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be_v set_v on_o fire_n and_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o violent_v from_o his_o natural_a place_n according_a as_o the_o subject_n it_o reside_v in_o have_v more_o or_o less_o power_n over_o it_o and_o be_v more_o or_o less_o material_a for_o it_o show_v more_o of_o his_o levity_n and_o natural_a propension_n to_o ascend_v when_o it_o set_v a_o oily_a or_o airy_a substance_n on_o fire_n and_o break_v up_o in_o flame_n than_o when_o meeting_n with_o a_o more_o material_a &_o terrestrial_a substance_n as_o wood_n it_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o coal_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o purpose_n i_o say_v that_o of_o all_o form_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v join_v to_o matter_n the_o noble_a and_o most_o elevate_v above_o the_o feculency_n of_o matter_n be_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o form_n of_o the_o noble_a material_a creature_n that_o be_v but_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v so_o full_a of_o efficacy_n as_o it_o even_o overflow_v the_o capacity_n of_o matter_n which_o not_o be_v able_a to_o imbibe_n as_o i_o may_v say_v and_o take_v it_o up_o all_o it_o have_v a_o particular_a subsistence_n belong_v to_o its_o self_n from_o whence_o philosopher_n prove_v the_o immortality_n of_o it_o therefore_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o mankind_n in_o the_o original_a appetence_n and_o natural_a desire_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v less_o subject_a to_o contingency_n and_o more_o secure_a from_o have_v his_o nature_n corrupt_v and_o pervert_v from_o his_o due_a course_n than_o any_o other_o material_a creature_n whatsoever_o be_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o action_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o activity_n of_o his_o form_n and_o so_o consequent_o be_v consider_v in_o general_a proceed_v most_o certain_o and_o infallible_o to_o the_o pursuance_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v fall_v off_o from_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o suffer_v that_o
immutable_a too_o and_o arrive_v without_o fear_n of_o change_n to_o that_o true_a life_n which_o be_v none_o other_o but_o god_n himself_o where_o without_o all_o succession_n or_o variety_n of_o action_n &_o without_o all_o vicissitude_n of_o time_n she_o may_v repose_v eternal_o in_o that_o interior_a quiet_n and_o secret_a mansion_n of_o the_o divinity_n unto_o which_o the_o contemplation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n will_v bring_v she_o who_o be_v the_o way_n that_o all_o they_o must_v travail_v in_o who_o propose_v heaven_n for_o their_o journey_n end_n and_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n chap._n viii_o how_o in_o all_o chance_n a_o spiritual_a man_n ought_v to_o resign_v himself_o too_o god_n i_o conceive_v that_o by_o what_o be_v hitherto_o say_v you_o now_o discern_v how_o the_o more_o you_o cleanse_v your_o imagination_n from_o the_o idea_n of_o all_o outward_a thing_n and_o sequester_v yourself_o from_o all_o worldly_a and_o create_v object_n and_o unite_v yourself_o to_o god_n by_o your_o will_n and_o understanding_n so_o much_o the_o more_o you_o approach_v to_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n &_o perfection_n and_o what_o condition_n can_v be_v better_o happy_a or_o more_o delightful_a than_o that_o strive_v then_o to_o keep_v your_o mind_n free_a from_o all_o impression_n that_o may_v amuse_v or_o entangle_v it_o and_o let_v not_o your_o thought_n have_v any_o commerce_n with_o the_o world_n or_o even_o with_o your_o friend_n nor_o be_v you_o concern_v in_o the_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n either_o of_o they_o or_o of_o yourself_o nor_o busy_a your_o mind_n with_o any_o worldly_a affair_n whatsoever_o either_o past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v over_o solicitous_a of_o your_o own_o past_a sin_n but_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o confident_a simplicity_n and_o purity_n of_o heart_n imagine_v yourself_o to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o world_n single_o with_o god_n almighty_a as_o though_o your_o soul_n be_v already_o in_o the_o state_n of_o eternity_n sever_v from_o your_o body_n which_o if_o she_o real_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a she_o will_v then_o no_o long_o trouble_v herself_o with_o secular_a affair_n nor_o care_v what_o posture_n the_o world_n be_v in_o nor_o be_v concern_v with_o peace_n or_o war_n or_o fair_a weather_n or_o foul_a or_o any_o other_o secular_a occurrent_a whatsoever_o but_o will_v attend_v whole_o &_o uniform_o to_o god_n alone_o and_o will_v rest_v in_o he_o and_o cleave_v inseparable_o to_o he_o begin_v from_o this_o very_a hour_n in_o some_o sort_n to_o do_v thus_o sever_v yourself_o even_o now_o by_o your_o affection_n from_o your_o own_o body_n banish_v from_o your_o thought_n all_o create_a thing_n whatsoever_o either_o present_a past_a or_o to_o come_v and_o fix_v the_o purify_a eye_n of_o your_o soul_n as_o steady_o and_o as_o earnest_o as_o you_o can_v upon_o the_o eternal_a increated_a light_n and_o when_o you_o be_v thorough_o cleanse_v from_o all_o corporeal_a image_n &_o your_o soul_n be_v deliver_v from_o all_o worldly_a encumbrance_n and_o mist_n you_o will_v become_v like_o a_o angel_n that_o be_v assign_v to_o a_o body_n but_o receive_v no_o prejudice_n in_o his_o operation_n by_o that_o society_n nor_o be_v annoy_v with_o vain_a and_o ungoverned_a thought_n let_v your_o spirit_n therefore_o strengthen_v itself_o against_o all_o manner_n of_o temptation_n trouble_n and_o injury_n that_o in_o all_o fortune_n it_o may_v remain_v unmovable_a in_o god_n and_o when_o any_o disturbance_n or_o tediousness_n or_o opression_n of_o mind_n shall_v grow_v upon_o you_o be_v not_o for_o that_o deject_a or_o out_o of_o hart_n or_o betake_v yourself_o to_o vocal_a prayer_n or_o to_o outward_a consolation_n but_o attend_v only_o to_o raise_v yourself_o up_o to_o god_n by_o pure_a act_n of_o your_o will_n and_o of_o your_o understanding_n and_o to_o adhere_v to_o he_o in_o the_o superior_a part_n of_o your_o soul_n whither_o your_o corporeal_a part_n will_v or_o no._n for_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v true_o devout_a aught_o to_o be_v so_o unite_v with_o god_n and_o to_o conform_v her_o will_n so_o entire_o to_o his_o that_o she_o have_v no_o relation_n or_o adhesion_n to_o any_o creature_n no_o more_o than_o if_o herself_o be_v not_o yet_o create_v or_o as_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o in_o be_v but_o god_n and_o she_o and_o such_o a_o one_o will_v receive_v all_o thing_n with_o indifference_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o resign_v herself_o uniform_o in_o all_o occasion_n to_o god_n with_o patience_n tranquillity_n and_o silence_n when_o therefore_o you_o shall_v have_v arrive_v to_o this_o state_n no_o creature_n will_v then_o interpose_v itself_o between_o god_n and_o you_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n we_o aim_v at_o for_o by_o the_o vow_n of_o voluntary_a poverty_n we_o deprive_v ourselves_o for_o the_o whole_a durance_n of_o our_o life_n of_o all_o outward_a good_n by_o the_o vow_n of_o chastity_n we_o renounce_v our_o body_n and_o by_o the_o vow_n of_o obedience_n we_o forsake_v our_o will_n and_o even_o our_o soul_n themselves_o so_o that_o after_o these_o nothing_o remain_v that_o may_v intervene_v between_o god_n and_o we_o to_o keep_v we_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o one_o another_o this_o we_o engage_v ourselves_o unto_o when_o we_o enter_v into_o religion_n &_o clothe_v ourselves_o with_o the_o habit_n of_o our_o order_n but_o whether_o or_o no_o our_o inward_a purity_n do_v answer_v to_o our_o outward_a profession_n that_o rest_v between_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n but_o certain_o we_o shall_v degenerate_v exceed_o and_o sin_n grievous_o against_o god_n and_o against_o his_o justice_n if_o we_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o and_o shall_v prefer_v the_o creature_n before_o our_o creator_n and_o by_o our_o affection_n and_o desire_n cleave_v rather_o to_o that_o then_o to_o he_o chap._n ix_o that_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o exercise_n now_o because_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o god_n be_v but_o work_v of_o his_o hand_n &_o effect_n proceed_v from_o he_o their_o creator_n &_o that_o their_o power_n &_o being_n be_v limit_v and_o as_o be_v produce_v of_o nothing_o be_v always_o tend_v to_o nothing_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o while_o they_o exist_v there_o can_v pass_v a_o moment_n wherein_o they_o draw_v not_o their_o being_n their_o conservation_n their_o work_n and_o all_o else_o that_o follow_v of_o their_o being_n from_o god_n their_o creator_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n &_o wellhead_n of_o all_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o who_o they_o be_v not_o only_o lame_a and_o defective_a but_o even_o as_o nothing_o be_v to_o that_o which_o be_v be_v itself_o and_o as_o that_o which_o be_v finite_a and_o narrow_o circumscribe_v be_v to_o what_o be_v infinite_a and_o therefore_o in_o he_o only_o and_o about_o he_o and_o for_o he_o let_v we_o employ_v all_o our_o whole_a life_n admit_v his_o infinite_a wisdom_n his_o infinite_a power_n and_o other_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n who_o be_v able_a with_o one_o act_n of_o his_o will_n to_o create_v if_o he_o please_v infinite_a new_a world_n each_o of_o they_o infinite_o more_o perfect_a than_o this_o which_o he_o have_v create_v without_o doubt_v no_o contemplation_n of_o the_o understanding_n nor_o fruition_n of_o love_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o affection_n be_v so_o profitable_a so_o perfect_a and_o so_o blissful_a as_o that_o which_o have_v direct_o for_o its_o object_n god_n almighty_a our_o creator_n and_o true_a supreme_a good_a from_o who_o all_o thing_n do_v flow_v in_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v contain_v by_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v preserve_v and_o for_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v who_o be_v infinite_o all-sufficient_a both_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o all_o thing_n else_o who_o contain_v in_o himself_o from_o all_o eternity_n the_o perfection_n of_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o resume_v in_o so_o pure_a a_o simplicity_n that_o he_o have_v no_o mixture_n in_o he_o nor_o have_v any_o accident_n belong_v to_o he_o but_o all_o that_o be_v in_o he_o be_v he_o himself_o with_o who_o and_o by_o who_o all_o the_o cause_n of_o fleet_a and_o decay_a thing_n have_v a_o permanent_a stability_n in_o who_o reside_v the_o immutable_a original_n of_o whatsoever_o be_v subject_a to_o change_v and_o vicissitude_n and_o in_o who_o essence_n do_v live_v the_o eternal_a principle_n and_o model_n of_o all_o creature_n whatsoever_o either_o reasonable_a or_o unreasonable_a or_o any_o way_n depend_v of_o time_n who_o complete_v all_o thing_n who_o entire_o fill_v all_o thing_n and_o every_o thing_n essential_o with_o himself_o who_o be_v more_o inward_a and_o more_o present_a to_o every_o thing_n than_o the_o thing_n be_v
to_o itself_o and_o last_o in_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v sum_v up_o and_o unite_v together_o and_o do_v live_v eternal_o but_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v through_o weakness_n of_o capacity_n or_o want_v of_o train_n to_o these_o consideration_n find_v they_o of_o too_o hard_a digestion_n for_o he_o and_o be_v incline_v to_o ground_v his_o immediate_a contemplation_n rather_o upon_o the_o creature_n then_o upon_o the_o creator_n yet_o let_v he_o have_v a_o care_n to_o order_v his_o meditation_n or_o contemplation_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o out_o of_o it_o may_v rise_v in_o he_o a_o delectation_n in_o god_n one_o and_o threefold_a and_o in_o his_o breast_n may_v be_v kindle_v the_o fire_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o of_o true_a life_n which_o may_v light_v and_o guide_v he_o to_o eternal_a felicity_n and_o herein_o consist_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o contemplation_n of_o faithful_a christian_n and_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n for_o these_o latter_a direct_v their_o contemplation_n to_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o it_o rest_v in_o the_o understanding_n the_o better_n of_o which_o be_v the_o end_n &_o scope_n of_o their_o meditation_n but_o christian_n do_v employ_v themselves_o in_o this_o exercise_n for_o the_o love_n of_o he_o who_o they_o contemplate_v that_o be_v of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o object_n of_o their_o contemplation_n and_o therefore_o it_o rest_v not_o final_o in_o their_o understanding_n by_o cognition_n but_o pass_v to_o their_o will_n by_o love_n and_o affection_n for_o it_o be_v much_o happy_a for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o spiritual_o by_o grace_n and_o charity_n then_o without_o they_o to_o have_v he_o in_o they_o corporal_o or_o even_o essential_o now_o the_o ready_a mean_n to_o enlarge_v the_o eye_n of_o contemplation_n be_v to_o have_v one_o soul_n abstract_v from_o all_o creature_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o reflect_v upon_o itself_o whereby_o it_o make_v a_o ladder_n of_o itself_o by_o which_o it_o ascend_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o when_o it_o be_v fix_v there_o it_o burn_v with_o desire_n of_o heavenly_a eternal_a and_o divine_a good_n and_o look_v upon_o all_o transitory_a one_o at_o a_o huge_a distance_n consider_v they_o indeed_o as_o nothing_o but_o of_o the_o different_a methode_n of_o contemplate_v god_n that_o which_o proceed_v by_o negation_n be_v the_o more_o excellent_a &_o sublime_a in_o which_o we_o begin_v by_o deny_v all_o corporeal_a thing_n of_o he_o or_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v grasp_v by_o our_o sense_n or_o figure_v by_o our_o imagination_n then_o we_o proceed_v by_o deny_v of_o he_o all_o intelligible_a object_n or_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v faddomed_a by_o our_o understanding_n and_o last_o we_o deny_v even_o be_v itself_o of_o he_o in_o that_o sense_n and_o under_o that_o notion_n as_o we_o conceive_v the_o being_n of_o creature_n and_o then_o we_o be_v arrive_v according_a to_o dionysius_n areopagita_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o union_n with_o god_n that_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n and_o this_o be_v the_o mist_n which_o god_n be_v say_v to_o inhabit_v into_o which_o moses_n enter_v and_o by_o it_o come_v to_o unaccessible_a light_n but_o in_o this_o journey_n we_o must_v advance_v by_o orderly_a step_n the_o animal_n part_n must_v precede_v the_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o we_o must_v begin_v with_o the_o labour_n of_o action_n before_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o contemplation_n and_o we_o must_v lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o moral_a virtue_n before_o we_o can_v ascend_v to_o the_o top_n of_o speculative_a one_o all_o which_o when_o thou_o have_v serious_o consider_v my_o soul_n tell_v i_o if_o it_o be_v not_o folly_n and_o madness_n to_o busy_v thyself_o in_o vain_a about_o multiplicity_n of_o thing_n do_v thou_o not_o see_v how_o thou_o be_v still_o in_o want_n &_o in_o necessity_n as_o long_o as_o thou_o entertain_v thyself_o with_o they_o give_v over_o then_o all_o other_o employment_n and_o thought_n and_o settle_v thyself_o to_o this_o only_a one_o of_o contemplate_v and_o love_v the_o one_o only_a true_a good_a in_o which_o all_o good_a be_v comprise_v and_o thou_o need_v no_o more_o oh_o how_o unhappy_a be_v that_o man_n who_o know_v all_o thing_n else_o and_o enjoy_v all_o thing_n else_o be_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n ignorant_a of_o he_o and_o though_o he_o shall_v know_v all_o thing_n together_o with_o he_o yet_o they_o will_v add_v nothing_o to_o his_o happiness_n for_o that_o consist_v single_o in_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o evangelist_n say_v the_o know_v of_o thou_o be_v eternal_a life_n jo._n 17._o and_o the_o prophet_n i_o shall_v be_v satiate_v when_o thy_o glory_n appear_v ps_n 16._o chap._n x._o that_o actual_a and_o sensible_a devotion_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o to_o adhere_v to_o god_n with_o one_o will_n but_o when_o i_o so_o much_o inculcate_v the_o raise_n of_o affection_n and_o love_n in_o the_o soul_n my_o intention_n be_v not_o to_o advise_v you_o to_o insist_v upon_o actual_a devotion_n or_o upon_o such_o sensible_a sweetness_n oftentimes_o accompany_v with_o tear_n which_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o tender_a and_o devout_a person_n be_v frequent_o accompany_v with_o i_o mean_v only_o that_o you_o be_v mental_o unite_v to_o god_n by_o your_o will_n in_o the_o superior_a part_n and_o intellectual_a of_o your_o soul_n for_o no_o devotion_n whatsoever_o or_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v of_o so_o high_a and_o excellent_a a_o strain_n or_o so_o please_v to_o god_n as_o to_o keep_v our_o mind_n free_a from_o the_o image_n likeness_n and_o idea_n of_o creature_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o particular_o belong_v to_o a_o religious_a man_n and_o which_o his_o profession_n oblige_v he_o unto_o for_o as_o by_o his_o vow_n he_o have_v renounce_v all_o creature_n whatsoever_o so_o in_o his_o practice_n he_o ought_v to_o keep_v his_o mind_n free_a from_o they_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v have_v his_o thought_n and_o affection_n continual_o fix_v and_o rivet_v upon_o god_n alone_o and_o therefore_o be_v careful_a to_o renounce_v yourself_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o so_o have_v reduce_v yourself_o into_o a_o perfect_a nakedness_n of_o all_o creature_n you_o may_v follow_v christ_n our_o lord_n god_n and_o saviour_n and_o tread_v in_o those_o step_n he_o have_v mark_v out_o unto_o we_o who_o be_v true_o poor_a chaste_a and_o obedient_a and_o be_v humble_v low_a than_o ever_o man_n be_v many_o be_v scandalize_v as_o appear_v in_o the_o gospel_n because_o their_o weak_a eye_n not_o be_v capable_a of_o that_o divine_a light_n that_o shine_v in_o all_o his_o action_n they_o reject_v and_o be_v offend_v at_o what_o be_v too_o sublime_a for_o they_o now_o to_o give_v you_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o abstraction_n i_o require_v in_o you_o from_o all_o create_a thing_n whereby_o you_o may_v conceive_v what_o it_o be_v i_o recommend_v unto_o you_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n i_o pray_v you_o consider_v what_o sentiment_n a_o separate_a soul_n have_v of_o her_o body_n she_o have_v leave_v behind_o she_o certain_o she_o regard_v not_o what_o become_v of_o it_o nor_o be_v she_o concern_v whither_o it_o be_v burn_v or_o hang_v or_o any_o way_n contumelious_o use_v nor_o have_v she_o any_o regret_n for_o any_o injury_n ill_a treatment_n or_o scorn_n that_o may_v be_v heap_v upon_o it_o but_o she_o have_v all_o her_o power_n &_o attention_n fix_v upon_o that_o state_n of_o eternity_n she_o then_o enjoy_v and_o upon_o that_o one_o single_a necessary_a thing_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v recommend_v in_o the_o gospel_n luc._n 10._o such_o sentiment_n as_o these_o i_o will_v have_v you_o beget_v in_o your_o mind_n even_o in_o this_o life_n whilst_o your_o soul_n be_v in_o your_o body_n regard_v it_o no_o more_o then_o if_o your_o soul_n be_v part_v from_o it_o and_o let_v all_o your_o think_n be_v of_o that_o one_o necessary_a point_n and_o rest_v confident_a you_o will_v here_o find_v a_o wonderful_a increase_n of_o grace_n and_o swift_a progress_n in_o obtain_v true_a purity_n of_o mind_n and_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n for_o that_o one_o necessary_a thing_n will_v immediate_o follow_v of_o itself_o upon_o your_o banish_v all_o image_n from_o your_o thought_n and_o upon_o your_o withdraw_a yourself_o from_o all_o implication_n proceed_v from_o create_a object_n and_o you_o shall_v then_o immediate_o find_v god_n shine_v in_o your_o soul_n and_o you_o will_v feel_v she_o close_o unite_a to_o he_o that_o nothing_o can_v sever_v she_o from_o he_o neither_o will_v any_o allurement_n inveigle_v she_o nor_o any_o torment_n force_v she_o from_o her_o belove_a you_o will_v be_v invincible_a in_o all_o tentation_n and_o assault_n as_o the_o holy_a
martyr_n and_o father_n be_v and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v now_o saint_n in_o heaven_n who_o despise_v all_o create_a thing_n attend_v to_o no_o other_o thought_n but_o such_o as_o concern_v security_n and_o eternity_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o god_n and_o thus_o arm_v within_o and_o unite_v to_o god_n by_o the_o affection_n of_o their_o will_n they_o overlook_v and_o neglect_v all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o though_o their_o soul_n be_v quite_o out_o of_o it_o by_o have_v take_v leave_v of_o their_o body_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o admirable_a power_n that_o a_o right_o place_v love_n and_o a_o will_n unite_v to_o god_n have_v rven_v so_o much_o as_o though_o through_o the_o impression_n that_o a_o soul_n receive_v then_o from_o god_n and_o through_o her_o spiritual_a separation_n from_o she_o compartner_z the_o flesh_n she_o look_v upon_o her_o outward_a man_n at_o a_o far_a distance_n and_o as_o if_o he_o belong_v not_o to_o she_o 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they_o with_o humility_n patience_n and_o equality_n of_o mind_n and_o if_o you_o shall_v be_v assault_v with_o temptation_n of_o blasphemy_n oruncleane_a representation_n the_o best_a you_o can_v do_v in_o that_o case_n be_v to_o neglect_v they_o and_o account_v they_o as_o nothing_o for_o be_v they_o in_o themselves_o never_o so_o foul_a or_o wicked_a or_o horrid_a yet_o as_o long_o as_o they_o go_v no_o further_o than_o your_o fantasy_n and_o range_v there_o against_o your_o will_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o you_o nor_o do_v they_o require_v that_o you_o shall_v trouble_v your_o conscience_n with_o they_o the_o enemy_n will_v certain_o fly_v and_o leave_v you_o in_o peace_n if_o you_o contemn_v he_o and_o his_o attempt_n for_o he_o be_v proud_a and_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v neglect_v and_o scorn_v and_o therefore_o your_o best_a remedy_n be_v to_o regard_v they_o no_o more_o then_o as_o if_o they_o be_v but_o fly_v buzz_v before_o your_o face_n against_o your_o will_n and_o consider_v how_o unseemly_o it_o be_v for_o the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v make_v to_o loose_a sight_n of_o his_o master_n by_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o contemptible_a fly_n and_o fall_v into_o indignation_n murmur_v and_o complaint_n at_o so_o trivial_a a_o matter_n as_o a_o slight_a temptation_n of_o suspicion_n for_o example_n a_o sadness_n or_o detraction_n or_o insufficiency_n or_o any_o other_o such_o small_a adversity_n all_o which_o like_o fly_n chase_v away_o with_o the_o move_n of_o one_o hand_n be_v put_v to_o flight_n by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o will_v elevate_v up_o to_o god_n and_o by_o love_n settle_v in_o he_o for_o such_o a_o will_n bring_v a_o man_n to_o be_v the_o particular_a possession_n of_o god_n who_o will_v have_v a_o care_n of_o what_o be_v particular_o his_o own_o and_o to_o have_v the_o angel_n his_o guardian_n and_o protector_n and_o therefore_o be_v peace_n promise_v to_o man_n of_o good_a will_n neither_o can_v any_o thing_n of_o great_a value_n be_v offer_v to_o god_n than_o a_o good_a will_n for_o such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o all_o goodness_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o mother_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o whosoever_o have_v it_o have_v complete_o all_o that_o be_v requisite_a for_o he_o to_o be_v happy_a and_o therefore_o if_o any_o obstacle_n happen_v to_o hinder_v the_o good_a which_o such_o a_o will_n desire_v god_n suppli_v and_o give_v the_o recompense_n as_o if_o the_o effect_n have_v succeed_v to_o his_o desire_n whereupon_o by_o a_o immutable_a decree_n he_o have_v entail_v merit_n and_o demerit_n upon_o the_o will_v according_a to_o which_o he_o proportion_v our_o reward_n in_o heaven_n or_o punishment_n in_o hell_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o will_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o love_n that_o be_v a_o great_a earnestness_n to_o serve_v god_n a_o sweet_a affection_n in_o please_a god_n and_o a_o most_o fervent_a desire_n of_o enjoy_n god_n but_o to_o conclude_v the_o 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god_n that_o transform_v we_o into_o god_n that_o we_o adhere_v to_o god_n by_o that_o unit_v we_o to_o god_n and_o make_v we_o become_v one_o spirit_n with_o he_o and_o last_o that_o render_v we_o happy_a in_o this_o life_n by_o grace_n from_o he_o and_o in_o the_o next_o life_n by_o glory_n in_o he_o for_o love_n rest_v not_o but_o in_o the_o fruition_n of_o the_o object_n belove_v and_o in_o a_o plenary_a and_o peaceful_a possession_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n descend_v to_o mankind_n and_o by_o which_o man_n ascend_v up_o to_o god_n for_o where_o charity_n that_o be_v to_o say_v where_o love_n be_v not_o god_n can_v have_v no_o residence_n if_o therefore_o we_o have_v charity_n we_o have_v god_n for_o god_n be_v charity_n nothing_o have_v a_o keen_a edge_n than_o love_n nothing_o be_v more_o subtle_a nothing_o search_v far_a nor_o pierce_v deep_a it_o allow_v itself_o no_o repose_n until_o it_o have_v survey_v all_o the_o quality_n and_o dimension_n of_o what_o it_o love_v and_o have_v dive_v into_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o it_o it_o will_v cleave_v so_o fast_o to_o the_o belove_a object_n that_o it_o will_v become_v one_o with_o it_o or_o rather_o it_o will_v not_o be_v content_a till_o it_o have_v so_o transform_v itself_o thereinto_o as_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v any_o long_a itself_o by_o become_v if_o so_o i_o may_v say_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o it_o love_v and_o that_o it_o admit_v no_o immediate_a thing_n whatsoever_o to_o remain_v or_o intervene_v between_o it_o and_o what_o it_o tend_v unto_o which_o be_v god_n himself_o unto_o who_o it_o tend_v with_o so_o great_a a_o vehemence_n and_o force_n that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a unquietness_n and_o
activity_n until_o it_o have_v run_v through_o all_o thing_n that_o lie_v between_o they_o and_o have_v seize_v upon_o he_o and_o have_v submerse_v itself_o in_o he_o for_o love_n have_v a_o unitive_a and_o transformative_a power_n that_o change_v the_o lover_n into_o what_o he_o love_v and_o again_o the_o belove_a into_o the_o lover_n so_o that_o each_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o other_o as_o intrinsical_o as_o possible_o can_v be_v which_o how_o it_o be_v will_v the_o more_o plain_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v several_o the_o commerce_n that_o be_v between_o they_o in_o the_o two_o several_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o understanding_n &_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o love_v first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o apprehensive_a faculty_n the_o belove_a be_v in_o the_o lover_n by_o his_o continual_a form_v the_o image_n of_o the_o belove_a in_o his_o thought_n where_o he_o converse_v intimate_o with_o he_o in_o a_o most_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a manner_n 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to_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o he_o to_o unite_v we_o to_o his_o divinity_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n no_o other_o mean_n then_o the_o love_n of_o he_o and_o the_o ardent_a desire_n of_o his_o sweetness_n that_o through_o his_o humanity_n we_o may_v feel_v and_o perceive_v and_o taste_v the_o presence_n of_o his_o divinity_n so_o great_a be_v the_o power_n of_o love_n that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o high_a heaven_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o person_n to_o arrive_v to_o beatitude_n but_o by_o the_o wing_n of_o love_n and_o desire_v love_n be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n her_o wedding_n garment_n and_o her_o perfection_n in_o which_o be_v comprise_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o the_o roman_n that_o love_n be_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n 3._o and_o to_o timothy_n that_o charity_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o that_o be_v command_v 1._o tim._n 1._o chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o quality_n and_o utility_n of_o prayer_n and_o how_o one_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v recollect_v within_o itself_o but_o since_o we_o be_v not_o able_a of_o ourselves_o either_o to_o love_n or_o to_o do_v any_o other_o good_a work_n nor_o can_v of_o our_o own_o stock_n offer_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n from_o who_o alone_o flow_v all_o that_o be_v good_a that_o be_v not_o already_o his_o the_o only_a thing_n which_o remain_v for_o we_o to_o do_v be_v that_o according_a to_o the_o instruction_n which_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o give_v we_o by_o his_o own_o divine_a mouth_n and_o bless_a example_n we_o have_v recourse_n to_o he_o by_o prayer_n in_o all_o our_o occurrence_n and_o that_o we_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o he_o like_o poor_a needy_a beggar_n like_o wretched_a miserable_a bondslave_n like_o feeble_a desolate_a child_n and_o so_o with_o deep_a groan_n lay_v open_a our_o heart_n before_o he_o represent_v our_o distress_a condition_n with_o all_o ingenuity_n &_o sincerity_n with_o fear_n and_o shame_n yet_o mingle_v with_o confidence_n and_o love_n and_o beseech_v he_o with_o the_o utmost_a vehemence_n and_o fervour_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o protect_v and_o assist_v we_o in_o our_o imminent_a danger_n and_o in_o the_o close_o admit_v and_o abandon_v ourselves_o entire_o and_o secure_o into_o his_o hand_n without_o reserve_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o to_o ourselves_o but_o acknowledge_v whatsoever_o we_o have_v or_o be_v to_o be_v absolute_o he_o and_o then_o that_o will_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o which_o the_o holy_a abbot_n isaac_n speak_v of_o his_o manner_n of_o prayer_n say_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n 6._o cassian_n collect._n 10._o chap._n 6._o then_o we_o shall_v be_v one_o in_o god_n and_o our_o lord_n and_o only_o he_o will_v be_v all_o in_o all_o to_o we_o when_o that_o perfect_a love_n of_o he_o with_o which_o he_o love_v we_o first_o shall_v likewise_o on_o our_o side_n have_v pass_v and_o be_v convert_v into_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o heart_n which_o will_v be_v when_o all_o our_o love_n all_o our_o desire_n all_o our_o study_n all_o our_o endeavour_n all_o that_o we_o shall_v think_v imagine_v speak_v and_o hope_n will_v be_v god_n alone_o and_o that_o a_o like_a unity_n as_o be_v between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o again_o between_o the_o son_n and_o the_o father_n shall_v be_v transfuse_v into_o our_o soul_n and_o mind_n that_o as_o he_o love_v we_o with_o a_o sincere_a pure_a and_o indissolvable_a charity_n so_o we_o may_v be_v join_v also_o to_o he_o by_o a_o perpetual_a and_o inseparable_a dilection_n whereby_o thus_o link_v unto_o he_o all_o that_o we_o shall_v desire_v and_o hope_n for_o that_o we_o shall_v understand_v that_o we_o shall_v speak_v of_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v direct_v our_o prayer_n unto_o may_v be_v god_n only_o this_o therefore_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o intention_n the_o aim_n and_o the_o end_n of_o a_o spiritual_a man_n that_o he_o may_v come_v to_o possess_v herein_o his_o corruptible_a body_n a_o image_n of_o the_o next_o life_n beatitude_n and_o that_o he_o may_v begin_v in_o this_o world_n to_o receive_v a_o kind_n of_o earnest_a penny_n and_o taste_v some_o drop_n of_o that_o beatitude_n conversation_n and_o glory_n which_o we_o shall_v have_v in_o heaven_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n that_o our_o soul_n be_v purify_v from_o all_o carnal_a dross_n it_o may_v daily_o be_v refine_v and_o sublime_v up_o to_o spiritual_a object_n until_o our_o conversation_n and_o all_o the_o motion_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o heart_n do_v become_v one_o continue_a prayer_n and_o when_o our_o soul_n free_a from_o all_o earthly_a alloy_n 5._o cass_n col._n 9_o cap._n 5._o shall_v thus_o breathe_v and_o pant_v after_o god_n only_o on_o who_o alone_o the_o intention_n of_o a_o spiritual_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v fix_v and_o so_o such_o a_o one_o the_o least_o separation_n from_o he_o will_v seem_v a_o present_a and_o cruel_a death_n and_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n send_v beforehand_o to_o he_o by_o enjoy_v so_o high_a a_o calm_a from_o all_o carnal_a passion_n which_o may_v inveigle_v and_o draw_v it_o to_o their_o object_n that_o it_o may_v firm_o and_o indissoluble_o adhere_v to_o that_o one_o supreme_a good_a then_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o apostle_n will_v be_v fulfil_v who_o bid_v we_o pray_v without_o intermission_n 1._o thes_n 5._o and_o in_o another_o place_n lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n every_o where_o without_o anger_n and_o contention_n 1._o tim._n 2._o for_o where_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v absorb_v if_o so_o i_o may_v say_v with_o such_o purity_n and_o
be_v transform_v from_o a_o terrene_a and_o gross_a nature_n to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o angelical_a shape_n than_o whatsoever_o she_o shall_v receive_v into_o herself_o whatsoever_o she_o shall_v employ_v herself_o about_o and_o whatsoever_o she_o shall_v do_v will_v be_v a_o most_o pure_a and_o a_o most_o sincere_a prayer_n to_o conclude_v if_o you_o shall_v continue_v without_o interruption_n that_o course_n i_o have_v trace_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n it_o will_v be_v as_o easy_a and_o ready_a for_o you_o in_o your_o introversion_n and_o recollection_n to_o contemplate_v and_o to_o enjoy_v god_n as_o in_o nature_n it_o be_v to_o live_v chap._n xiiii_o that_o in_o all_o judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o resort_v to_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o conscience_n it_o be_v of_o no_o small_a avail_n for_o attain_v spiritual_a perfection_n and_o the_o purity_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o god_n that_o upon_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v speak_v think_v or_o do_v concern_v we_o we_o present_o recurre_v in_o silence_n to_o the_o inward_a secret_a of_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n and_o there_o sequester_v from_o all_o other_o object_n and_o whole_o recollect_v within_o ourselves_o we_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n for_o discovery_n of_o the_o bare_a truth_n of_o what_o we_o make_v our_o inquiry_n about_o and_o there_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o advantage_n for_o we_o but_o rather_o much_o prejudice_n to_o be_v praise_v and_o honour_v from_o without_o if_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n our_o heart_n within_o we_o reproach_v we_o of_o faultinesse_n and_o guilt_n and_o as_o it_o profit_v one_o nothing_o to_o be_v praise_v by_o man_n while_o his_o own_o conscience_n accuse_v he_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o be_v never_o the_o worse_o for_o be_v contemn_v reproach_v and_o persecute_v while_o in_o the_o tribunal_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n he_o find_v himself_o innocent_a and_o irreprehensible_a or_o rather_o upon_o such_o occasion_n he_o have_v reason_n to_o rejoice_v in_o our_o lord_n with_o patience_n silence_n and_o tranquillity_n for_o no_o adversity_n can_v hurt_v he_o in_o who_o iniquity_n reign_v not_o and_o since_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o as_o no_o evil_a remain_v unpunished_a so_o no_o good_a pass_v without_o reward_n let_v we_o beware_v of_o expect_v or_o receive_v we_o like_o hypocrite_n from_o man_n but_o refer_v that_o whole_o and_o sole_o to_o god_n to_o give_v it_o we_o not_o in_o this_o life_n but_o in_o eternity_n that_o last_v for_o ever_o it_o be_v then_o evident_a that_o no_o action_n we_o can_v do_v can_v be_v noble_a or_o better_o than_o always_o in_o all_o our_o tribulation_n and_o accident_n whatsoever_o to_o resort_v into_o the_o secret_a of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o there_o invocate_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n our_o helper_n in_o our_o temptation_n and_o tribulation_n and_o humble_v ourselves_o through_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o praise_n god_n our_o father_n that_o correct_v and_o comfort_v when_o he_o judge_v fit_a and_o let_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o receive_v all_o thing_n either_o concern_v ourselves_o or_o other_o prosperous_a or_o adverse_a with_o equanimity_n and_o with_o a_o ready_a and_o confident_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o infallible_a and_o fatherly_a providence_n and_o by_o do_v thus_o we_o shall_v obtain_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o deliver_v we_o from_o all_o bitterness_n the_o contemn_v of_o sweetness_n and_o security_n upon_o we_o the_o infusion_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n into_o we_o the_o settle_n and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o familiarity_n of_o god_n our_o suck_a abundant_a consolation_n from_o he_o and_o our_o firm_a adhesion_n and_o union_n with_o he_o let_v we_o therefore_o beware_v of_o imitate_v those_o who_o through_o hypocrisy_n and_o after_o a_o pharisaical_a manner_n do_v strive_v to_o appear_v better_a and_o otherwise_o then_o they_o be_v and_o do_v labour_n to_o give_v man_n a_o better_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o then_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o know_v they_o deserve_v and_o do_v hunt_v after_o outward_a humane_a praise_n and_o glory_n while_o their_o soul_n within_o be_v full_a of_o impotent_a passion_n and_o desire_n and_o grievous_a sin_n certain_o whosoever_o shall_v seek_v after_o such_o vanity_n which_o be_v the_o extremity_n of_o folly_n and_o madness_n the_o real_a good_a we_o have_v former_o mention_v will_v fly_v from_o he_o and_o reproach_n and_o shame_n will_v in_o the_o end_n betide_v he_o keep_v therefore_o continual_o before_o thy_o eye_n the_o bad_a that_o be_v in_o thou_o and_o thy_o unaptnesse_n to_o all_o good_a know_v thyself_o aright_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o consider_v thy_o great_a sin_n and_o the_o excessive_a evil_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o repine_v not_o at_o be_v esteem_v the_o most_o unworthy_a vile_a and_o abject_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n but_o repute_v thyself_o among_o other_o man_n like_o dross_n mingle_v with_o gold_n like_a darnel_n grow_v among_o wheat_n like_o chaff_n mingle_v with_o corn_n like_o a_o wolf_n among_o sheep_n and_o like_o satan_n among_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o shun_v all_o honour_n or_o preference_n from_o other_o fly_v with_o all_o might_n and_o main_a from_o the_o infection_n of_o this_o pestilence_n from_o the_o poison_n of_o praise_n and_o from_o the_o vanity_n of_o ostentation_n lest_o according_a to_o the_o royal_a prophet_n the_o sinner_n be_v praise_v in_o the_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n ps_n 9_o for_o according_a to_o the_o other_o they_o who_o speak_v thou_o bless_v do_v deceive_v thou_o and_o do_v destroy_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o step_n isay_n 3._o and_o our_o saviour_n threaten_v we_o with_o woe_n when_o man_n shall_v bless_v we_o and_o speak_v well_o of_o we_o chap._n xv._o how_o the_o contempt_n of_o one_o self_n may_v be_v cause_v in_o a_o man_n and_o how_o profitable_a that_o be_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o better_a a_o man_n be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o own_o unworthynesse_n and_o baseness_n and_o the_o deep_a conceit_n he_o frame_v thereof_o the_o further_a and_o the_o clear_a he_o look_v into_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mean_a a_o man_n appear_v in_o his_o own_o eye_n through_o the_o value_n he_o put_v upon_o god_n upon_o truth_n and_o upon_o justice_n the_o more_o worthy_a and_o precious_a he_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n let_v we_o therefore_o continual_o busy_a our_o thought_n upon_o those_o consideration_n that_o may_v beget_v in_o we_o a_o contempt_n of_o ourselves_o and_o a_o belief_n that_o we_o be_v unworthy_a of_o receive_v any_o good_a turn_n let_v we_o mortify_v and_o displease_v ourselves_o and_o seek_v to_o please_v god_n only_o and_o let_v we_o be_v content_a to_o be_v repute_v as_o we_o be_v most_o unworthy_a and_o vile_a wretch_n when_o any_o tribulation_n affliction_n or_o injury_n do_v come_v upon_o we_o let_v we_o not_o be_v move_v at_o they_o nor_o entertain_v any_o unquiet_a thought_n or_o indignation_n or_o animosity_n against_o those_o that_o bring_v they_o upon_o we_o but_o with_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o spirit_n let_v we_o conclude_v within_o ourselves_o that_o we_o deserve_v all_o the_o injury_n scorn_n and_o mischief_n with_o abandonment_n that_o can_v arrive_v unto_o we_o for_o certain_o he_o who_o be_v true_o penitent_a and_o who_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o compunction_n abhor_v be_v honour_a and_o love_v by_o man_n and_o be_v content_a to_o be_v hate_v despise_a and_o tread_v upon_o to_o the_o very_a last_o that_o so_o he_o may_v attain_v to_o true_a humility_n and_o to_o a_o sincere_a firm_a adhesion_n unto_o god_n alone_o with_o a_o pure_a heart_n which_o adhesion_n to_o god_n only_o and_o love_v of_o he_o only_o together_o with_o the_o hate_v of_o ourselves_o and_o think_v worse_o of_o one_o self_n then_o of_o all_o creature_n else_o and_o the_o deem_v himself_o despisable_a and_o desire_v to_o be_v despise_v and_o scorn_v by_o all_o man_n else_o require_v no_o outward_a labour_n or_o strength_n of_o body_n but_o rather_o the_o solitude_n and_o retirement_n of_o the_o body_n whilst_o the_o heart_n labour_v by_o affection_n and_o the_o mind_n be_v quiet_a from_o all_o worldly_a affair_n to_o the_o end_n that_o set_v your_o heart_n upon_o the_o right_a object_n and_o banish_v the_o distract_n multiplicity_n of_o creature_n out_o of_o our_o mind_n and_o ritire_a our_o sense_n from_o all_o conversation_n with_o mean_a intertainment_n our_o soul_n may_v then_o raise_v itself_o up_o to_o a_o familiarity_n with_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a thing_n while_o our_o body_n be_v sequester_v by_o solitude_n from_o earthly_a one_o by_o do_v thus_o we_o shall_v change_v ourselves_o after_o a_o sort_n into_o god_n to_o attain_v unto_o the_o
perfection_n of_o this_o state_n we_o must_v be_v always_o upon_o our_o guard_n to_o pass_v no_o judgement_n or_o censure_n upon_o our_o neighbour_n much_o less_o to_o contemn_v or_o despise_v he_o and_o we_o must_v hearty_o desire_v to_o be_v account_v by_o all_o man_n as_o the_o dross_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o reproach_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v abhor_v by_o they_o like_o dirt_n and_o noisomeness_n rather_o than_o to_o abound_v with_o any_o delight_n whatsoever_o or_o to_o be_v honour_v or_o advance_v by_o man_n or_o to_o enjoy_v any_o corporeal_a satisfaction_n or_o transitory_a conveniency_n and_o we_o must_v wish_v for_o no_o more_o of_o the_o advantage_n or_o continuance_n of_o this_o life_n then_o mere_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o bewail_v and_o lament_v without_o intermission_n our_o transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o to_o grow_v up_o daily_o in_o the_o disestimation_n contempt_n hatred_n and_o annihilation_n of_o ourselves_o in_o our_o own_o eye_n that_o so_o we_o may_v become_v more_o please_v in_o go_n and_o last_o we_o must_v have_v no_o regard_n or_o solicitude_n for_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o god_n alone_o but_o settle_v all_o our_o love_n and_o affection_n upon_o he_o and_o cleave_v inseparable_o to_o he_o and_o have_v no_o object_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o power_n all_o thing_n subsist_v and_o by_o who_o providence_n all_o thing_n be_v govern_v the_o consolation_n of_o this_o life_n be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a enemy_n that_o can_v be_v encounter_v with_o to_o hinder_v one_o in_o such_o a_o happy_a course_n remember_v then_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o place_n for_o you_o to_o receive_v delight_n or_o contentment_n in_o but_o to_o weep_v and_o lament_v in_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o your_o heart_n if_o then_o your_o soul_n be_v so_o dry_a that_o you_o can_v weep_v the_o very_a consideration_n of_o that_o will_v afford_v you_o abundant_a matter_n of_o tear_n but_o if_o you_o do_v weep_v you_o will_v have_v reason_n to_o increase_v your_o lamentation_n by_o consider_v that_o through_o your_o grievous_a offence_n and_o sin_n you_o have_v draw_v upon_o your_o own_o head_n this_o doleful_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n which_o while_o it_o lie_v so_o heavy_a upon_o you_o what_o madness_n be_v it_o in_o you_o to_o let_v your_o thought_n range_v astray_o after_o any_o other_o affaìre_o that_o you_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o the_o delinquent_n at_o the_o bar_n that_o stand_v there_o plead_v for_o his_o life_n and_o fear_v the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n from_o a_o severe_a judge_n little_a regard_v what_o be_v do_v abroad_o in_o the_o market_n place_n or_o how_o the_o sheriff_n marshal_v and_o dispose_v his_o guard_n for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o prisoner_n so_o he_o that_o have_v consider_v right_o the_o condition_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v in_o and_o upon_o that_o consideration_n entertain_v such_o a_o deep_a sorrow_n as_o belong_v to_o he_o will_v have_v no_o relish_n of_o any_o of_o the_o delight_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o will_v his_o heart_n afford_v any_o room_n for_o anger_n vainglory_n indignation_n or_o any_o other_o passion_n whatsoever_o to_o harbour_v in_o it_o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n you_o chance_v to_o cast_v your_o eye_n upon_o the_o content_a and_o cheerful_a state_n of_o other_o happy_a person_n that_o swim_v in_o the_o delight_n of_o pure_a love_n which_o banish_v all_o sorrow_n do_v not_o present_o flatter_v yourself_o that_o it_o belong_v also_o to_o you_o who_o be_v compose_v of_o like_a part_n as_o they_o to_o have_v a_o mansion_n among_o they_o for_o as_o there_o be_v prison_n and_o dungeon_n for_o malefactor_n while_o the_o well_o dispose_v citizen_n live_v at_o ease_n in_o their_o own_o house_n so_o there_o be_v different_a exercise_n and_o form_n of_o live_v for_o those_o who_o past_a sin_n oblige_v they_o to_o penance_n and_o mourning_n &_o for_o those_o that_o have_v preserve_v themselves_o with_o great_a purity_n and_o innocence_n otherwise_o these_o latter_a will_v have_v no_o advantage_n of_o the_o former_a and_o injustice_n will_v have_v more_o freedom_n than_o innocence_n we_o may_v then_o conclude_v that_o we_o must_v abandon_v all_o creature_n we_o must_v despise_v they_o all_o and_o we_o must_v repudiate_v and_o fly_v from_o all_o the_o delight_n of_o this_o world_n that_o so_o with_o entire_a faith_n we_o may_v lay_v a_o solid_a foundation_n of_o repentance_n and_o mourning_n and_o if_o once_o we_o attain_v to_o love_n jesus_n christ_n in_o truth_n and_o to_o sigh_v after_o he_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o bear_v he_o continual_o there_o &_o to_o conform_v all_o our_o action_n to_o the_o example_n he_o have_v give_v we_o and_o to_o have_v a_o real_a grief_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o have_v a_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o the_o next_o world_n &_o to_o have_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n and_o of_o the_o eternal_a torment_n of_o hell_n all_o way_n before_o our_o eye_n and_o to_o be_v continual_o apprehensive_a and_o solicitous_a of_o the_o state_n we_o shall_v be_v in_o when_o we_o leave_v this_o world_n we_o shall_v then_o most_o assure_o be_v deliver_v from_o all_o affection_n to_o create_a thing_n and_o be_v concern_v with_o nothing_o that_o be_v of_o a_o fleet_a and_o transitory_a nature_n and_o we_o shall_v arrive_v to_o such_o a_o impassibillity_n as_o not_o only_o to_o be_v content_v with_o pressure_n and_o encroachment_n upon_o we_o and_o with_o injury_n do_v we_o but_o even_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o so_o think_v that_o day_n lose_v wherein_o we_o receive_v not_o some_o scorn_n or_o malediction_n or_o ill_a entreatment_n for_o god_n sake_n the_o perfection_n of_o which_o impassibillity_n consist_v in_o be_v free_a from_o all_o vice_n and_o passion_n and_o in_o have_v a_o pure_a and_o clean_a heart_n and_o in_o have_v our_o soul_n adorn_v and_o replenish_v 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be_v apply_v unto_o it_o to_o exercise_v its_o operation_n upon_o it_o nor_o can_v any_o spiritual_a agent_n cause_v any_o succession_n of_o new_a alteration_n but_o all_o that_o spirit_n work_v one_o upon_o another_o be_v do_v at_o once_o and_o at_o one_o instant_a which_o we_o shall_v discern_v the_o clear_a by_o examine_v the_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v succession_n and_o time_n take_v up_o in_o the_o alteration_n that_o be_v wrought_v among_o material_a thing_n for_o in_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o quantity_n that_o cause_v a_o extension_n and_o distance_n of_o the_o part_n the_o agent_n although_o it_o have_v never_o so_o much_o disposition_n and_o efficacy_n to_o work_v must_v have_v his_o several_a part_n apply_v to_o i_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o patient_a by_o local_a motion_n which_o require_v time_n for_o performance_n thereof_o and_o beside_o even_o in_o the_o agent_n itself_o the_o grossness_n and_o heaviness_n of_o the_o matter_n give_v a_o allay_n and_o 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misplace_v yet_o then_o eternal_o necessary_a affection_n and_o pine_v away_o if_o so_o i_o may_v say_v with_o perpetual_a anguish_n and_o despair_n of_o what_o they_o so_o impatient_o and_o enraged_o desire_v and_o never_o can_v obtain_v 6._o the_o sixth_o consideration_n shall_v be_v that_o to_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o next_o life_n one_o must_v not_o settle_v their_o predominant_a affection_n upon_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o or_o any_o good_a that_o we_o can_v natural_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o in_o this_o life_n for_o what_o natural_a good_a soever_o we_o love_v or_o enjoy_v here_o we_o must_v by_o death_n be_v divorce_v from_o and_o as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o that_o separation_n will_v cause_v perpetual_a sorrow_n because_o the_o affection_n remain_v unchangeable_a and_o although_o we_o shall_v place_v our_o felicity_n in_o natural_a knowledge_n or_o any_o other_o intellectual_a good_a whatsoever_o yet_o that_o can_v satisfy_v the_o desire_n and_o fill_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o perfect_o enjoy_v for_o they_o be_v infinite_a and_o this_o can_v be_v collect_v but_o out_o of_o particular_a object_n for_o the_o whole_a create_a universe_n be_v but_o so_o and_o therefore_o they_o hold_v no_o proportion_n together_o but_o the_o soul_n have_v nothing_o else_o to_o fill_v it_o withal_o although_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v torment_v with_o the_o former_a mention_v corrosive_n of_o preposterous_a affection_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v at_o rest_n and_o quiet_a and_o the_o thirst_n of_o it_o satisfy_v by_o that_o drop_n of_o water_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o vehement_a ardour_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o it_o follow_v that_o either_o man_n be_v not_o create_v for_o a_o determinate_a end_n and_o for_o a_o state_n convenient_a for_o his_o nature_n and_o able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o original_a appetence_n of_o his_o soul_n or_o at_o the_o least_o no_o man_n can_v by_o natural_a mean_n arrive_v to_o the_o end_n and_o period_n of_o happiness_n 7._o but_o now_o to_o proceed_v in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o this_o method_n of_o reason_v and_o to_o follow_v hence_o forward_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o supernatural_a guide_n since_o nature_n quit_v we_o here_o have_v lead_v we_o on_o as_o long_o as_o she_o be_v able_a to_o see_v we_o may_v in_o the_o seven_o place_n consider_v that_o god_n when_o he_o create_v man_n do_v not_o assign_v he_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o pure_a nature_n but_o do_v out_o of_o his_o goodness_n and_o liberality_n confer_v something_o upon_o he_o that_o exceed_v the_o sphere_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o else_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o precedent_a consequence_n will_v follow_v which_o be_v not_o only_o impious_a but_o absurd_a to_o say_v to_o whosoever_o consider_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n wisdom_n and_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n for_o as_o heat_n be_v essential_a to_o fire_n can_v but_o produce_v heat_n in_o whatsoever_o it_o have_v application_n unto_o so_o god_n be_v in_o his_o own_o essence_n goodness_n itself_o can_v choose_v but_o do_v unto_o whatsoever_o proceed_v from_o he_o all_o that_o good_a which_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o whether_o by_o natural_a or_o supernatural_a mean_n and_o his_o wisdom_n can_v ready_o contrive_v the_o mean_n to_o bring_v that_o to_o pass_v which_o his_o goodness_n dispose_v he_o to_o do_v and_o his_o omnipotency_n as_o easy_o act_v what_o his_o other_o two_o atribute_n have_v project_v so_o that_o there_o want_v a_o infinite_a object_n to_o satisfy_v the_o infinite_a capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o without_o which_o she_o must_v be_v eternal_o misefable_a it_o remain_v that_o he_o who_o give_v that_o capacity_n must_v also_o afford_v the_o object_n &_o assign_v mean_n how_o to_o compass_v &_o gain_v it_o all_o which_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o nature_n to_o discern_v and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v of_o consequence_n that_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n must_v endow_v man_n with_o some_o supernatural_a gift_n if_o he_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a disposition_n to_o receive_v they_o which_o may_v bring_v he_o to_o the_o supernatural_a end_n he_o be_v create_v for_o 8._o our_o eight_o conclusion_n shall_v be_v that_o of_o these_o supernatural_a gift_n the_o first_o and_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v faith_n for_o we_o have_v already_o determine_v that_o we_o can_v by_o any_o natural_a mean_n attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o object_n that_o may_v render_v we_o complete_o happy_a in_o the_o next_o life_n and_o yet_o such_o knowledge_n must_v be_v have_v to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v direct_v our_o action_n to_o gain_v the_o fruition_n of_o that_o object_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v to_o compass_v this_o but_o by_o the_o instruction_n and_o discipline_n of_o some_o master_n who_o goodness_n and_o knowledge_n we_o can_v no_o way_n doubt_v of_o by_o which_o two_o perfection_n in_o he_o we_o may_v be_v secure_a that_o he_o neither_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o nor_o will_v deceive_v we_o now_o the_o doctrine_n that_o such_o a_o master_n shall_v teach_v we_o for_o such_o a_o end_n we_o call_v faith_n 9_o in_o the_o nine_o place_n we_o must_v determine_v that_o this_o master_n must_v be_v god_n and_o man_n for_o first_o by_o our_o discourse_n upon_o natural_a principle_n we_o have_v prove_v that_o to_o avoid_v misery_n in_o the_o next_o life_n we_o must_v deny_v our_o sense_n the_o content_a and_o satisfaction_n that_o they_o natural_o desire_v in_o corporeal_a thing_n and_o that_o we_o must_v withdraw_v our_o affection_n from_o all_o material_a object_n and_o next_o we_o have_v collect_v that_o the_o object_n we_o must_v know_v and_o love_n to_o be_v happy_a do_v exceed_v the_o reach_n and_o view_v of_o any_o create_a understanding_n to_o
and_o temper_n with_o any_o spirit_n of_o disputation_n or_o side_v humour_n which_o few_o have_v avoid_v upon_o this_o subject_n but_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o true_a picture_n of_o my_o serious_a and_o sad_a thought_n &_o resolution_n to_o myself_o in_o this_o most_o important_a business_n wherein_o you_o will_v believe_v i_o will_v take_v the_o great_a pain_n i_o be_v able_a to_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o be_v deceive_v i_o have_v not_o seek_v to_o show_v wittiness_n or_o acuteness_n of_o learning_n in_o the_o debate_n of_o these_o point_n or_o have_v affect_v polish_a language_n in_o the_o commit_v they_o to_o paper_n for_o this_o matter_n shall_v not_o be_v handle_v for_o ostentation_n but_o for_o use_v and_o though_o peradventure_o if_o this_o discourse_n shall_v fall_v into_o the_o view_n of_o some_o learned_a man_n he_o may_v at_o the_o first_o sight_n set_v but_o a_o slight_a value_n upon_o it_o yet_o i_o persuade_v myself_o whosoever_o he_o be_v if_o he_o will_v ponder_v it_o serious_o &_o leisurely_o and_o with_o alike_o interior_a recollection_n as_o i_o at_o the_o first_o settle_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o in_o my_o own_o soul_n he_o will_v then_o find_v it_o touch_v the_o life_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o though_o i_o have_v not_o deliver_v my_o conception_n smooth_o and_o well_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o think_v his_o time_n lose_v in_o read_v they_o and_o have_v strong_a part_n than_o i_o he_o will_v make_v clear_a use_n of_o they_o then_o i_o have_v do_v this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o although_o i_o have_v set_v this_o down_o for_o your_o ladyship_n in_o two_o or_o three_o day_n for_o it_o be_v not_o long_o since_o you_o command_v i_o to_o do_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o production_n and_o result_n of_o many_o hour_n meditation_n by_o myself_o or_o rather_o of_o some_o year_n and_o how_o dry_a soever_o they_o may_v appear_v to_o your_o ladyship_n at_o the_o first_o yet_o i_o dare_v promise_v you_o that_o upon_o your_o second_o and_o three_o reading_n and_o reflection_n upon_o they_o they_o will_v gain_v more_o credit_n with_o you_o and_o you_o will_v i_o know_v by_o such_o application_n of_o your_o thought_n upon_o they_o enlarge_v and_o refine_v what_o depend_v of_o the_o main_a head_n far_o beyond_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o notion_n that_o be_v wrought_v like_o the_o silk_n worm_n ball_n of_o one_o own_o substance_n they_o alford_v fine_a and_o strong_a thread_n for_o a_o good_a workman_n to_o weave_v into_o a_o fair_a piece_n of_o stuff_n whereas_o they_o that_o like_a bee_n do_v gather_v honey_n from_o several_a author_n or_o that_o like_a aunt_n do_v make_v up_o their_o store_n by_o what_o they_o pick_v up_o in_o the_o original_n crude_a substance_n from_o other_o labour_n may_v peradventure_o in_o their_o work_n seem_v more_o pleasant_a at_o the_o first_o taste_n or_o appear_v to_o have_v a_o fair_a heap_n at_o the_o first_o view_n but_o the_o other_o web_n be_v more_o useful_a more_o substantial_a and_o more_o durable_a i_o beseech_v god_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n in_o this_o life_n to_o enlighten_v your_o ladyship_n understanding_n that_o you_o may_v discern_v truth_n and_o to_o dispose_v your_o will_n that_o you_o may_v embrace_v it_o and_o in_o the_o next_o to_o give_v you_o part_n among_o those_o glorious_a apostle_n father_n doctor_n and_o martyr_n that_o derive_v the_o same_o truth_n from_o he_o have_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n deliver_v it_o over_o to_o our_o time_n the_o table_n chap._n 1._o of_o the_o utmost_a and_o high_a perfection_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o arrive_v unto_o in_o this_o life_n pag._n 1._o chap._n 2._o how_o one_o may_v cleave_v and_o intend_v whole_o to_o christ_n despise_v all_o other_o thing_n p._n 3._o chap._n 3._o in_o what_o the_o perfect_a conformity_n of_o man_n with_o god_n consist_v in_o this_o life_n p._n 6._o chap._n 4._o how_o our_o operation_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o intellectual_a part_n of_o our_o soul_n only_o and_o not_o in_o our_o sense_n p._n 8._o chap._n 5._o of_o the_o purity_n of_o heart_n which_o above_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v aim_v at_o p._n 14._o chap._n 6._o that_o true_a devotion_n consist_v in_o adhere_v to_o god_n by_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_v depure_v from_o all_o commerce_n with_o material_a object_n p._n 20._o chap._n 7._o in_o what_o manner_n one_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v recollect_v within_o one_o self_n p._n 24._o chap._n 8._o how_o in_o all_o chance_n a_o spiritual_a man_n ought_v to_o resign_v himself_o too_o god_n p._n 29._o chap._n 9_o that_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o exercise_n p._n 32._o chap._n 10._o that_o actual_a and_o sensible_a devotion_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o to_o adhere_v to_o god_n with_o one_o will_n p._n 38._o chap._n 11._o in_o what_o manner_n we_o be_v to_o resist_v temptation_n and_o to_o bear_v tribulation_n p._n 42._o chap._n 12._o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o great_a power_n it_o have_v p._n 44._o chap._n 13._o of_o the_o quality_n and_o utility_n of_o prayer_n and_o how_o one_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v recollect_v within_o one_o self_n p._n 49._o chap._n 14._o that_o in_o all_o judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o resort_v to_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o conscience_n p._n 52._o chap._n 15._o how_o the_o contempt_n of_o one_o self_n may_v be_v cause_v in_o a_o man_n and_o how_o profitable_a that_o be_v p._n 56._o chap._n xvi_o how_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n extend_v itself_o to_o all_o thing_n p._n 6â—_n finis_fw-la