another_o be_v that_o his_o word_n be_v few_o necessary_a simple_a and_o concern_v divine_a thing_n the_o three_o be_v that_o his_o whole_a life_n all_o his_o work_v and_o whatever_o he_o do_v be_v so_o complete_a and_o blameless_a that_o in_o nothing_o he_o may_v be_v reprehend_v by_o any_o one_o and_o of_o the_o internal_a the_o first_o be_v that_o his_o thought_n be_v pure_a and_o heavenly_a the_o second_o that_o he_o pure_o seek_v and_o intend_v god_n alone_o the_o three_o that_o he_o be_v able_a easy_o and_o ready_o without_o any_o trouble_v to_o bid_v farewell_n to_o all_o for_o god_n that_o be_v that_o whatever_o befall_v he_o a_o unmoveable_a undisturbed_a and_o true_a peace_n be_v in_o his_o mind_n that_o as_o water_v not_o move_v with_o any_o blast_n of_o wind_n be_v quiet_a so_o his_o soul_n may_v in_o all_o thing_n persevere_v calm_a and_o immovable_a for_o as_o in_o water_n so_o long_o as_o it_o swell_v with_o wave_n and_o be_v stir_v with_o continual_a motion_n no_o man_n can_v behold_v himself_o so_o that_o most_o simple_a and_o most_o pure_a good_a which_o be_v god_n can_v never_o direct_v the_o ray_n of_o his_o light_n into_o his_o soul_n into_o his_o spirit_n or_o interior_n part_n so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v move_v with_o prosperous_a or_o advers._fw-la occurrence_n for_o no_o prosperity_n or_o honour_n though_o never_o so_o great_a for_o no_o riches_n or_o friend_n or_o whatever_o fortunate_a accident_n must_v our_o heart_n yield_v to_o levity_n dissoluteness_n 〈◊〉_d vain_a joy_n again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o must_v perâ—â—…_n undaunted_a and_o immovable_a against_o all_o adversiâ—…_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o disturb_v or_o hinder_v in_o his_o souâ—_n by_o any_o damage_n do_v he_o nor_o wish_v any_o evil_n within_o or_o without_o to_o any_o other_o whatever_o he_o suffer_v from_o he_o whether_o he_o deprive_v he_o of_o all_o his_o goodâ—_n whether_o honour_n or_o friend_n or_o commodity_n or_o aâ—…_n his_o comfort_n yea_o though_o he_o pull_v out_o his_o eye_n fire_n 〈◊〉_d house_n or_o whatever_o other_o mischief_n he_o do_v he_o hâ—…_n must_v by_o no_o mean_n bear_v a_o evil_a thought_n against_o he_o nor_o desire_n revenge_n but_o take_v all_o not_o from_o man_n but_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n render_v he_o devouâ—_n thanks_o that_o he_o be_v in_o any_o thing_n make_v conformable_a to_o he_o yet_o notwithstanding_o we_o must_v know_v that_o there_o be_v none_o so_o happy_a or_o holy_a christ_n only_a and_o thâ—_n glorious_a virgin_n except_v but_o he_o may_v sometime_o suffer_v at_o least_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o passion_n for_o all_o the_o saint_n have_v suffer_v they_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o perceive_v they_o they_o know_v how_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n so_o to_o suppress_v they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o easy_o be_v perceive_v either_o in_o their_o countenance_n in_o their_o word_n or_o their_o gesture_n last_o to_o this_o quiet_a condition_n this_o also_o be_v require_v that_o he_o be_v so_o affect_v so_o dispose_v that_o though_o he_o be_v encumber_v with_o diversity_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o business_n be_v soon_o as_o ever_o he_o turn_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n no_o image_n thereof_o no_o appearance_n not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o shadow_n of_o it_o may_v remain_v whence_o in_o his_o intellect_n or_o mind_n he_o may_v become_v indispose_v or_o hinder_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n grant_v that_o to_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v all_o in_o time_n attain_v amen_n a_o treatise_n of_o albertus_n magnus_n of_o adhere_v to_o god_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o vltimate_a and_o high_a perfection_n of_o man_n as_o far_o as_o the_o same_o be_v attainable_a in_o this_o life_n i_o have_v purpose_v with_o myself_o with_o the_o great_a accuracy_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o this_o our_o exile_n and_o pilgrim_n state_n to_o give_v a_o description_n of_o the_o absolute_a and_o plenary_a abstraction_n from_o all_o thing_n and_o our_o ready_a secure_a naked_a and_o firm_a adhere_n to_o our_o lord_n god_n alone_o and_o this_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o very_a end_n of_o christian_a perfection_n be_v charity_n or_o divine_a love_n whereby_o we_o cleave_v to_o and_o be_v make_v one_o with_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n to_o which_o divine_a adhesion_n by_o love_n every_o one_o be_v bind_v that_o hope_n for_o salvation_n and_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o precept_n and_o conformity_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o observance_n whereof_o exclude_v whatsoever_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o essence_n and_o habit_n of_o charity_n such_o as_o be_v all_o mortal_a sin_n but_o those_o that_o be_v in_o religious_a order_n have_v over_o and_o above_o this_o bind_v themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o evangelical_n perfection_n and_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o evangelical_n council_n and_o advice_n rather_o than_o strict_a imposition_n and_o by_o mean_n whereof_o we_o more_o ready_o arrive_v to_o our_o ultimate_a end_n which_o be_v god_n by_o the_o observance_n of_o which_o be_v likewise_o exclude_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o clog_n and_o hinder_v the_o activity_n and_o fervour_n of_o charity_n from_o carry_v we_o up_o into_o our_o lord_n god_n such_o as_o be_v the_o deny_v of_o all_o thing_n yea_o even_o of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o body_n for_o see_v that_o our_o lord_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n they_o that_o will_v worship_v he_o 4.24_o joh._n 4.24_o must_v do_v it_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n that_o be_v with_o knowledge_n and_o love_n with_o the_o understanding_n and_o affection_n devoid_a of_o all_o phantasm_n or_o image_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o command_n of_o our_o lord_n but_o thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v 6.6_o math._n 6.6_o enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n that_o be_v the_o inmost_a retreat_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v shut_v thy_o door_n viz._n the_o door_n of_o thy_o sense_n upon_o thou_o there_o do_v thou_o with_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a pray_v to_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n which_o be_v then_o best_a do_v when_o a_o man_n be_v disentangle_v and_o divest_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o whole_o retire_v within_o himself_o and_o have_v forget_v and_o shut_v out_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mind_n alone_o do_v in_o silence_n with_o faith_n and_o assurance_n lay_v open_a her_o desire_n before_o her_o lord_n god_n and_o thus_o by_o the_o entire_a affection_n of_o her_o heart_n and_o love_n do_v most_o sincere_o and_o full_o pour_v forth_o and_o plunge_v herself_o into_o god_n with_o the_o inmost_a marrow_n and_o strength_n of_o all_o her_o power_n dilate_v inflame_a and_o dissolve_v herself_o whole_o into_o he_o chap._n ii_o how_o a_o man_n may_v despise_v all_o other_o thing_n adhere_v to_o and_o intend_v christ_n alone_o now_o whosoever_o desire_v and_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o undertake_v and_o enter_v upon_o this_o state_n or_o kind_n of_o life_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o he_o as_o it_o be_v shut_v his_o eye_n and_o sense_n do_v not_o concern_v or_o trouble_v himself_o with_o or_o be_v careful_a and_o solicitous_a about_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o but_o total_o reject_v and_o renounce_v all_o thing_n as_o impertinent_a hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o he_o whole_o retire_v within_o himself_o and_o in_o that_o retirement_n entertain_v no_o other_o object_n but_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o and_o he_o crucify_a and_o so_o press_v on_o through_o he_o into_o he_o i._n e._n through_o man_n into_o god_n through_o the_o wound_n of_o his_o humanity_n into_o the_o inmost_a recess_n of_o his_o divinity_n and_o there_o without_o any_o further_o dispute_v ready_o and_o secure_o commit_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o concern_v to_o his_o indefatigable_a providence_n according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n peter_n cast_v all_o your_o care_n upon_o he_o 5.7_o 1_o pet._n 5.7_o who_o can_v do_v all_o and_o again_o be_v solicitous_a for_o nothing_o 6._o phil._n 4_o 6._o and_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n cast_v thy_o care_n upon_o the_o lord_n 55.22_o ps_n 55.22_o and_o he_o shall_v sustain_v thou_o and_o again_o but_o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o to_o 73.28_o ps_n 73.28_o cleave_v unto_o god_n and_o again_o i_o have_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o i_o 16.8_o ps_n 16.8_o and_o with_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n 3.4_o cant._n 3.4_o i_o have_v find_v he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v because_o 7.11_o wisd_v 7.11_o as_o wisdom_n say_v all_o good_a thing_n come_v together_o with_o it_o this_o be_v that_o hide_a heavenly_a treasure_n and_o that_o precious_a pearl_n which_o can_v be_v purchase_v 6._o mat._n 13.44_o 5_o 6._o but_o
by_o the_o part_n with_o all_o that_o we_o have_v which_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o with_o humble_a confidence_n most_o instant_a endeavour_n and_o quiet_a silence_n even_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o outward_a conveniency_n and_o advantage_n of_o praise_n or_o honour_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o what_o advantage_n will_v it_o be_v to_o one_o that_o have_v dedicate_v himself_o to_o god_n if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n suffer_v loss_n in_o his_o soul_n or_o of_o what_o profit_n be_v the_o high_a profession_n of_o religion_n or_o a_o seem_a holy_a conversation_n without_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o humility_n wherein_o christ_n dwell_v through_o faith_n wrought_v and_o form_v by_o love_n wherefore_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o we_o 17.21_o luke_n 17.21_o which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o chap._n iii_o wherein_o the_o perfection_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n do_v consist_v sure_a it_o be_v that_o the_o more_o sollicitous_o busy_a the_o mind_n be_v in_o think_v and_o manage_v these_o inferior_a and_o humane_a affair_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n it_o put_v itself_o from_o superior_a and_o heavenly_a object_n and_o true_a inward_a devotion_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o more_o fervent_o she_o recollect_n herself_o from_o the_o memory_n affection_n and_o understanding_n of_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o betake_v herself_o to_o those_o above_o the_o more_o perfect_a will_v her_o prayer_n be_v and_o the_o more_o pure_a her_o contemplation_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a she_o shall_v be_v perfect_o intent_n on_o both_o these_o together_o they_o be_v as_o opposite_a as_o light_n and_o darkness_n for_o he_o that_o cleave_v to_o god_n be_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n but_o he_o that_o stick_v to_o the_o world_n grope_v in_o the_o dark_a whence_o the_o most_o sublime_a perfection_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v this_o to_o be_v so_o far_o unite_v to_o god_n that_o his_o whole_a soul_n with_o all_o its_o power_n and_o faculty_n be_v to_o that_o degree_n gather_v up_o into_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n that_o he_o may_v become_v one_o spirit_n with_o he_o so_o as_o to_o remember_v nothing_o but_o god_n to_o feel_v or_o understand_v nothing_o but_o god_n and_o that_o all_o his_o affection_n be_v unite_v and_o centre_v in_o the_o joy_n of_o love_n may_v sweet_o repose_v in_o the_o sole_a fruition_n of_o their_o creator_n for_o the_o image_n of_o god_n impress_v on_o the_o soul_n consist_v in_o these_o three_o faculty_n viz._n reason_n memory_n and_o will_v and_o as_o long_o as_o these_o do_v not_o whole_o receive_v their_o stamp_n and_o impress_n from_o god_n the_o soul_n be_v not_o deiform_a according_a to_o the_o intent_n and_o scope_n of_o its_o first_o creation_n for_o god_n be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o who_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v impress_v as_o the_o wax_n be_v by_o the_o seal_n now_o this_o can_v never_o be_v full_o perform_v until_o reason_n be_v according_a to_o its_o capacity_n perfect_o illuminate_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sovereign_a truth_n and_o the_o will_v be_v perfect_o bend_v and_o take_v up_o in_o love_v the_o supreme_a good_a and_o the_o memory_n be_v whole_o employ_v in_o the_o behold_n and_o enjoy_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o in_o a_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a repose_n and_o acquiescence_n in_o the_o same_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o the_o consummate_v possession_n of_o these_o consist_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o bliss_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o true_a beginning_n and_o anticipation_n of_o these_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o this_o life_n chap._n iu._n how_o the_o activity_n of_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o intellect_n alone_o and_o not_o in_o the_o sense_n happy_a therefore_o be_v the_o man_n who_o by_o a_o continual_a efface_v of_o all_o phantasm_n and_o imaginary_a representation_n and_o by_o introversion_n and_o the_o lift_n up_o his_o mind_n into_o god_n do_v at_o last_o in_o a_o manner_n forget_v and_o leave_v behind_o he_o all_o i_o mage_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n consequent_o operate_a inward_o with_o a_o naked_a simple_a and_o pure_a intellect_n and_o affection_n about_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o simple_a object_n god_n wherefore_o thou_o must_v reject_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o thy_o mind_n all_o phantasm_n representation_n and_o image_n and_o the_o form_n of_o all_o thing_n beside_o god_n to_o the_o end_n that_o thy_o whole_a exercise_n about_o god_n within_o thou_o may_v depend_v only_o of_o thy_o naked_a intellect_n affection_n and_o will._n for_o indeed_o the_o true_a end_n of_o all_o thy_o holy_a exercise_n be_v this_o that_o thou_o do_v intend_v and_o repose_v in_o the_o lord_n god_n within_o thou_o by_o the_o pure_a act_n of_o intellection_n and_o the_o devout_a affection_n without_o all_o representation_n or_o entanglement_n whatsoever_o now_o this_o exercise_n can_v be_v discharge_v by_o any_o corporal_a organ_n or_o the_o external_a sense_n but_o by_o that_o part_n in_o man_n by_o which_o he_o be_v man_n now_o that_o which_o constitute_v a_o man_n be_v understanding_n and_o love_n and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o man_n sport_v it_o with_o his_o imagination_n and_o sense_n and_o fix_v there_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o get_v beyond_o the_o motion_n and_o bound_n of_o his_o bestial_a nature_n that_o be_v of_o that_o part_n within_o he_o which_o he_o have_v common_a with_o brute_n beast_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o do_v perceive_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o such_o sensible_a representation_n and_o no_o other_o because_o the_o power_n of_o their_o soul_n reach_v no_o high_a but_o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o with_o man_n who_o be_v create_v in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o intellect_n affection_n and_o freewill_n which_o must_v be_v immediate_o pure_o and_o naked_o impress_v by_o god_n and_o become_v unite_v and_o firm_o cleave_v unto_o he_o wherefore_o also_o the_o devil_n do_v with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n endeavour_v to_o hinder_v and_o disturb_v this_o exercise_n as_o far_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v forasmuch_o as_o he_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o entrance_n and_o anticipation_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o make_v he_o to_o envy_v so_o great_a a_o happiness_n to_o man._n for_o which_o reason_n he_o always_o endeavour_n to_o estrange_v and_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o his_o lord_n god_n sometime_o by_o one_o temptation_n sometime_o by_o another_o sometime_o by_o one_o passion_n and_o sometime_o by_o another_o sometime_o by_o superfluous_a solicitousness_n and_o indiscreet_a cark_n sometime_o by_o disturbance_n dissolute_a conversation_n and_o unreasonable_a curiosity_n sometime_o by_o the_o study_n of_o curious_a and_o subtle_a write_n impertinent_a discourse_n report_n and_o news_n sometime_o by_o adversity_n and_o sometime_o by_o prosperity_n which_o though_o sometime_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v very_a light_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n no_o sin_n at_o all_o be_v nevertheless_o great_a let_n and_o hindrance_n to_o this_o holy_a exercise_n and_o work_n and_o therefore_o however_o they_o may_v represent_v themselves_o to_o we_o as_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a yet_o be_v immediate_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o disow_v as_o hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a whether_o they_o be_v small_a or_o great_a and_o to_o be_v whole_o expel_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o our_o sense_n according_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o all_o thing_n hear_v see_v do_v or_o speak_v and_o other_o such_o like_a be_v receive_v by_o we_o without_o any_o phantasm_n image_n or_o dwell_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o neither_o afterward_o nor_o before_o nor_o at_o the_o perceive_v of_o they_o we_o do_v form_n of_o feed_v any_o representation_n and_o when_o thus_o a_o phantasm_n do_v not_o enter_v the_o memory_n and_o the_o mind_n then_o can_v it_o neither_o hinder_v a_o man_n in_o his_o prayer_n meditation_n and_o sing_v of_o psalm_n or_o in_o any_o other_o spiritual_a operation_n or_o exercise_n whatsoever_o neither_o will_v it_o ever_o again_o obviate_v and_o disturb_v he_o thus_o do_v thou_o ready_o and_o secure_o commit_v thy_o whole_a self_n and_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o thy_o concern_v in_o silence_n and_o rest_n to_o the_o infallible_a and_o most_o certain_a providence_n and_o wise_a disposal_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o himself_o will_v appear_v for_o thou_o in_o this_o combat_n and_o fight_v for_o thou_o and_o will_v with_o more_o honour_n and_o sweetness_n deliver_v and_o comfort_v thou_o than_o if_o thou_o shall_v continual_o night_n and_o day_n hammer_n upon_o the_o anvil_n of_o thy_o thought_n and_o imagination_n about_o it_o and_o with_o a_o vain_a vagabond_n and_o yet_o captive_a
relish_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o do_v thou_o endeavour_v to_o quit_v all_o phantasm_n and_o imaginary_a representation_n of_o bodily_a thing_n because_o nothing_o be_v more_o please_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o a_o mind_n divest_v of_o all_o such_o like_a form_n and_o image_n for_o his_o delight_n be_v with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o be_v such_o who_o with_o a_o calm_a mind_n purify_v and_o simplify_v from_o all_o these_o occupation_n distraction_n and_o passion_n do_v intend_v apply_v and_o cleave_v to_o he_o make_v this_o their_o whole_a business_n for_o otherwise_o if_o thy_o memory_n imagination_n and_o thought_n be_v often_o busy_v about_o these_o thing_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v inveigle_v either_o with_o some_o new_a thing_n or_o the_o remain_v of_o some_o former_o entertain_v or_o be_v various_o affect_v and_o distract_v with_o other_o occur_v object_n 1.5_o wisd_v 1.5_o for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o discipline_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v remove_v its_o self_n from_o thought_n that_o be_v without_o understanding_n wherefore_o a_o true_a lover_n of_o jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v so_o unite_v in_o his_o intellect_n through_o good_a will_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o goodness_n and_o be_v so_o naked_a and_o strip_v of_o all_o phantasm_n and_o passion_n as_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o take_v notice_n whether_o he_o be_v deride_v and_o flout_v at_o or_o love_v and_o honour_a or_o whether_o any_o thing_n else_o happen_v to_o he_o for_o a_o good_a will_n make_v up_o all_o and_o be_v above_o and_o beyond_o all_o wherefore_o if_o there_o be_v a_o good_a will_n and_o that_o the_o same_o in_o the_o intellect_n be_v pure_o conform_v and_o unite_a to_o god_n it_o can_v do_v no_o hurt_n though_o the_o flesh_n or_o sensuality_n and_o the_o outward_a man_n shall_v incline_v to_o sin_n and_o be_v backward_o and_o dead_a to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a yea_o even_o though_o the_o inward_a man_n also_o shall_v be_v dead_a and_o listless_a to_o any_o thing_n of_o devotion_n for_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o man_n by_o faith_n and_o good_a will_n naked_o to_o cleave_v to_o god_n in_o the_o intellect_n or_o supreme_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o this_o he_o will_v do_v if_o he_o thorough_o perceive_v and_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o own_o imperfection_n and_o nothingness_n and_o know_v that_o all_o his_o good_a consist_v and_o be_v in_o his_o creator_n and_o if_o with_o all_o his_o power_n and_o faculty_n he_o abandon_v himself_o and_o all_o creature_n and_o total_o plunge_v his_o whole_a self_n into_o his_o creator_n so_o as_o to_o direct_v all_o his_o action_n pure_o and_o entire_o to_o his_o lord_n god_n as_o the_o sole_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o they_o all_o seeking_z nor_o desire_v any_o thing_n beside_o he_o in_o who_o he_o perceive_v himself_o to_o have_v find_v all_o good_a with_o all_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n and_o by_o this_o process_n he_o become_v in_o a_o manner_n transform_v into_o god_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o he_o can_v neither_o think_v nor_o understand_v nor_o love_n nor_o remember_v any_o thing_n but_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n nor_o do_v he_o see_v himself_o and_o other_o creature_n save_v only_o in_o god_n neither_o do_v he_o love_v any_o thing_n save_o god_n alone_o nor_o remember_v or_o make_v mention_n of_o they_o or_o of_o himself_o but_o in_o god_n now_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n make_v a_o soul_n very_o humble_a judge_v it_o self_n but_o not_o another_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o worldly_a wisdom_n make_v the_o soul_n proud_a vain_a arrogant_a and_o puff_v up_o with_o wind._n let_v we_o lay_v down_o this_o therefore_o for_o a_o spiritual_a and_o fundamental_a doctrine_n that_o he_o who_o will_v draw_v near_o to_o the_o knowledge_n service_n and_o familiarity_n or_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o that_o will_v real_o possess_v he_o must_v of_o necessity_n whole_o strip_v and_o divest_v his_o heart_n from_o all_o sensible_a love_n not_o only_o of_o every_o person_n whatsoever_o but_o of_o every_o creature_n to_o the_o end_n that_o with_o a_o simple_a and_o entire_a heart_n he_o may_v reach_v forward_o and_o press_v into_o the_o lord_n god_n his_o creator_n free_o without_o all_o duplicity_n care_n or_o sollicitousness_n with_o a_o full_a assure_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o his_o providence_n as_o to_o all_o his_o concern_v chap._n vii_o how_o the_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v up_o or_o recollect_v into_o itself_o moreover_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o soul_n chapter_n 21._o to_o mount_v up_o to_o god_n iâ—_n to_o enter_v into_o one_o self_n for_o he_o who_o inward_o enter_v and_o intimate_o penetrate_v into_o himself_o get_v above_o or_o beyond_o himself_o he_o true_o mount_v up_o to_o god_n let_v we_o therefore_o gather_v up_o our_o heart_n from_o the_o various_a distraction_n oâ—_n this_o world_n and_o recall_v they_o to_o the_o joyâ—_n within_o that_o we_o may_v at_o last_o be_v able_a to_o fix_v they_o in_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a contemplation_n for_o this_o be_v the_o true_a life_n and_o rest_n of_o our_o heart_n when_o by_o desire_v it_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o sweet_o refresh_v with_o his_o divine_a comfort_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o in_o the_o experimental_a taste_n and_o relish_v hereof_o we_o be_v manifold_o hinder_v so_o as_o that_o we_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n reach_v to_o he_o be_v plain_o this_o because_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v distract_v with_o solicitousness_n do_v not_o enter_v into_o itself_o by_o the_o memory_n be_v overshadow_a cloud_v with_o phantasm_n do_v not_o retire_v into_o herself_o through_o the_o intellect_n be_v allure_v by_o lust_n and_o concupiscence_n do_v not_o turn_v in_o to_o herself_o through_o the_o desire_n of_o internal_a sweetness_n and_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o be_v thus_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o these_o sensible_a and_o present_a thing_n she_o can_v never_o enter_v in_o to_o herself_o viz_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o herself_o it_o behove_v therefore_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v necessary_a that_o with_o humble_a reverence_n and_o great_a confidence_n the_o mind_n raise_v itself_o above_o itself_o and_o every_o creature_n by_o a_o total_a deny_v and_o renounce_v of_o they_o all_o and_o say_v within_o herself_o he_o who_o of_o all_o thing_n before_o all_o thing_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n i_o seek_v love_n long_o for_o and_o desire_v be_v neither_o sensible_a nor_o imaginable_a but_o above_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sensible_a and_o intelligible_a too_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v perceive_v by_o any_o sense_n but_o whole_o desirable_a by_o full_a and_o perfect_a desire_n neither_o be_v he_o figurable_a or_o representable_a but_o to_o be_v most_o perfect_o long_v for_o by_o the_o most_o intimate_a affection_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rate_v or_o value_v but_o whole_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o a_o pure_a heart_n as_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n amiable_a and_o delectable_a and_o of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o perfection_n and_o thus_o she_o be_v carry_v into_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o become_v high_a raise_v within_o herself_o and_o enter_v deep_a into_o herself_o and_o this_o manner_n of_o ascend_v to_o the_o enigmatical_a or_o obscure_a vision_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o unity_n in_o trinity_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o fervent_a by_o how_o much_o the_o power_n of_o elevation_n be_v more_o intimate_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o fruitful_a and_o profitable_a by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v near_o and_o strong_a in_o affection_n for_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n those_o be_v account_v high_o which_o be_v more_o inward_a as_o to_o spiritual_a experience_n wherefore_o do_v thou_o never_o leave_v never_o rest_n until_o thou_o get_v a_o taste_n of_o some_o pledge_n or_o foretaste_n of_o the_o fullness_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o till_o thou_o perceive_v the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o divine_a loveliness_n by_o some_o little_a first_o fruit_n and_o do_v not_o cease_v run_v after_o she_o in_o the_o perfume_n of_o her_o good_a ointment_n unti_fw-la thou_o come_v to_o see_v the_o god_n of_o god_n in_o zion_n for_o in_o thy_o spiritual_a progress_n and_o in_o this_o union_n with_o and_o cleave_v to_o god_n within_o thyself_o thou_o must_v neither_o desist_v nor_o give_v back_o until_o thou_o have_v obtain_v what_o thou_o look_v for_o whereof_o we_o may_v take_v a_o example_n from_o those_o who_o be_v go_v up_o a_o high_a hill_n for_o if_o in_o this_o ascent_n our_o spirit_n through_o lust_n and_o desire_n come_v to_o plunge_v itself_o into_o the_o transitory_a thing_n here_o below_o it_o immediate_o be_v lead_v out_o of_o the_o way_n
by_o infinite_a distraction_n and_o crooked_a wind_a path_n and_o be_v manifold_o divide_v be_v scatter_v in_o itself_o according_a to_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o the_o object_n its_o concupiscence_n desire_v whence_o necessary_a follow_v motion_n without_o steadiness_n run_v without_o attain_v and_o labour_n without_o rest_n but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n do_v withdraw_v itself_o by_o desire_n and_o love_n from_o the_o infinite_a distraction_n of_o inferior_a thing_n here_o below_o whole_o quit_v they_o and_o by_o little_a and_o little_o gather_v up_o herself_o into_o that_o one_o unchangeable_n all-sufficient_a good_a learn_v and_o accustom_v herself_o to_o stay_v at_o home_n and_o with_o her_o whole_a affection_n do_v inseparable_o cleave_v unto_o it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o she_o be_v gather_v up_o into_o one_o and_o fortify_v by_o how_o much_o she_o be_v elevate_v by_o understanding_n and_o desire_v to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o and_o become_v so_o habitual_o fix_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o true_a supreme_a good_a within_o herself_o till_o at_o length_n she_o be_v make_v altogether_o immutable_a and_o arrive_v to_o that_o true_a life_n which_o be_v the_o lord_n god_n himself_o so_o as_o that_o perpetual_o without_o any_o vicissitude_n of_o change_n or_o time_n she_o now_o repose_v herself_o in_o that_o inward_a quiet_a and_o secret_a mansion_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v perfect_o fix_v and_o settle_v within_o herself_o in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v the_o way_n to_o those_o that_o come_v to_o he_o 14.6_o john_n 14.6_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n chap._n viii_o how_o a_o devout_a person_n must_v commit_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o all_o event_n and_o in_o all_o his_o concern_v i_o suppose_v that_o from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v thou_o do_v perceive_v that_o the_o more_o thou_o shall_v divest_v thyself_o from_o image_n and_o all_o worldly_a and_o create_v thing_n and_o by_o good_a will_v be_v unite_v in_o thy_o intellect_n to_o god_n the_o near_o thou_o will_v approach_v to_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n and_o perfection_n than_o which_o what_o can_v be_v conceive_v better_a more_o happy_a or_o more_o delightful_a to_o which_o purpose_n nothing_o can_v be_v of_o more_o avail_n than_o that_o thou_o keep_v thy_o mind_n naked_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o phantasm_n and_o image_n and_o from_o all_o entanglement_n whatsoever_o so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v concern_v or_o trouble_v thyself_o neither_o about_o the_o world_n nor_o about_o friend_n or_o relation_n nor_o about_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n neither_o about_o any_o thing_n past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v either_o in_o thyself_o or_o in_o other_o no_o nor_o over_o much_o about_o thy_o own_o sin_n but_o with_o a_o certain_a pure_a simplicity_n suppose_v thyself_o to_o be_v naked_a and_o alone_o with_o god_n without_o the_o world_n for_o if_o thy_o soul_n be_v already_o launch_v into_o eternity_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o body_n sure_o it_o will_v not_o be_v busy_v about_o secular_a matter_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v concern_v about_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o about_o peace_n nor_o war_n fair_a or_o foul_a weather_n or_o any_o other_o temporal_a thing_n but_o will_v uniform_o and_o total_o intend_v be_v at_o leisure_n for_o and_o cleave_v to_o god_n alone_o in_o like_a manner_n do_v thou_o now_o according_a to_o the_o present_a possibility_n leave_v thy_o body_n and_o all_o creature_n present_a and_o to_o come_v and_o steady_o fix_v the_o view_n of_o thy_o mind_n and_o spirit_n according_a to_o thy_o utmost_a power_n naked_o and_o ready_o upon_o that_o increated_a light_n that_o thy_o spirit_n may_v be_v so_o strip_v and_o divest_v from_o all_o phantasm_n and_o from_o all_o entanglement_n and_o cloudy_a overshadowing_n as_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o of_o a_o angel_n tie_v to_o a_o body_n who_o be_v not_o hinder_v by_o the_o activity_n of_o the_o flesh_n neither_o be_v entangle_v with_o vain_a and_o hurry_v thought_n let_v thy_o spirit_n therefore_o fortify_v itself_o against_o all_o temptation_n vexation_n injury_n and_o affront_v whatsoever_o so_o that_o with_o the_o great_a unconcernedness_n and_o evenness_n of_o temper_n it_o may_v immovable_o persevere_v in_o god_n in_o adversity_n as_o well_o as_o prosperity_n and_o when_o any_o thing_n of_o trouble_n listlessness_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a or_o confusion_n of_o mind_n do_v chance_n to_o seize_v thou_o do_v not_o thou_o therefore_o think_v strange_a or_o be_v discourage_v neither_o run_v thou_o upon_o this_o account_n to_o vocal_a prayer_n or_o other_o way_n of_o comfort_n but_o let_v this_o only_o be_v thy_o exercise_n that_o thou_o awaken_v and_o stir_v up_o thyself_o through_o good_a will_n in_o the_o intellect_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v cleave_v to_o god_n with_o thy_o mind_n whether_o thy_o sensual_a part_n will_v or_o not_o for_o a_o devout_a and_o true_o religious_a soul_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o intimate_o unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o have_v and_o make_v his_o will_n so_o conform_v to_o the_o divine_a will_n that_o it_o may_v not_o busy_v itself_o with_o nor_o cleave_v to_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o any_o more_o than_o she_o do_v before_o she_o be_v create_v and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o beside_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o it_o may_v with_o a_o even_a temper_n take_v all_o and_o every_o thing_n that_o happen_v to_o it_o secure_o and_o infallible_o from_o the_o gracious_a hand_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o all_o thing_n uniform_o suffer_v the_o lord_n in_o patience_n tranquillity_n and_o silence_n wherefore_o it_o appear_v that_o to_o strip_v the_o mind_n of_o all_o phantasm_n do_v above_o any_o other_o exercise_n whatsoever_o avail_n and_o conduce_v to_o a_o spiritual_a life_n in_o which_o by_o good_a will_n thou_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o and_o become_v like_a to_o god_n in_o thy_o intellect_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n there_o will_v be_v nothing_o to_o mediate_v or_o intervene_v betwixt_o thou_o and_o god_n consider_v therefore_o how_o great_o thou_o do_v degenerate_a from_o the_o nobility_n of_o thy_o be_v and_o how_o high_o thou_o sin_v against_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o against_o all_o his_o righteousness_n if_o thou_o with_o thy_o will_n and_o love_n do_v cleave_v unto_o the_o creature_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o creator_n by_o this_o mean_n prefer_v the_o creature_n before_o the_o creator_n chap._n ix_o that_o divine_a contemplation_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o religious_a exercise_n whatsoever_o forasmuch_o therefore_o as_o all_o thing_n beside_o god_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o work_n of_o the_o creator_n have_v their_o power_n and_o be_v and_o whatsoever_o they_o be_v or_o can_v stint_v and_o limit_v and_o as_o at_o first_o they_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o so_o be_v still_o surround_v with_o nullity_n and_o nothingness_n and_o of_o themselves_o tend_v to_o nothing_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v necessary_o every_o moment_n receive_v their_o existence_n conservation_n activity_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o may_v be_v in_o they_o from_o the_o sovereign_a workman_n god_n as_o be_v in_o and_o of_o themselves_o insufficient_a for_o themselves_o and_o other_o to_o who_o divine_a work_v they_o be_v compare_v have_v the_o same_o proportion_n as_o nothing_o to_o something_o or_o a_o finite_a thing_n to_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a wherefore_o let_v all_o our_o contemplation_n life_n and_o operation_n be_v in_o he_o alone_o and_o about_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o to_o he_o who_o with_o one_o hint_n of_o his_o will_n be_v able_a and_o know_v to_o produce_v thing_n infinite_o more_o perfect_a than_o those_o creature_n we_o now_o see_v there_o can_v be_v therefore_o neither_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o intellect_n or_o to_o the_o will_n any_o contemplation_n and_o fruition_n of_o love_n more_o profitable_a perfect_a happy_a and_o delightful_a than_o that_o which_o have_v for_o its_o object_n the_o creator_n the_o true_a and_o sovereign_a good_a from_o who_o in_o who_o through_o who_o and_o to_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n who_o alone_o be_v infinite_o sufficient_a for_o himself_o and_o all_o thing_n who_o most_o simple_o full_o and_o supereminent_o contain_v and_o have_v concentre_v in_o himself_o from_o eternity_n the_o perfection_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o who_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v not_o himself_o with_o who_o and_o through_o who_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o unstable_a thing_n have_v their_o last_a subsistence_n and_o establishment_n in_o who_o be_v the_o immutable_a idea_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o mutable_a thing_n and_o in_o who_o the_o eternal_a reason_n of_o all_o rational_a and_o irrational_a and_o temporal_a thing_n do_v live_v for_o ever_o who_o fulfil_v all_o and_o essential_o fill_v all_o and_o every_o thing_n with_o himself_o and_o who_o be_v more_o intimate_o
present_a by_o his_o essence_n to_o every_o thing_n than_o the_o thing_n be_v to_o itself_o in_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v unite_v and_o one_o and_o in_o who_o they_o live_v eternal_o moreover_o if_o by_o reason_n of_o weakness_n or_o the_o unaccustomedness_n of_o the_o understanding_n any_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o meditate_v or_o contemplate_v on_o the_o creature_n than_o this_o will_v be_v the_o best_a true_a and_o most_o profitable_a way_n for_o he_o that_o at_o least_o in_o all_o his_o contemplation_n and_o meditation_n whether_o about_o creature_n or_o about_o the_o creator_n a_o delight_n in_o the_o creator_n himself_o the_o one_o and_o trine_n god_n may_v arise_v within_o he_o and_o that_o the_o fire_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o true_a life_n may_v thence_o flame_v forth_o in_o himself_o and_o in_o other_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a felicity_n and_o here_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o contemplation_n of_o christian_a believer_n and_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n for_o the_o contemplation_n of_o philosopher_n be_v intend_v only_o for_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o contemplator_n and_o therefore_o stop_v in_o the_o understanding_n and_o so_o their_o end_n herein_o be_v intellectual_a knowledge_n but_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v take_v up_o for_o the_o love_n of_o he_o who_o they_o contemplation_n that_o be_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o stop_v in_o the_o intellect_n by_o knowledge_n as_o in_o its_o ultimate_a end_n but_o pass_v over_o into_o the_o affection_n by_o love_n wherefore_o the_o saint_n in_o their_o contemplation_n have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o their_o principal_a end_n and_o aim_n because_o it_o be_v far_o more_o happy_a and_o blissful_a to_o know_v and_o have_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n spiritual_o by_o grace_n than_o without_o grace_n corporal_o or_o essential_o now_o whilst_o the_o soul_n thus_o abstract_n itself_o from_o all_o thing_n and_o reflect_v into_o itself_o the_o eye_n of_o contemplation_n by_o this_o mean_n become_v dilate_v and_o raise_v itself_o like_o a_o ladder_n whereby_o she_o mount_v to_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n from_o which_o behold_v the_o soul_n become_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o celestial_a and_o divine_a good_a thing_n and_o look_v upon_o all_o temporal_a thing_n aloof_o as_o if_o they_o be_v just_a nothing_o thus_o when_o we_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n by_o the_o way_n of_o negation_n or_o remove_v from_o he_o all_o that_o be_v perceptible_a or_o comprehensible_a in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o remove_v from_o he_o all_o that_o be_v bodily_a sensible_a or_o imaginable_a in_o the_o next_o place_n all_o that_o be_v intelligible_a and_o last_o of_o of_o all_o essence_n or_o be_v itself_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n according_a to_o st._n dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n we_o approach_v near_o to_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o be_v in_o the_o ready_a way_n of_o be_v join_v to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v that_o thick_a darkness_n where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o dwell_v and_o into_o which_o moses_n enter_v and_o through_o it_o pass_v to_o his_o inaccessible_a light_n but_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a be_v not_o first_o but_o that_o which_o be_v animal_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o natural_a and_o accustom_a order_n we_o be_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o labour_n of_o action_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o contemplation_n and_o from_o the_o moral_a virtue_n to_o the_o theorical_a and_o speculative_a wherefore_o o_o my_o soul_n why_o be_v it_o that_o thou_o busy_a thyself_o to_o no_o purpose_n about_o the_o many_o vain_a and_o superfluous_a thing_n where_o thou_o be_v always_o in_o want_n and_o do_v not_o rather_o fix_v thy_o intention_n and_o love_n upon_o that_o one_o best_a and_o sovereign_n good_a which_o contain_v all_o good_a and_o be_v only_o sufficient_a for_o thou_o and_o all_o thing_n unhappy_a therefore_o yea_o thrice_o unhappy_a he_o who_o know_v and_o have_v all_o thing_n beside_o he_o but_o be_v ignorant_a of_o he_o for_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o he_o yet_o will_v not_o he_o be_v the_o happy_a for_o know_v they_o but_o he_o only_o whence_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o and_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a 15._o joh._n 17._o v._n 3._o psalm_n 17._o v._n 15._o that_o they_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o psalmist_n i_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v at_o the_o appearance_n of_o thy_o glory_n or_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n when_o thy_o image_n or_o likeness_n shall_v awake_v in_o i_o chap._n x._o actual_a and_o sensible_a devotion_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v mind_v as_o the_o adhere_n or_o cleave_v to_o god_n with_o our_o will._n moreover_o do_v not_o thou_o great_o mind_n actual_a devotion_n sensible_a sweetness_n or_o tear_n but_o let_v it_o suffice_v thou_o to_o be_v by_o good_a will_n in_o thy_o intellect_n with_o thy_o mind_n unite_v to_o god_n within_o thyself_o forasmuch_o as_o nothing_o be_v more_o please_v to_o god_n than_o a_o mind_n stripe_v naked_a of_o phantasm_n image_n and_o reptesentation_n of_o the_o creature_n it_o become_v therefore_o a_o true_o devout_a person_n to_o estrange_v himself_o from_o all_o creature_n that_o he_o may_v naked_o and_o ready_o intend_v apply_v himself_o and_o adhere_v to_o god_n alone_o within_z himself_z wherefore_o deny_v thyself_o that_o thou_o may_v naked_o follow_v christ_n thy_o lord_n god_n who_o be_v true_o poor_a obedient_a and_o chaste_a humble_v himself_o and_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o at_o who_o life_n and_o death_n many_o be_v great_o offend_v as_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o as_o we_o see_v that_o a_o soul_n separate_v from_o its_o body_n do_v not_o mind_n or_o take_v notice_n what_o become_v of_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v burn_v hang_v abuse_v or_o curse_a and_o be_v not_o at_o all_o trouble_a or_o grieve_v for_o any_o injury_n that_o be_v do_v to_o it_o but_o have_v all_o its_o thought_n fix_v upon_o that_o ever_o present_a now_o of_o eternity_n and_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o gospel_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v thou_o also_o affect_v to_o thy_o body_n be_v so_o unconcern_v with_o it_o as_o if_o thou_o be_v already_o out_o of_o the_o body_n and_o have_v always_o thy_o mind_n fix_v upon_o the_o eternity_n of_o thy_o soul_n in_o god_n and_o earnest_o direct_v and_o level_v thy_o thought_n at_o that_o one_o thing_n of_o which_o christ_n say_v but_o one_o thing_n be_v needful_a 10.42_o luke_n 10.42_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v thou_o will_v feel_v great_a income_n and_o assistance_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o true_a nakedness_n of_o mind_n and_o simplification_n of_o heart_n and_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o this_o one_o thing_n be_v most_o present_a to_o thou_o and_o will_v appear_v so_o as_o soon_o as_o thou_o shall_v have_v rid_v thyself_o from_o thy_o imaginary_a representation_n and_o all_o other_o entanglement_n and_o thou_o will_v soon_o find_v that_o now_o thou_o can_v with_o a_o naked_a free_a and_o ready_a mind_n apply_v thyself_o and_o cleave_v to_o god_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v thou_o shall_v be_v invincible_a in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o that_o can_v happen_v to_o thou_o as_o the_o holy_a martyr_n father_n and_o all_o the_o elect_a and_o bless_a saint_n be_v who_o despise_v and_o reject_v all_o thing_n only_o mind_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o god_n and_o be_v thus_o arm_v within_o and_o unite_v to_o god_n by_o good_a will_n they_o contemn_v all_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n even_o as_o if_o their_o soul_n already_o have_v be_v actual_o separate_v from_o their_o body_n consider_v well_o therefore_o how_o great_a the_o power_n be_v of_o a_o good_a will_n unite_v to_o god_n yea_o how_o by_o this_o impression_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n as_o by_o its_o virtual_a and_o spiritual_a division_n from_o the_o flesh_n the_o soul_n come_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o outward_a man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v none_o of_o she_o and_o be_v so_o unconcern_v at_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v to_o it_o or_o its_o flesh_n as_o if_o they_o be_v do_v to_o another_o body_n for_o he_o that_o cleave_v to_o god_n become_v one_o spirit_n with_o he_o wherefore_o do_v thou_o never_o dare_v in_o the_o least_o to_o think_v or_o imagine_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n within_o thou_o which_o thou_o will_v blush_v that_o man_n shall_v hear_v or_o see_v and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o high_a reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n in_o his_o holy_a temple_n it_o be_v also_o fit_a and_o just_a that_o all_o thy_o thought_n be_v erect_v and_o lift_v up_o to_o
thing_n can_v be_v learn_v of_o men._n no_o man_n can_v teach_v another_o the_o thing_n that_o can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v know_v but_o by_o sense_n and_o experience_n no_o man_n can_v teach_v another_o to_o see_v hear_v smell_v taste_n feel_v or_o experience_n and_o much_o less_o to_o love_v rejoice_v to_o be_v sorrowful_a and_o such_o like_a which_o must_v be_v feel_v and_o experience_v before_o they_o can_v be_v know_v we_o must_v taste_v it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o god_n must_v work_v it_o in_o we_o and_o therefore_o david_n say_v taste_v and_o see_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a 34.8_o ps_n 34.8_o sweet_a or_o gracious_a we_o may_v indeed_o inform_v other_o of_o the_o visibility_n of_o colour_n and_o of_o the_o qualification_n that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o eye_n to_o perceive_v its_o proper_a object_n but_o by_o all_o our_o diligence_n we_o can_v never_o teach_v other_o to_o see_v so_o we_o may_v discourse_v much_o and_o at_o large_a concern_v the_o perfect_a and_o supreme_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n which_o also_o be_v very_o good_a and_o commendable_a in_o like_a manner_n we_o may_v discourse_v of_o the_o property_n of_o the_o will_n of_o purity_n of_o heart_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a as_o st._n paul_n say_v 1.5_o 1_o tim._n 1.5_o the_o end_n of_o the_o command_n be_v love_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a but_o we_o can_v never_o teach_v another_o how_o to_o love_v and_o much_o less_o to_o love_v above_o all_o thing_n for_o this_o be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n and_o reserve_v to_o he_o as_o his_o peculiar_a royalty_n who_o have_v the_o heart_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o the_o will_n in_o his_o power_n 21.1_o pro._n 21.1_o to_o turn_v and_o incline_v they_o how_o and_o which_o way_n it_o please_v he_o chap._n v._o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n a_o man_n can_v learn_v of_o himself_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o natural_a understanding_n of_o man_n may_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o creature_n raise_v itself_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1.20_o and_o according_o the_o philosopher_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o better_a than_o god_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o only_o continue_v in_o the_o speculation_n hereof_o without_o feel_v and_o experience_v the_o love_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n operative_o in_o themselves_o which_o must_v be_v before_o that_o knowledge_n can_v beget_v or_o kindle_v divine_a love_n wherefore_o neither_o do_v they_o know_v god_n aright_o according_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 1.21_o that_o though_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n neither_o be_v thankful_a wherefore_o also_o this_o their_o knowledge_n turn_v to_o their_o great_a hurt_n and_o prejudice_n particular_o in_o that_o in_o render_v they_o inexcusable_a make_v they_o to_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o darken_n their_o foolish_a heart_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o they_o bestow_v the_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o alone_o viz._n love_n above_o all_o thing_n upon_o the_o creature_n wherefore_o also_o god_n suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o shame_n and_o to_o defile_v themselves_o with_o unnatural_a lust_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v in_o themselves_o the_o recompense_n due_a to_o their_o error_n and_o because_o they_o do_v not_o like_a or_o value_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n so_o as_o to_o fall_v from_o one_o sin_n into_o another_o and_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o convenient_a wherefore_o certain_o it_o be_v much_o better_a for_o a_o man_n never_o to_o know_v god_n than_o not_o to_o glorify_v the_o know_a god_n as_o god_n or_o not_o to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n chap._n vi_o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n can_v be_v learn_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o be_v teach_v the_o write_a law_n of_o god_n and_o therein_o also_o we_o find_v wise_a instruction_n how_o the_o say_a law_n must_v be_v keep_v or_o observe_v as_o likewise_o the_o good_a and_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o man_n by_o keep_v of_o the_o same_o as_o well_o as_o the_o loss_n and_o evil_n that_o happen_v to_o man_n for_o transgress_v of_o it_o but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o compare_v our_o duty_n with_o our_o performance_n than_o it_o appear_v that_o we_o never_o keep_v any_o one_o of_o the_o divine_a command_n and_o that_o we_o be_v throughout_o defile_v with_o sin_n we_o know_v also_o that_o no_o man_n can_v keep_v the_o law_n except_o he_o love_v god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v never_o teach_v we_o this_o for_o if_o the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n do_v grow_v out_o of_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o old_a law_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o none_o do_v love_n god_n more_o than_o the_o jew_n who_o abound_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o law_n never_o bring_v any_o one_o to_o perfection_n that_o be_v to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o man_n for_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o old_a law_n bring_v forth_o nothing_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o sin_n that_o we_o have_v transgress_v they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o weakness_n and_o inability_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o keep_v they_o and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n we_o must_v suffer_v for_o it_o whence_o fear_n and_o bondage_n be_v engender_v and_o more_o than_o this_o the_o letter_n can_v do_v wherefore_o also_o the_o letter_n kill_v as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o but_o cannot-quicken_a it_o discover_v our_o sickness_n but_o can_v recover_v we_o to_o health_n it_o manifest_v sin_n and_o declare_v the_o greatness_n of_o our_o fall_n but_o can_v raise_v we_o up_o again_o yet_o there_o be_v this_o comfort_n in_o it_o for_o that_o under_o this_o letter_n the_o spirit_n lie_v hide_v and_o because_o the_o old_a law_n be_v big_a with_o child_n of_o christ_n through_o who_o the_o grace_n of_o loving_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n be_v confer_v they_o who_o have_v find_v this_o spirit_n and_o who_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v hide_v in_o the_o law_n to_o those_o i_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o profitable_a doctrine_n and_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v full_a of_o comfort_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o that_o such_o as_o these_o as_o they_o find_v their_o sickness_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o likewise_o their_o strength_n and_o health_n as_o they_o find_v the_o death_n of_o nature_n so_o likewise_o the_o quicken_a of_o grace_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n in_o who_o also_o they_o love_v god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v able_a perfect_o to_o fulfil_v and_o perform_v the_o law_n from_o all_o which_o we_o see_v that_o the_o law_n be_v only_o a_o affrightment_n or_o terror_n drive_v we_o from_o nature_n to_o grace_n from_o ourselves_o into_o god_n from_o flesh_n into_o the_o spirit_n in_o and_o by_o who_o we_o cry_v to_o god_n abba_n father_n and_o come_v to_o desire_v or_o long_o for_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o like_a manner_n also_o be_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n a_o murderer_n of_o soul_n more_o than_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o old_a law_n because_o it_o represent_v god_n more_o lovely_a than_o that_o do_v even_o as_o our_o redeemer_n and_o who_o for_o our_o sake_n be_v make_v man_n suffer_v be_v crucify_v dead_a and_o bury_v upon_o all_o which_o account_n we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n bind_v to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o make_v ourselves_o liable_a to_o great_a sin_n and_o damnation_n when_o after_o so_o unexpressible_a great_a mercy_n and_o benefit_n receive_v we_o continue_v unthankful_a and_o go_v on_o in_o our_o sin_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o therefore_o it_o kill_v as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o law_n for_o though_o it_o represent_v christ_n to_o the_o eye_n and_o his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o ear_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v unable_a to_o bring_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n into_o the_o heart_n it_o serve_v only_o to_o work_v a_o more_o grievous_a death_n the_o jew_n have_v christ_n before_o their_o eye_n in_o their_o ear_n and_o in_o their_o hand_n but_o they_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o heart_n
and_o therefore_o be_v in_o a_o more_o damnable_a condition_n than_o the_o heathen_n they_o have_v receive_v many_o more_o benefit_n from_o he_o than_o from_o any_o one_o beside_o but_o yet_o do_v not_o love_v he_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n who_o have_v love_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a so_o as_o to_o give_v his_o life_n for_o they_o and_o thus_o at_o this_o day_n we_o frequent_o find_v that_o those_o who_o have_v christ_n most_o in_o their_o tongue_n have_v he_o least_o in_o their_o heart_n whence_o follow_v that_o they_o also_o communicate_v or_o impart_v he_o to_o other_o so_o as_o they_o have_v he_o themselves_o viz._n on_o the_o tongue_n and_o not_o in_o the_o heart_n they_o teach_v they_o to_o talk_v much_o of_o he_o but_o to_o love_v little_a by_o which_o mean_v the_o poor_a simple_a people_n be_v much_o hinder_v in_o the_o way_n to_o true_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n chap._n vii_o the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n can_v enter_v into_o a_o man_n except_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v there_o before_o saint_n paul_n say_v the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n through_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n who_o he_o that_o have_v not_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n wherefore_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o first_o the_o great_a and_o the_o high_a favour_n god_n bestow_v upon_o a_o choose_a soul_n be_v that_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o take_v up_o his_o dwelling_n in_o he_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o be_v that_o the_o essential_a self_n subsist_v love_n which_o be_v god_n himself_o be_v always_o in_o man_n before_o his_o own_o love_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v call_v good_a and_o much_o the_o same_o thing_n happen_v to_o every_o pious_a soul_n as_o befall_v the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n the_o mother_n of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v tell_v she_o by_o the_o angel_n that_o she_o shall_v conceive_v and_o be_v with_o child_n of_o god_n whereupon_o when_o the_o virgin_n demand_v how_o this_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o by_o who_o see_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n to_o which_o question_n she_o and_o all_o holy_a soul_n with_o she_o receive_v this_o answer_n the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o high_a shall_v overshadow_v thou_o luk._n 1.35_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v not_o bear_v of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n alone_o job_n 1.13_o in_o which_o birth_n the_o soul_n be_v endue_v with_o divine_a power_n to_o fulfil_v all_o thing_n and_o all_o command_n through_o the_o love_n of_o god_n wherefore_o if_o at_o any_o time_n any_o thing_n that_o be_v holy_a or_o good_a be_v do_v by_o we_o we_o must_v not_o attribute_v and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o god_n only_o who_o be_v the_o only_a father_n of_o all_o good_a fruit_n and_o gift_n in_o we_o upon_o which_o account_n also_o the_o angel_n give_v we_o this_o further_a information_n say_v therefore_o that_o holy_a thing_n which_o shall_v be_v bear_v of_o thou_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n o_o happy_a yea_o more_o than_o happy_a be_v that_o man_n into_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v down_o from_o above_o in_o who_o the_o self-subsisting_a essential_a love_n which_o be_v god_n himself_o have_v take_v up_o his_o abode_n for_o in_o he_o continual_o and_o for_o ever_o divine_a fruit_n grow_v and_o spring_v forth_o whether_o he_o know_v it_o or_o not_o for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v never_o idle_a sometime_o he_o stir_v in_o we_o motion_n of_o anger_n to_o reprehend_v and_o reprove_v that_o which_o he_o will_v have_v reprove_v sometime_o he_o move_v we_o to_o mirth_n and_o jocose_v word_n to_o revive_v and_o rejoice_v those_o who_o he_o will_v have_v comfort_v etc._n etc._n and_o frequent_o make_v we_o in_o those_o very_a thing_n his_o fruit_n and_o child_n whereby_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o fear_v that_o we_o be_v become_v his_o enemy_n many_o very_o many_o fruit_n of_o our_o salvation_n do_v he_o work_v in_o we_o whereof_o we_o know_v nothing_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o can_v we_o now_o in_o this_o manner_n always_o see_v he_o in_o ourselves_o and_o clear_o discern_v and_o know_v he_o this_o will_v be_v to_o be_v happy_a indeed_o here_o on_o earth_n but_o it_o have_v rather_o please_v he_o and_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o eye_n to_o be_v hide_v and_o conceal_v in_o we_o according_a to_o the_o say_v of_o the_o prophet_n david_n ps_n 18.11_o he_o bow_v the_o heaven_n and_o come_v down_o and_o darkness_n be_v under_o his_o foot_n he_o make_v darkness_n his_o hide_v place_n his_o cover_n round_o about_o he_o be_v dark_a water_n etc._n etc._n chap._n viii_o from_o the_o indwel_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n first_o proceed_v the_o light_n of_o true_a christian_n faith_n that_o no_o man_n can_v reach_v the_o sense_n and_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n from_o any_o outward_a learning_n or_o information_n whatsoever_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o plain_o declare_v when_o he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n job_n 16.12_o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v to_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o to_o you_o and_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o will_v open_v to_o you_o the_o hide_a mystical_a understanding_n of_o the_o thing_n i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o christ_n must_v depart_v and_o pass_v away_o from_o the_o eye_n into_o the_o heart_n from_o the_o flesh_n into_o the_o spirit_n before_o ever_o he_o can_v be_v know_v to_o salvation_n upon_o which_o account_n he_o himself_o disow_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o outward_a doctrine_n when_o the_o same_o be_v separate_v and_o divide_v from_o the_o inward_a teach_v it_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n st._n paul_n declare_v that_o as_o well_o his_o teach_v as_o that_o of_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v nothing_o except_o god_n himself_o teach_v in_o the_o heart_n neither_o can_v any_o man_n with_o any_o word_n how_o high_a and_o choice_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v declare_v make_v out_o or_o represent_v the_o above_o measure_n lovely_a love_n of_o god_n if_o god_n do_v not_o first_o reveal_v himself_o in_o the_o heart_n wherefore_o it_o be_v without_o all_o doubt_n that_o god_n himself_o bring_v into_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o by_o who_o he_o will_v be_v love_v above_o all_o thing_n that_o light_n whereby_o his_o great_a loveliness_n and_o kindness_n be_v clear_o see_v and_o discern_v through_o a_o firm_a faith_n without_o doubt_v before_o ever_o we_o know_v or_o understand_v what_o be_v right_a and_o good_a wherefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n be_v a_o pure_a mere_a grace_n of_o god_n chap._n ix_o that_o man_n be_v never_o comfort_v in_o hope_n who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n himself_o do_v not_o comfort_n all_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o world_n be_v vain_a useless_a and_o empty_a all_o confidence_n in_o the_o creature_n be_v deceitful_a for_o which_o reason_n the_o holy_a scripture_n denounce_v curse_n against_o all_o those_o who_o confide_v in_o their_o own_o 6._o jer._n 17.5_o 6._o or_o other_o create_v power_n or_o ability_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n seek_v their_o comfort_n in_o and_o from_o the_o creature_n the_o only_a true_a comfort_n upon_o earth_n be_v found_v and_o ground_v in_o this_o as_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o that_o we_o boast_v ourselves_o and_o triumph_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n 11._o rom._n 5.2_o 11._o that_o be_v in_o our_o indubitable_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n foreknown_a and_o elect_v to_o eternal_a glory_n this_o be_v the_o comfort_n which_o no_o creature_n can_v give_v neither_o can_v any_o deserve_v it_o it_o must_v and_o can_v only_o be_v give_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n to_o who_o only_o it_o belong_v to_o comfort_v his_o people_n and_o who_o property_n it_o be_v to_o convey_v a_o lively_a hope_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o choose_a and_o this_o even_o before_o there_o be_v any_o merit_n in_o they_o neither_o have_v our_o save_a hope_n
child_n brother_n and_o sister_n yea_o even_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o lose_v himself_o whole_o and_o altogether_o in_o this_o world_n that_o he_o may_v find_v himself_o in_o his_o belove_a he_o be_v get_v beyond_o self_n choose_v and_o his_o own_o work_n and_o only_o wait_v upon_o what_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o choose_v think_v speak_v and_o work_v in_o he_o with_o total_a profound_a obedience_n and_o perfect_a resignation_n he_o live_v even_o as_o if_o he_o live_v not_o for_o his_o spirit_n cleave_v so_o fast_o to_o god_n that_o he_o become_v one_o spirit_n with_o he_o fear_n take_v no_o place_n in_o he_o his_o labour_n be_v without_o weariness_n and_o his_o suffering_n be_v become_v his_o joy_n triumph_n and_o exultation_n but_o to_o who_o be_v we_o to_o ascribe_v all_o these_o great_a strange_a and_o wonderful_a work_n to_o man_n sure_o no_o that_o be_v far_o from_o any_o christian_a mind_n god_n himself_o be_v the_o worker_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v that_o fire_n which_o total_o consume_v man_n and_o burn_v he_o to_o ash_n yea_o whole_o and_o altogether_o annihilate_v or_o bring_v he_o to_o nothing_o that_o so_o he_o alone_o may_v remain_v the_o all_o in_o all_z in_o he_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n let_v every_o soul_n in_o this_o station_n careful_o take_v heed_n not_o to_o attribute_v or_o appropriate_v any_o thing_n of_o activity_n or_o operativeness_n to_o herself_o but_o let_v she_o rejoice_v in_o she_o most_o faithful_a and_o most_o love_a god_n who_o have_v draw_v she_o out_o of_o herself_o and_o have_v of_o free_a grace_n favour_v she_o to_o live_v in_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o let_v such_o a_o soul_n examine_v herself_o whether_o she_o find_v those_o fruit_n in_o she_o which_o spring_n from_o the_o foresay_a high_a degree_n of_o love_n whether_o or_o no_o she_o be_v that_o tree_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v plant_v for_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v not_o plant_v must_v be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n cast_v away_o and_o burn_v in_o the_o fire_n wherefore_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o state_n be_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o two_o thing_n more_o especial_o the_o one_o be_v that_o she_o be_v never_o without_o good_a thought_n word_n or_o work_n the_o other_o be_v that_o she_o in_o her_o inactivity_n or_o cease_v from_o her_o work_n do_v find_v herself_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_z whence_o proceed_v the_o divine_a adoption_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 8.14_o for_o they_o who_o be_v lead_v and_o actuate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o can_v sin_n a_o st._n john_n say_v 1_o john_n 3.6_o 9_o for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bear_v witness_n with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint-heir_n with_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n rom._n 8.15_o 16._o he_o who_o have_v this_o witness_n in_o himself_o he_o do_v not_o own_o his_o work_n to_o be_v his_o own_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o who_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o whole_o leave_v nature_n and_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o child_n of_o grace_n as_o have_v by_o the_o new_a birth_n pass_v out_o of_o nature_n into_o grace_n chap._n xv._o the_o degree_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n have_v a_o mutual_a subordination_n and_o respect_n to_o one_o another_o but_o yet_o be_v not_o all_o give_v by_o god_n in_o the_o same_o order_n from_o imperfection_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n we_o advance_v and_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n and_o nothing_o grow_v great_a which_o have_v not_o before_o be_v little_a in_o all_o case_n where_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v keep_v but_o when_o perfection_n come_v from_o abroad_o and_o be_v a_o free_a gift_n than_o it_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o power_n of_o he_o that_o bestow_v it_o to_o give_v it_o in_o a_o low_a or_o high_a degree_n as_o please_v he_o best_o for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o bestow_v a_o thousand_o pound_n upon_o any_o one_o of_o his_o free_a will_n he_o may_v at_o first_o give_v he_o one_o pound_n at_o another_o ten_o at_o another_o a_o hundred_o and_o so_o on_o or_o if_o he_o please_v he_o may_v invert_v this_o order_n and_o give_v at_o first_o a_o hundred_o next_o ten_o and_o afterward_o one_o or_o else_o may_v give_v the_o whole_a thousand_o pound_n at_o once_o as_o best_o like_v he_o forasmuch_o therefore_o as_o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o free_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o depend_v whole_o of_o his_o will_n to_o bestow_v the_o same_o in_o the_o high_a or_o low_a degree_n soon_o or_o late_a or_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o together_o and_o at_o once_o according_a as_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o in_o his_o eye_n for_o notwithstanding_o the_o beginner_n love_v be_v in_o itself_o inferior_a and_o less_o the_o proficient_n better_a and_o the_o love_n of_o those_o who_o be_v perfect_a best_a of_o all_o yet_o be_v it_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n with_o he_o to_o make_v a_o sinner_n perfect_a in_o love_n at_o the_o first_o as_o to_o make_v he_o a_o beginner_n according_a as_o frequent_o he_o have_v do_v thus_o very_o we_o see_v that_o the_o repentance_n of_o paul_n peter_n and_o mary_n magdalen_n be_v perfect_a work_n in_o which_o paul_n be_v catch_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n peter_n become_v melt_v into_o sweet_a tear_n of_o love_n and_o mary_n magdalen_n with_o joy_n of_o heart_n wash_v the_o foot_n of_o god_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n notwithstanding_o that_o repentance_n in_o itself_o be_v the_o work_n of_o beginner_n many_o person_n likewise_o experience_n in_o themselves_o that_o at_o their_o first_o take_v leave_n of_o sin_n by_o true_a repentance_n they_o find_v in_o themselves_o a_o readiness_n to_o forsake_v themselves_o and_o all_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o work_n of_o perfect_a love_n and_o yet_o two_o or_o three_o day_n after_o it_o may_v be_v the_o same_o person_n find_v great_a difficulty_n and_o opposition_n to_o deny_v themselves_o in_o part_v with_o the_o least_o part_n of_o their_o good_n or_o some_o filthy_a lust_n which_o be_v the_o weak_a and_o defective_a work_n of_o beginner_n sometime_o at_o the_o beginning_n of_o our_o conversion_n we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v a_o hundred_o weight_n which_o belong_v to_o those_o that_o be_v proficient_n when_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o after_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v a_o pound_n weight_n which_o be_v a_o state_n beneath_o that_o of_o beginner_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o alteration_n be_v because_o we_o do_v not_o bear_v our_o burden_n by_o our_o own_o strength_n but_o by_o the_o may_v and_o power_n of_o the_o most_o high_a who_o impart_v the_o same_o unto_o we_o when_o and_o how_o he_o will_v not_o according_a to_o our_o but_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n and_o like_n this_o discover_v the_o great_a folly_n of_o those_o who_o think_v by_o their_o good_a deed_n to_o move_v and_o incline_v god_n according_a to_o their_o will_n and_o pleasure_n who_o in_o their_o own_o conceit_n will_v make_v themselves_o lovely_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o allure_v god_n to_o they_o by_o their_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n as_o they_o lure_v hawk_n with_o a_o bait_n by_o which_o persuasion_n they_o rob_v the_o divine_a mercy_n of_o its_o due_a privilege_n and_o prerogative_n and_o carry_v blast_v oat_n to_o market_n they_o will_v fain_o purchase_v gold_n with_o dung_n and_o be_v save_v by_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o to_o defend_v their_o folly_n allege_v the_o say_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n which_o they_o never_o yet_o understand_v and_o be_v also_o extreme_o displease_v with_o those_o who_o can_v comply_v with_o they_o in_o this_o their_o folly_n o_o folly_n beyond_o all_o folly_n to_o mistake_v about_o the_o number_n of_o the_o star_n the_o height_n of_o heaven_n the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o such_o like_a be_v no_o great_a damage_n or_o loss_n but_o to_o mistake_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v our_o salvation_n be_v a_o loss_n inestimable_a and_o irreparable_a and_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o he_o that_o mistake_v in_o this_o love_n mistake_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n whereas_o he_o who_o be_v not_o mistake_v in_o this_o can_v err_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o of_o necessity_n conduce_v to_o salvation_n will_v to_o god_n that_o all_o the_o book_n be_v lose_v wherein_o man_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o practise_v virtue_n so_o that_o love_n alone_o be_v but_o find_v by_o we_o for_o then_o every_o one_o will_v do_v what_o he_o ought_v but_o
against_o it_o and_o lay_n hold_v only_o on_o the_o cross_n trust_v and_o confide_v in_o that_o fight_n and_o combat_n which_o christ_n without_o sin_n maintain_v against_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o exterminate_v the_o diabolical_a poison_n and_o in_o the_o same_o come_v off_o a_o conqueror_n and_o triumphator_n and_o thus_o a_o christian_a boast_v of_o christ_n alone_o and_o whole_o despair_v of_o himself_o wherefore_o it_o be_v much_o better_a for_o a_o man_n to_o commit_v and_o resign_v himself_o whole_o to_o god_n neither_o pray_v for_o this_o or_o the_o other_o feeling_n or_o perception_n of_o the_o divine_a love_n but_o that_o he_o will_v order_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n when_o a_o man_n come_v to_o this_o state_n he_o enjoy_v a_o constant_a and_o abide_a peace_n tranquillity_n and_o comfort_n found_v and_o bottom_v on_o the_o unchangeable_a love_n god_n bear_v towards_o we_o however_o dead_a barren_a or_o heavy_a he_o may_v find_v himself_o but_o they_o who_o will_v not_o rest_v save_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o love_n and_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v god_n be_v with_o they_o when_o they_o do_v not_o feel_v in_o themselves_o the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o love_n or_o at_o least_o some_o comfort_n and_o solace_n of_o his_o spirit_n such_o as_o these_o have_v no_o constant_a abide_n comfort_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o be_v in_o eminent_a danger_n both_o as_o to_o soul_n and_o body_n chap._n xvii_o that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o the_o best_a of_o the_o elect_n that_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n all_o thing_n and_o all_o creature_n be_v they_o who_o belong_v to_o christ_n and_o be_v his_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 3._o v._n 21_o 22_o 23._o the_o apostle_n the_o world_n life_n death_n thing_n present_a and_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o in_o a_o word_n all_o creature_n be_v he_o who_o himself_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n without_o a_o mean_a be_v god_n but_o we_o be_v his_o through_o or_o by_o mean_n of_o christ_n wherefore_o also_o the_o elect_a soul_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o christ_n so_o high_o seat_v in_o god_n favour_n that_o all_o evil_a yea_o even_o sin_n itself_o be_v not_o only_o not_o hurtful_a to_o she_o but_o also_o conducive_a and_o helpful_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n her_o great_a physician_n to_o she_o best_o state_n very_o a_o true_a christian_a be_v a_o miraculous_a creature_n of_o god_n with_o who_o god_n from_o eternity_n in_o the_o high_a love_n have_v so_o intimate_o unite_v himself_o that_o though_o as_o david_n say_v psalm_n 89.30_o 31_o 32._o he_o forsake_v the_o divine_a law_n and_o walk_v not_o in_o his_o judgement_n though_o he_o profane_v his_o statute_n and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n yet_o god_n for_o all_o this_o will_v only_o chastise_v he_o temporal_o and_o not_o utter_o take_v away_o his_o love_a kindness_n from_o he_o so_o that_o even_o his_o sin_n must_v be_v helpful_a to_o his_o salvation_n for_o what_o god_n have_v once_o determine_v can_v never_o fail_v and_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v once_o promise_v must_v eternal_o be_v true_a who_o god_n love_v and_o favour_n to_o he_o heaven_n and_o hell_n good_a and_o evil_a must_v be_v helpful_a and_o advantageous_a and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v very_o subject_a to_o be_v mistake_v and_o confound_v in_o our_o reflect_v on_o the_o work_n of_o other_o man_n and_o find_v that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a in_o the_o least_o to_o pass_v a_o true_a judgement_n or_o estimate_n what_o be_v profitable_a or_o hurtful_a to_o man_n forasmuch_o as_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o god_n sometime_o out_o of_o great_a and_o faithful_a love_n permit_v he_o that_o stand_v to_o fall_v who_o doubt_v but_o that_o peter_n fall_n wherein_o he_o deny_v his_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v far_o more_o profitable_a and_o advantageous_a for_o he_o than_o to_o have_v continue_v and_o persevere_v in_o his_o selfconfidence_n our_o lord_n and_o god_n have_v a_o great_a interest_n and_o be_v more_o concern_v to_o manifest_v and_o display_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n mercy_n than_o to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o our_o righteousness_n his_o least_o suffering_n be_v sufficient_a to_o reconcile_v his_o heavenly_a father_n to_o we_o to_o justify_v to_o preserve_v or_o make_v we_o persevere_v in_o righteousness_n and_o to_o save_v we_o but_o this_o will_v not_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o hold_v forth_o the_o unmeasurableness_n of_o his_o love_n or_o the_o unalterableness_n of_o his_o mercy_n therefore_o paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 11.32_o that_o god_n have_v conclude_v all_o under_o unbelief_n and_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o if_o you_o take_v away_o sin_n who_o then_o will_v be_v able_a clear_o to_o understand_v that_o god_n mercy_n be_v above_o and_o beyond_o all_o his_o work_n or_o that_o christ_n the_o true_a son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n which_o no_o other_o way_n can_v ever_o have_v be_v manifest_v but_o by_o his_o unalterable_a love_n and_o by_o that_o great_a instance_n of_o his_o transcendent_a pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n and_o therefore_o gregory_n call_v sin_n salutary_a or_o save_v because_o by_o divine_a mercy_n it_o procure_v we_o so_o glorious_a a_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o god_n make_v use_v of_o sin_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o divine_a glory_n it_o be_v no_o long_o any_o wonder_n that_o he_o make_v the_o same_o also_o advantageous_a to_o the_o sinner_n but_o we_o must_v not_o argue_v from_o hence_o that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o we_o may_v therefore_o free_o sin_n without_o danger_n by_o no_o mean_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v our_o duty_n at_o all_o time_n with_o our_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o strength_n to_o avoid_v sin_n as_o we_o will_v the_o most_o deadly_a poison_n for_o to_o cover_v sin_n with_o mercy_n be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n alone_o it_o be_v he_o only_o that_o can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a we_o can_v fall_v of_o ourselves_o but_o not_o rise_v again_o of_o ourselves_o this_o rest_v only_o in_o the_o gracious_a mercifulness_n of_o god_n which_o excel_v and_o surmount_v all_o his_o work_n chap._n xviii_o whosoever_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o he_o all_o the_o temporal_a good_a thing_n that_o god_n afford_v he_o be_v of_o no_o profit_n st_n paul_n faith_n 1_o cor_n 13_o 1_o 2_o 3._o though_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o have_v not_o love_n or_o charity_n i_o be_o become_v like_o a_o sounding-brass_n or_o a_o loud_a cymbol_n and_o though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o knowledge_n and_o though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n so_o that_o i_o can_v remove_v mountain_n and_o have_v no_o charity_n i_o be_o nothing_o moreover_o though_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o though_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v if_o i_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o yea_o what_o be_v still_o more_o where_o love_n be_v not_o it_o be_v to_o a_o person_n hurt_v and_o loss_n that_o ever_o he_o be_v bear_v a_o man_n and_o the_o high_a gift_n or_o benefit_n god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o he_o serve_v only_o for_o his_o great_a condemnation_n it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o judas_n he_o have_v neverbeen_v bear_v as_o christ_n himself_o testify_v that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v a_o apostle_n that_o he_o have_v never_o wrought_v any_o miracle_n that_o he_o have_v never_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o jesus_n and_o have_v never_o eat_v the_o sweet_a food_n with_o he_o at_o the_o same_o table_n than_o that_o after_o such_o great_a and_o inestimable_a favour_n receive_v he_o shall_v become_v his_o betrayer_n sell_v he_o and_o deliver_v he_o to_o the_o jew_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o our_o dear_a lord_n god_n bestow_v that_o often_o in_o his_o wrath_n which_o he_o deny_v in_o his_o love_n from_o whence_o also_o follow_v that_o the_o high_a the_o gift_n be_v we_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o more_o they_o engage_v we_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o love_a god_n above_o all_o thing_n though_o they_o can_v make_v we_o to_o love_n god_n so_o and_o therefore_o be_v rather_o poison_n than_o gift_n if_o love_n do_v not_o come_v along_o with_o they_o neither_o can_v they_o certain_o assure_v we_o of_o that_o love_n wherewith_o god_n love_v we_o to_o salvation_n moreover_o these_o gift_n when_o they_o eat_v separate_v from_o love_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o puff_v up_o spirit_n proud_a mind_n censorious_a judge_v arrogant_a action_n imprudent_a behaviour_n and_o converse_n self_n conceitedness_n hypocrisy_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o simple_a
so_o free_o and_o powerful_o move_v his_o own_o work_n or_o how_o the_o unutterable_a loveliness_n of_o god_n taste_v and_o feel_v in_o the_o heart_n do_v sublime_a and_o raise_v the_o spirit_n in_o love_n kindle_v it_o melt_v it_o and_o make_v it_o triumphant_o joyful_a and_o full_a of_o jubilee_n do_v the_o stone_n draw_v the_o iron_n to_o itself_o without_o so_o much_o as_o touch_v it_o how_o much_o more_o than_o must_v needs_o the_o most_o rocky_a and_o obdurate_a soul_n be_v touch_v by_o the_o eternal_a heavenly_a loadstone_n be_v raise_v above_o itself_o and_o run_v into_o the_o embrace_n of_o this_o powerful_a drawer_n 1.4_o cantic_a 1.4_o or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o after_o this_o taste_n of_o the_o transcendent_a divine_a sweetness_n all_o tribulation_n and_o suffer_v strew_v over_o with_o this_o sugar_n must_v needs_o become_v sweet_a and_o desirable_a or_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o that_o all_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o love_n opposite_a to_o this_o must_v needs_o lose_v its_o taste_n and_o become_v bitter_a and_o loathsome_a see_v the_o common_a proverb_n assure_v we_o that_o to_o he_o who_o relish_v the_o spirit_n the_o flesh_n become_v ditasteful_a and_o abominable_a for_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o the_o self-subsisting_a love_n of_o god_n be_v this_o that_o wheresoever_o she_o touch_v she_o draw_v and_o allure_v where_o she_o be_v rellish_v she_o drive_v and_o impell_v where_o she_o be_v feel_v and_o experience_v she_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n moreover_o she_o have_v this_o particular_a property_n that_o she_o rob_v the_o flesh_n of_o all_o its_o sweetness_n like_v as_o the_o meridian_n brightness_n of_o the_o sun_n discountenance_n and_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n furthermore_o she_o have_v this_o also_o among_o the_o rest_n of_o her_o property_n that_o she_o sweeten_v all_o pain_n and_o grief_n comfort_n and_o relieve_v misery_n and_o wretchedness_n restore_v all_o weakness_n make_v all_o labour_n light_n and_o easy_a turn_v weep_v into_o laughter_n and_o sorrow_n into_o joy_n he_o that_o experimental_o find_v she_o rejoice_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n from_o his_o very_a heart_n desire_v to_o bear_v the_o cross_n with_o christ_n and_o belong_v for_o the_o fire_n of_o temptation_n that_o therein_o his_o love_n be_v try_v and_o refine_v from_o all_o dross_n may_v pure_o and_o naked_o cleave_v to_o god_n and_o therefore_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o divine_a spouse_n caâ—tic_n 4.16_o arise_v thou_o north_n wind_n and_o come_v on_o east_n wind_n and_o blow_v upon_o my_o garden_n that_o my_o spice_n may_v flow_v forth_o and_o give_v their_o sweet_a odour_n as_o if_o she_o have_v say_v come_v temptation_n from_o all_o quarter_n try_v and_o prove_v my_o virtue_n and_o grace_n that_o they_o may_v become_v pure_a gold_n and_o be_v for_o the_o amendment_n and_o edification_n of_o all_o that_o hear_v or_o see_v they_o o_o holy_a and_o divine_a spirit_n o_o sweet_a guest_n and_o inmate_n of_o the_o soul_n o_o only_a life_n of_o man_n he_o that_o want_v thou_o though_o alive_a be_v dead_a before_o god_n and_o he_o that_o have_v get_v thou_o can_v never_o die_v with_o god_n though_o the_o world_n be_v carry_v he_o forth_o to_o his_o grave_n thou_o be_v far_o more_o necessary_a to_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o the_o body_n where_o thou_o be_v not_o there_o the_o outward_a die_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o eternal_a death_n but_o where_o thou_o be_v of_o eternal_a life_n in_o thou_o most_o holy_a god_n we_o be_v in_o thou_o we_o live_v in_o thou_o we_o be_v save_o move_v and_o all_o this_o from_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n in_o who_o the_o unutterable_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o over_o great_a love_n to_o we_o be_v so_o clear_o manifest_v and_o through_o thou_o o_o holy_a ghost_n so_o plain_o image_v and_o deep_o imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o can_v look_v for_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o love_n from_o the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n so_o that_o it_o be_v now_o no_o more_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o take_v any_o strange_a god_n for_o our_o god_n than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o one_o else_o to_o show_v we_o such_o transcendent_a and_o unmeasurable_a mercy_n kindness_n and_o love_n as_o thou_o have_v make_v we_o partaker_n of_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o it_o have_v oft_o happen_v that_o even_o wicked_a man_n have_v wrought_v miracle_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n scripture_n testify_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v do_v at_o his_o come_n it_o be_v also_o possible_a that_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n may_v in_o outward_a gift_n of_o charity_n show_v themselves_o more_o liberal_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n than_o ever_o thou_o have_v do_v and_o to_o make_v other_o by_o their_o liberality_n rich_a and_o powerful_a and_o such_o like_a but_o all_o these_o be_v but_o uncertain_a sign_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o right_n true_a love_n to_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o belove_a object_n be_v a_o true_a and_o infallible_a sign_n of_o love_n when_o this_o be_v do_v for_o god_n sake_n it_o show_v a_o love_n sufficient_a to_o salvation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v do_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o friend_n then_o be_v it_o a_o expression_n of_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o human_a love_n as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n witness_v no_o man_n can_v have_v great_a love_n than_o this_o that_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o friend_n joh._n 15.31_o but_o if_o this_o love_n rise_v get_v high_a even_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o make_v a_o man_n willing_a to_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o his_o enemy_n then_o be_v it_o a_o certain_a mark_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n alone_o we_o read_v of_o antichrist_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n and_o diligence_n as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o appear_v outward_o like_a to_o christ_n in_o miracle_n work_v of_o wonder_n and_o in_o all_o his_o other_o action_n and_o behaviour_n yea_o to_o be_v more_o kind_a and_o beneficent_a in_o outward_a gift_n and_o liberality_n he_o will_v as_o be_v before_o hint_v by_o his_o liberality_n make_v those_o rich_a and_o powerful_a that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o will_v also_o draw_v to_o his_o party_n such_o as_o be_v rich_a and_o powerful_a with_o rigour_n and_o severity_n and_o by_o fear_n compel_v they_o for_o he_o will_v horrible_o afflict_v torment_n and_o put_v to_o death_n such_o as_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o it_o will_v never_o please_v he_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o enemy_n and_o to_o die_v for_o those_o that_o hate_v he_o by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o his_o love_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o true_a divine_a love_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o human_n love_n wherefore_o also_o all_o these_o pompous_a show_n of_o his_o love_n will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n with_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n to_o deceive_v they_o out_o of_o christ_n alone_o as_o be_v say_v before_o the_o high_a love_n of_o god_n break_v forth_o and_o manifest_v itself_o out_o of_o he_o alone_o flow_v forth_o the_o water_n of_o grace_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n wherein_o and_o whereby_o we_o may_v be_v save_v save_v only_o the_o sweet_a name_n jesus_n to_o who_o alone_o therefore_o we_o point_v and_o direct_v all_o who_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o in_o he_o alone_o we_o meet_v with_o all_o that_o ought_v and_o must_v be_v seek_v for_o in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n chap._n xxi_o the_o most_o sure_a and_o certain_a sign_n of_o all_o as_o well_o of_o our_o entire_a love_n to_o god_n as_o of_o his_o gracious_a love_n to_o we_o be_v a_o perfect_a emptiness_n or_o exinanition_n of_o spirit_n the_o heart_n of_o a_o true_a lover_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n become_v empty_v and_o void_a of_o all_o creature_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o perfect_a love_n so_o that_o nothing_o but_o god_n free_a and_o alone_o remain_v in_o his_o spirit_n all_o creature_n whatsoever_o soever_o be_v drive_v thence_o but_o as_o long_o as_o this_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o our_o soul_n all_o the_o most_o specious_a and_o apparent_a sign_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o be_v uncertain_a doubtful_a and_o to_o be_v suspect_v but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v become_v void_a and_o empty_a of_o himself_o and_o all_o creature_n when_o he_o forget_v his_o own_o life_n his_o merit_n his_o salvation_n and_o seek_v nothing_o but_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n when_o he_o be_v only_o well_o please_v with_o his_o will_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o
it_o joh._n 14.13_o 14._o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v as_o long_o as_o man_n do_v not_o ask_v in_o my_o name_n they_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o be_v hear_v but_o if_o you_o do_v ask_v in_o my_o name_n then_o need_v you_o no_o other_o intercessor_n joh._n 16.26_o 27._o for_o the_o heavenly_a father_n himself_o love_v you_o because_o you_o have_v love_v i_o and_o believe_v that_o i_o come_v forth_o from_o god_n if_o therefore_o any_o one_o will_v be_v sure_a that_o his_o prayer_n be_v hear_v let_v he_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v belove_v of_o god_n and_o needs_o no_o other_o inteâ—…ssor_n but_o if_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n shall_v pray_v for_o thou_o and_o thou_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o christ_n it_o will_v be_v all_o in_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a to_o thou_o chap._n x._o concern_v our_o indissoluble_a union_n with_o christ_n the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n suffer_v no_o man_n to_o remain_v or_o abide_v in_o himself_o but_o draw_v we_o out_o and_o raise_v we_o above_o ourselves_o and_o never_o cease_v till_o it_o have_v unite_v we_o unto_o god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n god_n do_v so_o unite_v all_o believer_n among_o themselves_o that_o they_o all_o become_v one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n in_o god_n wherein_o christ_n prayer_n be_v hear_v and_o fulfil_v which_o he_o pray_v to_o the_o father_n for_o they_o joh._n 17.11_o 19_o holy_a father_n keep_v through_o thy_o one_o name_n those_o who_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o as_o we_o be_v one_o which_o word_n do_v not_o only_o respect_v the_o twelve_o apostle_n of_o christ_n but_o all_o those_o that_o for_o the_o future_a shall_v believe_v on_o he_o through_o their_o word_n as_o the_o text_n manifest_o hold_v forth_o and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a true_a ground_n and_o original_a of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n now_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v unite_v in_o and_o with_o god_n as_o the_o father_n in_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o the_o father_n be_v of_o one_o will_n one_o mind_n one_o sense_n one_o mean_v and_o one_o desire_n moreover_o god_n do_v so_o unite_v all_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n with_o christ_n that_o they_o become_v one_o body_n with_o he_o of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o head_n and_o they_o the_o member_n and_o as_o all_o the_o member_n be_v rule_v and_o influence_v by_o the_o head_n so_o be_v they_o govern_v and_o lead_v by_o christ_n in_o christ_n so_o that_o no_o body_n can_v be_v helpful_a or_o advantageous_a to_o they_o as_o to_o their_o inward_a guidance_n in_o the_o spirit_n save_o the_o only_a most_o intimate_a jesus_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o intimate_a union_n jesus_n say_v saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o act._n 9.4_o as_o if_o he_o himself_o have_v be_v only_o concern_v whereas_o indeed_o he_o persecute_v those_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o by_o mean_n of_o this_o mystical_a union_n christ_n pour_v forth_o all_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o grace_n into_o our_o heart_n through_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yea_o and_o his_o very_a self_n too_o but_o beside_o this_o union_n there_o be_v yet_o another_o whereby_o god_n the_o father_n espouse_v those_o to_o christ_n that_o believe_v in_o he_o so_o that_o a_o believer_n and_o christ_n be_v inseparable_o unite_v and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o indissoluble_a band_n of_o wedlock_n this_o marriage-band_n be_v the_o marriage_n in_o paradise_n a_o sacrament_n and_o seal_n that_o christ_n have_v take_v upon_o he_o all_o our_o weakness_n defect_n want_n and_o sin_n and_o be_v become_v sin_n for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v become_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o make_v our_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n not_o without_o we_o but_o within_o we_o to_o we_o christ_n be_v give_v to_o we_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o for_o we_o he_o die_v his_o life_n death_n and_o suffer_v his_o doctrine_n and_o work_n be_v whole_o we_o and_o we_o in_o christ_n through_o faith_n be_v unite_v and_o make_v one_o with_o god_n this_o be_v the_o eternal_a heavenly_a marriage_n band_n that_o we_o abide_v eternal_o betroth_v join_v and_o unite_v with_o christ_n forasmuch_o as_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o stillare_a in_o he_o who_o have_v bear_v we_o and_o this_o be_v and_o be_v call_v faith_n viz._n christ_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o that_o be_v the_o true_a love_n viz._n god_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o we_o this_o be_v the_o high_a union_n in_o the_o which_o christ_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o give_v up_o themselves_o whole_o into_o god_n that_o he_o alone_o may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o and_o work_n all_o in_o all._n of_o this_o union_n much_o may_v be_v say_v but_o it_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n and_o as_o long_o as_o this_o life_n last_v it_o will_v but_o be_v in_o part_n with_o we_o however_o this_o be_v and_o abide_v undoubted_o true_a that_o he_o who_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n become_v thereby_o eternal_o unite_v to_o god_n for_o he_o that_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n become_v one_o spirit_n with_o he_o which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n grant_v unto_o all_o amen_n dr._n john_n of_o staupitz_n jesus_n thou_o i_o be_o save_v i_o finis_fw-la