mind_n foolish_o run_v up_o and_o down_o from_o one_o contrivance_n to_o another_o spend_v thy_o precious_a time_n in_o tire_v thy_o mind_n and_o body_n and_o foolish_o consume_v the_o strength_n of_o they_o both_o wherefore_o do_v thou_o receive_v all_o and_o every_o thing_n whensoever_o or_o howsoever_o they_o come_v upon_o thou_o with_o a_o even_a temper_n in_o silence_n and_o tranquillity_n as_o reach_v forth_o to_o thou_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o paternal_a divine_a providence_n divest_v therefore_o thyself_o of_o the_o image_n and_o phantasm_n of_o all_o bodily_a thing_n according_a to_o the_o exigence_n of_o thy_o state_n and_o profession_n that_o with_o a_o naked_a and_o simplified_a mind_n thou_o may_v sincere_o cleave_v to_o he_o to_o who_o thou_o have_v so_o frequent_o and_o entire_o devote_v thyself_o that_o there_o may_v be_v nothing_o to_o mediate_v or_o interpose_v between_o thy_o soul_n and_o he_o that_o so_o with_o a_o pure_a and_o fix_a view_n thou_o may_v raise_v thyself_o from_o the_o wound_n of_o his_o manhood_n into_o the_o glorious_a light_n and_o charity_n of_o his_o godhead_n chap._n v._o concern_v purity_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v to_o be_v endeavour_v above_o and_o before_o all_o thing_n if_o so_o be_v therefore_o thou_o do_v desire_n and_o endeavour_v by_o a_o strait_a safe_a and_o short_a path_n to_o arrive_v to_o the_o end_n of_o true_a bliss_n here_o and_o hereafter_o of_o grace_n and_o glory_n then_o do_v thou_o with_o a_o intent_n mind_n earnest_o aspire_v after_o continual_a cleanness_n of_o heart_n and_o purity_n of_o mind_n with_o a_o constant_a calm_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o thy_o sense_n and_o recollect_v the_o affection_n of_o thy_o heart_n continual_o fix_v they_o above_o on_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n withdraw_a thyself_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n from_o thy_o familiar_n and_o acquaintance_n and_o as_o far_o as_o lie_v in_o thou_o from_o all_o man_n and_o from_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v a_o let_v or_o hindrance_n to_o thy_o holy_a purpose_n always_o watch_v a_o opportunity_n where_o and_o when_o thou_o may_v find_v place_n and_o time_n for_o sweet_a rest_n and_o contemplation_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o secret_a pleasure_n of_o silence_n avoid_v the_o shipwreck_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o the_o noise_n hurry_n and_o confusion_n of_o it_o wherefore_o let_v this_o be_v thy_o chief_a study_n at_o all_o time_n how_o thou_o may_v attain_v to_o cleanness_n purity_n and_o rest_v of_o heart_n that_o so_o continual_o have_v shut_v the_o door_n of_o thy_o carnal_a sense_n thou_o may_v turn_v into_o thyself_o and_o lock_v up_o thy_o heart_n as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a from_o the_o representation_n of_o all_o sensible_a thing_n and_o the_o imagination_n of_o earthly_a object_n it_o be_v this_o purity_n of_o heart_n that_o excel_v all_o spiritual_a exercise_n whatsoever_o as_o be_v the_o final_a intention_n 〈◊〉_d and_o reward_v for_o all_o the_o labour_n which_o a_o religious_a and_o spiritual_a man_n take_v in_o this_o life_n wherefore_o do_v thou_o with_o all_o diligence_n application_n and_o endeavour_v rid_v thy_o heart_n sense_n and_o affection_n from_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o may_v impede_fw-la its_o freedom_n and_o from_o every_o other_o concern_v of_o the_o world_n that_o have_v the_o least_o power_n to_o allure_v bound_v and_o captivate_v thou_o and_o so_o strive_v to_o recollect_v and_o gather_v up_o all_o the_o wander_a excursion_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o all_o the_o affection_n of_o thy_o mind_n into_o that_o one_o true_a simple_n and_o supreme_a good_a and_o to_o keep_v they_o always_o recollect_v within_o thyself_o as_o in_o one_o place_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n endeavour_v always_o to_o cleave_v with_o thy_o mind_n to_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n and_o leave_v thy_o earthly_a frailty_n behind_o strive_v to_o transform_v thyself_o continual_o into_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o heavenly_a thing_n through_o thy_o inward_a communion_n with_o and_o retirement_n into_o jesus_n christ_n wherefore_o if_o thou_o make_v it_o thy_o business_n to_o strip_v and_o purify_v thyself_o from_o all_o image_n and_o representation_n and_o with_o trust_n and_o confidence_n to_o simplifie_v and_o quiet_v thy_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n that_o thou_o may_v feel_v and_o take_v in_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o divine_a good_a pleasure_n in_o all_o thy_o inward_a part_n and_o by_o thy_o good_a will_v be_v unite_v to_o god_n in_o thy_o intellect_n or_o understanding_n this_o exercise_n alone_o will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o and_o serve_v instead_o of_o all_o study_n and_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o will_v advance_v thou_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o thy_o neighbour_n according_a as_o the_o anoint_v teach_v thou_o wherefore_o with_o all_o study_n do_v thou_o labour_v and_o endeavour_v to_o simplifie_v thy_o heart_n that_o be_v immovable_a and_o at_o peace_n from_o any_o intrude_a vain_a phantasm_n thou_o may_v always_o turn_v thyself_o to_o and_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o lord_n within_o thou_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o if_o thy_o soul_n be_v get_v into_o the_o always_o present_a now_o of_o eternity_n that_o be_v of_o the_o deity_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o for_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o a_o pure_a heart_n a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a thou_o may_v whole_o forsake_v and_o leave_v thyself_o and_o entire_o and_o full_o commit_v thy_o whole_a self_n to_o god_n in_o all_o tribulation_n and_o every_o event_n whatsoever_o always_o desire_v to_o be_v patient_o resign_v and_o obedient_a to_o his_o will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o thou_o may_v come_v to_o this_o state_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o thou_o frequent_o to_o return_v to_o thy_o own_o heart_n and_o to_o abide_v there_o rid_v thyself_o as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a of_o all_o thing_n preserve_v the_o eye_n of_o thy_o mind_n continual_o in_o purity_n and_o rest_n void_v thy_o intellect_n of_o all_o image_n and_o representation_n of_o inferior_a thing_n set_v free_a the_o affection_n of_o thy_o will_n from_o all_o earthly_a care_n and_o with_o a_o fervent_a love_n from_o the_o very_a bottom_n and_o root_n of_o thy_o soul_n cleave_v to_o the_o true_a supreme_a good_a have_v thy_o memory_n also_o continual_o lift_v upward_o and_o firm_o fix_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o same_o alone_a true_a sovereign_n essential_a and_o uncreated_a good_a to_o the_o end_n that_o thy_o whole_a soul_n with_o all_o its_o power_n and_o faculty_n be_v thus_o gather_v up_o into_o god_n may_v become_v one_o spirit_n with_o he_o which_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n attainable_a in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v this_o unity_n of_o spirit_n and_o love_n whereby_o man_n be_v make_v conform_v in_o all_o his_o desire_n and_o wish_n with_o the_o supreme_a and_o eternal_a will_n so_o as_o that_o he_o become_v that_o by_o grace_n which_o god_n be_v by_o nature_n and_o here_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o in_o that_o very_a moment_n wherein_o any_o man_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n overcome_v his_o own_o will_n that_o be_v his_o inordinate_a love_n and_o like_n so_o as_o to_o dare_v full_o and_o total_o trust_v the_o lord_n god_n with_o all_o his_o needs_o and_o concern_v he_o do_v so_o high_o please_v god_n that_o he_o free_o bestow_v upon_o he_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o grace_n by_o which_o he_o feel_v that_o true_a charity_n and_o love_n beget_v in_o he_o which_o expel_v all_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o give_v he_o a_o sure_a and_o confident_a hope_n in_o god_n wherefore_o nothing_o can_v he_o more_o happy_a or_o advantageous_a for_o we_o than_o to_o cast_v our_o all_o upon_o he_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o want_n and_o see_v that_o as_o long_o as_o thou_o stand_v in_o thyself_o thou_o do_v not_o stand_v fast_o cast_v thy_o whole_a self_n secure_o upon_o god_n and_o he_o will_v take_v thou_o up_o heal_v thou_o and_o save_v thou_o if_o thou_o doff_v but_o continual_o revolve_v these_o thing_n in_o thy_o mind_n thou_o will_v find_v they_o more_o conducive_a to_o a_o true_o happy_a life_n than_o all_o the_o riches_n pleasure_n profit_n and_o honour_n yea_o and_o all_o the_o suppose_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n to_o boot_v of_o this_o deceive_a and_o corruptible_a world_n yea_o though_o thou_o shall_v excel_v in_o all_o these_o all_o that_o ever_o be_v before_o thou_o chap._n vi_o that_o we_o must_v cleave_v to_o god_n with_o a_o naked_a intellect_n and_o affection_n wherefore_o see_v that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o thou_o shall_v empty_v thyself_o of_o all_o image_n and_o external_n worldly_n and_o sensible_a entanglement_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o thy_o soul_n will_v recover_v its_o primitive_a strength_n and_o vigour_n and_o the_o use_n of_o its_o internal_a sense_n to_o perceive_v and_o
another_o be_v that_o his_o word_n be_v few_o necessary_a simple_a and_o concern_v divine_a thing_n the_o three_o be_v that_o his_o whole_a life_n all_o his_o work_v and_o whatever_o he_o do_v be_v so_o complete_a and_o blameless_a that_o in_o nothing_o he_o may_v be_v reprehend_v by_o any_o one_o and_o of_o the_o internal_a the_o first_o be_v that_o his_o thought_n be_v pure_a and_o heavenly_a the_o second_o that_o he_o pure_o seek_v and_o intend_v god_n alone_o the_o three_o that_o he_o be_v able_a easy_o and_o ready_o without_o any_o trouble_v to_o bid_v farewell_n to_o all_o for_o god_n that_o be_v that_o whatever_o befall_v he_o a_o unmoveable_a undisturbed_a and_o true_a peace_n be_v in_o his_o mind_n that_o as_o water_v not_o move_v with_o any_o blast_n of_o wind_n be_v quiet_a so_o his_o soul_n may_v in_o all_o thing_n persevere_v calm_a and_o immovable_a for_o as_o in_o water_n so_o long_o as_o it_o swell_v with_o wave_n and_o be_v stir_v with_o continual_a motion_n no_o man_n can_v behold_v himself_o so_o that_o most_o simple_a and_o most_o pure_a good_a which_o be_v god_n can_v never_o direct_v the_o ray_n of_o his_o light_n into_o his_o soul_n into_o his_o spirit_n or_o interior_n part_n so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v move_v with_o prosperous_a or_o advers._fw-la occurrence_n for_o no_o prosperity_n or_o honour_n though_o never_o so_o great_a for_o no_o riches_n or_o friend_n or_o whatever_o fortunate_a accident_n must_v our_o heart_n yield_v to_o levity_n dissoluteness_n 〈◊〉_d vain_a joy_n again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o must_v perâ—â—…_n undaunted_a and_o immovable_a against_o all_o adversiâ—…_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o disturb_v or_o hinder_v in_o his_o souâ—_n by_o any_o damage_n do_v he_o nor_o wish_v any_o evil_n within_o or_o without_o to_o any_o other_o whatever_o he_o suffer_v from_o he_o whether_o he_o deprive_v he_o of_o all_o his_o goodâ—_n whether_o honour_n or_o friend_n or_o commodity_n or_o aâ—…_n his_o comfort_n yea_o though_o he_o pull_v out_o his_o eye_n fire_n 〈◊〉_d house_n or_o whatever_o other_o mischief_n he_o do_v he_o hâ—…_n must_v by_o no_o mean_n bear_v a_o evil_a thought_n against_o he_o nor_o desire_n revenge_n but_o take_v all_o not_o from_o man_n but_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n render_v he_o devouâ—_n thanks_o that_o he_o be_v in_o any_o thing_n make_v conformable_a to_o he_o yet_o notwithstanding_o we_o must_v know_v that_o there_o be_v none_o so_o happy_a or_o holy_a christ_n only_a and_o thâ—_n glorious_a virgin_n except_v but_o he_o may_v sometime_o suffer_v at_o least_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o passion_n for_o all_o the_o saint_n have_v suffer_v they_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o perceive_v they_o they_o know_v how_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n so_o to_o suppress_v they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o easy_o be_v perceive_v either_o in_o their_o countenance_n in_o their_o word_n or_o their_o gesture_n last_o to_o this_o quiet_a condition_n this_o also_o be_v require_v that_o he_o be_v so_o affect_v so_o dispose_v that_o though_o he_o be_v encumber_v with_o diversity_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o business_n be_v soon_o as_o ever_o he_o turn_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n no_o image_n thereof_o no_o appearance_n not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o shadow_n of_o it_o may_v remain_v whence_o in_o his_o intellect_n or_o mind_n he_o may_v become_v indispose_v or_o hinder_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n grant_v that_o to_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v all_o in_o time_n attain_v amen_n a_o treatise_n of_o albertus_n magnus_n of_o adhere_v to_o god_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o vltimate_a and_o high_a perfection_n of_o man_n as_o far_o as_o the_o same_o be_v attainable_a in_o this_o life_n i_o have_v purpose_v with_o myself_o with_o the_o great_a accuracy_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o this_o our_o exile_n and_o pilgrim_n state_n to_o give_v a_o description_n of_o the_o absolute_a and_o plenary_a abstraction_n from_o all_o thing_n and_o our_o ready_a secure_a naked_a and_o firm_a adhere_n to_o our_o lord_n god_n alone_o and_o this_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o very_a end_n of_o christian_a perfection_n be_v charity_n or_o divine_a love_n whereby_o we_o cleave_v to_o and_o be_v make_v one_o with_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n to_o which_o divine_a adhesion_n by_o love_n every_o one_o be_v bind_v that_o hope_n for_o salvation_n and_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o precept_n and_o conformity_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o observance_n whereof_o exclude_v whatsoever_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o essence_n and_o habit_n of_o charity_n such_o as_o be_v all_o mortal_a sin_n but_o those_o that_o be_v in_o religious_a order_n have_v over_o and_o above_o this_o bind_v themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o evangelical_n perfection_n and_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o evangelical_n council_n and_o advice_n rather_o than_o strict_a imposition_n and_o by_o mean_n whereof_o we_o more_o ready_o arrive_v to_o our_o ultimate_a end_n which_o be_v god_n by_o the_o observance_n of_o which_o be_v likewise_o exclude_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o clog_n and_o hinder_v the_o activity_n and_o fervour_n of_o charity_n from_o carry_v we_o up_o into_o our_o lord_n god_n such_o as_o be_v the_o deny_v of_o all_o thing_n yea_o even_o of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o body_n for_o see_v that_o our_o lord_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n they_o that_o will_v worship_v he_o 4.24_o joh._n 4.24_o must_v do_v it_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n that_o be_v with_o knowledge_n and_o love_n with_o the_o understanding_n and_o affection_n devoid_a of_o all_o phantasm_n or_o image_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o command_n of_o our_o lord_n but_o thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v 6.6_o math._n 6.6_o enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n that_o be_v the_o inmost_a retreat_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v shut_v thy_o door_n viz._n the_o door_n of_o thy_o sense_n upon_o thou_o there_o do_v thou_o with_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a pray_v to_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n which_o be_v then_o best_a do_v when_o a_o man_n be_v disentangle_v and_o divest_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o whole_o retire_v within_o himself_o and_o have_v forget_v and_o shut_v out_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mind_n alone_o do_v in_o silence_n with_o faith_n and_o assurance_n lay_v open_a her_o desire_n before_o her_o lord_n god_n and_o thus_o by_o the_o entire_a affection_n of_o her_o heart_n and_o love_n do_v most_o sincere_o and_o full_o pour_v forth_o and_o plunge_v herself_o into_o god_n with_o the_o inmost_a marrow_n and_o strength_n of_o all_o her_o power_n dilate_v inflame_a and_o dissolve_v herself_o whole_o into_o he_o chap._n ii_o how_o a_o man_n may_v despise_v all_o other_o thing_n adhere_v to_o and_o intend_v christ_n alone_o now_o whosoever_o desire_v and_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o undertake_v and_o enter_v upon_o this_o state_n or_o kind_n of_o life_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o he_o as_o it_o be_v shut_v his_o eye_n and_o sense_n do_v not_o concern_v or_o trouble_v himself_o with_o or_o be_v careful_a and_o solicitous_a about_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o but_o total_o reject_v and_o renounce_v all_o thing_n as_o impertinent_a hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o he_o whole_o retire_v within_o himself_o and_o in_o that_o retirement_n entertain_v no_o other_o object_n but_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o and_o he_o crucify_a and_o so_o press_v on_o through_o he_o into_o he_o i._n e._n through_o man_n into_o god_n through_o the_o wound_n of_o his_o humanity_n into_o the_o inmost_a recess_n of_o his_o divinity_n and_o there_o without_o any_o further_o dispute_v ready_o and_o secure_o commit_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o concern_v to_o his_o indefatigable_a providence_n according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n peter_n cast_v all_o your_o care_n upon_o he_o 5.7_o 1_o pet._n 5.7_o who_o can_v do_v all_o and_o again_o be_v solicitous_a for_o nothing_o 6._o phil._n 4_o 6._o and_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n cast_v thy_o care_n upon_o the_o lord_n 55.22_o ps_n 55.22_o and_o he_o shall_v sustain_v thou_o and_o again_o but_o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o to_o 73.28_o ps_n 73.28_o cleave_v unto_o god_n and_o again_o i_o have_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o i_o 16.8_o ps_n 16.8_o and_o with_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n 3.4_o cant._n 3.4_o i_o have_v find_v he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v because_o 7.11_o wisd_v 7.11_o as_o wisdom_n say_v all_o good_a thing_n come_v together_o with_o it_o this_o be_v that_o hide_a heavenly_a treasure_n and_o that_o precious_a pearl_n which_o can_v be_v purchase_v 6._o mat._n 13.44_o 5_o 6._o but_o
and_o to_o his_o humility_n than_o to_o all_o his_o labour_n and_o study_v beside_o and_o he_o himself_o in_o effect_n say_v or_o intimate_v as_o much_o when_o he_o say_v in_o general_a oratione_fw-la &_o devotione_fw-la plus_fw-la acquiritur_fw-la in_o divinis_fw-la scientiis_fw-la quam_fw-la study_n and_o again_o divina_fw-la namque_fw-la sapientia_fw-la imprimitur_fw-la nobis_fw-la ascendentious_a in_o deum_n &_o ad_fw-la ipsam_fw-la sapientiam_fw-la the_o like_a be_v report_v of_o his_o scholar_n tho._n aquinas_n and_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o even_o in_o our_o own_o age_n and_o country_n of_o the_o learned_a dr._n hammond_n by_o the_o late_a bishop_n of_o oxford_n who_o write_v his_o life_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o can_v attest_v the_o same_o of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n if_o they_o think_v it_o fit_a and_o certain_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o in_o the_o education_n of_o youth_n in_o our_o university_n be_v a_o principal_a cause_n that_o they_o have_v produce_v no_o more_o solid_a and_o substantial_a fruit_n of_o late_a age_n and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o much_o decay_v in_o this_o nation_n for_o learn_v without_o it_o be_v a_o lifeless_a and_o pernicious_a thing_n as_o apt_a to_o distract_v the_o mind_n as_o any_o other_o of_o the_o deceitful_a delight_n of_o the_o world_n the_o neglect_n of_o this_o by_o such_o as_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o a_o form_n of_o religion_n and_o employ_v more_o time_n and_o cost_n to_o adorn_v their_o body_n and_o their_o house_n than_o to_o cultivate_v their_o soul_n will_v prove_v a_o heavy_a charge_n to_o a_o great_a number_n of_o people_n one_o day_n luk._n 13.24_o 28._o mat._n 25.8_o 12._o and_o they_o who_o have_v unhappy_o encourage_v the_o neglect_n of_o time_n appoint_v by_o authority_n whether_o divine_a or_o humane_a for_o religious_a employment_n and_o the_o profanation_n thereof_o by_o sport_n and_o idleness_n will_v then_o find_v who_o service_n they_o have_v therein_o promote_v and_o a_o dismal_a account_n they_o have_v to_o answer_v the_o author_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a man_n of_o his_o age_n both_o for_o learning_n and_o piety_n a_o zealous_a man_n against_o all_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n especial_o of_o the_o ecclesiastic_n not_o spare_v the_o great_a prelate_n and_o even_o the_o pope_n themselves_o prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n what_o great_a mischief_n to_o the_o church_n and_o loss_n of_o soul_n proceed_v from_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o ecclesiastic_n he_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o ratisbon_n sore_o against_o his_o will_n by_o pope_n alexander_n iu._n but_o will_v not_o remit_v his_o former_a austerity_n nor_o leave_v off_o his_o mean_a apparel_n but_o visit_v his_o diocese_n on_o foot_n commit_v the_o secular_a business_n to_o trusty_a man_n and_o apply_v himself_o mhol_o to_o the_o care_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o divine_a contemplation_n and_o when_o alexander_n be_v dead_a apply_v himself_o to_o his_o successor_n and_o have_v obtain_v his_o leave_n resign_v his_o bishopric_n this_o little_a book_n above_o forty_o year_n since_o be_v by_o sir_n kenelm_n digby_n think_v worthy_a not_o only_o of_o his_o perusal_n but_o pain_n to_o turn_v it_o into_o english_a and_o his_o translation_n or_o rather_o as_o he_o say_v paraphrase_n be_v not_o long_o after_o print_v with_o a_o commendatory_a preface_n to_o his_o mother_n but_o it_o come_v not_o to_o my_o hand_n till_o this_o be_v in_o the_o press_n and_o beside_o be_v out_o of_o print_n and_o a_o paraphrase_n the_o strict_a translation_n be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v print_v and_o may_v possible_o be_v more_o grateful_a to_o some_o socrates_n christianus_n a_o preface_n to_o the_o two_o treatise_n of_o dr._n john_n staupitz_n john_n staupitz_n descend_v of_o a_o very_a noble_a family_n in_o misnia_n be_v more_o noble_a by_o his_o own_o virtue_n be_v a_o early_a and_o a_o great_a proficient_a in_o learning_n and_o piety_n and_o a_o great_a favourer_n and_o promoter_n of_o both_o in_o other_o and_o he_o want_v not_o advantage_n for_o it_o be_v abbot_n of_o st._n peter_n in_o saltzburg_n vicar_n general_n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o augustine_n in_o all_o germany_n and_o in_o great_a esteem_n with_o frederick_n duke_n of_o saxony_n a_o wise_a and_o pious_a prince_n who_o make_v use_v of_o he_o chief_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o university_n of_o wirtemberg_n which_o he_o found_v in_o the_o year_n 1502._o he_o it_o be_v who_o send_v for_o martin_n luther_n from_o erford_n to_o this_o university_n 1508._o have_v take_v special_a notice_n of_o he_o for_o a_o man_n of_o part_n learning_n and_o zeal_n for_o religion_n and_o 15â—2_n make_v he_o take_v the_o degree_n of_o doctor_n and_o luther_n great_o esteem_v he_o always_o use_v to_o call_v he_o his_o staupitz_n and_o often_o say_v he_o be_v a_o great_a man_n and_o not_o only_o learned_a and_o eloquent_a in_o school_n and_o church_n but_o also_o acceptable_a and_o venerable_a at_o court_n and_o among_o great_a person_n he_o may_v have_v be_v prefer_v to_o the_o great_a dignity_n have_v he_o not_o industrious_o study_v omni_n avoid_v it_o though_o he_o be_v himself_o make_v doctor_n obraram_fw-la eruditionem_fw-la yet_o be_v he_o no_o less_o studious_a of_o the_o practice_n than_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divinity_n and_o the_o very_a year_n that_o luther_n be_v make_v doctor_n by_o his_o mean_n he_o order_v in_o all_o the_o monastery_n subject_a to_o his_o care_n that_o the_o h._n scripture_n shall_v be_v read_v at_o meal_n in_o the_o place_n of_o st._n augustine_n that_o the_o friar_n may_v be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o they_o and_o he_o it_o be_v who_o begin_v the_o first_o motion_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o the_o year_n 1517._o for_o he_o be_v the_o man_n who_o first_o complain_v against_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o preacher_n of_o indulgency_n and_o resolve_v with_o all_o his_o might_n to_o oppose_v they_o out_o of_o all_o his_o friar_n and_o all_o his_o doctor_n in_o that_o university_n make_v choice_n of_o luther_n to_o preach_v against_o they_o and_o give_v he_o all_o the_o encouragement_n and_o assistance_n he_o can_v afterward_o so_o that_o he_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o first_o beginner_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o though_o this_o alone_o be_v enough_o to_o recommend_v these_o tract_n of_o his_o to_o all_o protestant_n yet_o there_o be_v two_o consideration_n more_o which_o do_v not_o a_o little_a enhance_v the_o value_n of_o they_o the_o one_o that_o they_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o devotion_n of_o a_o person_n so_o primary_o concern_v in_o the_o reformation_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o answer_v the_o calumny_n &_o convince_v the_o uncharitableness_n of_o those_o papist_n who_o will_v impute_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n to_o a_o emulation_n of_o the_o augustine_n against_o the_o dominican_n for_o temporal_a advantage_n the_o other_o that_o as_o in_o they_o may_v be_v observe_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o the_o first_o reformer_n so_o by_o they_o we_o both_o may_v perceive_v how_o much_o we_o be_v now_o degenerate_v from_o their_o piety_n and_o devotion_n and_o be_v admonish_v and_o direct_v to_o return_v thereunto_o which_o be_v the_o very_a end_n and_o design_n intend_v in_o the_o translation_n of_o these_o author_n and_o therefore_o though_o this_o be_v none_o of_o those_o ancient_a christian_a who_o be_v first_o intend_v to_o be_v translate_v yet_o be_v he_o so_o primitive_a a_o christian_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o reformation_n that_o he_o mâ—…_n very_o proper_o serve_v the_o design_n as_o to_o the_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o no_o subject_n can_v be_v more_o proper_a in_o order_n to_o thâ—_n end_v design_v for_o all_o christian_n that_o this_o which_o he_o treat_v advertisement_n when_o this_o book_n entitle_v the_o greaâ—_n duty_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v print_v the_o translator_n know_v nothing_o of_o johâ—_n staupitz_n the_o author_n of_o the_o latter_a part_n oâ—_n this_o translation_n which_o be_v since_o mâ—…_n with_o have_v occasion_v the_o print_n of_o thiâ—_n preface_n the_o abovementioned_a and_o follow_v book_n may_v be_v have_v at_o john_n coughens_n in_o plumtree-court_n near_o fleet-bridge_n in_o holbourn_n the_o way_n to_o the_o sabbath_n of_o rest_n quarto_n by_o mr._n tho._n bromley_n the_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a or_o the_o golden_a rule_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n translate_v out_o of_o high-dutch_a octavo_fw-la some_o short_a rule_n of_o christian_a perfection_n by_o henricus_fw-la lovaniensis_fw-la he_o who_o will_v be_v perfect_o his_o god_n give_v up_o to_o he_o must_v observe_v six_o thing_n whereof_o three_o be_v external_n and_o as_o many_o internal_a of_o the_o external_n the_o first_o be_v that_o his_o clothes_n and_o his_o exterior_a state_n be_v such_o whereby_o he_o may_v desire_v to_o please_v none_o at_o all_o but_o god_n alone_o
by_o the_o part_n with_o all_o that_o we_o have_v which_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o with_o humble_a confidence_n most_o instant_a endeavour_n and_o quiet_a silence_n even_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o outward_a conveniency_n and_o advantage_n of_o praise_n or_o honour_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o what_o advantage_n will_v it_o be_v to_o one_o that_o have_v dedicate_v himself_o to_o god_n if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n suffer_v loss_n in_o his_o soul_n or_o of_o what_o profit_n be_v the_o high_a profession_n of_o religion_n or_o a_o seem_a holy_a conversation_n without_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o humility_n wherein_o christ_n dwell_v through_o faith_n wrought_v and_o form_v by_o love_n wherefore_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o we_o 17.21_o luke_n 17.21_o which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o chap._n iii_o wherein_o the_o perfection_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n do_v consist_v sure_a it_o be_v that_o the_o more_o sollicitous_o busy_a the_o mind_n be_v in_o think_v and_o manage_v these_o inferior_a and_o humane_a affair_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n it_o put_v itself_o from_o superior_a and_o heavenly_a object_n and_o true_a inward_a devotion_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o more_o fervent_o she_o recollect_n herself_o from_o the_o memory_n affection_n and_o understanding_n of_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o betake_v herself_o to_o those_o above_o the_o more_o perfect_a will_v her_o prayer_n be_v and_o the_o more_o pure_a her_o contemplation_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a she_o shall_v be_v perfect_o intent_n on_o both_o these_o together_o they_o be_v as_o opposite_a as_o light_n and_o darkness_n for_o he_o that_o cleave_v to_o god_n be_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n but_o he_o that_o stick_v to_o the_o world_n grope_v in_o the_o dark_a whence_o the_o most_o sublime_a perfection_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v this_o to_o be_v so_o far_o unite_v to_o god_n that_o his_o whole_a soul_n with_o all_o its_o power_n and_o faculty_n be_v to_o that_o degree_n gather_v up_o into_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n that_o he_o may_v become_v one_o spirit_n with_o he_o so_o as_o to_o remember_v nothing_o but_o god_n to_o feel_v or_o understand_v nothing_o but_o god_n and_o that_o all_o his_o affection_n be_v unite_v and_o centre_v in_o the_o joy_n of_o love_n may_v sweet_o repose_v in_o the_o sole_a fruition_n of_o their_o creator_n for_o the_o image_n of_o god_n impress_v on_o the_o soul_n consist_v in_o these_o three_o faculty_n viz._n reason_n memory_n and_o will_v and_o as_o long_o as_o these_o do_v not_o whole_o receive_v their_o stamp_n and_o impress_n from_o god_n the_o soul_n be_v not_o deiform_a according_a to_o the_o intent_n and_o scope_n of_o its_o first_o creation_n for_o god_n be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o who_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v impress_v as_o the_o wax_n be_v by_o the_o seal_n now_o this_o can_v never_o be_v full_o perform_v until_o reason_n be_v according_a to_o its_o capacity_n perfect_o illuminate_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sovereign_a truth_n and_o the_o will_v be_v perfect_o bend_v and_o take_v up_o in_o love_v the_o supreme_a good_a and_o the_o memory_n be_v whole_o employ_v in_o the_o behold_n and_o enjoy_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o in_o a_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a repose_n and_o acquiescence_n in_o the_o same_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o the_o consummate_v possession_n of_o these_o consist_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o bliss_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o true_a beginning_n and_o anticipation_n of_o these_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o this_o life_n chap._n iu._n how_o the_o activity_n of_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o intellect_n alone_o and_o not_o in_o the_o sense_n happy_a therefore_o be_v the_o man_n who_o by_o a_o continual_a efface_v of_o all_o phantasm_n and_o imaginary_a representation_n and_o by_o introversion_n and_o the_o lift_n up_o his_o mind_n into_o god_n do_v at_o last_o in_o a_o manner_n forget_v and_o leave_v behind_o he_o all_o i_o mage_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n consequent_o operate_a inward_o with_o a_o naked_a simple_a and_o pure_a intellect_n and_o affection_n about_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o simple_a object_n god_n wherefore_o thou_o must_v reject_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o thy_o mind_n all_o phantasm_n representation_n and_o image_n and_o the_o form_n of_o all_o thing_n beside_o god_n to_o the_o end_n that_o thy_o whole_a exercise_n about_o god_n within_o thou_o may_v depend_v only_o of_o thy_o naked_a intellect_n affection_n and_o will._n for_o indeed_o the_o true_a end_n of_o all_o thy_o holy_a exercise_n be_v this_o that_o thou_o do_v intend_v and_o repose_v in_o the_o lord_n god_n within_o thou_o by_o the_o pure_a act_n of_o intellection_n and_o the_o devout_a affection_n without_o all_o representation_n or_o entanglement_n whatsoever_o now_o this_o exercise_n can_v be_v discharge_v by_o any_o corporal_a organ_n or_o the_o external_a sense_n but_o by_o that_o part_n in_o man_n by_o which_o he_o be_v man_n now_o that_o which_o constitute_v a_o man_n be_v understanding_n and_o love_n and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o man_n sport_v it_o with_o his_o imagination_n and_o sense_n and_o fix_v there_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o get_v beyond_o the_o motion_n and_o bound_n of_o his_o bestial_a nature_n that_o be_v of_o that_o part_n within_o he_o which_o he_o have_v common_a with_o brute_n beast_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o do_v perceive_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o such_o sensible_a representation_n and_o no_o other_o because_o the_o power_n of_o their_o soul_n reach_v no_o high_a but_o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o with_o man_n who_o be_v create_v in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o intellect_n affection_n and_o freewill_n which_o must_v be_v immediate_o pure_o and_o naked_o impress_v by_o god_n and_o become_v unite_v and_o firm_o cleave_v unto_o he_o wherefore_o also_o the_o devil_n do_v with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n endeavour_v to_o hinder_v and_o disturb_v this_o exercise_n as_o far_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v forasmuch_o as_o he_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o entrance_n and_o anticipation_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o make_v he_o to_o envy_v so_o great_a a_o happiness_n to_o man._n for_o which_o reason_n he_o always_o endeavour_n to_o estrange_v and_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o his_o lord_n god_n sometime_o by_o one_o temptation_n sometime_o by_o another_o sometime_o by_o one_o passion_n and_o sometime_o by_o another_o sometime_o by_o superfluous_a solicitousness_n and_o indiscreet_a cark_n sometime_o by_o disturbance_n dissolute_a conversation_n and_o unreasonable_a curiosity_n sometime_o by_o the_o study_n of_o curious_a and_o subtle_a write_n impertinent_a discourse_n report_n and_o news_n sometime_o by_o adversity_n and_o sometime_o by_o prosperity_n which_o though_o sometime_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v very_a light_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n no_o sin_n at_o all_o be_v nevertheless_o great_a let_n and_o hindrance_n to_o this_o holy_a exercise_n and_o work_n and_o therefore_o however_o they_o may_v represent_v themselves_o to_o we_o as_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a yet_o be_v immediate_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o disow_v as_o hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a whether_o they_o be_v small_a or_o great_a and_o to_o be_v whole_o expel_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o our_o sense_n according_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o all_o thing_n hear_v see_v do_v or_o speak_v and_o other_o such_o like_a be_v receive_v by_o we_o without_o any_o phantasm_n image_n or_o dwell_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o neither_o afterward_o nor_o before_o nor_o at_o the_o perceive_v of_o they_o we_o do_v form_n of_o feed_v any_o representation_n and_o when_o thus_o a_o phantasm_n do_v not_o enter_v the_o memory_n and_o the_o mind_n then_o can_v it_o neither_o hinder_v a_o man_n in_o his_o prayer_n meditation_n and_o sing_v of_o psalm_n or_o in_o any_o other_o spiritual_a operation_n or_o exercise_n whatsoever_o neither_o will_v it_o ever_o again_o obviate_v and_o disturb_v he_o thus_o do_v thou_o ready_o and_o secure_o commit_v thy_o whole_a self_n and_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o thy_o concern_v in_o silence_n and_o rest_n to_o the_o infallible_a and_o most_o certain_a providence_n and_o wise_a disposal_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o himself_o will_v appear_v for_o thou_o in_o this_o combat_n and_o fight_v for_o thou_o and_o will_v with_o more_o honour_n and_o sweetness_n deliver_v and_o comfort_v thou_o than_o if_o thou_o shall_v continual_o night_n and_o day_n hammer_n upon_o the_o anvil_n of_o thy_o thought_n and_o imagination_n about_o it_o and_o with_o a_o vain_a vagabond_n and_o yet_o captive_a
relish_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o do_v thou_o endeavour_v to_o quit_v all_o phantasm_n and_o imaginary_a representation_n of_o bodily_a thing_n because_o nothing_o be_v more_o please_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o a_o mind_n divest_v of_o all_o such_o like_a form_n and_o image_n for_o his_o delight_n be_v with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o be_v such_o who_o with_o a_o calm_a mind_n purify_v and_o simplify_v from_o all_o these_o occupation_n distraction_n and_o passion_n do_v intend_v apply_v and_o cleave_v to_o he_o make_v this_o their_o whole_a business_n for_o otherwise_o if_o thy_o memory_n imagination_n and_o thought_n be_v often_o busy_v about_o these_o thing_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v inveigle_v either_o with_o some_o new_a thing_n or_o the_o remain_v of_o some_o former_o entertain_v or_o be_v various_o affect_v and_o distract_v with_o other_o occur_v object_n 1.5_o wisd_v 1.5_o for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o discipline_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v remove_v its_o self_n from_o thought_n that_o be_v without_o understanding_n wherefore_o a_o true_a lover_n of_o jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v so_o unite_v in_o his_o intellect_n through_o good_a will_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o goodness_n and_o be_v so_o naked_a and_o strip_v of_o all_o phantasm_n and_o passion_n as_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o take_v notice_n whether_o he_o be_v deride_v and_o flout_v at_o or_o love_v and_o honour_a or_o whether_o any_o thing_n else_o happen_v to_o he_o for_o a_o good_a will_n make_v up_o all_o and_o be_v above_o and_o beyond_o all_o wherefore_o if_o there_o be_v a_o good_a will_n and_o that_o the_o same_o in_o the_o intellect_n be_v pure_o conform_v and_o unite_a to_o god_n it_o can_v do_v no_o hurt_n though_o the_o flesh_n or_o sensuality_n and_o the_o outward_a man_n shall_v incline_v to_o sin_n and_o be_v backward_o and_o dead_a to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a yea_o even_o though_o the_o inward_a man_n also_o shall_v be_v dead_a and_o listless_a to_o any_o thing_n of_o devotion_n for_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o man_n by_o faith_n and_o good_a will_n naked_o to_o cleave_v to_o god_n in_o the_o intellect_n or_o supreme_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o this_o he_o will_v do_v if_o he_o thorough_o perceive_v and_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o own_o imperfection_n and_o nothingness_n and_o know_v that_o all_o his_o good_a consist_v and_o be_v in_o his_o creator_n and_o if_o with_o all_o his_o power_n and_o faculty_n he_o abandon_v himself_o and_o all_o creature_n and_o total_o plunge_v his_o whole_a self_n into_o his_o creator_n so_o as_o to_o direct_v all_o his_o action_n pure_o and_o entire_o to_o his_o lord_n god_n as_o the_o sole_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o they_o all_o seeking_z nor_o desire_v any_o thing_n beside_o he_o in_o who_o he_o perceive_v himself_o to_o have_v find_v all_o good_a with_o all_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n and_o by_o this_o process_n he_o become_v in_o a_o manner_n transform_v into_o god_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o he_o can_v neither_o think_v nor_o understand_v nor_o love_n nor_o remember_v any_o thing_n but_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n nor_o do_v he_o see_v himself_o and_o other_o creature_n save_v only_o in_o god_n neither_o do_v he_o love_v any_o thing_n save_o god_n alone_o nor_o remember_v or_o make_v mention_n of_o they_o or_o of_o himself_o but_o in_o god_n now_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n make_v a_o soul_n very_o humble_a judge_v it_o self_n but_o not_o another_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o worldly_a wisdom_n make_v the_o soul_n proud_a vain_a arrogant_a and_o puff_v up_o with_o wind._n let_v we_o lay_v down_o this_o therefore_o for_o a_o spiritual_a and_o fundamental_a doctrine_n that_o he_o who_o will_v draw_v near_o to_o the_o knowledge_n service_n and_o familiarity_n or_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o that_o will_v real_o possess_v he_o must_v of_o necessity_n whole_o strip_v and_o divest_v his_o heart_n from_o all_o sensible_a love_n not_o only_o of_o every_o person_n whatsoever_o but_o of_o every_o creature_n to_o the_o end_n that_o with_o a_o simple_a and_o entire_a heart_n he_o may_v reach_v forward_o and_o press_v into_o the_o lord_n god_n his_o creator_n free_o without_o all_o duplicity_n care_n or_o sollicitousness_n with_o a_o full_a assure_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o his_o providence_n as_o to_o all_o his_o concern_v chap._n vii_o how_o the_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v up_o or_o recollect_v into_o itself_o moreover_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o soul_n chapter_n 21._o to_o mount_v up_o to_o god_n iâ—_n to_o enter_v into_o one_o self_n for_o he_o who_o inward_o enter_v and_o intimate_o penetrate_v into_o himself_o get_v above_o or_o beyond_o himself_o he_o true_o mount_v up_o to_o god_n let_v we_o therefore_o gather_v up_o our_o heart_n from_o the_o various_a distraction_n oâ—_n this_o world_n and_o recall_v they_o to_o the_o joyâ—_n within_o that_o we_o may_v at_o last_o be_v able_a to_o fix_v they_o in_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a contemplation_n for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a life_n and_o rest_n of_o our_o heart_n when_o by_o desire_v it_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o sweet_o refresh_v with_o his_o divine_a comfort_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o in_o the_o experimental_a taste_n and_o relish_v hereof_o we_o be_v manifold_o hinder_v so_o as_o that_o we_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n reach_v to_o he_o be_v plain_o this_o because_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v distract_v with_o solicitousness_n do_v not_o enter_v into_o itself_o by_o the_o memory_n be_v overshadow_a cloud_v with_o phantasm_n do_v not_o retire_v into_o herself_o through_o the_o intellect_n be_v allure_v by_o lust_n and_o concupiscence_n do_v not_o turn_v in_o to_o herself_o through_o the_o desire_n of_o internal_a sweetness_n and_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o be_v thus_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o these_o sensible_a and_o present_a thing_n she_o can_v never_o enter_v in_o to_o herself_o viz_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o herself_o it_o behove_v therefore_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v necessary_a that_o with_o humble_a reverence_n and_o great_a confidence_n the_o mind_n raise_v itself_o above_o itself_o and_o every_o creature_n by_o a_o total_a deny_v and_o renounce_v of_o they_o all_o and_o say_v within_o herself_o he_o who_o of_o all_o thing_n before_o all_o thing_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n i_o seek_v love_n long_o for_o and_o desire_v be_v neither_o sensible_a nor_o imaginable_a but_o above_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sensible_a and_o intelligible_a too_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v perceive_v by_o any_o sense_n but_o whole_o desirable_a by_o full_a and_o perfect_a desire_n neither_o be_v he_o figurable_a or_o representable_a but_o to_o be_v most_o perfect_o long_v for_o by_o the_o most_o intimate_a affection_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rate_v or_o value_v but_o whole_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o a_o pure_a heart_n as_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n amiable_a and_o delectable_a and_o of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o perfection_n and_o thus_o she_o be_v carry_v into_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o become_v high_a raise_v within_o herself_o and_o enter_v deep_a into_o herself_o and_o this_o manner_n of_o ascend_v to_o the_o enigmatical_a or_o obscure_a vision_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o unity_n in_o trinity_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o fervent_a by_o how_o much_o the_o power_n of_o elevation_n be_v more_o intimate_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o fruitful_a and_o profitable_a by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v near_o and_o strong_a in_o affection_n for_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n those_o be_v account_v high_o which_o be_v more_o inward_a as_o to_o spiritual_a experience_n wherefore_o do_v thou_o never_o leave_v never_o rest_n until_o thou_o get_v a_o taste_n of_o some_o pledge_n or_o foretaste_n of_o the_o fullness_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o till_o thou_o perceive_v the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o divine_a loveliness_n by_o some_o little_a first_o fruit_n and_o do_v not_o cease_v run_v after_o she_o in_o the_o perfume_n of_o her_o good_a ointment_n unti_fw-la thou_o come_v to_o see_v the_o god_n of_o god_n in_o zion_n for_o in_o thy_o spiritual_a progress_n and_o in_o this_o union_n with_o and_o cleave_v to_o god_n within_o thyself_o thou_o must_v neither_o desist_v nor_o give_v back_o until_o thou_o have_v obtain_v what_o thou_o look_v for_o whereof_o we_o may_v take_v a_o example_n from_o those_o who_o be_v go_v up_o a_o high_a hill_n for_o if_o in_o this_o ascent_n our_o spirit_n through_o lust_n and_o desire_n come_v to_o plunge_v itself_o into_o the_o transitory_a thing_n here_o below_o it_o immediate_o be_v lead_v out_o of_o the_o way_n
by_o infinite_a distraction_n and_o crooked_a wind_a path_n and_o be_v manifold_o divide_v be_v scatter_v in_o itself_o according_a to_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o the_o object_n its_o concupiscence_n desire_v whence_o necessary_a follow_v motion_n without_o steadiness_n run_v without_o attain_v and_o labour_n without_o rest_n but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n do_v withdraw_v itself_o by_o desire_n and_o love_n from_o the_o infinite_a distraction_n of_o inferior_a thing_n here_o below_o whole_o quit_v they_o and_o by_o little_a and_o little_o gather_v up_o herself_o into_o that_o one_o unchangeable_n all-sufficient_a good_a learn_v and_o accustom_v herself_o to_o stay_v at_o home_n and_o with_o her_o whole_a affection_n do_v inseparable_o cleave_v unto_o it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o she_o be_v gather_v up_o into_o one_o and_o fortify_v by_o how_o much_o she_o be_v elevate_v by_o understanding_n and_o desire_v to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o and_o become_v so_o habitual_o fix_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o true_a supreme_a good_a within_o herself_o till_o at_o length_n she_o be_v make_v altogether_o immutable_a and_o arrive_v to_o that_o true_a life_n which_o be_v the_o lord_n god_n himself_o so_o as_o that_o perpetual_o without_o any_o vicissitude_n of_o change_n or_o time_n she_o now_o repose_v herself_o in_o that_o inward_a quiet_a and_o secret_a mansion_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v perfect_o fix_v and_o settle_v within_o herself_o in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o way_n to_o those_o that_o come_v to_o he_o 14.6_o john_n 14.6_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n chap._n viii_o how_o a_o devout_a person_n must_v commit_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o all_o event_n and_o in_o all_o his_o concern_v i_o suppose_v that_o from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v thou_o do_v perceive_v that_o the_o more_o thou_o shall_v divest_v thyself_o from_o image_n and_o all_o worldly_a and_o create_v thing_n and_o by_o good_a will_v be_v unite_v in_o thy_o intellect_n to_o god_n the_o near_o thou_o will_v approach_v to_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n and_o perfection_n than_o which_o what_o can_v be_v conceive_v better_a more_o happy_a or_o more_o delightful_a to_o which_o purpose_n nothing_o can_v be_v of_o more_o avail_n than_o that_o thou_o keep_v thy_o mind_n naked_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o phantasm_n and_o image_n and_o from_o all_o entanglement_n whatsoever_o so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v concern_v or_o trouble_v thyself_o neither_o about_o the_o world_n nor_o about_o friend_n or_o relation_n nor_o about_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n neither_o about_o any_o thing_n past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v either_o in_o thyself_o or_o in_o other_o no_o nor_o over_o much_o about_o thy_o own_o sin_n but_o with_o a_o certain_a pure_a simplicity_n suppose_v thyself_o to_o be_v naked_a and_o alone_o with_o god_n without_o the_o world_n for_o if_o thy_o soul_n be_v already_o launch_v into_o eternity_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o body_n sure_o it_o will_v not_o be_v busy_v about_o secular_a matter_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v concern_v about_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o about_o peace_n nor_o war_n fair_a or_o foul_a weather_n or_o any_o other_o temporal_a thing_n but_o will_v uniform_o and_o total_o intend_v be_v at_o leisure_n for_o and_o cleave_v to_o god_n alone_o in_o like_a manner_n do_v thou_o now_o according_a to_o the_o present_a possibility_n leave_v thy_o body_n and_o all_o creature_n present_a and_o to_o come_v and_o steady_o fix_v the_o view_n of_o thy_o mind_n and_o spirit_n according_a to_o thy_o utmost_a power_n naked_o and_o ready_o upon_o that_o increated_a light_n that_o thy_o spirit_n may_v be_v so_o strip_v and_o divest_v from_o all_o phantasm_n and_o from_o all_o entanglement_n and_o cloudy_a overshadowing_n as_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o of_o a_o angel_n tie_v to_o a_o body_n who_o be_v not_o hinder_v by_o the_o activity_n of_o the_o flesh_n neither_o be_v entangle_v with_o vain_a and_o hurry_v thought_n let_v thy_o spirit_n therefore_o fortify_v itself_o against_o all_o temptation_n vexation_n injury_n and_o affront_v whatsoever_o so_o that_o with_o the_o great_a unconcernedness_n and_o evenness_n of_o temper_n it_o may_v immovable_o persevere_v in_o god_n in_o adversity_n as_o well_o as_o prosperity_n and_o when_o any_o thing_n of_o trouble_n listlessness_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a or_o confusion_n of_o mind_n do_v chance_n to_o seize_v thou_o do_v not_o thou_o therefore_o think_v strange_a or_o be_v discourage_v neither_o run_v thou_o upon_o this_o account_n to_o vocal_a prayer_n or_o other_o way_n of_o comfort_n but_o let_v this_o only_o be_v thy_o exercise_n that_o thou_o awaken_v and_o stir_v up_o thyself_o through_o good_a will_n in_o the_o intellect_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v cleave_v to_o god_n with_o thy_o mind_n whether_o thy_o sensual_a part_n will_v or_o not_o for_o a_o devout_a and_o true_o religious_a soul_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o intimate_o unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o have_v and_o make_v his_o will_n so_o conform_v to_o the_o divine_a will_n that_o it_o may_v not_o busy_v itself_o with_o nor_o cleave_v to_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o any_o more_o than_o she_o do_v before_o she_o be_v create_v and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o beside_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o it_o may_v with_o a_o even_a temper_n take_v all_o and_o every_o thing_n that_o happen_v to_o it_o secure_o and_o infallible_o from_o the_o gracious_a hand_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o all_o thing_n uniform_o suffer_v the_o lord_n in_o patience_n tranquillity_n and_o silence_n wherefore_o it_o appear_v that_o to_o strip_v the_o mind_n of_o all_o phantasm_n do_v above_o any_o other_o exercise_n whatsoever_o avail_n and_o conduce_v to_o a_o spiritual_a life_n in_o which_o by_o good_a will_n thou_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o and_o become_v like_a to_o god_n in_o thy_o intellect_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n there_o will_v be_v nothing_o to_o mediate_v or_o intervene_v betwixt_o thou_o and_o god_n consider_v therefore_o how_o great_o thou_o do_v degenerate_a from_o the_o nobility_n of_o thy_o be_v and_o how_o high_o thou_o sin_v against_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o against_o all_o his_o righteousness_n if_o thou_o with_o thy_o will_n and_o love_n do_v cleave_v unto_o the_o creature_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o creator_n by_o this_o mean_n prefer_v the_o creature_n before_o the_o creator_n chap._n ix_o that_o divine_a contemplation_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o religious_a exercise_n whatsoever_o forasmuch_o therefore_o as_o all_o thing_n beside_o god_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o work_n of_o the_o creator_n have_v their_o power_n and_o be_v and_o whatsoever_o they_o be_v or_o can_v stint_v and_o limit_v and_o as_o at_o first_o they_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o so_o be_v still_o surround_v with_o nullity_n and_o nothingness_n and_o of_o themselves_o tend_v to_o nothing_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v necessary_o every_o moment_n receive_v their_o existence_n conservation_n activity_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o may_v be_v in_o they_o from_o the_o sovereign_a workman_n god_n as_o be_v in_o and_o of_o themselves_o insufficient_a for_o themselves_o and_o other_o to_o who_o divine_a work_v they_o be_v compare_v have_v the_o same_o proportion_n as_o nothing_o to_o something_o or_o a_o finite_a thing_n to_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a wherefore_o let_v all_o our_o contemplation_n life_n and_o operation_n be_v in_o he_o alone_o and_o about_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o to_o he_o who_o with_o one_o hint_n of_o his_o will_n be_v able_a and_o know_v to_o produce_v thing_n infinite_o more_o perfect_a than_o those_o creature_n we_o now_o see_v there_o can_v be_v therefore_o neither_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o intellect_n or_o to_o the_o will_n any_o contemplation_n and_o fruition_n of_o love_n more_o profitable_a perfect_a happy_a and_o delightful_a than_o that_o which_o have_v for_o its_o object_n the_o creator_n the_o true_a and_o sovereign_a good_a from_o who_o in_o who_o through_o who_o and_o to_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n who_o alone_o be_v infinite_o sufficient_a for_o himself_o and_o all_o thing_n who_o most_o simple_o full_o and_o supereminent_o contain_v and_o have_v concentre_v in_o himself_o from_o eternity_n the_o perfection_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o who_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v not_o himself_o with_o who_o and_o through_o who_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o unstable_a thing_n have_v their_o last_a subsistence_n and_o establishment_n in_o who_o be_v the_o immutable_a idea_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o mutable_a thing_n and_o in_o who_o the_o eternal_a reason_n of_o all_o rational_a and_o irrational_a and_o temporal_a thing_n do_v live_v for_o ever_o who_o fulfil_v all_o and_o essential_o fill_v all_o and_o every_o thing_n with_o himself_o and_o who_o be_v more_o intimate_o
present_a by_o his_o essence_n to_o every_o thing_n than_o the_o thing_n be_v to_o itself_o in_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v unite_v and_o one_o and_o in_o who_o they_o live_v eternal_o moreover_o if_o by_o reason_n of_o weakness_n or_o the_o unaccustomedness_n of_o the_o understanding_n any_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o meditate_v or_o contemplate_v on_o the_o creature_n than_o this_o will_v be_v the_o best_a true_a and_o most_o profitable_a way_n for_o he_o that_o at_o least_o in_o all_o his_o contemplation_n and_o meditation_n whether_o about_o creature_n or_o about_o the_o creator_n a_o delight_n in_o the_o creator_n himself_o the_o one_o and_o trine_n god_n may_v arise_v within_o he_o and_o that_o the_o fire_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o true_a life_n may_v thence_o flame_v forth_o in_o himself_o and_o in_o other_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a felicity_n and_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o contemplation_n of_o christian_a believer_n and_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n for_o the_o contemplation_n of_o philosopher_n be_v intend_v only_o for_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o contemplator_n and_o therefore_o stop_v in_o the_o understanding_n and_o so_o their_o end_n herein_o be_v intellectual_a knowledge_n but_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v take_v up_o for_o the_o love_n of_o he_o who_o they_o contemplation_n that_o be_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o stop_v in_o the_o intellect_n by_o knowledge_n as_o in_o its_o ultimate_a end_n but_o pass_v over_o into_o the_o affection_n by_o love_n wherefore_o the_o saint_n in_o their_o contemplation_n have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o their_o principal_a end_n and_o aim_n because_o it_o be_v far_o more_o happy_a and_o blissful_a to_o know_v and_o have_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n spiritual_o by_o grace_n than_o without_o grace_n corporal_o or_o essential_o now_o whilst_o the_o soul_n thus_o abstract_n itself_o from_o all_o thing_n and_o reflect_v into_o itself_o the_o eye_n of_o contemplation_n by_o this_o mean_n become_v dilate_v and_o raise_v itself_o like_o a_o ladder_n whereby_o she_o mount_v to_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n from_o which_o behold_v the_o soul_n become_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o celestial_a and_o divine_a good_a thing_n and_o look_v upon_o all_o temporal_a thing_n aloof_o as_o if_o they_o be_v just_a nothing_o thus_o when_o we_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n by_o the_o way_n of_o negation_n or_o remove_v from_o he_o all_o that_o be_v perceptible_a or_o comprehensible_a in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o remove_v from_o he_o all_o that_o be_v bodily_a sensible_a or_o imaginable_a in_o the_o next_o place_n all_o that_o be_v intelligible_a and_o last_o of_o of_o all_o essence_n or_o be_v itself_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n according_a to_o st._n dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n we_o approach_v near_o to_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o be_v in_o the_o ready_a way_n of_o be_v join_v to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v that_o thick_a darkness_n where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o dwell_v and_o into_o which_o moses_n enter_v and_o through_o it_o pass_v to_o his_o inaccessible_a light_n but_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a be_v not_o first_o but_o that_o which_o be_v animal_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o natural_a and_o accustom_a order_n we_o be_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o labour_n of_o action_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o contemplation_n and_o from_o the_o moral_a virtue_n to_o the_o theorical_a and_o speculative_a wherefore_o o_o my_o soul_n why_o be_v it_o that_o thou_o busy_a thyself_o to_o no_o purpose_n about_o the_o many_o vain_a and_o superfluous_a thing_n where_o thou_o be_v always_o in_o want_n and_o do_v not_o rather_o fix_v thy_o intention_n and_o love_n upon_o that_o one_o best_a and_o sovereign_n good_a which_o contain_v all_o good_a and_o be_v only_o sufficient_a for_o thou_o and_o all_o thing_n unhappy_a therefore_o yea_o thrice_o unhappy_a he_o who_o know_v and_o have_v all_o thing_n beside_o he_o but_o be_v ignorant_a of_o he_o for_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o he_o yet_o will_v not_o he_o be_v the_o happy_a for_o know_v they_o but_o he_o only_o whence_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o and_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a 15._o joh._n 17._o v._n 3._o psalm_n 17._o v._n 15._o that_o they_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o psalmist_n i_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v at_o the_o appearance_n of_o thy_o glory_n or_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n when_o thy_o image_n or_o likeness_n shall_v awake_v in_o i_o chap._n x._o actual_a and_o sensible_a devotion_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v mind_v as_o the_o adhere_n or_o cleave_v to_o god_n with_o our_o will._n moreover_o do_v not_o thou_o great_o mind_n actual_a devotion_n sensible_a sweetness_n or_o tear_n but_o let_v it_o suffice_v thou_o to_o be_v by_o good_a will_n in_o thy_o intellect_n with_o thy_o mind_n unite_v to_o god_n within_o thyself_o forasmuch_o as_o nothing_o be_v more_o please_v to_o god_n than_o a_o mind_n stripe_v naked_a of_o phantasm_n image_n and_o reptesentation_n of_o the_o creature_n it_o become_v therefore_o a_o true_o devout_a person_n to_o estrange_v himself_o from_o all_o creature_n that_o he_o may_v naked_o and_o ready_o intend_v apply_v himself_o and_o adhere_v to_o god_n alone_o within_z himself_z wherefore_o deny_v thyself_o that_o thou_o may_v naked_o follow_v christ_n thy_o lord_n god_n who_o be_v true_o poor_a obedient_a and_o chaste_a humble_v himself_o and_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o at_o who_o life_n and_o death_n many_o be_v great_o offend_v as_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o as_o we_o see_v that_o a_o soul_n separate_v from_o its_o body_n do_v not_o mind_n or_o take_v notice_n what_o become_v of_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v burn_v hang_v abuse_v or_o curse_a and_o be_v not_o at_o all_o trouble_a or_o grieve_v for_o any_o injury_n that_o be_v do_v to_o it_o but_o have_v all_o its_o thought_n fix_v upon_o that_o ever_o present_a now_o of_o eternity_n and_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o gospel_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v thou_o also_o affect_v to_o thy_o body_n be_v so_o unconcern_v with_o it_o as_o if_o thou_o be_v already_o out_o of_o the_o body_n and_o have_v always_o thy_o mind_n fix_v upon_o the_o eternity_n of_o thy_o soul_n in_o god_n and_o earnest_o direct_v and_o level_v thy_o thought_n at_o that_o one_o thing_n of_o which_o christ_n say_v but_o one_o thing_n be_v needful_a 10.42_o luke_n 10.42_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v thou_o will_v feel_v great_a income_n and_o assistance_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o true_a nakedness_n of_o mind_n and_o simplification_n of_o heart_n and_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o this_o one_o thing_n be_v most_o present_a to_o thou_o and_o will_v appear_v so_o as_o soon_o as_o thou_o shall_v have_v rid_v thyself_o from_o thy_o imaginary_a representation_n and_o all_o other_o entanglement_n and_o thou_o will_v soon_o find_v that_o now_o thou_o can_v with_o a_o naked_a free_a and_o ready_a mind_n apply_v thyself_o and_o cleave_v to_o god_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v thou_o shall_v be_v invincible_a in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o that_o can_v happen_v to_o thou_o as_o the_o holy_a martyr_n father_n and_o all_o the_o elect_a and_o bless_a saint_n be_v who_o despise_v and_o reject_v all_o thing_n only_o mind_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o god_n and_o be_v thus_o arm_v within_o and_o unite_v to_o god_n by_o good_a will_n they_o contemn_v all_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n even_o as_o if_o their_o soul_n already_o have_v be_v actual_o separate_v from_o their_o body_n consider_v well_o therefore_o how_o great_a the_o power_n be_v of_o a_o good_a will_n unite_v to_o god_n yea_o how_o by_o this_o impression_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n as_o by_o its_o virtual_a and_o spiritual_a division_n from_o the_o flesh_n the_o soul_n come_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o outward_a man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v none_o of_o she_o and_o be_v so_o unconcern_v at_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v to_o it_o or_o its_o flesh_n as_o if_o they_o be_v do_v to_o another_o body_n for_o he_o that_o cleave_v to_o god_n become_v one_o spirit_n with_o he_o wherefore_o do_v thou_o never_o dare_v in_o the_o least_o to_o think_v or_o imagine_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n within_o thou_o which_o thou_o will_v blush_v that_o man_n shall_v hear_v or_o see_v and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o high_a reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n in_o his_o holy_a temple_n it_o be_v also_o fit_a and_o just_a that_o all_o thy_o thought_n be_v erect_v and_o lift_v up_o to_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
discharge_n of_o which_o exercise_n and_o duty_n will_v follow_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o expulsion_n of_o all_o bitterness_n the_o collation_n of_o sweetness_n peace_n and_o security_n the_o infusion_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n the_o attraction_n and_o strengthen_n of_o familiarity_n and_o communion_n with_o most_o abundant_a comfort_n in_o he_o and_o firm_a cleave_v to_o and_o union_n with_o he_o but_o by_o no_o mean_n let_v we_o be_v willing_a to_o imitate_v those_o who_o through_o hypocrisy_n and_o pharisaical_a pride_n make_v it_o their_o endeavour_n to_o be_v see_v esteem_v and_o to_o appear_v more_o holy_a outward_o before_o man_n than_o the_o truth_n within_o they_o bear_v witness_n to_o which_o certain_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o extreme_a folly_n and_o madness_n to_o desire_v and_o long_o for_o humane_a praise_n and_o glory_n from_o one_o self_n or_o other_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o be_v inward_o full_a of_o the_o flicker_a enticement_n of_o this_o world_n and_o most_o grievous_a sin_n and_o certain_o whoever_o pursue_v these_o most_o vain_a thing_n the_o foresay_a good_n will_v fly_v from_o he_o and_o he_o will_v fall_v into_o shame_n and_o disgrace_n wherefore_o have_v thou_o always_o before_o thy_o eye_n thy_o manifold_a sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o thy_o unfitness_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o endeavour_v to_o know_v thyself_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o dont_fw-fr refuse_n or_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v esteem_v and_o judge_v by_o all_o as_o the_o vile_a unworthy_a and_o most_o abject_a off-scouring_n and_o filth_n because_o of_o thy_o most_o grievous_a sin_n and_o great_a iniquity_n do_v thou_o therefore_o repute_v thyself_o among_o other_o as_o dross_n among_o gold_n as_o tare_n among_o wheat_n as_o chaff_n among_o corn_n as_o a_o wolf_n among_o sheep_n and_o as_o satan_n among_o the_o son_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v thou_o in_o the_o least_o desire_n to_o be_v reverence_v or_o honour_v by_o man_n or_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o other_o but_o rather_o with_o thy_o whole_a heart_n and_o spirit_n flee_v from_o the_o infection_n of_o this_o pestilence_n the_o poison_n of_o praise_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o boast_v and_o ostentation_n 10.3_o psal_n 10.3_o lest_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v praise_v in_o the_o desire_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o so_o be_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o of_o who_o the_o prophet_n faith_n 3.12_o isa_n 3.12_o o_o my_o people_n they_o which_o call_v thou_o bless_v cause_v thou_o to_o err_v and_o overturn_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o go_n or_o fall_v under_o that_o curse_n of_o our_o lord_n 6.26_o luke_n 6.26_o woe_n unto_o you_o when_o all_o man_n shall_v speak_v well_o of_o you_o for_o so_o do_v their_o fathere_n to_o the_o false_a prophet_n chap._n xv._o how_o we_o may_v arrive_v to_o a_o thorough_a contempt_n of_o ourselves_o and_o how_o profitable_a it_o be_v the_o more_o therefore_o that_o any_o man_n know_v his_o own_o vileness_n the_o more_o distinct_a and_o clear_a be_v his_o view_n and_o vision_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o the_o more_o base_a and_o vile_a any_o one_o appear_v in_o his_o own_o eye_n for_o god_n truth_n and_o righteousness_n the_o more_o precious_a he_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n wherefore_o let_v we_o strive_v with_o the_o total_a effort_n of_o our_o desire_n to_o think_v ourselves_o the_o vile_a of_o all_o man_n and_o to_o believe_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o every_o benefit_n to_o displease_v ourselves_o and_o to_o please_v god_n alone_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v judge_v by_o other_o the_o most_o inconsiderable_a and_o despicable_a creature_n moreover_o let_v we_o endeavour_v not_o to_o be_v move_v by_o any_o tribulation_n affliction_n or_o injury_n nor_o to_o be_v trouble_v at_o those_o that_o bring_v they_o upon_o we_o nor_o to_o entertain_v any_o hard_a thought_n or_o to_o have_v indignation_n against_o they_o but_o with_o a_o even_a and_o quiet_a mind_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o do_v well_o deserve_v all_o injury_n slight_n chastisement_n and_o dereliction_n for_o certain_o he_o who_o true_o mourn_v and_o be_v penitent_n according_a to_o god_n he_o abhor_v to_o be_v honour_v or_o belove_v by_o other_o and_o do_v not_o avoid_v or_o refuse_v to_o be_v hate_v tread_v upon_o and_o whole_o despise_v to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v be_v true_o humble_v and_o with_o a_o pure_a heart_n may_v sincere_o cleave_v to_o his_o lord_n god_n alone_o now_o that_o we_o may_v arrive_v to_o this_o love_v of_o the_o lord_n god_n alone_o and_o the_o abhor_v of_o ourselves_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o the_o desire_n of_o be_v despise_v by_o othess_n there_o be_v not_o require_v any_o outward_a labour_n or_o health_n and_o strength_n of_o body_n but_o rather_o solitude_n of_o body_n labour_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o mind_n that_o by_o labour_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o inmost_a mind_n we_o may_v raise_v ourselves_o above_o and_o bodily_a withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o these_o inferiors_n thing_n and_o so_o rise_v and_o mount_v up_o to_o those_o that_o be_v heavenly_a and_o divine_a for_o do_v this_o we_o change_v ourselves_o into_o god_n and_o this_o be_v then_o chief_o do_v when_o we_o choose_v from_o our_o heart_n without_o any_o judge_a condemn_v or_o contemn_v of_o our_o neighbour_n to_o be_v esteem_v by_o all_o man_n as_o mere_a off-scouring_n filth_n and_o reproach_n yea_o to_o be_v abhor_v and_o trample_v upon_o by_o all_o as_o the_o dirt_n in_o the_o street_n rather_o than_o to_o abound_v in_o pleasure_n and_o deliciousness_n or_o to_o be_v honour_v and_o lift_v up_o by_o man_n or_o to_o enjoy_v any_o corporal_n and_o transitory_a health_n or_o advantage_n or_o to_o desire_v any_o other_o comfort_n in_o this_o present_a mortality_n and_o bodily_a life_n but_o to_o mourn_v lament_v and_o bewail_v our_o offence_n fault_n and_o sin_n without_o cease_v perfect_o to_o set_v at_o naught_o and_o annihilate_v ourselves_o and_o to_o be_v esteem_v daily_o still_a vile_a and_o vile_a by_o other_o and_o appear_v daily_o more_o unworthy_a in_o our_o own_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v please_v god_n alone_o love_v he_o only_o and_o cleave_v unto_o he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v affect_v with_o any_o thing_n save_v only_o with_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o not_o be_v solicitous_a or_o careful_a about_o any_o thing_n but_o he_o under_o who_o rule_n and_o providence_n all_o thing_n subsist_v and_o have_v their_o course_n know_v then_o that_o henceforward_o it_o be_v not_o for_o thou_o to_o delight_v thyself_o but_o to_o mourn_v with_o thy_o whole_a heart_n wherefore_o if_o so_o be_v thou_o do_v not_o yet_o mourn_v mourn_v for_o that_o and_o if_o thou_o do_v mourn_v mourn_v and_o lament_v the_o more_o for_o that_o thou_o have_v bring_v upon_o thyself_o this_o cause_n of_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n because_o of_o thy_o most_o grievous_a offence_n and_o infinite_a sin_n for_o as_o a_o malefactor_n who_o receive_v his_o sentence_n of_o death_n be_v not_o concern_v about_o the_o range_v of_o the_o sheriff_n man_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o spectator_n so_o he_o who_o in_o good_a earnest_n mourn_v and_o bewail_v his_o sin_n can_v give_v his_o mind_n to_o pleasure_n or_o anger_n or_o vain_a glory_n or_o indignation_n or_o any_o other_o such_o like_a and_o as_o the_o habitation_n of_o citizen_n and_o condemn_a malefactor_n be_v very_o different_a so_o the_o state_n manner_n and_o behaviour_n of_o those_o that_o mourn_v for_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n that_o bound_v they_o over_o and_o make_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o punishment_n aught_o to_o be_v very_o different_a from_o those_o who_o be_v innocent_a and_o not_o guilty_a for_o otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v no_o difference_n make_v between_o a_o guilty_a and_o innocent_a person_n by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o unrighteousness_n will_v be_v more_o free_a than_o innocence_n so_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v deny_v all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v contemn_v all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v cast_v away_o and_o avoid_v that_o with_o full_a faith_n a_o good_a and_o sure_a foundation_n may_v be_v lay_v for_o the_o sorrow_n of_o repentance_n wherefore_o he_o that_o love_v jesus_n christ_n in_o truth_n and_o that_o mourn_v after_o he_o and_o that_o bear_v he_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o in_o his_o body_n that_o true_o mourn_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o offence_n and_o earnest_o seek_v for_o the_o kingdom_n to_o come_v and_o in_o true_a faith_n possess_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o eternal_a judgement_n and_o imprint_v firm_o and_o perfect_o in_o his_o heart_n the_o sense_n and_o fear_n of_o his_o own_o death_n such_o a_o one_o will_v no_o far_o strive_v care_n or_o be_v solicitous_a about_o any_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o
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