i_o will_v therefore_o first_o declare_v what_o i_o think_v may_v be_v add_v to_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o love_v the_o creature_n and_o second_o what_o to_o the_o reasonableness_n
enforce_v it_o and_o indeed_o since_o love_n do_v so_o powerful_o influence_n all_o our_o motion_n since_o all_o our_o endeavour_n all_o our_o operation_n and_o variety_n of_o act_v tend_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o some_o desire_n it_o be_v but_o fit_a and_o decorous_a that_o all_o our_o desire_n shall_v fix_v on_o he_o who_o we_o be_v and_o for_o who_o glory_n we_o be_v create_v to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n we_o may_v further_o add_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o and_o that_o upon_o a_o double_a account_n first_o because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a vital_a principle_n of_o holiness_n the_o only_a effectual_a mean_n of_o secure_v our_o obedience_n and_o consequent_o of_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god._n there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o unite_n ourselves_o to_o god_n but_o by_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o then_o and_o not_o otherwise_o do_v we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o be_v in_o we_o since_o therefore_o 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at_o all_o the_o desire_n of_o god_n and_o desire_v of_o the_o creature_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n incompatible_a and_o by_o allow_v ourselves_o to_o love_v the_o one_o we_o do_v by_o consequence_n forsake_v the_o other_o for_o beside_o what_o you_o have_v already_o very_o excellent_o observe_v to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o discourse_n itself_o it_o may_v further_o be_v consider_v that_o love_n be_v the_o same_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o motion_n be_v to_o body_n as_o body_n can_v have_v two_o centre_n or_o different_a term_n of_o motion_n so_o neither_o can_v the_o soul_n have_v a_o twofold_a desire_n we_o may_v as_o reasonable_o expect_v that_o a_o stone_n shall_v go_v up_o hill_n and_o down_o hill_n at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o that_o the_o soul_n shall_v 〈…〉_z god_n and_o any_o 〈…〉_z to_o love_n be_v in_o 〈…〉_z to_o make_v the_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d our_o end_n we_o move_v towards_o good_a in_o order_n to_o make_v that_o good_a our_o own_o and_o to_o embrace_v and_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o now_o he_o that_o love_v the_o creature_n do_v it_o because_o he_o expect_v some_o degree_n of_o happiness_n at_o least_o from_o it_o and_o so_o far_o make_v it_o his_o end_n and_o consequent_o do_v not_o centre_n upon_o god_n as_o his_o complete_a and_o only_a felicity_n for_o if_o he_o do_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o withhold_v any_o degree_n of_o his_o love_n from_o he_o again_o if_o as_o you_o say_v in_o your_o last_o he_o that_o enjoy_v god_n can_v desire_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o he_o because_o of_o the_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o god_n then_o certain_o he_o that_o desire_v any_o thing_n beside_o god_n whatever_o he_o pretend_v or_o however_o he_o deceive_v himself_o do_v not_o true_o love_v god_n for_o if_o he_o do_v that_o will_v quench_v all_o desire_n of_o the_o creature_n he_o that_o have_v discover_v the_o fountain_n will_v not_o seek_v for_o trouble_a and_o fail_a stream_n to_o quench_v his_o thirst_n he_o can_v never_o be_v content_a to_o step_v aside_o to_o 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i_o beseech_v thou_o my_o heart_n with_o a_o unquenchable_a love_n of_o thou_o with_o a_o continual_a remembrance_n of_o thou_o that_o so_o as_o a_o burn_a flame_n i_o may_v burn_v all_o over_o in_o the_o sweetness_n of_o thy_o love_n which_o may_v not_o be_v quench_v even_o by_o many_o water_n make_v i_o sweet_a lord_n to_o love_v thou_o and_o through_o the_o desire_n of_o thou_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o weight_n of_o all_o carnal_a desire_n and_o the_o most_o heavy_a load_n of_o earthly_a concupiscence_n which_o fight_v against_o and_o weigh_v down_o my_o miserable_a soul_n so_o that_o run_v expedite_o after_o thou_o in_o the_o odour_n of_o thy_o ointment_n i_o may_v be_v worthy_a to_o arrive_v to_o the_o effectual_o satisfy_v vision_n of_o thy_o beauty_n for_o two_o love_n one_o good_a and_o another_o bad_a one_o sweet_a and_o another_o bitter_a can_v dwell_v together_o in_o the_o same_o breast_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o one_o love_n any_o thing_n beside_o thou_o thy_o love_n o_o 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