Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n act_n act_v affection_n 124 3 6.3550 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A27516 The interiour Christian, or, The interiour conformity which Christians ought to have with Jesus Christ divided into eight books, which contain most divine meditations, extracted out of the writings of a great servant of God of this age / translated out of the 12th edition in French.; Chrestien interieur. English Bernières Louvigny, Monsieur de, (Jean), 1602-1659.; A. L. 1684 (1684) Wing B2045; ESTC R18367 240,530 500

There are 13 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

light_a into_o the_o understanding_n sometime_o more_o love_n into_o the_o will_n so_o that_o one_o faculty_n seem_v to_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o other_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v content_a with_o either_o as_o god_n please_v and_o cease_v she_o own_o operation_n to_o be_v passive_a to_o the_o act_n of_o god_n in_o she_o by_o his_o gracious_a motion_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o work_n be_v do_v for_o we_o by_o this_o mean_n in_o a_o little_a time_n towards_o christian_a perfection_n the_o soul_n that_o be_v in_o this_o state_n must_v careful_o shun_v two_o thing_n the_o activity_n of_o her_o own_o spirit_n and_o the_o impurity_n of_o her_o affection_n as_o for_o the_o first_o our_o spirit_n be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o die_v to_o itself_o but_o will_v be_v act_v and_o discourse_v we_o love_v much_o our_o own_o operation_n so_o that_o we_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o conquer_v ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v enter_v into_o a_o entire_a passivity_n as_o to_o be_v only_o susceptible_a of_o divine_a motion_n the_o long_a habitude_n of_o act_v with_o liberty_n hinder_v this_o annihilation_n but_o we_o must_v fight_v for_o the_o victory_n and_o grace_n at_o last_o will_v make_v it_o easy_a as_o for_o the_o second_o the_o impurity_n of_o affection_n we_o must_v be_v perfect_o dead_a to_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o god_n so_o as_o to_o seek_v nothing_o but_o he_o and_o his_o good_a pleasure_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o self-interest_n the_o infinite_a love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o and_o the_o love_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v for_o our_o own_o good_a oblige_v we_o to_o spare_v no_o pain_n to_o attain_v to_o perfection_n chap._n xiii_o of_o pure_a and_o perfect_a prayer_n it_o much_o dispose_v a_o soul_n to_o attain_v to_o pure_a and_o perfect_a prayer_n to_o give_v herself_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n with_o a_o entire_a submission_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n touch_v this_o exercise_n to_o bestow_v upon_o she_o what_o state_n he_o please_v a_o soul_n that_o find_v attract_v from_o god_n to_o depend_v on_o his_o providence_n the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o her_o prayer_n must_v receive_v thankful_o what_o come_v from_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v contemplatio_fw-la or_o meditation_n be_v it_o with_o delight_n or_o difficulty_n with_o sweetness_n or_o aridity_n a_o soul_n so_o pure_o unite_v to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o dead_a to_o all_o thing_n else_o possess_v god_n in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n not_o only_o in_o consolation_n but_o interiour_n cross_v purity_n of_o prayer_n as_o the_o present_a light_n i_o have_v tell_v i_o consist_v in_o a_o simple_a view_n of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n without_o discourse_n or_o imagination_n reason_n and_o imagination_n have_v their_o part_n in_o meditation_n but_o not_o in_o pure_a prayer_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o be_v absorb_v in_o god_n and_o remain_v there_o in_o repose_n be_v dead_a as_o it_o be_v to_o she_o own_o operation_n this_o repose_n in_o god_n be_v by_o knowledge_n and_o love_n whereof_o sometime_o this_o sometime_o that_o be_v more_o abundant_a and_o affect_v the_o soul_n as_o god_n please_v when_o god_n elevate_v a_o soul_n above_o ordinary_a prayer_n to_o converse_v with_o he_o alone_o she_o must_v make_v it_o her_o business_n to_o comply_v with_o he_o the_o virtue_n and_o disposition_n which_o another_o time_n will_v be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o now_o when_o she_o must_v live_v no_o life_n but_o the_o life_n of_o god_n that_o be_v of_o his_o sole_a knowledge_n and_o love_n without_o any_o reflection_n on_o herself_o god_n then_o take_v the_o care_n himself_o of_o such_o a_o soul_n furnish_v she_o with_o all_o necessary_a disposition_n think_v on_o i_o and_o i_o will_v think_v on_o thou_o say_v jesus_n christ_n to_o st._n catherine_n in_o prayer_n god_n infuse_v into_o her_o practical_a light_n of_o no_o long_a durance_n but_o efficacious_a and_o out_o of_o prayer_n she_o receive_v the_o same_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o most_o excellent_a virtue_n on_o all_o occasion_n pure_a and_o perfect_a prayer_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o gust_n of_o devotion_n but_o in_o the_o supreme_a part_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n that_o be_v ineffable_a for_o this_o supreme_a region_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o sacred_a temple_n where_o god_n be_v please_v to_o dwell_v where_o she_o feel_v and_o taste_v a_o sweetness_n above_o all_o create_a entity_n the_o soul_n conduct_v by_o faith_n and_o attract_v by_o these_o divine_a perfume_n find_v god_n in_o this_o his_o sanctuary_n and_o converse_v with_o he_o with_o such_o a_o familiarity_n as_o astonish_v the_o angel_n to_o behold_v it_o it_o be_v here_o where_o she_o make_v pure_a prayer_n seeing_z there_o be_v nothing_o but_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n without_o any_o creature_n to_o interrupt_v this_o sacred_a interview_n god_n work_v all_o that_o pass_v by_o himself_o without_o representation_n or_o discourse_n or_o gust_n of_o devotion_n this_o supreme_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o sensible_a object_n god_n alone_o take_v possession_n thereof_o communicate_v his_o illustration_n and_o sentiment_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o pure_a union_n with_o he_o perfect_a prayer_n than_o be_v a_o certain_a experimental_a manifestation_n which_o god_n give_v of_o himself_o of_o his_o goodness_n peace_n and_o sweetness_n a_o admirable_a gift_n that_o be_v not_o impart_v but_o to_o the_o pure_a soul_n and_o ordinary_o be_v but_o of_o small_a continuance_n but_o the_o condition_n of_o mortality_n will_v not_o permit_v of_o more_o where_o we_o must_v live_v in_o humility_n patience_n and_o suffering_n the_o soul_n return_v from_o these_o divine_a embrace_n carry_v away_o with_o her_o great_a love_n and_o a_o high_a esteem_n of_o god_n a_o profound_a knowledge_n of_o her_o own_o imperfection_n and_o find_v herself_o altogether_o dispose_v to_o act_n and_o suffer_v and_o practice_v pure_a virtue_n on_o all_o occasion_n few_o person_n arrive_v to_o this_o purity_n of_o perfect_a prayer_n because_o few_o make_v themselves_o susceptible_a of_o those_o divine_a motion_n by_o a_o entire_a annihilation_n of_o their_o own_o power_n these_o great_a favour_n will_v be_v more_o frequent_o bestow_v if_o we_o have_v heart_n prepare_v to_o receive_v they_o favour_n which_o be_v of_o more_o worth_n than_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o experience_n for_o my_o part_n i_o know_v nothing_o i_o only_o have_v hear_v say_v that_o in_o this_o pure_a and_o perfect_a prayer_n there_o be_v admirable_a union_n most_o intimate_a embrace_n ardour_n of_o love_n so_o pure_a as_o may_v almost_o compare_v with_o the_o flame_n of_o seraphim_n we_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a union_n with_o god_n by_o a_o perfect_a denudation_n of_o all_o creature_n and_o this_o denudation_n be_v acquire_v by_o continual_a mortification_n and_o sometime_o by_o divine_a infusion_n we_o must_v therefore_o pray_v much_o and_o die_v daily_o to_o ourselves_o and_o all_o creature_n since_o that_o original_a sin_n have_v deprave_v our_o nature_n we_o can_v live_v a_o life_n of_o grace_n without_o die_v a_o continual_a death_n when_o god_n act_v with_o we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o mortification_n we_o shall_v soon_o die_v to_o ourselves_o for_o he_o break_v we_o all_o to_o piece_n on_o a_o sudden_a with_o wonderful_a contrition_n of_o heart_n and_o kill_v our_o corruption_n unknown_a to_o we_o so_o that_o a_o soul_n die_v more_o in_o one_o day_n by_o the_o love_a stroke_n of_o his_o powerful_a hand_n than_o she_o will_v in_o some_o year_n by_o ordinary_a mortification_n let_v we_o therefore_o adore_v this_o divine_a and_o love_a hand_n which_o kill_v we_o to_o make_v we_o live_v and_o never_o complain_v but_o of_o the_o little_a return_v we_o make_v for_o his_o gracious_a favour_n the_o loss_n of_o good_n of_o friend_n of_o honour_n of_o consolation_n do_v much_o conduce_v to_o bring_v a_o soul_n to_o this_o live_a death_n for_o common_o we_o quit_v such_o allurement_n when_o we_o lose_v the_o material_n of_o those_o fetter_n in_o this_o divine_a exercise_n the_o soul_n be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o god_n without_o divert_v her_o thought_n on_o any_o other_o object_n and_o though_o then_o to_o reflect_v on_o the_o effect_n of_o prayer_n will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o distraction_n yet_o without_o her_o think_n god_n leave_v powerful_a impression_n in_o she_o and_o pregnant_a disposition_n to_o practice_v great_a virtue_n and_o above_o all_o a_o love_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o humiliation_n see_v he_o can_v possible_o please_v god_n more_o than_o by_o suffer_v for_o he_o chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o hunger_a of_o the_o soul_n after_o god_n and_o of_o she_o be_v satiate_v with_o he_o i_o sometime_o find_v myself_o in_o
have_v to_o jesus_n the_o soul_n lose_v the_o sight_n thereof_o fall_v into_o distraction_n be_v carry_v insensible_o to_o a_o different_a matter_n but_o when_o she_o consider_v poverty_n as_o enshrine_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o jesus_n and_o practise_v by_o he_o she_o be_v take_v up_o with_o jesus_n which_o be_v much_o better_a and_o so_o this_o digression_n prove_v profitable_a and_o she_o gain_v by_o this_o loss_n it_o be_v the_o same_o when_o we_o meditate_v on_o any_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o fall_v from_o our_o first_o subject_n we_o be_v happy_o lose_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o divinity_n where_o we_o find_v no_o love_n but_o of_o god_n himself_o o_o happy_a loss_n there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n more_o necessary_a for_o we_o than_o of_o our_o misery_n and_o imperfection_n because_o that_o or_o nothing_o will_v well_o ground_v we_o in_o humility_n without_o which_o we_o can_v raise_v virtue_n to_o any_o height_n in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n we_o may_v get_v this_o knowledge_n two_o manner_n of_o way_n either_o direct_o by_o consider_v they_o in_o themselves_o vir_fw-la videns_fw-la paupertatem_fw-la meam_fw-la or_o by_o consider_v the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o the_o light_n whereof_o by_o reflection_n we_o discover_v our_o own_o misery_n and_o imperfection_n the_o first_o manner_n be_v somewhat_o like_o a_o winters-day_n wherein_o we_o feel_v nothing_o but_o cold_a and_o see_v nothing_o but_o sterility_n yet_o it_o afford_v light_a enough_o to_o work_v in_o we_o a_o low_a esteem_n of_o ourselves_o but_o this_o humility_n oftentimes_o cause_v in_o the_o soul_n disquiet_v dependency_n and_o discouragement_n the_o other_o manner_n resemble_v a_o fair_a summersday_n which_o be_v more_o warm_a and_o lightsome_a and_o full_a of_o refreshment_n the_o sight_n of_o our_o misery_n by_o this_o way_n be_v more_o advantageous_a and_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o more_o generous_a humility_n and_o full_a of_o confidence_n in_o god_n for_o the_o view_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o direct_a work_n of_o the_o soul_n raise_v in_o she_o a_o holy_a fire_n which_o inflame_v her_o affection_n towards_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o her_o misery_n behold_v now_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v a_o great_a secret_a in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n to_o behold_v all_o thing_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a light_n and_o never_o to_o forsake_v he_o because_o in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o we_o can_v best_o know_v and_o do_v our_o duty_n after_o that_o a_o soul_n be_v habituate_v to_o march_v through_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n and_o purity_n she_o get_v so_o great_a a_o facility_n to_o converse_v with_o god_n that_o it_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o she_o to_o descend_v to_o creature_n know_v by_o experience_n that_o he_o only_o be_v her_o centre_n where_o she_o find_v true_a repose_n and_o her_o only_a light_n to_o conduct_v she_o to_o happiness_n the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o grand_a exemplar_n do_v not_o only_o abide_v in_o god_n by_o apostatical_a union_n but_o all_o his_o thought_n and_o affection_n be_v absorb_v in_o the_o divinity_n which_o replenish_v this_o admirable_a creature_n with_o grace_n light_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o man._n he_o finish_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o mortal_a life_n but_o still_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o plunge_v in_o the_o divinity_n wherein_o he_o behold_v what_o he_o come_v to_o do_v upon_o earth_n let_v we_o follow_v his_o example_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v from_o god_n a_o light_n to_o conduct_v we_o which_o ordinary_o be_v communicate_v to_o we_o in_o prayer_n accedite_fw-la ad_fw-la eum_fw-la &_o illuminamini_fw-la draw_v near_o to_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v enlighten_v chap._n xii_o of_o passive_a prayer_n passive_a prayer_n be_v after_o this_o manner_n we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o god_n in_o his_o perfection_n or_o of_o jesus_n in_o his_o state_n or_o of_o some_o christian_a verity_n by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n abide_v in_o a_o perfect_a repose_n gentle_o receive_v the_o divine_a impression_n which_o enter_v with_o so_o much_o conviction_n that_o she_o be_v present_o warm_v and_o inflame_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o virtue_n and_o though_o she_o do_v not_o distinct_o practice_v their_o interior_a act_n yet_o she_o feel_v a_o delightful_a joy_n by_o the_o sweetness_n of_o those_o impression_n and_o find_v herself_o well_o aispose_v to_o be_v faithful_a to_o they_o on_o all_o occasion_n in_o meditation_n god_n work_v with_o we_o but_o we_o in_o a_o manner_n do_v all_o in_o passive_a prayer_n we_o cooperate_v with_o god_n but_o in_o a_o manner_n the_o whole_a work_n be_v he_o we_o must_v not_o easy_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o passive_a prayer_n to_o be_v dispose_v thereto_o require_v great_a purity_n and_o long_a practice_n of_o prayer_n with_o the_o advice_n of_o a_o good_a director_n and_o in_o the_o interim_n to_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o meditation_n a_o soul_n elevate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o passive_a prayer_n find_v herself_o unite_v to_o god_n without_o any_o labour_n of_o she_o own_o and_o receive_v from_o he_o many_o light_n and_o illustration_n desire_n and_o affection_n according_a to_o his_o various_a working_n in_o she_o then_o the_o soul_n pure_o adhere_v to_o grace_n hold_v close_o to_o the_o infusion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o follow_v the_o divine_a motion_n by_o the_o annihilation_n of_o her_o proper_a operation_n when_o she_o be_v thus_o passive_a and_o dead_a to_o herself_o her_o state_n change_v not_o although_o her_o ordinary_a disposition_n may_v alter_v for_o than_o she_o receive_v with_o equal_a contentment_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n darkness_n as_o light_n aridity_n as_o comfort_n poverty_n as_o abundance_n in_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o will_v nothing_o but_o what_o please_v god_n with_o a_o entire_a indifferency_n and_o a_o perfect_a death_n to_o her_o own_o operation_n it_o be_v observable_a in_o this_o passive_a state_n that_o the_o soul_n sometime_o remain_v in_o union_n with_o god_n and_o contemplation_n of_o his_o divine_a perfection_n keep_v herself_o in_o a_o profound_a repose_n as_o it_o be_v without_o action_n and_o at_o other_o time_n she_o act_v by_o she_o own_o faculty_n as_o it_o please_v god_n to_o excite_v she_o to_o these_o act_n her_o only_a business_n be_v to_o submit_v perfect_o to_o the_o motion_n of_o grace_n and_o she_o act_v as_o grace_n excite_v she_o do_v not_o leave_v her_o state_n of_o passivity_n see_v she_o only_o move_v herself_o according_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n a_o soul_n can_v arrive_v to_o this_o passive_a state_n unless_o she_o be_v dead_a to_o herself_o unless_o she_o be_v advance_v in_o virtue_n unless_o her_o interiour_n peace_n be_v great_a and_o stable_a unless_o her_o prayer_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n continual_a and_o unless_o she_o be_v purify_v from_o all_o voluntary_a defect_n for_o how_o can_v god_n in_o such_o a_o gracious_a manner_n visit_v a_o soul_n which_o be_v free_a from_o disquiet_n and_o ordinary_a imperfection_n how_o can_v she_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n among_o the_o noise_n of_o creature_n if_o they_o live_v in_o she_o with_o any_o affection_n to_o put_v ourselves_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o do_v with_o we_o what_o he_o please_v in_o our_o address_n to_o he_o we_o must_v be_v exact_o attentive_a to_o his_o order_n which_o he_o will_v interior_o make_v know_v to_o we_o either_o by_o illustration_n in_o our_o understanding_n or_o instinct_n and_o motion_n in_o our_o will._n perfect_a purity_n of_o heart_n require_v that_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o eye_n to_o her_o own_o interest_n but_o sole_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n her_o principal_a care_n must_v only_o be_v to_o regard_v he_o to_o love_v and_o serve_v he_o without_o curious_o examine_v his_o gift_n and_o grace_n she_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o in_o passive_a prayer_n there_o be_v many_o way_n to_o come_v to_o god_n and_o divers_a manner_n to_o sacrifice_v ourselves_o to_o divine_a love_n some_o spend_v themselves_o in_o do_v good_a to_o their_o neighbour_n other_o in_o suffer_v for_o their_o faith_n by_o the_o cruelty_n of_o tyrant_n some_o by_o mortification_n and_o penance_n other_o by_o ardour_n of_o love_n in_o prayer_n the_o soul_n must_v be_v indifferent_a to_o be_v sacrifice_v by_o love_n what_o way_n best_o please_v god_n the_o divine_a will_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o her_o choice_n and_o not_o the_o beauty_n or_o perfection_n of_o the_o state_n so_o that_o when_o she_o know_v it_o be_v god_n will_n a_o less_o elevate_a condition_n be_v please_v to_o she_o god_n be_v our_o father_n and_o directour_n operate_n in_o we_o in_o different_a manner_n sometime_o he_o infuse_v more_o
god_n to_o deal_v with_o she_o as_o seem_v best_a please_v to_o he_o for_o aught_o she_o know_v it_o be_v best_o for_o she_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o therefore_o she_o willing_o submit_v to_o god_n chastisement_n rejoice_v thereat_o and_o bless_v he_o for_o they_o yea_o if_o she_o may_v but_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n thereby_o she_o be_v content_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n in_o this_o state_n her_o love_n be_v whole_o centre_v in_o god_n and_o she_o give_v herself_o up_o to_o the_o rigour_n of_o justice_n that_o she_o may_v be_v entir_o sacrifice_v to_o god_n glory_n which_o be_v a_o intention_n pure_a from_o all_o self-interest_n a_o indifferency_n to_o any_o state_n do_v possess_v that_o soul_n which_o have_v a_o well_o purify_v intention_n with_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o remain_v content_a with_o her_o present_a condition_n be_v satisfy_v with_o whatsoever_o portion_n of_o grace_n she_o have_v receive_v with_o profound_a humility_n and_o mortification_n be_v thus_o dispose_v she_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o please_v god_n and_o do_v that_o faithful_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n obtain_v wonderful_a peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_z will_v nothing_o but_o what_o god_n will_v require_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o mortification_n and_o be_v dead_a to_o all_o greature_n for_o this_o be_v the_o highway_n to_o the_o purity_n of_o divine_a love_n what_o do_v the_o ancient_a hermit_n search_n for_o in_o the_o desert_n but_o by_o a_o perfect_a denudation_n of_o all_o creature_n to_o arrive_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o divine_a love_n let_v we_o fear_v and_o sigh_v to_o see_v ourselves_o so_o engage_v and_o beset_v with_o several_a temptation_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n but_o some_o or_o other_o may_v cease_v upon_o we_o and_o rob_v we_o of_o that_o perfect_a poverty_n of_o spirit_n which_o put_v we_o in_o full_a possession_n of_o god_n alone_o it_o be_v a_o special_a favour_n of_o god_n to_o have_v a_o vocation_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o abject_a state_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a grace_n when_o god_n conduct_n we_o to_o they_o by_o a_o happy_a necessity_n with_o little_a noise_n or_o stir_v to_o call_v the_o eye_n of_o other_o upon_o we_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o if_o the_o soul_n consent_v pure_o to_o the_o ordination_n and_o event_n of_o divine_a providence_n chap._n viii_o a_o conference_n clear_v many_o difficulty_n touch_v prayer_n qu_n in_o what_o consist_v precise_o good_a mental_a prayer_n i_o find_v many_o sort_n thereof_o in_o book_n the_o saint_n have_v practise_v it_o with_o much_o difference_n and_o yet_o all_o so_o good_a that_o i_o be_o take_v with_o they_o to_o which_o of_o they_o shall_v i_o betake_v myself_o ans_fw-fr the_o way_n of_o soul_n in_o mental_a prayer_n be_v so_o wonderful_a various_a that_o it_o be_v best_a for_o every_o one_o to_o hold_v to_o that_o which_o they_o find_v most_o proper_a for_o they_o or_o else_o they_o will_v loose_v their_o time_n in_o a_o wilderness_n of_o thought_n without_o spiritual_a profit_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o mystical_a author_n we_o seldom_o meet_v with_o what_o be_v proper_a for_o every_o soul_n and_o though_o we_o find_v very_o sublime_a and_o solid_a verity_n concern_v prayer_n in_o the_o write_n of_o st._n teresa_n bless_a john_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr croix_n and_o other_o yet_o they_o have_v but_o describe_v their_o own_o experience_n and_o not_o how_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o other_o soul_n unless_o a_o light_a discovery_n in_o some_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o their_o illumination_n such_o instruction_n be_v good_a to_o read_v but_o not_o exact_o to_o be_v follow_v so_o as_o to_o conform_v ourselves_o entire_o to_o their_o manner_n of_o prayer_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o such_o book_n matter_n very_o profitable_a and_o it_o be_v time_n well_o spend_v in_o spiritual_a lecture_n and_o not_o without_o delight_n to_o virtuous_a soul_n qu._n from_o whence_o proceed_v these_o different_a manner_n of_o prayer_n seeing_z there_o be_v but_o one_o sovereign_a and_o single_a verity_n in_o god_n to_o be_v know_v one_o sovereign_a good_a to_o be_v love_v and_o charity_n be_v of_o the_o selfsame_a nature_n in_o all_o soul_n one_o will_v think_v there_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o great_a conformity_n among_o all_o those_o who_o know_v and_o love_n god_n ans_fw-fr that_o which_o make_v so_o many_o different_a manner_n of_o prayer_n arise_v from_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o know_v god_n some_o converse_v with_o he_o by_o meditation_n and_o humane_a ratiocination_n other_o receive_v from_o god_n heavenly_a irradiation_n above_o the_o power_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o he_o manifest_v himself_o immediate_o to_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o sun_n by_o his_o beam_n other_o contemplate_n god_n by_o the_o obscure_a light_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o ineffable_a manner_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o see_v he_o without_o see_v he_o these_o different_a manner_n of_o treat_v with_o god_n make_v not_o only_o different_a manner_n of_o prayer_n but_o cause_n also_o much_o diversity_n in_o every_o manner_n for_o example_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n which_o seem_v more_o simple_a than_o the_o other_o there_o be_v many_o degree_n which_o represent_v to_o the_o soul_n different_a view_v of_o god_n and_o divine_a matter_n when_o faith_n be_v seat_v in_o a_o understanding_n well_o purify_v from_o image_n and_o alien_a representation_n she_o than_o discover_v god_n more_o sublime_o as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o though_o but_o in_o a_o manner_n negative_a general_a and_o confuse_a yet_o efficacious_a to_o work_v in_o the_o heart_n a_o great_a esteem_n of_o god_n and_o ardent_a charity_n all_o book_n and_o sermon_n and_o conference_n will_v not_o satisfy_v a_o soul_n advance_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o know_v god_n for_o those_o manner_n of_o speak_v and_o conceive_v god_n seem_v to_o she_o too_o full_a of_o imperfection_n i'faith_o whole_o purify_v content_v herself_o with_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n which_o discover_v god_n in_o his_o infinity_o although_o but_o obscure_o and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o faith_n be_v more_o or_o less_o pure_a and_o simple_a these_o discovery_n be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a qu._n be_v all_o sort_n of_o people_n capable_a of_o these_o sublime_a manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o if_o any_o one_o desire_n to_o attain_v they_o by_o what_o mean_n must_v he_o go_v about_o it_o ans_fw-fr the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o proper_a for_o all_o people_n yea_o some_o great_a saint_n have_v never_o have_v it_o as_o some_o good_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v become_v holy_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o active_a life_n which_o will_v not_o afford_v they_o much_o time_n for_o contemplation_n and_o accustom_a themselves_o to_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o meditation_n which_o be_v good_a and_o advantageous_a for_o such_o soul_n who_o god_n call_v not_o to_o a_o more_o sublime_a way_n those_o who_o god_n favour_v with_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n do_v possess_v a_o inestimable_a treasure_n and_o with_o this_o only_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o source_n of_o many_o more_o they_o be_v rich_a enough_o though_o never_o so_o poor_a in_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o see_v it_o be_v the_o mere_a gift_n of_o god_n i_o account_v it_o folly_n and_o rashness_n to_o think_v we_o can_v bring_v ourselves_o to_o the_o sublime_a state_n of_o contemplation_n unless_o god_n elevate_v we_o by_o his_o immediate_a work_n and_o special_a favour_n all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v therein_o be_v to_o dispose_v ourselves_o by_o correspond_v faithful_o to_o the_o motion_n of_o grace_n by_o die_v daily_o to_o our_o natural_a inclination_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o mortification_n and_o leave_v god_n to_o do_v the_o rest_n except_o god_n build_v the_o house_n they_o labour_v in_o vain_a who_o think_v to_o raise_v the_o edifice_n by_o their_o own_o ability_n qu._n a_o soul_n establish_v in_o a_o sublime_a manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o have_v a_o long_a time_n practise_v it_o can_v she_o easy_o fall_v from_o this_o state_n ans_fw-fr if_o such_o a_o soul_n give_v herself_o over_o to_o her_o sensual_a inclination_n and_o commit_v gross_a imperfection_n become_v faithless_a to_o god_n holy_a inspiration_n she_o may_v fall_v from_o it_o but_o it_o be_v very_o credible_a she_o will_v return_v to_o it_o for_o she_o can_v long_o endure_v the_o loss_n of_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n without_o force_v herself_o by_o her_o humiliation_n and_o penitence_n to_o recover_v her_o former_a state_n and_o as_o much_o as_o she_o die_v to_o all_o creature_n so_o much_o she_o advance_v to_o god_n but_o she_o can_v never_o attain_v it_o without_o practice_n a_o fidelity_n and_o therefore_o it_o high_o concern_v she_o to_o free_v herself_o from_o too_o many_o worldly_a affair_n and_o love_v retirement_n notwithstanding_o those_o which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o as_o belong_v to_o our_o duty_n will_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o arise_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o prayer_n as_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o we_o from_o all_o eternity_n qu._n the_o most_o elevate_a and_o perfect_a prayer_n be_v not_o without_o darkness_n and_o privation_n and_o sometime_o perplex_v with_o interiour_n cross_n and_o desolation_n but_o be_v there_o not_o a_o state_n of_o light_n and_o enjoyment_n to_o be_v attain_v here_o wherein_o the_o soul_n may_v possess_v god_n clear_o and_o peaceable_o without_o any_o disturbance_n ans_fw-fr no_o the_o permanent_a state_n of_o enjoyment_n be_v reserve_v for_o heaven_n in_o this_o life_n indeed_o we_o be_v visit_v without_o divine_a irradiation_n and_o glimmering_n of_o glory_n but_o they_o be_v only_o now_o and_o then_o and_o transient_a the_o term_n of_o this_o life_n be_v work_v time_n and_o not_o of_o rest_n for_o acquisition_n not_o possession_n where_o the_o soul_n may_v daily_o purchase_v new_a grace_n and_o advance_v herself_o in_o prayer_n according_a to_o her_o progress_n in_o virtue_n and_o purity_n by_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o call_v of_o god_n on_o all_o occasion_n god_n usual_a way_n be_v to_o make_v soul_n pass_v through_o darkness_n temptation_n dereliction_n desolation_n exterior_a and_o interiour_n suffering_n to_o come_v to_o a_o good_a stock_n of_o virtue_n and_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o purity_n which_o raise_v they_o to_o a_o more_o sublime_a state_n of_o prayer_n and_o be_v exercise_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o raise_v they_o near_o to_o heaven_n by_o spiritual_a ascension_n they_o at_o length_n leave_v time_n to_o meet_v with_o eternity_n neither_o must_v we_o wonder_v to_o see_v the_o way_n of_o the_o just_a thus_o beset_v with_o thorn_n and_o briar_n for_o this_o be_v expedient_a to_o advance_v they_o in_o perfection_n and_o divine_a love_n qu._n how_o much_o time_n must_v we_o employ_v daily_o in_o prayer_n if_o we_o mean_v to_o profit_v thereby_o so_o as_o to_o attain_v perfection_n ans_fw-fr we_o can_v much_o advance_v in_o prayer_n without_o a_o long_a and_o constant_a usuage_n of_o this_o divine_a exercise_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o do_v good_a work_n but_o we_o must_v spend_v some_o hour_n in_o our_o daily_a devotion_n it_o be_v by_o prayer_n we_o advance_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o not_o otherwise_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o employ_v much_o time_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o if_o god_n call_v we_o to_o it_o and_o not_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o active_a way_n let_v we_o not_o be_v too_o solicitous_a to_o discharge_v our_o other_o obligation_n for_o a_o soul_n in_o the_o state_n of_o continual_a prayer_n perform_v ready_o what_o she_o ought_v on_o all_o occasion_n when_o the_o time_n come_v for_o confession_n she_o be_v present_o all_o dolorous_a love_n &_o contrition_n when_o she_o communicate_v she_o be_v all_o humility_n all_o desire_n and_o flame_a affection_n when_o she_o be_v to_o correct_v she_o be_v all_o sweetness_n and_o charity_n when_o she_o be_v to_o help_v her_o neighbour_n she_o be_v all_o zeal_n and_o love_n when_o she_o must_v act_v for_o god_n she_o have_v a_o intention_n purify_v from_o all_o self-interest_n and_o all_o this_o she_o perform_v in_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v without_o distinct_a act_n but_o habitual_o and_o in_o a_o excellent_a sublime_a manner_n by_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o not_o by_o meditation_n or_o consideration_n which_o be_v mean_n only_o to_o find_v god_n a_o soul_n that_o thus_o once_o have_v lay_v hold_n on_o god_n do_v take_v her_o repose_n and_o rest_n in_o he_o make_v it_o her_o only_a business_n to_o love_n and_o worship_n he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n finis_fw-la
of_o god_n 332_o book_n vi_o of_o interiour_n and_o exterior_a cross_n chap._n 1._o that_o we_o must_v have_v a_o high_a esteem_n for_o cross_n 337_o chap._n 2._o that_o we_o must_v have_v a_o love_n for_o cross_n 341_o chap_n 3._o that_o we_o must_v have_v a_o great_a love_n for_o cross_n 444_o chap._n 4._o god_n be_v please_v to_o send_v we_o cross_n in_o the_o place_n of_o persecution_n that_o our_o life_n may_v be_v a_o continual_a martyrdom_n 347_o chap._n 5._o of_o exterior_a cross_n by_o the_o loss_n of_o good_n chap._n 6._o disposition_n during_o sickness_n where_o the_o body_n suffer_v and_o the_o soul_n rejoice_v chap._n 7._o other_o disposition_n in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n where_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v on_o the_o cross_n 357_o chap._n 8._o the_o interiour_n cross_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o obscurity_n 360_o chap._n 9_o of_o the_o heaviness_n of_o interior_a cross_n 364_o chap._n 10._o the_o great_a fruit_n we_o may_v reap_v from_o interior_a cross_n 368_o chap._n 11._o that_o we_o must_v bear_v patient_o our_o imperfection_n 371_o book_n vii_o of_o ordinary_a prayer_n and_o contemplation_n chap._n 1._o what_o esteem_v we_o ought_v to_o have_v for_o prayer_n 377_o chap._n 2._o of_o the_o different_a sort_n of_o mental_a prayer_n 380_o chap._n 3._o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v indifferent_a to_o what_o manner_n of_o prayer_n god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o 384_o chap._n 4._o that_o above_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o practice_v prayer_n 387_o chap._n 5._o of_o the_o impediment_n of_o prayer_n 392_o chap._n 6._o of_o the_o mean_n that_o facilitate_v the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n 396_o chap._n 7._o that_o we_o must_v not_o presume_v of_o ourselves_o to_o attempt_v any_o manner_n of_o prayer_n but_o what_o be_v ordinary_a 400_o chap._n 8._o how_o to_o pass_v from_o ordinary_a prayer_n to_o contemplation_n 404_o chap._n 9_o of_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n 407_o chap._n 10_o of_o the_o sacred_a darkness_n of_o prayer_n 411_o chap._n 11._o of_o the_o light_n of_o prayer_n 414_o chap._n 12._o of_o passive_a prayer_n 414_o chap._n 13._o of_o pure_a and_o perfect_a prayer_n 421_o chap._n 14._o of_o the_o hunger_a of_o the_o soul_n after_o god_n and_o of_o she_o be_v satiate_v with_o he_o 425_o chap._n 15._o of_o infuse_a prayer_n 429_o chap._n 16._o of_o prayer_n of_o quiet_a 433_o chap._n 17._o of_o the_o intimate_a union_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n 437_o chap._n 18._o of_o interior_a silence_n where_o god_n speak_v and_o be_v hear_v 441_o chap._n 19_o of_o most_o purify_v contemplation_n 444_o chap._n 20._o of_o the_o different_a caress_n god_n vouchsafe_v a_o soul_n in_o prayer_n 448_o book_n viii_o some_o maxim_n of_o great_a importance_n to_o conduct_v we_o in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n chap._n 1._o to_o have_v above_o all_o thing_n a_o extreme_a horror_n of_o sin_n 453_o chap._n 2._o to_o keep_v a_o even_a pace_n with_o grace_n neither_o out-running_a it_o nor_o follow_v too_o slow_o 456_o chap._n 3._o that_o a_o soul_n must_v whole_o give_v herself_o up_o to_o god_n 459_o chap._n 4._o we_o ought_v to_o make_v it_o our_o business_n to_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v 461_o chap._n 5._o to_o renounce_v or_o self_n whole_o and_o strive_v against_o our_o proper_a inclination_n 463_o chap._n 6._o how_o to_o comport_v ourselves_o well_o in_o superiority_n 466_o chap._n 7._o that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v our_o intention_n purify_v from_o all_o self-interest_n 469_o chap._n 8._o a_o conference_n clear_v many_o difficulty_n touch_v prayer_n 471_o the_o interiour_n christian_n book_n i._o of_o the_o love_n of_o humiliation_n which_o be_v the_o solid_a foundation_n of_o all_o christian_a perfection_n chap._n i._o that_o we_o ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o attain_v christian_a perfection_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o humility_n let_v we_o endeavour_v after_o perfection_n not_o because_o it_o be_v a_o sublime_a and_o elevate_a condition_n but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n by_o a_o motive_n of_o grandeur_n and_o to_o become_v great_a saint_n but_o only_o to_o do_v what_o god_n will_v and_o expect_v from_o we_o and_o rest_v therewith_o content_a and_o satisfy_v our_o happiness_n consist_v in_o a_o constant_a dependence_n on_o his_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n with_o a_o perfect_a submission_n and_o resignation_n thereunto_o i_o must_v be_v content_a with_o my_o condition_n whatever_o it_o be_v see_v it_o be_v what_o god_n expect_v from_o i_o and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a presumption_n to_o assume_v to_o ourselves_o what_o great_a saint_n have_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n god_n call_v some_o person_n to_o glorious_a performance_n other_o he_o place_v in_o a_o low_a rank_n in_o all_o this_o we_o must_v suffer_v he_o to_o work_v his_o will_n upon_o we_o and_o receive_v with_o thankfulness_n his_o divine_a impression_n whether_o great_a or_o little_a it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n this_o be_v the_o way_n god_n call_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o a_o way_n sublime_a pleasant_a full_a of_o peace_n in_o which_o we_o desire_v nothing_o but_o to_o please_v god_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o take_v whatever_o he_o give_v with_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n be_v it_o never_o so_o little_a it_o be_v certain_o more_o than_o we_o deserve_v to_o be_v annihilate_v in_o god_n be_v to_o will_v nothing_o but_o what_o god_n will_v and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o please_v otherwise_o we_o seek_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o not_o pure_o god_n and_o his_o good_a pleasure_n we_o must_v labour_v for_o perfection_n with_o a_o spirit_n whole_o dis-engaged_n from_o all_o self-interest_n to_o suffer_v to_o live_v poor_a and_o despise_a be_v the_o only_a way_n among_o infinite_a other_o mean_n the_o eternal_a father_n make_v choice_n of_o for_o we_o to_o attain_v to_o glory_n and_o regain_v those_o excellency_n adam_n lose_v for_o himself_o and_o we_o by_o sin_n this_o be_v his_o design_n from_o eternity_n his_o son_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n embrace_v the_o cross_n with_o affection_n and_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o desire_n of_o suffer_v value_v the_o cross_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o great_a excellency_n be_v the_o altar_n choose_v for_o the_o life-giving_a sacrifice_n by_o his_o heavenly_a father_n prefer_v the_o glory_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n before_o the_o natural_a inclination_n of_o his_o humanity_n which_o have_v a_o repugnancy_n in_o the_o sensitive_a part_n thereof_o to_o pain_n and_o suffering_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o of_o the_o evangelist_n pater_n si_fw-la possibile_fw-la est_fw-la transe_n at_o etc._n etc._n father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o yet_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v fulfil_v and_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n sacrificium_fw-la &_o oblationem_fw-la noluisti_fw-la etc._n etc._n thou_o will_v not_o have_v sacrifice_n or_o oblation_n but_o thou_o have_v prepare_v a_o body_n for_o i_o and_o behold_v i_o come_v to_o do_v thy_o will_n and_o so_o he_o do_v run_v his_o course_n with_o joy_n though_o full_a of_o suffering_n because_o he_o know_v it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o father_n wherefore_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o welove_a and_o esteem_v the_o cross_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v we_o participate_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o please_v his_o heavenly_a father_n for_o to_o suffer_v be_v to_o sacrifice_v to_o god_n our_o pleasure_n and_o interest_n unite_n ourselves_o to_o the_o design_n that_o jesus_n have_v by_o suffer_v to_o repair_v his_o father_n glory_n o_o my_o soul_n if_o these_o verity_n have_v make_v deep_a impression_n in_o thou_o thou_o ought_v from_o henceforth_o to_o glory_n in_o be_v despise_v see_v thy_o glory_n be_v to_o procure_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o can_v be_v do_v more_o advantageous_o than_o by_o imitate_v his_o only_a son_n o_o good_a jesus_n possess_v my_o heart_n with_o your_o divine_a spirit_n that_o may_v enable_v i_o to_o live_v your_o life_n o_o how_o your_o humiliation_n seem_v great_a unto_o i_o your_o abjection_n honourable_a your_o poverty_n rich_a and_o your_o cross_n pleasant_a my_o soul_n do_v languish_v to_o possess_v your_o spirit_n and_o desire_v it_o most_o ardent_o whatever_o have_v not_o a_o relish_n of_o your_o spirit_n be_v not_o grateful_a to_o i_o o_o that_o i_o have_v inflame_v affection_n to_o embrace_v the_o cross_n and_o that_o i_o can_v bear_v the_o great_a can_v happen_v to_o i_o in_o the_o interim_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o i_o do_v nothing_o and_o when_o occasion_n present_v itself_o i_o find_v difficulty_n to_o suffer_v the_o least_o affliction_n dear_a saviour_n how_o be_v this_o life_n troublesome_a unto_o i_o strengthen_v
i_o forthwith_o to_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o life_n hide_a crucify_a despise_a which_o you_o have_v teach_v we_o by_o your_o example_n that_o i_o may_v true_o say_v with_o st._n paul_n absit_fw-la mihi_fw-la gloriari_fw-la nisi_fw-la in_o cruse_n domini_fw-la nostri_fw-la your_o cross_n dear_a jesus_n be_v my_o glory_n and_o i_o will_v glory_v in_o nothing_o else_o honour_n pleasure_n riches_n i_o declare_v my_o mortal_a enemy_n see_v your_o property_n be_v to_o incline_v i_o perpetual_o to_o deviate_v from_o those_o way_n to_o which_o jesus_n call_v i_o i_o abhor_v you_o as_o enemy_n of_o my_o perfection_n ah_o dear_a saviour_n make_v i_o partaker_n of_o your_o life_n humble_a poor_a despise_a or_o let_v i_o live_v no_o long_o in_o this_o life_n of_o mortality_n when_o heaven_n shall_v be_v my_o habitation_n i_o shall_v be_v content_a to_o be_v in_o glory_n because_o there_o you_o be_v also_o in_o triumph_n but_o see_v that_o on_o earth_n you_o will_v not_o be_v but_o in_o a_o abject_a condition_n i_o desire_v there_o to_o be_v with_o you_o also_o alas_o i_o march_v but_o slow_o to_o arrive_v at_o perfection_n however_o in_o reality_n i_o will_v fain_o be_v whole_o humble_v both_o interiorly_a and_o exterior_o as_o your_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v best_a for_o i_o if_o it_o be_v your_o will_n i_o will_v search_v after_o external_a humiliation_n for_o i_o find_v no_o better_a food_n for_o a_o christian_a soul_n perhaps_o they_o will_v prove_v hard_a of_o digestion_n to_o i_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o may_v become_v by_o use_n profitable_a and_o delicious_a o_o dear_a saviour_n see_v it_o be_v say_v of_o you_o by_o the_o evangelical_n prophet_n saturabitur_fw-la opprobriis_fw-la give_v i_o my_o fill_n of_o opproby_n and_o abjection_n ravish_v with_o your_o sweetness_n and_o consolation_n those_o who_o know_v well_o how_o to_o use_v such_o favour_n as_o for_o i_o let_v my_o repast_n be_v with_o gall_n and_o vinegar_n because_o by_o their_o relish_n i_o shall_v be_v render_v more_o like_a unto_o you_o o_o jesus_n why_o be_v you_o circumcise_v o_o mary_n why_o be_v you_o purify_v your_o heart_n be_v not_o sully_v and_o yet_o you_o submit_v yourselves_o to_o the_o abjection_n of_o sinner_n because_o to_o be_v despise_v be_v the_o object_n of_o your_o most_o tender_a affection_n there_o be_v never_o two_o heart_n more_o full_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o never_o more_o inflame_v desire_n after_o humiliation_n see_v then_o that_o one_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o other_o if_o we_o will_v testify_v that_o we_o love_v god_n we_o must_v also_o love_v to_o suffer_v for_o he_o how_o unjust_a be_v our_o complaint_n against_o those_o who_o undervalue_v we_o and_o how_o unreasonable_o be_v we_o disquiet_v when_o we_o be_v scorn_v by_o other_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v trouble_v because_o we_o be_v not_o despise_v enough_o and_o thus_o it_o will_v be_v with_o we_o if_o we_o have_v a_o heart_n entire_o christian_n it_o be_v true_a grace_n can_v only_o infuse_v such_o inclination_n into_o our_o soul_n nature_n egg_n we_o on_o to_o the_o contrary_n and_o it_o be_v my_o unhappiness_n that_o i_o who_o write_v this_o shall_v i_o fear_v fall_v short_a hereof_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n for_o i_o be_o altogether_o frail_a and_o good_a for_o nothing_o and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v what_o i_o have_v say_v or_o do_v which_o appear_v so_o beautiful_a may_v be_v rot_v within_o witness_v my_o often_o relapse_n which_o sufficient_o tell_v i_o what_o a_o poor_a abject_a creature_n i_o be_o and_o how_o much_o i_o deserve_v to_o be_v despise_v chap._n ii_o the_o foundation_n of_o true_a christian_a humility_n when_o i_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o that_o he_o possess_v in_o himself_o incomprehensible_a perfection_n that_o he_o have_v create_v and_o provide_v for_o we_o infinite_a good_a thing_n i_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o honour_n all_o glory_n all_o praise_n all_o adoration_n be_v due_a unto_o he_o o_o how_o just_a a_o debt_n be_v all_o this_o from_o we_o to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n when_o i_o consider_v o_o god_n that_o i_o be_o a_o pure_a nothing_o that_o i_o have_v in_o myself_o a_o inexhaustible_a mine_n of_o imperfection_n and_o misery_n that_o i_o have_v commit_v great_a offence_n and_o be_o yet_o liable_a to_o more_o unless_o prevent_v by_o grace_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o deserve_v to_o be_v the_o scorn_n of_o man_n all_o sort_n of_o opprobry_n and_o disgrace_n all_o malady_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n darkness_n punishment_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a to_o be_v afflict_v mock_v persecute_v by_o all_o creature_n as_o executioner_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o i_o look_v upon_o myself_o as_o the_o mark_n whereat_z shall_v be_v aim_v these_o arrow_n of_o deserve_a indignation_n god_n can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o honour_v love_a exalt_a glorify_a and_o i_o can_v never_o be_v enough_o debase_v hate_v despise_a and_o persecute_v i_o ought_v to_o have_v not_o only_o this_o humility_n of_o spirit_n but_o likewise_o a_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o suffer_v for_o god_n always_o esteem_v myself_o worthy_a of_o all_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n though_o never_o so_o public_a if_o it_o may_v conduce_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o for_o if_o i_o be_v honour_v as_o my_o condition_n require_v if_o i_o do_v not_o debase_v myself_o below_o the_o mean_a vassal_n it_o be_v because_o the_o order_n of_o government_n forbid_v it_o and_o will_v not_o be_v expedient_a for_o those_o who_o may_v abuse_v this_o condescension_n however_o as_o for_o i_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v this_o will_n and_o inclination_n and_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o place_n be_v due_a unto_o i_o alas_o dear_n saviour_n i_o can_v be_v acceptable_a in_o your_o sight_n unless_o i_o have_v a_o humble_a heart_n and_o this_o i_o can_v have_v but_o by_o your_o grace_n for_o if_o all_o natural_a good_a proceed_v from_o your_o bounty_n much_o more_o must_v all_o supernatural_a grace_n flow_v from_o the_o pure_a fountain_n of_o your_o mercy_n and_o if_o you_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o all_o grace_n doubtless_o principal_o of_o true_a humility_n which_o be_v so_o repugnant_a to_o nature_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o she_o more_o abhor_v than_o humiliation_n see_v dear_a saviour_n all_o good_a proceed_v from_o you_o the_o glory_n thereof_o ought_v sole_o to_o be_v render_v to_o you_o i_o ought_v to_o take_v no_o complacence_n but_o in_o you_o rejoice_v in_o that_o you_o glorify_v yourself_o enrich_v my_o poverty_n with_o your_o abundance_n when_o i_o see_v person_n afflict_v poor_a distress_a lame_a deform_a i_o confess_v dear_a saviour_n these_o humiliation_n be_v my_o due_n and_o if_o you_o shall_v inflict_v any_o of_o they_o on_o i_o i_o will_v adore_v and_o love_v your_o justice_n and_o for_o what_o you_o have_v bestow_v upon_o i_o i_o adore_v and_o love_v your_o mercy_n i_o will_v never_o complain_v because_o no_o creature_n can_v do_v i_o a_o injury_n i_o ought_v not_o to_o look_v on_o the_o design_n of_o man_n who_o intention_n oftentimes_o be_v only_o to_o hurt_v to_o revenge_v and_o solace_v themselves_o with_o other_o misery_n but_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o chastise_v i_o to_o better_v i_o and_o to_o humble_v i_o the_o jew_n put_v jesus_n christ_n to_o death_n out_o of_o revenge_n and_o envy_n and_o god_n the_o father_n have_v a_o design_n thereby_o to_o save_v mankind_n i_o will_v not_o hereafter_o hunt_v after_o applause_n and_o honour_n for_o i_o be_o resolve_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o inclination_n of_o deprave_a nature_n but_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o suffer_v for_o i_o i_o will_v desire_v poverty_n contempt_n pain_n and_o unite_n they_o to_o his_o suffering_n i_o will_v earnest_o beseech_v he_o according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o have_v pity_n on_o i_o if_o we_o will_v once_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o know_v ourselves_o the_o beam_n of_o divine_a grace_n will_v make_v wonderful_a discovery_n in_o our_o soul_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o see_v the_o depth_n of_o our_o misery_n in_o this_o dungeon_n lie_v a_o prolifical_a seed_n of_o treason_n ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n to_o conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o all_o sort_n of_o iniquity_n o_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o be_v without_o the_o black_a tincture_n of_o actual_a sin_n we_o have_v the_o source_n thereof_o within_o we_o and_o certain_a vicious_a inclination_n deep_o root_v even_o as_o we_o find_v some_o weed_n in_o garden_n so_o fix_v that_o their_o root_n seem_v to_o reach_v the_o very_a centre_n which_o will_v never_o hardly_o be_v entire_o pluck_v up_o but_o daily_o they_o appear_v anew_o and_o keep_v we_o in_o
be_v the_o degree_n of_o perfection_n o_o my_o god_n how_o hard_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o we_o not_o to_o seek_v ourselves_o and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o pretend_v to_o esteem_v and_o excellence_n the_o desire_n we_o have_v thereof_o be_v as_o intime_fw-la to_o we_o as_o the_o marrow_n of_o our_o bone_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n in_o all_o our_o action_n whether_o for_o ourselves_o or_o our_o neighbour_n we_o seek_v more_o or_o less_o our_o own_o excellence_n the_o great_a saint_n have_v have_v little_a esteem_n of_o their_o own_o talent_n in_o their_o own_o eye_n when_o they_o have_v be_v oblige_v to_o make_v they_o glorious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o other_o and_o unless_o they_o do_v cause_v they_o to_o appear_v for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o they_o do_v tend_v to_o humiliation_n plunge_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o nothing_o to_o bring_v down_o thereby_o all_o pride_n of_o heart_n chap._n xi_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o leave_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o god_n to_o become_v annihilate_v if_o we_o put_v ourselves_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o will_v treat_v we_o as_o his_o father_n treat_v he_o for_o divine_a love_n have_v severity_n as_o well_o as_o divine_a justice_n happy_a be_v that_o soul_n which_o all_o on_o fire_n with_o divine_a love_n be_v not_o content_v nor_o satisfy_v till_o she_o have_v so_o whole_o sacrifiee_v herself_o to_o god_n that_o the_o love_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v burn_v to_o nothing_o this_o love_n be_v a_o sun_n full_a of_o fire_n and_o light_n which_o by_o little_a and_o little_o draw_v up_o the_o vapour_n from_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v the_o creature_n and_o drink_v they_o up_o i_o have_v a_o business_n in_o hand_n which_o put_v i_o to_o hard_a labour_n namely_o to_o mortify_v myself_o in_o spirit_n and_o affection_n to_o all_o creature_n if_o i_o can_v bring_v it_o about_o i_o shall_v be_v happy_a all_o that_o i_o have_v do_v hitherto_o be_v but_o a_o preparation_n to_o take_v up_o my_o cross_n and_o entire_o to_o follow_v christ_n in_o his_o humiliation_n i_o see_v he_o bear_v in_o a_o poor_a abject_a manner_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o thus_o like_o a_o giant_n he_o begin_v the_o course_n of_o his_o abjection_n why_o do_v we_o delay_v to_o follow_v he_o by_o annihilation_n poverty_n and_o self-contempt_n let_v we_o never_o leave_v he_o whatsoever_o we_o suffer_v for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v make_v a_o solemn_a protestation_n that_o i_o will_v follow_v he_o so_o close_o by_o be_v crucify_v to_o the_o world_n that_o every_o moment_n of_o my_o life_n i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v it_o be_v not_o i_o that_o live_v but_o jesus_n crucify_v who_o live_v in_o i_o let_v we_o not_o wonder_v at_o the_o proceed_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o preach_v to_o we_o nothing_o but_o death_n and_o annihilation_n the_o cross_n and_o abnegation_n it_o be_v because_o our_o soul_n infect_v with_o sin_n wherein_o we_o be_v conceive_v be_v so_o strong_o corrupt_v that_o all_o her_o operation_n be_v impure_a jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o cleanse_v this_o impurity_n which_o be_v so_o deep_o fix_v and_o in_o grain_n that_o except_o we_o resolute_o correspond_v to_o the_o working_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o we_o shall_v still_o remain_v in_o our_o imperfection_n which_o grace_n tend_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o self-contempt_n and_o annihilation_n have_v this_o day_n receive_v my_o saviour_n in_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n i_o keep_v myself_o as_o it_o be_v whole_o annihilate_v while_o he_o continue_v in_o i_o and_o permit_v he_o to_o in_o i_o and_o for_o i_o what_o he_o please_v both_o in_o relation_n to_o his_o father_n and_o my_o poor_a soul_n and_o those_o person_n for_o who_o i_o have_v intercede_v in_o the_o dreadful_a sacrifice_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o mingle_v the_o operation_n of_o a_o impure_a creature_n with_o those_o of_o jesus_n o_o that_o jesus_n will_v alone_o work_v in_o i_o what_o be_v my_o duty_n i_o ought_v to_o plunge_v myself_o in_o my_o own_o nothing_o in_o his_o presence_n if_o i_o must_v love_v god_n jesus_n will_v work_v this_o in_o i_o if_o i_o must_v pray_v jesus_n will_v be_v my_o advocate_n if_o i_o must_v glorify_v his_o father_n he_o will_v glorify_v he_o and_o i_o will_v sweet_o consent_v to_o all_o his_o operation_n o_o jesus_n be_v you_o all_o that_o i_o may_v be_v nothing_o work_v your_o will_n in_o i_o i_o will_v remain_v in_o my_o nothing_n to_o let_v you_o work_v all_o in_o i_o without_o resistance_n many_o good_a soul_n honour_v the_o abjection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o few_o will_v practise_v they_o or_o imitate_v his_o poverty_n and_o humiliation_n shall_v we_o think_v that_o it_o do_v not_o beseem_v you_o to_o be_v so_o debase_v and_o thus_o to_o suffer_v o_o jesus_n be_v not_o this_o to_o make_v no_o account_n of_o your_o example_n and_o condemn_v you_o of_o folly_n who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n it_o be_v a_o great_a folly_n to_o be_v thus_o censorious_a and_o certain_o the_o more_o we_o participate_v of_o your_o poverty_n and_o humiliation_n the_o more_o we_o participate_v of_o your_o wisdom_n come_v then_o o_o my_o soul_n let_v we_o follow_v jesus_n poor_a and_o abject_a and_o live_v poor_a with_o he_o and_o thereby_o testify_v our_o love_n to_o he_o and_o our_o fidelity_n chap._n xii_o that_o we_o must_v renounce_v our_o sense_n and_o human_a reason_n to_o love_v humiliation_n the_o impediment_n that_o our_o sensitive_a part_n bring_v to_o perfection_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v discover_v but_o the_o interposition_n of_o human_a reason_n be_v nice_a and_o delicate_a and_o few_o discover_v they_o they_o be_v hard_a to_o conquer_v and_o many_o can_v be_v persuade_v of_o their_o badness_n for_o reason_n be_v ingenious_a to_o seduce_v by_o a_o thousand_o fair_a pretence_n which_o we_o dare_v hardly_o condemn_v appear_v so_o reasonable_a but_o the_o example_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v above_o all_o reason_n and_o human_a prudence_n what_o reason_n be_v there_o that_o the_o roman_a emperor_n shall_v live_v in_o triumph_n that_o cruel_a herod_n shall_v shine_v with_o honour_n and_o melt_v in_o pleasure_n that_o the_o hard-hearted_a jew_n shall_v enjoy_v all_o worldly_a content_n and_o abundance_n and_o in_o the_o interim_n the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v bear_v in_o a_o stable_a shall_v fly_v by_o night_n into_o egypt_n live_v a_o poor_a life_n in_o a_o shop_n with_o a_o carpenter_n overwhelm_v with_o pain_n and_o disgrace_n however_o these_o be_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n to_o confound_v thereby_o our_o human_a prudence_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o renounce_v ourselves_o if_o we_o will_v be_v good_a follower_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o long_o as_o we_o give_v more_o ear_n to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o human_a reason_n than_o to_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n we_o shall_v never_o make_v any_o great_a progress_n in_o piety_n if_o one_o be_v in_o a_o poor_a and_o abject_a condition_n human_a prudence_n be_v for_o advancement_n and_o riches_n when_o any_o occasion_n present_v itself_o if_o one_o be_v bear_v to_o honour_n and_o possession_n reason_n say_v leave_v they_o not_o to_o become_v poor_a and_o abject_a how_o can_v we_o draw_v ourselves_o out_o of_o nature_n to_o imitate_v divine_a jesus_n if_o we_o will_v always_o follow_v the_o maxim_n of_o man_n we_o be_v very_o busy_a to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n according_a to_o our_o condition_n but_o we_o do_v not_o remember_v sufficient_o that_o our_o chief_a care_n aught_o to_o be_v to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o let_v all_o other_o obligation_n give_v place_n unto_o it_o jesus_n christ_n execute_v the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o his_o father_n in_o a_o poor_a despise_v painful_a life_n do_v infinite_o glorify_v he_o thereby_o before_o the_o incarnation_n god_n be_v not_o infinite_o love_v and_o glorify_v out_o of_o himself_o but_o only_o in_o himself_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o humiliation_n of_o one_o that_o be_v god_n bring_v a_o infinite_a glory_n to_o god_n which_o before_o he_o have_v not_o a_o christian_a soul_n likewise_o execute_v the_o divine_a will_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n by_o follow_v his_o son_n in_o a_o life_n of_o humiliation_n and_o self-contempt_n do_v glorify_v he_o with_o sovereign_a honour_n for_o it_o be_v decree_v from_o all_o eternity_n that_o the_o member_n shall_v live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o head_n quos_fw-la praedestinavit_fw-la conform_v fieri_fw-la and_o first_o suffer_v with_o he_o that_o they_o may_v at_o last_o with_o he_o be_v glorify_v all_o human_a reason_n must_v yield_v to_o this_o divine_a determination_n o_o jesus_n how_o strange_a be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o perfection_n to_o which_o you_o call_v we_o they_o be_v nothing_o but_o death_n renunciation_n
according_a to_o nature_n and_o must_v employ_v all_o mean_n and_o motive_n to_o this_o effect_n i_o will_v set_v down_o some_o of_o they_o it_o be_v a_o good_a motive_n or_o mean_n to_o renounce_v all_o creature_n and_o ourselves_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o denudation_n say_v with_o great_a fervour_n and_o affection_n away_o creature_n get_v hence_o from_o i_o and_o leave_v a_o place_n in_o my_o heart_n for_o god_n alone_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o good_a motive_n to_o do_v this_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o poverty_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o follow_v jesus_n poor_a and_o abject_a unless_o in_o due_a circumstance_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o leave_v all_o thing_n for_o jesus_n sake_n and_o become_v poor_a to_o follow_v he_o let_v we_o therefore_o be_v content_a to_o quit_v all_o thing_n joyful_o and_o be_v glad_a to_o have_v nothing_o to_o possess_v god_n himself_o alone_o 3._o '_o tisae_n good_a motive_n to_o die_v to_o all_o thing_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o abjection_n what_o great_a happiness_n be_v there_o o_o my_o soul_n than_o to_o live_v in_o humiliation_n see_v this_o be_v the_o life_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n to_o be_v despise_v with_o jesus_n be_v a_o state_n of_o beatitude_n worldly_n prosperity_n be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o our_o happiness_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o good_a motive_n to_o abandon_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o oblation_n sacrifice_v and_o annihilate_v ourselves_o sincere_o to_o pay_v homage_n to_o the_o infinite_a majesty_n of_o god_n with_o such_o a_o confidence_n in_o he_o so_o as_o to_o rely_v never_o more_o on_o any_o creature_n quid_fw-la enim_fw-la mihi_fw-la est_fw-la in_o caelum_fw-la aut_fw-la à_fw-la te_fw-la quid_fw-la volui_fw-la super_fw-la terram_fw-la deus_fw-la cordis_fw-la mei_fw-la o_o my_o god_n shall_v any_o creature_n take_v part_n of_o my_o heart_n with_o you_o when_o all_o be_v you_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o love_v you_o too_o much_o i_o may_v give_v place_n to_o something_o else_o but_o see_v i_o be_o infinite_o below_o my_o duty_n in_o that_o particular_a what_o creature_n can_v pretend_v to_o have_v the_o least_o part_n with_o you_o chap._n ix_o of_o the_o liberty_n we_o enjoy_v by_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o supernatural_a life_n it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o see_v the_o great_a liberty_n which_o a_o soul_n enjoy_v by_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o supernatural_a life_n when_o the_o illumination_n of_o this_o state_n irradiate_a a_o soul_n thorough_o she_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a region_n of_o light_n full_a of_o peace_n and_o love_n marvellous_a large_a and_o spacious_a in_o which_o she_o live_v in_o high_a union_n with_o god_n a_o union_n which_o be_v not_o so_o liable_a to_o vicissitude_n and_o disturbance_n as_o former_o because_o accidental_a occurrence_n as_o sickness_n disgrace_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o hurt_v such_o a_o soul_n by_o reason_n they_o make_v no_o strong_a impression_n in_o she_o and_o by_o consequence_n be_v become_v less_o sensible_a she_o be_v not_o easy_o divert_v from_o the_o supernatural_a object_n of_o her_o love_n yea_o such_o a_o soul_n improve_v hindrance_n and_o divertisement_n to_o her_o great_a recollection_n and_o increase_n of_o divine_a love_n because_o in_o this_o state_n she_o be_v disengaged_a from_o the_o creature_n and_o so_o free_v from_o fear_n of_o misery_n which_o she_o can_v cheerful_o embrace_v as_o the_o occasion_n of_o her_o happiness_n whereby_o she_o enter_v into_o a_o perfect_a liberty_n and_o great_a purity_n of_o virtue_n i_o can_v never_o well_o understand_v what_o that_o be_v which_o be_v call_v purity_n of_o virtue_n but_o now_o i_o see_v it_o be_v the_o state_n of_o a_o supernatural_a life_n wherein_o the_o soul_n live_v no_o more_o in_o herself_o and_o of_o herself_o and_o for_o herself_o but_o in_o god_n and_o of_o god_n and_o for_o god_n be_v whole_o separate_v from_o the_o creature_n and_o unite_v to_o god_n alas_o how_o be_v this_o poor_a soul_n afflict_v to_o do_v thing_n so_o much_o below_o herself_o in_o this_o high_a condition_n for_o oftentimes_o she_o must_v act_v according_a to_o her_o natural_a inclination_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o pure_a reason_n which_o afford_v her_o matter_n of_o sigh_n and_o languish_n after_o her_o belove_a this_o be_v that_o which_o kindle_v in_o her_o breast_n a_o ardent_a desire_n to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o leave_v this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n wherein_o by_o the_o common_a misery_n of_o mankind_n she_o live_v a_o life_n displease_v to_o herself_o for_o be_v not_o whole_o for_o god_n as_o she_o desire_v it_o seem_v to_o her_o a_o kind_n of_o death_n and_o see_v she_o can_v continual_o live_v this_o supernatural_a life_n without_o vicissitude_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o death_n unto_o she_o a_o death_n unknown_a to_o sensual_a man_n but_o such_o that_o be_v spiritual_a be_v very_o sensible_a thereof_o o_o jesus_n deliver_v i_o from_o this_o life_n of_o mortality_n see_v here_o i_o can_v live_v your_o life_n of_o purity_n in_o comparison_n of_o which_o all_o other_o life_n be_v but_o death_n and_o corruption_n to_o see_v so_o clear_o the_o excellency_n of_o a_o life_n so_o lovely_a and_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o live_v but_o little_a of_o it_o consider_v my_o frailty_n make_v i_o resent_v my_o misery_n and_o acknowledge_v dear_a jesus_n how_o necessary_a your_o grace_n be_v for_o i_o o_o how_o great_a be_v the_o dependence_n which_o my_o soul_n have_v on_o your_o mercy_n it_o be_v so_o mighty_a and_o essential_a dependence_n that_o word_n can_v sufficient_o express_v it_o however_o this_o comfort_v i_o herein_o that_o it_o give_v you_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o interiour_n beauty_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v a_o work_n more_o magnify_v your_o power_n bounty_n and_o wisdom_n than_o the_o whole_a outward_a work_n of_o the_o creation_n your_o great_a wonder_n dear_a saviour_n be_v secret_a and_o hide_a a_o soul_n that_o live_v this_o supernatural_a life_n above_o her_o inclination_n do_v more_o set_v forth_o the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n than_o to_o elevate_v the_o heaven_n above_o the_o earth_n for_o this_o be_v as_o miraculous_a as_o to_o elevate_v the_o earth_n above_o the_o heaven_n this_o make_v i_o o_o my_o god_n desire_v to_o live_v this_o bless_a life_n that_o i_o may_v thereby_o bring_v great_a glory_n to_o your_o name_n assist_v i_o powerful_o with_o your_o grace_n for_o if_o i_o be_v once_o left_a to_o myself_o i_o shall_v relapse_n into_o my_o natural_a weakness_n which_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a nothing_o and_o infirmity_n some_o trouble_n themselves_o too_o much_o in_o philosophise_v on_o this_o spiritual_a life_n which_o be_v needless_a it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n must_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o my_o interiour_n it_o be_v he_o by_o who_o i_o must_v live_v this_o life_n and_o act_v according_o and_o so_o free_a ourselves_o from_o other_o consideration_n which_o may_v hinder_v our_o liberty_n to_o follow_v this_o light_n and_o fall_v faithful_o to_o practice_n on_o the_o occasion_n of_o cross_n contempt_n and_o disgrace_n which_o happen_v to_o we_o in_o this_o life_n i_o ought_v daily_o to_o endeavour_v after_o purity_n although_o i_o can_v attain_v the_o high_a practice_n because_o the_o course_n of_o my_o life_n wherein_o god_n have_v place_v i_o will_v not_o permit_v it_o nor_o do_v exact_a of_o i_o to_o attempt_v of_o myself_o the_o grand_a effect_n of_o purity_n lest_o i_o shall_v be_v discourage_v by_o fail_v in_o the_o enterprise_n this_o be_v only_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o great_a saint_n and_o herein_o we_o must_v give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v infinite_o wise_a we_o need_v not_o fear_v have_v he_o for_o our_o leader_n but_o as_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v too_o rigorous_a so_o we_o must_v not_o be_v too_o fainthearted_a in_o the_o way_n of_o perfection_n but_o apply_v ourselves_o with_o love_n and_o resolution_n to_o all_o occasion_n by_o suffer_v peaceable_o and_o with_o contentation_n whatever_o injury_n we_o may_v receive_v from_o other_o in_o seek_v too_o much_o their_o own_o interest_n all_o suffering_n be_v to_o be_v entertain_v with_o love_n but_o especial_o what_o we_o suffer_v by_o injustice_n for_o be_v not_o this_o that_o which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v do_v principal_o upon_o earth_n by_o suffer_v innocent_o do_v not_o therefore_o say_v i_o will_v suffer_v this_o injury_n if_o he_o that_o do_v it_o have_v the_o least_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o this_o proceed_v from_o self-love_n and_o passion_n it_o may_v well_o be_v that_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o do_v you_o this_o injury_n but_o divine_a reason_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n teach_v you_o to_o bear_v it_o patient_o it_o be_v good_a to_o suffer_v thus_o and_o in_o this_o to_o imitate_v jesus_n be_v
of_o god_n and_o his_o divine_a perfection_n let_v such_o a_o soul_n be_v in_o light_n or_o darkness_n in_o peace_n or_o war_n elevate_v or_o deject_v she_o be_v still_o the_o same_o because_o god_n will_n be_v she_o and_o she_o desire_v nothing_o but_o what_o please_v he_o her_o chief_a care_n be_v to_o give_v herself_o up_o whole_o to_o god_n will_v in_o so_o great_a variety_n of_o interiour_n state_n and_o why_o shall_v a_o soul_n be_v concern_v at_o this_o variety_n for_o if_o i_o pure_o desire_v to_o please_v god_n it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o to_o i_o whether_o i_o do_v it_o by_o suffering_n or_o enjoy_v chap._n x._o that_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v ourselves_o up_o with_o confidence_n to_o divine_a providence_n dear_o lord_n draw_v the_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o my_o heart_n whole_o after_o you_o o_o that_o i_o can_v go_v out_o of_o myself_o to_o abide_v only_o in_o you_o oh_o that_o i_o have_v no_o love_n but_o for_o you_o no_o fear_n no_o desire_n no_o joy_n but_o in_o you_o and_o that_o my_o affection_n be_v only_o for_o you_o o_o that_o your_o grace_n will_v mortify_v in_o i_o the_o fear_n hope_n sadness_n and_o desire_n of_o nature_n that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o my_o love_n this_o be_v the_o purity_n we_o must_v aim_v at_o or_o else_o we_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o vain_a our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o one_o sparrow_n shall_v not_o be_v forget_v of_o god_n why_o then_o have_v we_o such_o fear_n to_o want_v who_o be_v chief_o call_v upon_o to_o rely_v on_o providence_n if_o god_n permit_v we_o to_o be_v in_o want_n it_o be_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o perfection_n by_o suffering_n god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o daily_o his_o precious_a body_n and_o will_v he_o deny_v we_o bread_n i_o can_v believe_v it_o all_o thought_n to_o to_o the_o contrary_n be_v from_o the_o enemy_n or_o nature_n solicitous_a for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n my_o confidence_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o god_n alone_o though_o it_o happen_v that_o we_o fall_v into_o trouble_n temptation_n or_o sickness_n which_o seem_v to_o deprive_v we_o of_o the_o good_a temper_n of_o soul_n to_o attend_v to_o our_o devotion_n we_o ought_v to_o abandon_v ourselves_o to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o say_v god_n only_o and_o his_o holy_a will._n if_o the_o idea_n of_o some_o state_n of_o perfection_n present_v itself_o to_o the_o understanding_n if_o we_o make_v some_o resolution_n upon_o the_o feeling_n of_o a_o actual_a favour_n we_o ought_v the_o more_o entire_o abandon_v ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o say_v i_o desire_v god_n only_o and_o his_o holy_a will._n this_o abandon_v make_v a_o soul_n peaceable_a and_o content_a and_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n to_o which_o though_o she_o may_v feel_v some_o motion_n of_o affection_n yet_o they_o be_v troublesome_a and_o gain_v no_o consent_n in_o this_o state_n she_o be_v whole_o absorb_v in_o god_n find_v her_o repose_n in_o he_o alone_o and_o out_o of_o he_o be_v no_o contentment_n it_o seem_v to_o she_o that_o whatever_o accident_n may_v happen_v they_o shall_v not_o disturb_v her_o quiet_a she_o be_v ground_v in_o god_n her_o sovereign_a peace_n and_o though_o she_o may_v feel_v some_o emotion_n in_o the_o inferior_a part_n they_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o superior_a faculty_n we_o must_v be_v perfect_a as_o god_n will_v have_v we_o not_o as_o we_o will_v have_v it_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v far_o different_a from_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n the_o world_n believe_v that_o king_n lewis_n must_v be_v saint_v by_o conquer_a the_o holy_a land_n god_n make_v he_o he_o a_o saint_n indeed_o but_o not_o by_o his_o victory_n but_o his_o captivity_n not_o by_o his_o triumph_n but_o his_o suffering_n we_o intend_v to_o sanctity_n ourselves_o by_o action_n and_o god_n will_v do_v it_o by_o affliction_n we_o must_v give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o his_o conduct_n absolute_o abandon_v ourselves_o to_o his_o will_n and_o only_o love_v his_o design_n when_o shall_v i_o be_v so_o mortify_v to_o my_o own_o endeavour_n as_o to_o abandon_v myself_o whole_o to_o divine_a providence_n i_o must_v follow_v pure_o the_o design_n of_o god_n love_v only_o his_o good_a pleasure_n put_v my_o confidence_n in_o he_o and_o he_o will_v have_v a_o care_n of_o i_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o shall_v be_v best_a to_o advance_v his_o glory_n doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o not_o to_o rely_v on_o our_o own_o providence_n but_o to_o depend_v chief_o on_o god_n assistance_n we_o must_v therefore_o elevate_v ourselves_o above_o nature_n which_o rely_v on_o creature_n and_o fear_n want_n and_o abhor_v suffering_n that_o we_o may_v put_v our_o sole_a confidence_n in_o god_n whoever_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o be_v confound_v there_o be_v as_o well_o martyr_n of_o providence_n as_o martyr_n for_o faith_n they_o be_v more_o hide_v and_o sometime_o suffer_v little_a less_o than_o the_o other_o be_v content_a with_o all_o occurrence_n of_o providence_n which_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o good_n or_o honour_n or_o call_v their_o life_n in_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o sometime_o to_o enjoy_v god_n in_o a_o more_o perfect_a way_n they_o despise_v and_o forsake_v the_o accommodation_n of_o this_o life_n that_o they_o may_v sacrifice_v themselves_o to_o god_n with_o the_o flame_n of_o divine_a love_n in_o pious_a exercise_n or_o if_o providence_n have_v so_o order_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v bear_v subject_n to_o disease_n and_o misery_n they_o bear_v they_o with_o perfect_a resignation_n there_o be_v also_o spiritual_a martyr_n who_o providence_n have_v order_v to_o suffer_v much_o by_o interiour_n pain_n o_o how_o advantageous_a be_v it_o for_o such_o soul_n to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o god_n design_n upon_o they_o and_o be_v faithful_a therein_o as_o for_o i_o the_o love_n of_o god_n will_n shall_v hereafter_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o my_o action_n and_o undertake_n i_o will_v abandon_v myself_o and_o all_o creature_n and_o put_v my_o confidence_n in_o god_n alone_o if_o our_o imperfection_n disturb_v our_o inward_a peace_n and_o union_n with_o god_n we_o must_v repair_v it_o without_o too_o much_o disquiet_v ourselves_o for_o our_o pass_a fault_n union_n with_o god_n be_v never_o without_o love_n and_o love_n will_v blot_v out_o our_o offence_n and_o bring_v the_o soul_n to_o repose_v in_o her_o wont_a centre_n chap._n xi_o to_o be_v indifferent_a to_o all_o thing_n but_o god_n good_a pleasure_n one_o excellent_a effect_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o make_v we_o as_o it_o be_v insensible_a of_o all_o thing_n but_o god_n will_n a_o soul_n that_o be_v enrich_v with_o this_o indifferency_n can_v desire_v nothing_o else_o yea_o not_o virtue_n themselves_o except_o in_o order_n to_o god_n pleasure_n we_o must_v strict_o examine_v ourselves_o concern_v this_o general_a disengagement_n from_o creature_n and_o not_o easy_o believe_v we_o have_v it_o except_o on_o several_a occasion_n we_o find_v so_o by_o experience_n our_o bless_a saviour_n vouchsafe_v i_o extraordinary_a attract_v to_o be_v whole_o he_o he_o put_v i_o into_o a_o state_n of_o wonderful_a interiour_n peace_n and_o quiet_a so_o that_o it_o cost_v i_o little_a to_o do_v virtuous_o i_o aspire_v after_o dear_a solitude_n and_o holy_a poverty_n my_o health_n be_v but_o feeble_a and_o in_o probability_n my_o life_n here_o can_v be_v long_o and_o therefore_o i_o endeavour_v to_o live_v so_o disengage_v as_o if_o in_o effect_n i_o be_v already_o dead_a my_o dear_a jesus_n infuse_v into_o my_o soul_n a_o spirit_n of_o denudation_n and_o i_o do_v cherish_v it_o that_o i_o may_v live_v no_o more_o in_o myself_o but_o my_o continuance_n in_o this_o pilgrimage_n may_v be_v beneath_o i_o and_o i_o without_o any_o gust_n or_o affection_n to_o it_o so_o that_o at_o present_a i_o suffer_v not_o a_o little_a to_o see_v myself_o so_o far_o from_o god_n amid_o the_o distraction_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o body_n and_o other_o affair_n incumbent_a on_o i_o for_o when_o god_n manifest_v himself_o to_o a_o soul_n experimental_o taste_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o live_v here_o below_o be_v a_o pain_n unto_o she_o however_o she_o continue_v in_o great_a peace_n because_o in_o her_o interiour_n she_o be_v pure_o resign_v to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n i_o be_o so_o habituate_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o to_o please_v myself_o but_o in_o he_o and_o to_o have_v no_o joy_n but_o for_o he_o that_o i_o can_v rejoice_v to_o see_v myself_o perfect_a nor_o be_v sad_a at_o my_o imperfection_n god_n be_v my_o all_o his_o will_n his_o pleasure_n and_o nothing_o else_o all_o reflection_n on_o myself_o seem_v to_o full_o
behold_v you_o on_o the_o cross_n with_o carnal_a eye_n else_o next_o to_o the_o divinity_n they_o will_v discover_v nothing_o more_o sweet_a and_o lovely_a do_v not_o therefore_o stay_v i_o up_o with_o flower_n but_o with_o thorn_n do_v not_o encompass_v i_o with_o apple_n but_o with_o nail_n because_o i_o languish_v with_o love_n the_o beauty_n and_o sweet_n of_o jesus_n pierce_v my_o heart_n and_o i_o can_v suffer_v more_o than_o to_o be_v without_o suffer_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o suffering_n and_o crucify_a jesus_n but_o some_o say_v to_o suffer_v much_o be_v hurtful_a to_o we_o alas_o do_v we_o find_v it_o hurtful_a to_o we_o to_o love_v much_o wherefore_o will_v you_o that_o love_v crucify_a shall_v be_v more_o moderate_a than_o love-enjoying_a which_o too_o often_o weaken_v the_o soul_n and_o sometime_o wound_v we_o to_o death_n a_o too_o great_a solicitude_n about_o corporal_a health_n be_v a_o sign_n we_o do_v not_o take_v up_o our_o abode_n in_o the_o wound_n of_o jesus_n crucify_v we_o be_v never_o better_o than_o when_o sigh_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o cross_n god_n behold_v himself_o take_v infinite_a delight_n in_o his_o own_o perfection_n out_o of_o himself_o he_o be_v alike_o please_v to_o see_v those_o perfection_n crown_v in_o his_o creature_n his_o mercy_n do_v triumph_n in_o the_o bless_a saint_n and_o angel_n and_o his_o justice_n in_o hell_n a_o soul_n introvert_v in_o solitude_n with_o god_n alone_o find_v sweetness_n unspeakable_a in_o consider_v these_o marvel_n she_o feel_v also_o a_o excessive_a joy_n to_o see_v that_o the_o travel_n and_o sigh_n and_o suffering_n and_o blood_n of_o jesus_n be_v crown_v with_o a_o glory_n by_o the_o elect_a on_o earth_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o suffering_n or_o enjoy_v when_o they_o conquer_v a_o temptation_n the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n be_v crown_v when_o they_o practise_v heroic_a act_n of_o virtue_n the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n be_v crown_v all_o glory_n be_v to_o he_o both_o in_o time_n and_o eternity_n o_fw-fr mortal_n come_v and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o beauty_n goodness_n and_o perfection_n comparable_a to_o that_o of_o jesus_n our_o god_n and_o saviour_n o_o how_o lovely_a be_v he_o and_o yet_o how_o little_a be_v he_o belove_v how_o great_a and_o yet_o how_o despise_v how_o infinite_a in_o his_o perfection_n and_o yet_o how_o little_o know_v o_o the_o only_a desire_n of_o my_o soul_n discover_v yourself_o somewhat_o more_o clear_o to_o i_o that_o be_v ravish_v with_o your_o beauty_n i_o may_v be_v sole_o take_v up_o with_o your_o perfection_n shall_v any_o creature_n after_o this_o oblige_v i_o to_o regard_v it_o no_o my_o eye_n shall_v be_v fix_v on_o god_n alone_o farewell_n then_o poor_a creature_n i_o be_o above_o you_o you_o shall_v never_o more_o amuse_v i_o i_o leave_v you_o to_o place_v my_o thought_n on_o my_o well-beloved_a methinks_v i_o feel_v his_o powerful_a attract_v draw_v i_o out_o of_o myself_o to_o possess_v he_o alone_o my_o friend_n do_v not_o molest_v i_o any_o more_o leave_v i_o in_o myself_o to_o possess_v my_o god_n and_o admire_v his_o perfection_n you_o may_v serve_v he_o by_o help_v other_o but_o leave_v i_o to_o serve_v he_o in_o himself_o i_o desire_v none_o but_o he_o nor_o to_o be_v take_v up_o with_o any_o thing_n but_o he_o see_v he_o be_v please_v to_o let_v i_o know_v it_o be_v his_o pleasure_n farewell_o creature_n farewell_n friend_n farewell_n devotee_n farewell_n world_n i_o be_o go_v to_o god_n to_o unite_v myself_o unto_o he_o by_o a_o constant_a retreat_n that_o shall_v never_o suffer_v a_o separation_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o solitude_n i_o be_o resolve_v on_o the_o vigil_n of_o all_o saint_n to_o mount_v up_o to_o heaven_n to_o congratulate_v their_o happiness_n and_o beg_v their_o charity_n for_o sure_o they_o will_v be_v very_o liberal_a on_o their_o general_a festival_n and_o my_o soul_n hope_n for_o great_a succour_n from_o they_o in_o her_o misery_n however_o i_o will_v chief_o solicit_v the_o bless_a hermit_n and_o solitary_a monk_n who_o habitation_n in_o this_o life_n be_v in_o desert_n and_o monastery_n i_o have_v a_o call_v from_o heaven_n to_o address_v myself_o to_o they_o to_o beg_v their_o intercession_n for_o some_o part_n of_o their_o spirit_n of_o introversion_n retirement_n from_o the_o world_n and_o interiour_n poverty_n which_o be_v the_o true_a life_n of_o holy_a recluse_n be_v in_o a_o profound_a solitude_n of_o soul_n by_o a_o denudation_n of_o all_o creature_n while_o their_o body_n inhabit_v the_o most_o secret_a desert_n great_a saint_n what_o do_v you_o here_o upon_o earth_n you_o labour_v not_o to_o help_v other_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o the_o company_n of_o man_n so_o that_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o unprofitable_a servant_n alas_o how_o ill_o do_v sensual_a man_n judge_v of_o the_o interiour_n of_o saint_n i_o tell_v you_o these_o be_v the_o great_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o in_o their_o desert_n offer_v up_o continual_a sacrifice_n to_o the_o grandeur_n of_o a_o incomprehensible_a majesty_n by_o profound_a poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o annihilation_n of_o themselves_o and_o be_v in_o a_o denudation_n of_o all_o creature_n their_o desire_n be_v for_o god_n and_o he_o alone_o this_o be_v the_o happy_a state_n this_o be_v the_o paradise_n my_o soul_n sigh_v after_o at_o present_a to_o live_v so_o sequester_v from_o creature_n as_o if_o i_o be_v in_o the_o desert_n of_o lybia_n good_a jesus_n there_o be_v nothing_o impossible_a to_o your_o grace_n grant_v i_o this_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o if_o exterior_a poverty_n be_v necessary_a to_o possess_v this_o interiour_n whereof_o i_o speak_v make_v i_o as_o poor_a as_o job_n if_o my_o friend_n must_v leave_v i_o i_o will_v free_o part_v with_o they_o and_o be_v content_a to_o be_v forget_v in_o their_o affection_n for_o ever_o o_o my_o god_n estrange_v i_o from_o all_o creature_n give_v i_o that_o profound_a poverty_n of_o spirit_n which_o methinks_v i_o understand_v though_o i_o can_v express_v it_o thus_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o my_o saviour_n for_o there_o be_v no_o enjoy_n of_o god_n without_o a_o perfect_a denudation_n of_o all_o creature_n but_o how_o shall_v i_o get_v this_o treasure_n who_o have_v the_o dominion_n of_o temporal_a possession_n i_o must_v either_o real_o quit_v they_o to_o gain_v this_o jewel_n or_o possess_v they_o as_o if_o i_o possess_v nothing_o the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n afford_v i_o both_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n the_o saint_n be_v rich_a for_o they_o want_v nothing_o and_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n because_o they_o continual_o annihilate_v all_o the_o riches_n of_o their_o glory_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o their_o felicity_n and_o to_o be_v annihilate_v if_o such_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o manner_n i_o must_v possess_v what_o i_o have_v be_v prepare_v to_o part_n with_o it_o when_o god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o i_o observe_v that_o for_o want_n of_o solitude_n the_o soul_n do_v not_o discern_v the_o more_o subtle_a working_n of_o god_n in_o her_o interior_a which_o afterward_o she_o discover_v by_o experience_n these_o be_v great_a grace_n but_o come_v to_o no_o effect_n for_o want_v of_o introversion_n and_o attention_n i_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v the_o soul_n to_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o her_o creator_n but_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o the_o god_n of_o love_n have_v more_o secret_a and_o in-time_n way_n wherewith_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n work_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o temper_n to_o make_v her_o sensible_a of_o his_o amorous_a embrace_n o_o my_o god_n how_o be_v you_o hide_v in_o the_o fund_z of_o our_o soul_n and_o you_o do_v not_o discover_v yourself_o to_o we_o except_v in_o a_o perfect_a solitude_n when_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o noise_n of_o creature_n god_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v alone_o together_o o_o poor_a mortal_n how_o long_o shall_v your_o heart_n hanker_v after_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n turn_v yourselves_o perfect_o to_o god_n and_o see_v and_o taste_v how_o sweet_a he_o be_v happy_a be_v those_o moment_n although_o but_o short_a wherein_o we_o have_v a_o taste_n of_o the_o divine_a sweetness_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o sensible_a presence_n such_o a_o soul_n will_v find_v in_o herself_o a_o certain_a aversion_n and_o disgust_n of_o worldly_a vanity_n a_o desire_n to_o leave_v they_o a_o love_n of_o solitude_n and_o silence_n to_o be_v the_o more_o at_o liberty_n to_o attend_v to_o god_n service_n all_o other_o thing_n now_o appear_v to_o she_o but_o as_o dross_n and_o dung_n and_o
god_n a_o infinite_a fullness_n contain_v a_o infinity_o of_o perfection_n each_o of_o which_o have_v a_o infinity_o of_o excellency_n incomprehensible_a a_o fullness_n which_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o good_a in_o the_o creature_n we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o but_o a_o mere_a privation_n and_o pure_a nothing_o full_a of_o imperfection_n and_o liable_a to_o infinite_a misery_n alas_o o_o my_o god_n i_o now_o see_v more_o than_o ever_o that_o you_o be_v all_o good_a omne_fw-la bonum_fw-la you_o be_v the_o source_n of_o our_o be_v and_o existence_n and_o without_o your_o continual_a influx_n for_o our_o preservation_n we_o shall_v in_o a_o moment_n return_v to_o our_o first_o nothing_o the_o general_a idea_n of_o this_o truth_n be_v in_o every_o understanding_n but_o well_o to_o consider_v it_o and_o lodge_v it_o in_o our_o heart_n be_v very_o rare_a we_o believe_v this_o as_o many_o other_o point_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o without_o deep_a reflection_n or_o correspondent_a action_n hence_o it_o proceed_v that_o we_o be_v without_o perfect_a self-denial_n and_o abnegation_n be_v not_o sufficient_o persuade_v that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o god_n leave_v in_o we_o many_o imperfection_n unconquered_a that_o we_o may_v know_v by_o experience_n that_o we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o nothing_o but_o weakness_n o_o my_o god_n for_o ever_o bless_v be_v your_o holy_a name_n for_o discover_v to_o i_o your_o fullness_n and_o my_o poverty_n i_o adore_v your_o infinite_a fullness_n with_o a_o cordial_a affection_n because_o it_o show_v your_o grandeur_n and_o i_o be_o please_v with_o my_o poverty_n because_o it_o humble_v i_o in_o your_o presence_n i_o be_o well_o content_a o_o my_o god_n to_o be_v nothing_o that_o you_o may_v be_v all_o kneel_v down_o to_o make_v my_o second_o prayer_n i_o desire_v our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o take_v up_o my_o thought_n with_o what_o he_o please_v and_o it_o come_v into_o my_o mind_n to_o consider_v the_o three_o divine_a person_n as_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v other_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o happiness_n repose_n and_o glory_n i_o behold_v this_o fix_o and_o with_o a_o amorous_a resentment_n and_o complacency_n of_o mind_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o the_o repose_n the_o joy_n and_o the_o glory_n that_o the_o divine_a person_n have_v in_o the_o sacred_a humanity_n be_v infinite_o below_o that_o repose_n and_o glory_n they_o have_v in_o themselves_o and_o that_o delight_v they_o have_v in_o the_o saint_n be_v much_o below_o that_o which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o sacred_a humanity_n i_o sometime_o adore_v this_o divine_a centre_n in_o itself_o and_o sometime_o i_o adore_v the_o occupation_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n towards_o this_o divine_a centre_n and_o i_o endeavour_v to_o fix_v my_o thought_n with_o a_o complacency_n therein_o god_n then_o give_v i_o to_o see_v that_o accidental_a occasion_n of_o charity_n be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o my_o solitude_n and_o design_n of_o extraordinary_a devotion_n but_o to_o take_v upon_o i_o the_o care_n of_o a_o family_n and_o to_o have_v a_o continual_a eye_n over_o they_o as_o i_o have_v former_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o for_o that_o engage_v i_o to_o many_o conference_n many_o letter_n much_o care_n and_o extroversion_n and_o for_o the_o present_a god_n do_v not_o require_v that_o of_o i_o but_o call_v i_o to_o a_o retreat_n to_o solitude_n to_o exterior_a and_o interiour_n silence_n to_o mortification_n to_o converse_v with_o he_o alone_o this_o be_v my_o present_a affair_n upon_o earth_n in_o my_o three_o prayer_n i_o discover_v how_o just_a and_o reasonable_a it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o adore_v the_o divine_a life_n of_o the_o most_o sacred_a trinity_n but_o also_o to_o honour_v the_o service_n which_o the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n render_v to_o his_o father_n on_o earth_n by_o a_o continual_a and_o ineffable_a application_n i_o observe_v that_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n be_v honour_v according_a to_o the_o various_a application_n of_o devout_a soul_n as_o inspire_v from_o heaven_n some_o have_v a_o special_a devotion_n to_o jesus_n as_o regard_v mary_n magdalen_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o mercy_n other_o be_v much_o take_v with_o his_o divine_a discourse_n with_o the_o samaritan_n woman_n and_o her_o conversion_n and_o shall_v we_o forget_v to_o adore_v the_o divine_a regard_n and_o converse_v the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n continual_o have_v with_o the_o divine_a person_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o god_n make_v man_n more_o worthy_a of_o veneration_n this_o be_v his_o most_o noble_a employment_n while_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n let_v we_o therefore_o o_o my_o soul_n according_a to_o our_o duty_n set_v upon_o this_o work_n without_o delay_n let_v our_o great_a care_n be_v to_o please_v jesus_n and_o then_o many_o worldly_a affair_n will_v become_v burdensome_a unto_o we_o let_v we_o recollect_v our_o spirit_n and_o affection_n from_o other_o thing_n and_o place_v they_o whole_o on_o god_n our_o final_a happiness_n a_o true_a christian_a indeed_o will_v be_v so_o generous_a as_o to_o esteem_v all_o thing_n beside_o god_n not_o worth_a his_o labour_n it_o be_v true_a while_o the_o soul_n be_v imprison_v in_o the_o wall_n of_o flesh_n she_o can_v always_o soar_v up_o to_o heaven_n on_o the_o wing_n of_o contemplation_n but_o this_o she_o must_v sigh_v after_o and_o consider_v her_o present_a condition_n on_o all_o occasion_n exercise_v herself_o in_o work_n of_o humility_n in_o my_o four_o prayer_n god_n and_o his_o perfection_n do_v possess_v my_o soul_n rejoice_v in_o that_o he_o be_v perfect_a and_o happy_a i_o have_v a_o mind_n then_o to_o take_v up_o my_o thought_n whole_o with_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n without_o any_o reflection_n on_o my_o own_o interiour_n or_o request_v any_o thing_n to_o supply_v my_o want_n for_o it_o be_v not_o seasonable_a to_o do_v this_o when_o god_n call_v we_o to_o contemplate_v his_o adorable_a perfection_n the_o soul_n than_o forget_v his_o own_o interest_n to_o mind_n only_o those_o of_o god_n i_o than_o be_v press_v with_o a_o vehement_a desire_n to_o forget_v myself_o entire_o and_o have_v god_n only_o in_o my_o remembrance_n i_o be_v then_o much_o please_v with_o the_o multitude_n that_o follow_v jesus_n in_o the_o desert_n take_v no_o care_n for_o bodily_a provision_n their_o divine_a master_n provide_v for_o they_o be_v well_o please_v with_o their_o affection_n in_o be_v only_o attentive_a to_o his_o word_n what_o content_n be_v it_o to_o i_o to_o remember_v how_o mary_n magdalen_n forget_v herself_o yea_o in_o some_o sort_n our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o not_o serve_v he_o in_o her_o castle_n at_o bethanie_n by_o reason_n she_o be_v so_o intent_n on_o his_o divine_a word_n o_o my_o soul_n let_v we_o not_o be_v too_o solicitous_a for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n if_o we_o think_v on_o god_n he_o will_v think_v on_o we_o and_o nothing_o necessary_a shall_v be_v want_v to_o we_o six_o day_n in_o my_o first_o prayer_n my_o soul_n find_v herself_o much_o take_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o those_o excellent_a word_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a i_o consider_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o mortal_n even_o to_o conceive_v the_o idea_n of_o a_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o if_o we_o can_v conceive_v it_o how_o can_v we_o imitate_v it_o but_o god_n the_o father_n have_v provide_v against_o this_o inconvenience_n in_o send_v to_o we_o the_o perfect_a image_n of_o all_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n his_o eternal_a son_n and_o expose_v he_o to_o our_o view_n say_v to_o we_o be_v perfect_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a open_v your_o eye_n and_o behold_v this_o model_n here_o be_v the_o perfection_n you_o must_v imitate_v let_v it_o be_v your_o care_n to_o conform_v to_o this_o exemplar_n and_o you_o will_v be_v perfect_a as_o i_o be_o perfect_a it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v to_o what_o sublimity_n of_o perfection_n we_o be_v call_v by_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o how_o glorious_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v even_o to_o pretend_v to_o imitate_v god_n himself_o but_o alas_o how_o far_o be_v we_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o grand_a exemplar_n jesus_n will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v annihilate_v poor_a despise_v live_v a_o hide_a life_n in_o solitude_n by_o daily_a converse_n with_o god_n but_o just_o contrary_a we_o desire_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v esteem_v to_o have_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o our_o heart_n desire_v and_o enjoy_v the_o creature_n alas_o we_o do_v not_o sufficient_o endeavour_v to_o dive_v into_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n to_o conform_v ourselves_o thereto_o and_o annihilate_v our_o own_o the_o science_n of_o jesus_n be_v not_o well_o know_v there_o be_v few_o person_n that_o study_v it_o
the_o poor_a we_o be_v in_o spirit_n the_o rich_a we_o be_v in_o grace_n the_o more_o a_o soul_n be_v nothing_o in_o herself_o the_o more_o god_n be_v all_o in_o she_o and_o be_v please_v to_o work_v great_a thing_n for_o she_o jesus_n present_v himself_o to_o my_o spirit_n in_o my_o second_o prayer_n discover_v to_o i_o in_o general_a the_o different_a state_n of_o his_o life_n passive_a in_o his_o suffering_n active_a in_o virtue_n and_o how_o he_o be_v the_o origen_n and_o source_n of_o all_o purity_n to_o which_o we_o aspire_v by_o a_o spiritual_a life_n i_o conceive_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o purity_n of_o suffering_n which_o be_v great_a indeed_o when_o we_o suffer_v without_o seek_v relief_n carry_v this_o cross_n for_o god_n sake_n as_o long_o as_o he_o please_v there_o be_v a_o purity_n of_o action_n when_o we_o act_n not_o whether_o interior_o or_o exterior_o but_o by_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n with_o pure_a intention_n here_o argument_n of_o humane_a reason_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o we_o stir_v not_o without_o some_o impression_n of_o grace_n work_v only_o for_o god_n by_o his_o work_n in_o we_o we_o must_v labour_v hard_a and_o be_v perfect_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n before_o we_o can_v come_v to_o this_o state_n of_o purity_n there_o be_v a_o purity_n of_o intention_n when_o we_o have_v only_o a_o eye_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o do_v what_o please_v he_o without_o act_v upon_o other_o motive_n though_o good_a and_o laudable_a wherein_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o self-interest_n as_o fear_v to_o offend_v to_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n call_n to_o be_v more_o love_v and_o reward_v a_o soul_n in_o this_o state_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o herself_o but_o sole_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n her_o end_n and_o object_n there_o be_v a_o purity_n of_o employment_n when_o a_o soul_n will_v not_o divert_v her_o thought_n from_o god_n but_o by_o order_n from_o god_n himself_o by_o some_o motion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n hence_o we_o shun_v unnecessary_a visit_n unprofitable_a word_n superfluous_a occupation_n and_o that_o be_v superfluous_a to_o one_o soul_n which_o be_v not_o to_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o grace_n impart_v to_o they_o we_o must_v suffer_v many_o mortification_n to_o attain_v this_o purity_n and_o such_o a_o soul_n must_v fear_v nothing_o more_o than_o infidelity_n this_o be_v but_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o action_n there_o be_v a_o purity_n of_o virtue_n when_o we_o practise_v only_o what_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o do_v there_o be_v a_o purity_n of_o spiritual_a delight_n when_o the_o superior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n receive_v no_o consolation_n willing_o from_o any_o creature_n or_o sensual_a thing_n but_o stand_v upon_o her_o guard_n to_o keep_v they_o out_o and_o there_o be_v a_o purity_n of_o prayer_n when_o the_o soul_n elevate_v above_o herself_o by_o the_o working_n of_o god_n in_o she_o be_v in_o ecstasy_n of_o spirit_n and_o unite_v to_o god_n alone_o by_o contemplation_n a_o soul_n that_o once_o have_v have_v a_o feel_n of_o god_n in_o she_o see_v a_o infinite_a difference_n between_o he_o and_o the_o holy_a creature_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o great_a interior_a solitude_n converse_v with_o god_n alone_o all_o these_o sort_n of_o purity_n appear_v to_o i_o in_o the_o interiour_n of_o jesus_n as_o in_o their_o source_n in_o my_o three_o prayer_n i_o come_v to_o know_v that_o the_o mystery_n or_o state_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o only_o the_o exemplar_n but_o also_o the_o efficient_a of_o our_o state_n so_o that_o we_o suffer_v not_o only_o to_o imitate_v jesus_n in_o his_o suffering_n but_o because_o jesus_n by_o his_o suffering_n imprint_n on_o we_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o give_v we_o the_o grace_n to_o suffer_v for_o he_o when_o we_o pray_v it_o be_v not_o only_a to_o imitate_v jesus_n in_o contemplation_n but_o because_o he_o infuse_v into_o our_o heart_n the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o if_o a_o soul_n arrive_v to_o that_o height_n as_o to_o possess_v jesus_n christ_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n he_o than_o do_v all_o in_o she_o and_o for_o she_o she_o be_v only_o pliable_a to_o his_o divine_a operation_n we_o can_v continue_v in_o this_o state_n without_o wonderful_a purity_n the_o least_o sally_n of_o immortified_a nature_n will_v much_o endamage_v it_o how_o often_o have_v god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v i_o experience_n of_o this_o when_o jesus_n unite_n himself_o unto_o i_o in_o the_o holy_a communion_n annihilate_v all_o my_o thought_n word_n and_o affection_n to_o become_v to_o i_o all_o thing_n in_o i_o he_o be_v my_o thankfulness_n my_o offer_n my_o humility_n my_o charity_n my_o prayer_n and_o i_o do_v nothing_o but_o remain_v unite_v to_o he_o who_o work_v all_o for_o my_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v annihilate_v in_o his_o presence_n word_n as_o well_o as_o thought_n fail_v we_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o word_n who_o plead_v to_o his_o father_n for_o those_o soul_n he_o possess_v in_o such_o a_o mysterious_a manner_n what_o marvel_n be_v there_o hide_v beyond_o expression_n in_o my_o four_o prayer_n i_o consider_v that_o be_v a_o christian_n i_o have_v a_o strict_a obligation_n to_o follow_v christ_n but_o beside_o that_o general_a tie_n i_o have_v a_o special_a vocation_n to_o imitate_v jesus_n in_o his_o humiliation_n to_o follow_v he_o in_o this_o way_n with_o purity_n i_o must_v forsake_v all_o grandeur_n and_o be_v content_a with_o poverty_n and_o objection_n and_o labour_v stout_o for_o a_o perfect_a abnegation_n of_o myself_o since_o god_n have_v give_v i_o a_o generous_a resolution_n to_o sacrifice_v myself_o whole_o to_o his_o service_n i_o will_v follow_v his_o call_n though_o i_o die_v for_o it_o methinks_v i_o be_o enable_v to_o do_v it_o with_o great_a peace_n and_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n what_o evil_a can_v happen_v to_o i_o if_o i_o die_v for_o god_n who_o die_v for_o i_o those_o who_o choose_v to_o be_v poor_a out_o of_o desire_n to_o follow_v jesus_n be_v peculiar_a object_n of_o god_n care_n and_o providence_n which_o extend_v itself_o to_o all_o man_n but_o especial_o to_o those_o who_o be_v the_o lively_a image_n of_o his_o son_n he_o be_v their_o father_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o set_v a_o watch_n about_o they_o more_o than_o other_o for_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v not_o give_v bread_n to_o they_o who_o leave_v all_o their_o temporal_n to_o serve_v he_o better_o and_o love_v he_o pure_a let_v we_o stifle_v all_o humane_a reason_n on_o this_o subject_n let_v we_o go_v whither_o grace_n call_v we_o and_o fear_v nothing_o if_o we_o die_v in_o the_o service_n it_o will_v be_v happy_a for_o we_o it_o be_v a_o great_a favour_n from_o god_n when_o we_o breathe_v out_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o flame_n of_o divine_a love_n five_o day_n jesus_n zelator_n of_o soul_n in_o my_o first_o prayer_n i_o apply_v myself_o to_o jesus_n as_o zelator_n of_o soul_n for_o who_o he_o give_v his_o most_o precious_a blood_n i_o behold_v what_o i_o can_v not_o comprehend_v that_o this_o zeal_n of_o jesus_n for_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n be_v infinite_a it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o my_o soul_n receive_v some_o small_a portion_n of_o this_o holy_a zeal_n and_o i_o be_v powerful_o incline_v to_o lay_v out_o myself_o for_o my_o neighbour_n good_a offer_v myself_o to_o god_n to_o do_v and_o suffer_v what_o he_o please_v but_o i_o perceive_v this_o zeal_n for_o soul_n must_v be_v infuse_v into_o we_o we_o must_v not_o run_v before_o we_o be_v send_v otherwise_o we_o shall_v neither_o do_v good_a for_o other_o nor_o ourselves_o but_o disturb_v our_o interiour_n and_o commit_v many_o disorder_n when_o this_o zeal_n be_v kindle_v in_o our_o soul_n by_o the_o breathe_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n it_o put_v nothing_o out_o of_o order_n but_o we_o go_v in_o perfection_n and_o advance_v in_o prayer_n however_o all_o must_v be_v regulate_v by_o prudence_n lest_o we_o outrun_v our_o call_n and_o hurt_v ourselves_o while_o we_o will_v do_v good_a to_o other_o for_o our_o care_n must_v be_v to_o procure_v the_o good_a of_o other_o according_a to_o the_o grace_n confer_v upon_o we_o some_o in_o a_o active_a life_n by_o preach_v and_o instruct_v some_o by_o work_n of_o corporal_a charity_n other_o by_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n their_o contemplative_a life_n their_o solitude_n their_o austerity_n their_o suffering_n their_o prayer_n there_o be_v many_o way_n to_o be_v instrumental_a for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o let_v every_o one_o employ_v his_o proper_a talon_n our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v near_o his_o passion_n leave_v we_o as_o a_o legacy_n this_o divine_a commandment_n love_v you_o one_o
he_o be_v her_o repose_n and_o true_a felicity_n alas_o when_o shall_v it_o be_v that_o jesus_n possess_v my_o soul_n so_o as_o never_o to_o leave_v i_o this_o be_v what_o i_o sigh_v after_o and_o i_o will_v purchase_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n so_o to_o possess_v jesus_n be_v a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o all_o we_o have_v be_v too_o little_a to_o gain_v it_o come_v o_o dear_a jesus_n and_o make_v my_o heart_n your_o mansion_n for_o ever_o of_o all_o your_o grace_n and_o favour_n i_o only_o desire_v you_o to_o be_v always_o present_a with_o i_o and_o that_o i_o make_v it_o my_o business_n so_o to_o serve_v you_o as_o in_o some_o sort_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o those_o admirable_a disposition_n of_o your_o contemplative_a life_n i_o than_o have_v a_o sight_n of_o the_o infinite_a difference_n between_o the_o service_n of_o jesus_n between_o the_o sensual_a and_o a_o spiritual_a life_n this_o can_v be_v discern_v unless_o jesus_n imprint_v his_o maxim_n his_o spirit_n and_o sentiment_n in_o our_o heart_n which_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o crucify_v our_o sensuality_n and_o obey_v his_o motion_n i_o observe_v that_o my_o devotion_n to_o the_o sacred_a humanity_n increase_v daily_o and_o feel_v in_o my_o soul_n such_o powerful_a attract_v that_o no_o soon_o be_v i_o in_o a_o pray_v posture_n but_o jesus_n possess_v my_o heart_n and_o discover_v something_o of_o his_o grandeur_n to_o i_o this_o grace_n i_o receive_v from_o his_o goodness_n in_o my_o three_o prayer_n after_o which_o i_o think_v i_o know_v jesus_n christ_n in_o a_o new_a manner_n who_o though_o inaccessible_a to_o the_o creature_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o divine_a and_o infinite_a perfection_n yet_o sometime_o he_o do_v most_o clear_o manifest_v himself_o to_o special_a favourite_n such_o a_o view_n of_o jesus_n be_v more_o to_o be_v value_v than_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o a_o soul_n that_o once_o have_v be_v vouchsafe_v this_o grace_n esteem_v herself_o so_o rich_a that_o she_o look_v upon_o all_o worldly_a thing_n as_o dross_n and_o dung_n adhere_v close_o to_o jesus_n as_o her_o only_a treasure_n we_o can_v never_o know_v what_o admirable_a effect_n this_o sight_n of_o jesus_n work_v in_o a_o soul_n but_o by_o experience_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o vision_n of_o jesus_n a_o soul_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o sensible_a part_n of_o the_o sacred_a humanity_n but_o in_o the_o progress_n she_o receive_v such_o pure_a discovery_n of_o jesus_n that_o she_o only_o relish_v jesus_n whole_o divinize_v but_o can_v express_v what_o she_o see_v in_o he_o soul_n thus_o dispose_v receive_v much_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o humane_a state_n seem_v to_o they_o so_o elevate_v and_o transcendent_a that_o they_o find_v nothing_o more_o beautiful_a more_o precious_a or_o more_o charm_a to_o win_v their_o affection_n o_o that_o we_o do_v know_v jesus_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v know_v o_o that_o we_o can_v see_v the_o inestimable_a riches_n the_o rare_a and_o precious_a treasure_n contain_v in_o he_o my_o four_o prayer_n be_v only_o to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o my_o soul_n to_o see_v jesus_n christ_n as_o we_o behold_v any_o object_n with_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o body_n to_o consider_v it_o attentive_o he_o be_v please_v so_o to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o my_o soul_n as_o my_o joy_n be_v superabundant_a and_o i_o be_v dead_a to_o all_o thing_n and_o myself_o to_o live_v in_o jesus_n and_o love_v his_o beauty_n i_o find_v myself_o in_o a_o manner_n like_o a_o drunken_a man_n who_o be_v not_o himself_o but_o as_o a_o dead_a man_n he_o know_v not_o what_o he_o say_v nor_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o business_n nor_o can_v govern_v himself_o his_o drunkenness_n have_v possess_v he_o and_o make_v he_o fit_a for_o nothing_o else_o enjoyment_n for_o the_o time_n it_o continue_v have_v the_o like_a effect_n in_o a_o soul_n she_o be_v then_o capable_a of_o nothing_o but_o this_o enjoyment_n which_o be_v all_o in_o all_o unto_o she_o such_o soul_n be_v now_o and_o then_o put_v upon_o the_o rack_n by_o themselves_o or_o their_o director_n fear_v lest_o this_o may_v savour_v of_o idleness_n they_o think_v it_o may_v be_v better_a to_o suffer_v and_o more_o profitable_a to_o help_v their_o neighbour_n and_o that_o self-love_n may_v creep_v into_o this_o enjoyment_n this_o sometime_o bring_v a_o soul_n to_o quit_v this_o enjoyment_n so_o as_o to_o put_v herself_o out_o of_o the_o way_n where_o god_n have_v place_v she_o except_o some_o particular_a grace_n preserve_v she_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o god_n will_n a_o soul_n capable_a of_o this_o grace_n must_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o great_a purity_n disengage_v and_o dead_a to_o all_o thing_n exterior_a and_o interiour_n indifferent_a to_o all_o divine_a ordination_n whatever_o and_o be_v in_o a_o perfect_a disposition_n to_o adhere_v to_o god_n and_o his_o divine_a operation_n in_o what_o manner_n he_o please_v o_o how_o great_a be_v our_o humane_a weakness_n o_o how_o often_o do_v we_o resist_v the_o design_n of_o god_n by_o our_o imperfection_n seven_o day_n jesus_n our_o exemplar_n and_o guide_n in_o my_o first_o prayer_n i_o consider_v how_o jesus_n be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o gentile_n foolishness_n that_o the_o same_o person_n shall_v be_v god_n and_o man_n and_o die_v upon_o a_o cross_n to_o save_v the_o world_n the_o belief_n of_o this_o seem_v a_o pure_a extravagancy_n to_o poor_a blind_a creature_n i_o consider_v also_o how_o a_o true_a supernatural_a christian_a life_n seem_v but_o as_o folly_n to_o worldly-wise-man_n who_o can_v understand_v it_o be_v elevate_v above_o sense_n and_o humane_a reason_n whole_o spiritual_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o deprive_v nature_n alas_o how_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a life_n be_v rare_a to_o love_v cross_n and_o contempt_n and_o poverty_n and_o humiliation_n and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o persecution_n by_o prefer_v the_o maxim_n of_o faith_n before_o humane_a wisdom_n be_v a_o proceed_n very_o extraordinary_a to_o carnal_a man_n who_o in_o a_o manner_n be_v whole_o guide_v by_o their_o sense_n if_o grace_n do_v not_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o faith_n in_o we_o our_o poor_a soul_n have_v no_o director_n but_o reason_n which_o cast_v a_o mist_n before_o we_o to_o hinder_v our_o sight_n from_o christian_a verity_n the_o same_o grace_n also_o discover_v to_o i_o that_o as_o jesus_n live_v a_o suffer_a life_n we_o likewise_o shall_v conform_v to_o his_o state_n and_o be_v content_a with_o cross_n and_o contrariety_n pain_n and_o deprivation_n and_o be_v please_v with_o whatsoever_o come_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o poor_a retire_v abject_a life_n i_o resolve_v to_o lead_v answerable_a to_o my_o vocation_n without_o doubt_n will_v be_v account_v a_o folly_n by_o worldly_a man_n and_o may_v sometime_o so_o seem_v to_o myself_o but_o take_v courage_n o_o my_o soul_n a_o lively_a faith_n will_v discover_v the_o deceit_n by_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n the_o proceed_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n be_v not_o govern_v by_o humane_a argument_n but_o divine_a and_o supereminent_a motive_n for_o we_o must_v suffer_v to_o do_v penance_n and_o we_o must_v love_v poverty_n to_o advance_v pure_a love_n which_o despise_v all_o thing_n to_o have_v god_n in_o possession_n in_o my_o second_o prayer_n i_o clear_o see_v that_o jesus_n take_v no_o pleasure_n without_o necessity_n to_o prescribe_v such_o rough_a maxim_n to_o we_o he_o know_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v great_a our_o inclination_n to_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v continual_a and_o therefore_o to_o live_v in_o his_o love_n require_v constant_a mortification_n and_o contradiction_n to_o nature_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o love_n be_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n jesus_n have_v found_v christian_a perfection_n upon_o two_o high_a mountain_n calvary_n and_o tabor_n on_o the_o one_o we_o learn_v perfection_n and_o mortification_n on_o the_o other_o the_o perfection_n of_o prayer_n and_o on_o both_o the_o sublimity_n of_o divine_a love_n to_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n upon_o one_o or_o the_o other_a mountain_n we_o must_v die_v to_o the_o world_n and_o never_o let_v the_o love_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o mortification_n to_o languish_v in_o we_o solitude_n must_v be_v dear_a to_o such_o soul_n and_o they_o must_v take_v not_o employ_v but_o what_o god_n will_v have_v they_o lest_o interess_v themselves_o and_o spend_v their_o spirit_n in_o other_o matter_n they_o make_v themselves_o unable_a to_o follow_v vigorous_o the_o work_n of_o their_o vocation_n my_o soul_n will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n to_o quit_v thy_o creator_n
vi_o of_o the_o mean_n that_o facilitate_v the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n whosoever_o be_v resolve_v to_o undertake_v the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n must_v expect_v to_o suffer_v all_o sort_n of_o temptation_n from_o satan_n who_o above_o all_o other_o hate_v the_o pray_v nation_n and_o no_o less_o from_o nature_n which_o have_v strange_a repugnance_n to_o so_o crucify_a a_o life_n and_o such_o exercise_n as_o elevate_v she_o above_o all_o her_o natural_a inclination_n and_o also_o from_o the_o world_n which_o do_v not_o relish_v at_o all_o so_o much_o solitude_n and_o mortification_n but_o we_o can_v be_v true_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n crucify_a without_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n to_o follow_v he_o a_o poor_a abject_a despise_a suffer_v life_n content_v with_o pure_a necessity_n for_o food_n and_o clothing_n be_v a_o good_a disposition_n to_o prayer_n it_o will_v very_o much_o dispose_v we_o to_o this_o holy_a exercise_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o suffer_a life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o pure_a virtue_n on_o all_o occasion_n to_o esteem_v the_o sacred_a folly_n of_o the_o cross_a the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o correspond_v to_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n against_o all_o opposition_n whatsoever_o that_o thwart_a the_o design_n of_o god_n and_o hinder_v the_o operation_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o we_o it_o be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o prayer_n to_o make_v it_o our_o sole_a and_o only_a business_n and_o doubtless_o of_o high_a concern_v see_v it_o be_v to_o do_v that_o on_o earth_n which_o the_o saint_n do_v in_o heaven_n to_o contemplate_v and_o love_v the_o beauty_n of_o god_n however_o if_o we_o have_v other_o affair_n at_o least_o we_o must_v make_v this_o the_o principal_a to_o which_o the_o rest_n ought_v to_o give_v place_n and_o not_o as_o alas_o too_o many_o do_v regulate_v our_o devotion_n by_o our_o secular_a affair_n why_o shall_v we_o overcharge_v ourselves_o with_o employment_n by_o offer_v our_o service_n to_o other_o on_o the_o pretence_n of_o charity_n martha_n who_o be_v very_o busy_a about_o the_o corporal_a service_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v reprove_v for_o trouble_v herself_o with_o so_o many_o distract_n office_n and_o her_o sister_n commend_v for_o attend_v to_o the_o only_a thing_n necessary_a the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o contemplation_n it_o be_v a_o good_a help_n to_o prayer_n not_o to_o engage_v ourselves_o in_o worldly_a concern_v nor_o in_o give_v or_o receive_v visit_n without_o necessity_n such_o as_o the_o oblation_n of_o charity_n or_o of_o our_o place_n and_o condition_n require_v of_o we_o if_o we_o be_v free_a to_o shun_v all_o entertainment_n that_o be_v dangerous_a or_o unprofitable_a and_o choose_v to_o converse_v with_o such_o who_o common_o discourse_v about_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a which_o consist_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n but_o all_o this_o must_v be_v so_o do_v as_o our_o discretion_n may_v not_o be_v call_v in_o question_n nor_o charity_n wound_v it_o be_v a_o important_a help_n to_o prayer_n to_o stand_v always_o upon_o our_o guard_n in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n or_o indisposition_n of_o health_n so_o as_o not_o whole_o to_o leave_v off_o our_o usual_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n under_o pretence_n to_o cherish_v the_o body_n we_o common_o yield_v too_o much_o to_o nature_n and_o so_o sometime_o in_o a_o short_a sickness_n we_o lose_v long_a habit_n of_o mortification_n which_o cost_v we_o dear_a in_o their_o acquisition_n prayer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v aside_o at_o such_o a_o time_n but_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o keep_v up_o our_o union_n with_o god_n by_o interiour_n act_n of_o virtue_n which_o require_v no_o strength_n of_o body_n nor_o gust_n of_o devotion_n but_o agree_v well_o enough_o with_o a_o state_n of_o trouble_n and_o dereliction_n it_o be_v asleep_o very_o profitable_a help_n to_o prayer_n to_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o do_v nothing_o of_o concern_v without_o a_o motion_n from_o god_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v in_o we_o to_o conduct_v we_o and_o we_o may_v safe_o follow_v such_o a_o leader_n this_o keep_v the_o soul_n in_o great_a purity_n which_o know_v the_o inspiration_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o internal_a peace_n sweetness_n and_o liberty_n that_o always_o more_o or_o less_o attend_v they_o and_o if_o she_o quit_v they_o to_o follow_v nature_n the_o secret_a sting_n of_o conscience_n tell_v she_o she_o have_v be_v unfaithful_a to_o god_n grace_n and_o retard_v her_o progress_n towards_o perfection_n it_o be_v a_o very_a necessary_a help_n to_o prayer_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o get_v a_o habit_n of_o be_v so_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o live_v only_o to_o god_n and_o in_o god_n her_o only_a centre_n and_o true_a repose_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o if_o she_o deviate_v therefrom_o to_o take_v a_o complacency_n in_o herself_o or_o any_o creature_n she_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o design_n of_o god_n i_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o bring_v our_o mind_n off_o from_o think_v on_o vain_a and_o worldly_a matter_n and_o to_o habituate_v the_o soul_n to_o strive_v against_o imperfection_n and_o adorn_v herself_o with_o all_o christian_a virtue_n however_o she_o must_v then_o reflect_v on_o her_o imperfection_n her_o good_a and_o evil_a inclination_n as_o she_o find_v the_o motion_n of_o grace_n to_o dictate_v to_o she_o she_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o capable_a of_o a_o more_o elevate_a degree_n of_o prayer_n and_o so_o her_o thought_n be_v profitable_o employ_v in_o this_o low_a exercise_n but_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o enter_v into_o she_o as_o to_o make_v she_o enter_v into_o he_o by_o a_o more_o intimate_a union_n her_o thought_n then_o must_v be_v all_o upon_o god_n and_o for_o he_o see_v he_o be_v only_o her_o true_a rest_n and_o repose_v many_o spiritual_a person_n fail_v herein_o not_o well_o observe_v the_o method_n and_o way_n of_o god_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o soul_n they_o have_v not_o a_o eye_n severe_a enough_o on_o their_o interiour_n to_o discover_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o examine_v and_o search_v and_o find_v out_o the_o least_o root_n of_o their_o imperfection_n this_o must_v be_v do_v and_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a in_o its_o season_n but_o when_o god_n call_v we_o to_o high_a elevation_n in_o prayer_n we_o must_v follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n or_o we_o shall_v never_o advance_v in_o the_o way_n of_o perfection_n chap._n vii_o that_o we_o must_v not_o presume_v of_o ourselves_o to_o attempt_v any_o manner_n of_o prayer_n but_o what_o be_v ordinary_a in_o our_o spiritual_a exercise_n we_o must_v ordinary_o prepare_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o prayer_n and_o converse_n with_o god_n this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o holy_a person_n and_o to_o do_v otherwise_o be_v to_o fail_v in_o our_o respect_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n if_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o a_o king_n or_o any_o person_n of_o quality_n we_o think_v thereon_o aforehand_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o have_v consideration_n of_o what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n this_o prepare_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n must_v be_v do_v some_o little_a time_n before_o we_o set_v upon_o the_o duty_n then_o we_o must_v lift_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o desire_v he_o to_o put_v into_o our_o mind_n what_o may_v be_v most_o please_v to_o he_o in_o our_o recollection_n and_o what_o ever_o it_o be_v to_o entertain_v it_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o dwell_v upon_o it_o unless_o god_n inspire_v we_o with_o some_o other_o matter_n that_o call_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o attention_n and_o fidelity_n for_o to_o comply_v with_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o quit_v the_o subject_a we_o have_v prepare_v for_o our_o exercise_n let_v we_o not_o soar_v above_o our_o ability_n but_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o matter_n for_o prayer_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o our_o spiritual_a state_n and_o we_o find_v by_o our_o interiour_n to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n let_v we_o never_o begin_v our_o prayer_n without_o ask_v god_n pardon_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n for_o to_o put_v ourselves_o into_o his_o sacred_a presence_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o he_o without_o a_o detestation_n of_o these_o imperfection_n wherewith_o we_o have_v displease_v he_o be_v to_o make_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n it_o be_v of_o very_o great_a importance_n to_o know_v how_o god_n usual_o conduct_n soul_n to_o perfection_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comply_v with_o the_o design_n of_o his_o grace_n all_o be_v not_o call_v