delight_n be_v to_o honour_v the_o eternal_a father_n which_o be_v best_a effect_v by_o this_o mean_n a_o faithful_a soul_n will_v never_o part_v with_o a_o esteem_n and_o love_n of_o the_o cross_n as_o to_o the_o interiour_n because_o her_o desire_n be_v to_o please_v god_n and_o we_o best_o please_v he_o by_o humiliation_n let_v we_o well_o ground_n ourselves_o in_o this_o exercise_n of_o the_o design_n of_o god_n who_o will_v have_v we_o conformable_a to_o his_o son_n and_o consequent_o to_o have_v a_o love_n for_o suffering_n and_o abjection_n whatever_o dispose_v we_o to_o this_o conformity_n aught_o to_o be_v precious_a to_o we_o as_o few_o natural_a talent_n sickness_n ill_a success_n and_o the_o like_a the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o nature_n find_v therein_o their_o punishment_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n take_v pleasure_n therein_o and_o so_o advance_v a_o faithful_a soul_n to_o perfection_n we_o be_v not_o yet_o spiritualise_v if_o we_o be_v not_o faithful_a to_o the_o love_n of_o suffering_n and_o abjection_n and_o we_o be_v not_o faithful_a herein_o if_o we_o be_v not_o content_a with_o those_o thing_n that_o humble_v we_o and_o cause_n abjection_n a_o right_a prospect_n of_o abjection_n and_o suffering_n be_v supernatural_a and_o delicate_a and_o require_v time_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o perfection_n and_o must_v be_v first_o try_v in_o ourselves_o before_o we_o extend_v it_o to_o other_o as_o for_o my_o particular_a when_o i_o see_v a_o person_n in_o great_a misery_n and_o poverty_n i_o be_o not_o much_o trouble_v at_o it_o because_o i_o consider_v the_o real_a good_a that_o soul_n may_v procure_v to_o herself_o by_o this_o abjection_n on_o the_o contrary_a i_o be_o in_o fear_n for_o those_o who_o be_v advance_v to_o honour_n and_o have_v great_a natural_a ability_n for_o the_o difficulty_n they_o must_v needs_o find_v to_o curb_v the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o world_n and_o bring_v they_o off_o from_o the_o love_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o powerful_a in_o they_o and_o hinder_v in_o they_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n let_v we_o therefore_o remember_v that_o the_o purity_n of_o virtue_n consist_v in_o a_o faithful_a tendance_n to_o abjection_n and_o suffering_n and_o by_o how_o much_o a_o soul_n be_v more_o faithful_a herein_o the_o great_a advancement_n she_o make_v in_o virtue_n abjection_n be_v as_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o more_o she_o be_v humble_v the_o near_o she_o draw_v to_o her_o repose_n and_o by_o consequence_n have_v a_o great_a feeling_n of_o god_n in_o inward_a peace_n a_o peace_n that_o the_o world_n nor_o nature_n can_v ever_o give_v we_o a_o peace_n that_o pass_v all_o understanding_n chap._n vi_o the_o sublimity_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n nothing_o but_o god_n make_v man_n poor_a annihilate_v sacrifice_v can_v honour_v god_n according_a to_o his_o greatness_n the_o design_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n to_o this_o end_n be_v admirable_a full_a of_o divine_a wisdom_n of_o unspeakable_a love_n and_o mercy_n towards_o man_n and_o most_o ardent_a zeal_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n o_o the_o wonderful_a oeconomy_n that_o discover_v itself_o in_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o word_n incarnate_a o_o the_o ineffable_a mystery_n of_o jesus_n by_o you_o the_o eternal_a father_n be_v love_v glorify_a honour_a and_o his_o justice_n satisfy_v to_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n in_o this_o mystery_n be_v contain_v a_o inexplicable_a commerce_n and_o traffic_n of_o god_n the_o father_n with_o his_o son_n the_o interest_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o will_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n be_v that_o his_o son_n shall_v be_v incarnate_a circumcise_a poor_a scorn_v and_o crucify_v and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o all_o these_o state_n of_o his_o life_n intend_v thereby_o to_o render_v to_o his_o father_n all_o the_o humiliation_n respect_n love_n and_o adoration_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o these_o be_v the_o annihilation_n which_o so_o much_o elevate_v and_o exalt_v the_o christian_a reliligion_n to_o these_o she_o owe_v her_o grandeur_n and_o excellence_n o_o amiable_a eminent_a and_o excellent_a religion_n how_o unknown_a be_v thou_o to_o worldly_a man_n who_o taste_v no_o sweetness_n but_o in_o sensual_a pleasure_n o_o christian_n religion_n how_o be_v thou_o admirable_a how_o be_v thou_o ineffable_a who_o chief_a business_n be_v to_o employ_v your_o child_n with_o the_o divine_a traffic_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n with_o his_o son_n incarnate_a when_o thy_o heavenly_a light_n shine_v upon_o a_o soul_n she_o see_v the_o deceit_n the_o vanity_n and_o pitiful_a baseness_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o those_o man_n who_o love_v not_o god_n nor_o aim_n at_o his_o glory_n o_o my_o soul_n how_o wretched_a will_v thou_o make_v thyself_o if_o thou_o follow_v thy_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o this_o we_o can_v do_v of_o ourselves_o but_o by_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o the_o same_o jesus_n who_o be_v our_o hope_n and_o only_a helper_n we_o ought_v to_o bear_v no_o less_o respect_n to_o the_o maxim_n of_o a_o supernatural_a life_n than_o to_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v establish_v they_o see_v we_o ought_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o ineffable_a sanctity_n to_o have_v no_o esteem_n for_o poverty_n contempt_n and_o humiliation_n be_v to_o undervalue_v the_o wisdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n some_o be_v so_o brutish_a as_o to_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o sensuality_n other_o follow_v only_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o human_a prudence_n but_o neither_o of_o they_o know_v the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n but_o such_o only_a who_o be_v conduct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n o_o life_n supernatural_a how_o sublime_a be_v thou_o how_o do_v thou_o so_o elevate_v a_o soul_n as_o to_o become_v blind_a to_o thing_n here_o below_o yea_o to_o herself_o and_o to_o see_v nothing_o but_o god_n in_o she_o by_o the_o ray_n of_o grace_n be_v please_v o_o divine_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o some_o part_n of_o this_o holy_a life_n which_o the_o world_n can_v neither_o receive_v nor_o know_v quem_fw-la mundus_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la accipere_fw-la nec_fw-la scit_fw-la eum_fw-la as_o st._n john_n testify_v the_o world_n can_v receive_v it_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o creature_n nor_o can_v know_v it_o be_v blind_v with_o sensuality_n what_o a_o malediction_n be_v this_o but_o what_o a_o happiness_n be_v it_o to_o know_v and_o embrace_v this_o supernatural_a life_n this_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o return_v with_o joy_n to_o be_v find_v worthy_a to_o live_v this_o life_n that_o be_v to_o be_v whip_v and_o despise_v for_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n very_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o suffer_v here_o i_o know_v not_o why_o we_o shall_v desire_v to_o live_v here_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o imitate_v that_o great_a saint_n who_o suffer_v a_o great_a martyrdom_n among_o rose_n and_o suavity_n than_o by_o rack_n and_o torture_n worldly_n pleasure_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o torment_n to_o a_o soul_n that_o love_v jesus_n christ_n crucify_v let_v we_o take_v a_o resolution_n o_o my_o soul_n not_o to_o be_v please_v but_o with_o the_o cross_n and_o when_o that_o do_v not_o relish_n let_v we_o please_v ourselves_o with_o our_o own_o annihilation_n see_v the_o creature_n be_v nothing_o in_o effect_n but_o what_o she_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o she_o be_v no_o more_o in_o his_o eye_n than_o inasmuch_o as_o she_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o she_o be_v no_o more_o a_o christian_n than_o inasmuch_o as_o she_o love_v this_o supernatural_a life_n while_o then_o we_o be_v too_o sensible_a of_o a_o suffer_a condition_n we_o have_v no_o great_a share_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n abject_a suffer_v and_o annihilate_v chap._n vii_o there_o be_v divers_a degree_n of_o this_o supernatural_a life_n god_n have_v be_v very_o gracious_a to_o we_o to_o draw_v we_o out_o of_o nothing_o but_o more_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a in_o withdraw_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o displease_v he_o but_o the_o choice_a of_o his_o favour_n be_v to_o advance_v we_o from_o a_o common_a to_o a_o supernatural_a life_n that_o be_v when_o the_o eternal_a father_n do_v lead_v we_o into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o mortal_a life_n of_o jesus_n by_o abjection_n suffering_n and_o annihilation_n which_o be_v the_o choice_a of_o his_o mercy_n and_o favour_n on_o earth_n because_o thereby_o we_o bring_v to_o he_o the_o great_a glory_n a_o soul_n be_v not_o all_o at_o once_o elevate_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o this_o life_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o she_o behold_v the_o beauty_n thereof_o be_v
co-operation_n o_o how_o do_v i_o discover_v clear_o the_o abuse_n most_o man_n commit_v by_o profane_v the_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o employ_v they_o about_o vanity_n and_o unprofitable_a curiosity_n as_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n our_o worldly_a affair_n we_o see_v not_o except_v in_o a_o retreat_n and_o solitude_n how_o worldly_a business_n hinder_v the_o actual_a knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n wherein_o consist_v the_o true_a life_n of_o our_o soul_n o_o the_o happy_a condition_n of_o true_a solitary_n o_o how_o great_a wisdom_n be_v it_o to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o worldly_a affair_n the_o better_a to_o mind_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a that_o be_v to_o live_v a_o life_n divine_a for_o which_o we_o be_v create_v let_v we_o o_o my_o soul_n fly_v from_o distraction_n and_o the_o amusement_n of_o affair_n which_o engage_v we_o in_o a_o thousand_o discourse_n vanity_n extravagancy_n and_o weakness_n let_v we_o be_v faithful_a o_o my_o soul_n and_o give_v ourselves_o up_o whole_o to_o god_n that_o we_o may_v live_v up_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n in_o my_o three_o prayer_n this_o truth_n make_v deep_a impression_n on_o i_o that_o the_o most_o sacred_a trinity_n make_v man_n after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o afterward_o be_v disfigure_v by_o sin_n the_o same_o adorable_a trinity_n vouchsafe_v to_o imprint_v it_o anew_o and_o more_o exact_o in_o our_o holy_a baptism_n when_o we_o be_v baptise_a in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o owe_v our_o christianity_n to_o this_o impression_n of_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n we_o enter_v not_o into_o the_o church_n but_o by_o this_o great_a and_o ineffable_a mystery_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o catholic_n faith_n i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n bring_v forth_o any_o thing_n create_v of_o a_o more_o noble_a production_n than_o a_o christian_a the_o whole_a machine_n of_o the_o world_n be_v less_o considerable_a for_o the_o order_n thereof_o be_v only_o natural_a but_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o supernatural_a work_n wherein_o it_o seem_v the_o most_o sacred_a trinity_n take_v delight_n to_o be_v bear_v as_o it_o be_v anew_o by_o imprint_v his_o image_n in_o our_o soul_n shall_v we_o deface_v this_o image_n to_o make_v our_o soul_n deform_v by_o some_o monstruous_a resemblance_n yet_o this_o be_v that_o we_o do_v o_o my_o soul_n when_o instead_o of_o careful_o preserve_v the_o image_n of_o the_o most_o sacred_a trinity_n imprint_v on_o we_o by_o baptism_n not_o consider_v the_o great_a honour_n and_o happiness_n we_o receive_v thereby_o we_o deform_v ourselves_o by_o sin_n and_o deface_v this_o image_n with_o unclean_a resemblance_n o_o my_o soul_n when_o shall_v we_o be_v purify_v fly_v from_o the_o world_n and_o betake_v thyself_o to_o a_o holy_a solitude_n for_o my_o four_o prayer_n god_n be_v please_v to_o inspire_v i_o with_o this_o thought_n that_o my_o conversation_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o heaven_n already_o that_o be_v in_o god_n for_o it_o be_v god_n be_v our_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v in_o he_o i_o ought_v to_o take_v up_o my_o mansion_n see_v i_o be_v create_v to_o consider_v his_o eternal_a and_o temporal_a affair_n and_o to_o contemplate_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n i_o call_v the_o eternal_a affair_n of_o god_n his_o divine_a interiour_n operation_n the_o generation_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o infinite_a complacency_n which_o he_o take_v in_o his_o incomprehensible_a beauty_n and_o grandeur_n the_o eternal_a design_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o word_n make_v flesh_n which_o be_v to_o be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n in_o which_o however_o he_o take_v a_o infinite_a satisfaction_n from_o all_o eternity_n i_o call_v the_o temporal_a affair_n of_o god_n the_o execution_n of_o his_o divine_a decree_n touch_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o passion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o justification_n and_o reprobation_n of_o man_n god_n before_o all_o time_n have_v infinite_a sally_n in_o himself_o by_o the_o production_n of_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n have_v in_o time_n have_v sally_n out_o of_o himself_o full_a of_o wonder_n and_o admiration_n o_o my_o god_n how_o a_o soul_n enlighten_v from_o heaven_n find_v great_a joy_n and_o content_v in_o contemplate_v these_o eternal_a and_o temporal_a verity_n out_o of_o which_o all_o be_v but_o deceit_n and_o vanity_n but_o how_o low_o spirit_v be_v they_o who_o never_o attempt_v the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o truth_n for_o my_o part_n i_o will_v never_o more_o stand_v in_o admiration_n to_o see_v the_o holy_a hermit_n forsake_v the_o world_n with_o intention_n never_o more_o to_o return_v to_o earthly_a matter_n when_o once_o they_o have_v discover_v the_o truth_n and_o beauty_n of_o thing_n eternal_a and_o divine_a o_o my_o god_n make_v i_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n that_o i_o may_v live_v to_o you_o alone_o and_o my_o thought_n may_v be_v only_o take_v up_o with_o your_o perfection_n second_o day_n behold_v what_o sudden_o come_v into_o my_o mind_n about_o this_o great_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n i_o be_o wonderful_o content_a to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o inability_n to_o understand_v it_o in_o that_o the_o power_n of_o my_o soul_n be_v lead_v captive_a by_o faith_n surround_v with_o cloud_n this_o inability_n this_o obscurity_n this_o captivity_n be_v please_v to_o i_o and_o for_o the_o future_a i_o will_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n upon_o earth_n to_o please_v god_n then_o by_o submit_v our_o understanding_n and_o will_n to_o his_o revelation_n yea_o i_o do_v more_o value_v this_o captivity_n to_o faith_n in_o believe_v what_o i_o see_v not_o than_o all_o splendour_n imaginable_a how_o be_v this_o submission_n of_o our_o spirit_n natural_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a please_v to_o god_n how_o much_o hereby_o do_v we_o honour_v and_o glorify_v he_o o_o glorious_a saint_n with_o all_o due_a reverence_n i_o challenge_v you_o to_o be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o your_o eternal_a splendour_n than_o i_o be_o with_o these_o cloud_n of_o holy_a faith_n if_o you_o be_v content_a i_o be_o no_o less_o to_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o willing_o to_o captivate_v my_o understanding_n to_o the_o high_a mystery_n god_n have_v reveal_v and_o that_o which_o fill_v i_o with_o joy_n and_o make_v i_o happy_a before_o i_o come_v to_o heaven_n be_v to_o find_v my_o will_n in_o perfect_a submission_n to_o my_o god_n and_o to_o the_o mean_a creature_n for_o love_n of_o he_o o_o bless_a soul_n i_o be_o a_o little_a too_o bold_a with_o you_o yet_o i_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o you_o well_o know_v it_o i_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o this_o submission_n be_v the_o way_n to_o practice_v it_o a_o way_n sure_a and_o excellent_a in_o my_o second_o prayer_n i_o yet_o find_v my_o soul_n take_v up_o with_o the_o grandeur_n of_o this_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n and_o be_v almost_o lose_v in_o this_o ocean_n of_o infinite_a wonder_n be_v full_a of_o faith_n and_o sweetness_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o adorable_a perfection_n though_o all_o surround_v with_o cloud_n of_o darkness_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o this_o mystery_n present_v itself_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n her_o light_n be_v obscure_v and_o cast_v our_o spirit_n into_o a_o thick_a darkness_n which_o yet_o bring_v with_o it_o a_o light_n to_o see_v what_o reason_n can_v nox_fw-la illuminatio_fw-la mea_fw-la my_o night_n have_v some_o day_n and_o i_o perceive_v the_o infinite_a distance_n between_o the_o creator_n and_o his_o creature_n and_o be_v plunge_v into_o the_o abiss_n of_o my_o own_o nothingness_n i_o acknowledge_v o_o my_o god_n and_o adore_v your_o grandeur_n and_o perfection_n i_o admire_v i_o love_v i_o obey_v o_o my_o god_n i_o adore_v and_o believe_v steadfast_o what_o you_o be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o your_o church_n i_o neither_o know_v nor_o comprehend_v nor_o desire_v it_o but_o be_o content_a with_o my_o ignorance_n and_o submission_n let_v we_o o_o my_o soul_n abide_v as_o low_a and_o abject_a as_o grace_n can_v make_v we_o for_o nothing_o render_v we_o more_o please_v to_o god_n than_o profound_a humility_n and_o annihilation_n god_n who_o be_v infinite_o delight_v to_o dwell_v in_o his_o own_o grandeur_n be_v also_o well_o please_v to_o see_v a_o abject_a creature_n content_a with_o its_o own_o nothing_o it_o be_v a_o error_n in_o spirituality_n and_o savour_v of_o self-love_n to_o shun_v abjection_n under_o pretence_n to_o advance_v ourselves_o in_o divine_a love_n o_o my_o soul_n let_v we_o comply_v with_o god_n will_n and_o march_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o abjection_n if_o god_n be_v please_v
and_o redeemer_n to_o lie_v out_o thyself_o upon_o the_o creature_n and_o not_o correspond_v to_o his_o inspiration_n who_o call_v thou_o to_o himself_o what_o a_o horrible_a infidelity_n will_v this_o be_v let_v we_o not_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o who_o we_o be_v seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n the_o subject_n of_o my_o three_o prayer_n be_v the_o admirable_a oeconomy_n of_o the_o incarnation_n in_o that_o by_o the_o excess_n of_o love_n and_o goodness_n god_n be_v make_v man_n and_o man_n become_v god_n i_o have_v profound_a veneration_n for_o the_o adorable_a humanity_n absorb_v in_o the_o divinity_n and_o with_o a_o amorous_a confidence_n behold_v the_o divinity_n as_o it_o be_v annihilate_v in_o the_o humanity_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o as_o a_o tabernacle_n of_o honour_n where_o god_n dwell_v with_o infinite_a delight_n this_o humanity_n also_o in_o a_o manner_n divinize_v take_v infinite_a delight_n in_o the_o divinity_n from_o whence_o it_o receive_v wonderful_a impression_n of_o annihilation_n to_o be_v poor_a abject_a and_o despise_v crucify_a for_o after_o god_n be_v make_v man_n he_o inspire_v the_o humanity_n with_o ardent_a desire_n and_o love_n of_o suffering_n for_o we_o man_n and_o our_o salvation_n o_o jesus_n when_o you_o communicate_v yourself_o to_o a_o soul_n she_o receive_v impression_n from_o you_o which_o incline_v she_o to_o a_o love_n of_o contempt_n and_o suffering_n and_o when_o a_o soul_n feel_v in_o herself_o the_o great_a propension_n to_o suffering_n and_o self-denial_n it_o be_v then_o she_o most_o participate_v of_o your_o communication_n and_o have_v the_o great_a assurance_n of_o they_o for_o o_o good_a jesus_n your_o spirit_n be_v full_a of_o such_o impression_n from_o the_o divinity_n and_o the_o soul_n where_o you_o reign_v as_o king_n do_v infallible_o receive_v the_o like_a impression_n from_o your_o presence_n in_o my_o four_o prayer_n i_o be_v touch_v with_o a_o great_a desire_n to_o leave_v this_o mortal_a life_n so_o full_a of_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o deprive_v of_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n of_o god_n my_o saviour_n oh_o how_o irksome_a be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o contemplate_v at_o leisure_n this_o infinite_a beauty_n this_o essence_n full_a of_o infinite_a perfection_n this_o only_a true_a object_n of_o the_o love_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n o_o when_o shall_v i_o be_v deliver_v from_o this_o prison_n of_o flesh_n that_o i_o may_v behold_v jesus_n the_o light_n of_o my_o eye_n and_o joy_n of_o my_o heart_n must_v i_o yet_o continue_v long_o in_o this_o banishment_n what_o a_o cross_n be_v it_o to_o live_v here_o what_o a_o punishment_n be_v the_o delay_n death_n how_o welcome_a will_v thou_o be_v in_o my_o embrace_n we_o must_v languish_v with_o love_n after_o the_o infinite_a beauty_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o sigh_v to_o enjoy_v he_o o_o my_o soul_n do_v not_o amuse_v thyself_o with_o creature_n love_v the_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o highway_n to_o happiness_n be_v it_o possible_a to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o love_v he_o and_o to_o languish_v with_o desire_n to_o enjoy_v he_o to_o stand_v much_o in_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v a_o sign_n we_o have_v little_a desire_n to_o see_v the_o infinite_a beauty_n of_o god_n see_v death_n only_o open_v the_o gate_n of_o paradise_n o_o death_n thou_o be_v desirable_a come_v and_o put_v i_o in_o possession_n of_o the_o object_n of_o my_o love_n that_o i_o may_v live_v with_o jesus_n who_o be_v the_o source_n of_o life_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o the_o interim_n o_o my_o soul_n let_v we_o have_v neither_o love_n nor_o life_n nor_o operation_n but_o what_o be_v in_o he_o and_o for_o he_o our_o sovereign_a happiness_n vivit_fw-la in_o i_o christus_fw-la eight_o day_n jesus_n our_o light_n jesus_n be_v present_a to_o i_o in_o my_o first_o prayer_n as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n which_o discover_v to_o i_o such_o a_o beauty_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n with_o ray_n of_o a_o new_a light_n that_o i_o see_v more_o than_o ever_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o strange_a sottishness_n of_o such_o man_n who_o prefer_v the_o darkness_n of_o falsehood_n before_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n insanias_fw-la falsas_fw-la the_o beam_n of_o this_o light_a work_n wonder_n in_o a_o soul_n for_o it_o leave_v such_o impression_n as_o bring_v she_o to_o know_v truth_n in_o another_o manner_n then_o by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n or_o faith_n either_o if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o closet_n of_o some_o great_a king_n in_o the_o dark_a we_o know_v well_o there_o be_v excellent_a piece_n there_o we_o may_v know_v their_o number_n bigness_n and_o value_n of_o the_o precious_a stone_n the_o rareness_n of_o the_o paint_n and_o what_o else_o we_o see_v not_o but_o when_o once_o the_o least_o light_n of_o day_n appear_v than_o we_o begin_v to_o have_v a_o view_n of_o all_o their_o riches_n beauty_n and_o excellency_n and_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o closet_n salute_v our_o eye_n and_o in_o admiration_n thereof_o we_o be_v take_v with_o it_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o give_v we_o a_o sight_n of_o his_o divine_a beauty_n discover_v they_o to_o a_o soul_n by_o the_o least_o ray_n of_o his_o heavenly_a light_n than_o the_o soul_n be_v wonderful_o affect_v and_o be_v more_o than_o ever_o transport_v with_o admiration_n look_v upon_o all_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n as_o nothing_o i'faith_o indeed_o give_v we_o a_o certain_a assurance_n of_o her_o object_n but_o leave_v in_o obscurity_n but_o one_o sole_a ray_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o jesus_n when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o dart_v it_o into_o a_o soul_n do_v confirm_v fortify_v encourage_v and_o refresh_v she_o with_o illustration_n extraordinary_a and_o sovereign_a consolation_n accedite_fw-la ad_fw-la eum_fw-la &_o illuminamini_fw-la we_o can_v approach_v to_o jesus_n and_o not_o be_v enlighten_v i_o come_v to_o know_v in_o my_o second_o prayer_n that_o when_o jesus_n be_v please_v to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o a_o soul_n he_o infuse_v a_o light_n into_o she_o which_o give_v she_o a_o marvellous_a facility_n to_o believe_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o word_n incarnate_a she_o have_v a_o certainty_n and_o as_o it_o be_v experience_n that_o his_o thought_n his_o word_n his_o action_n his_o proceed_n his_o doctrine_n his_o suffering_n be_v divine_a and_o bring_v a_o sovereign_a honour_n to_o the_o divinity_n o_o science_n of_o jesus_n how_o be_v thou_o sweet_a and_o admirable_a all_o other_o knowledge_n in_o respect_n of_o thou_o be_v but_o ignorance_n and_o vanity_n i_o have_v by_o the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n have_v some_o little_a experience_n to_o know_v jesus_n in_o this_o manner_n but_o i_o can_v express_v it_o the_o more_o this_o knowledge_n increase_v the_o less_o be_v it_o explicable_a the_o profound_a attention_n to_o jesus_n do_v so_o take_v up_o my_o spirit_n that_o it_o take_v away_o my_o speech_n it_o call_v i_o from_o all_o creature_n to_o converse_v with_o he_o alone_o and_o draw_v i_o out_o of_o myself_o to_o be_v ravish_v with_o he_o o_o world_n how_o blind_a be_v thou_o not_o to_o see_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o abject_a state_n of_o jesus_n his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o maxim_n be_v the_o only_a true_a light_n all_o that_o thou_o have_v o_o ignorant_a world_n seduce_v by_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n be_v but_o mere_a darkness_n thy_o opinion_n thy_o employment_n thy_o hope_n thy_o fear_n thy_o desire_n thy_o entertainment_n be_v but_o darkness_n and_o disorder_n thou_o stumble_v almost_o at_o every_o step_n because_o thou_o walk_v in_o darkness_n out_o of_o which_o thou_o can_v never_o get_v but_o by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o corporal_a light_n to_o the_o world_n so_o christ_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o spiritual_a light_n and_o who_o his_o grace_n and_o doctrine_n do_v not_o enlighten_v they_o wander_v in_o darkness_n ego_fw-la sum_fw-la lux_fw-la mundi_fw-la qui_fw-la sequitur_fw-la i_o non_fw-la ambulat_fw-la in_o tenebris_fw-la my_o three_o prayer_n pass_v in_o continual_a astonishment_n in_o that_o i_o have_v so_o little_o know_v jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o that_o extreme_a blindness_n wherein_o i_o have_v live_v at_o present_a i_o have_v almost_o a_o continual_a sight_n and_o a_o sweet_a and_o forceable_a inclination_n to_o regard_v this_o admirable_a object_n so_o that_o i_o think_v every_o moment_n lose_v which_o be_v not_o so_o employ_v to_o behold_v he_o with_o amorous_a affection_n be_v a_o cure_n for_o all_o my_o evil_n for_o when_o my_o soul_n be_v afflict_v with_o fear_n of_o lose_v god_n favour_n or_o with_o experience_n of_o her_o misery_n or_o with_o difficulty_n about_o perfection_n one_o
vi_o of_o the_o mean_n that_o facilitate_v the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n whosoever_o be_v resolve_v to_o undertake_v the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n must_v expect_v to_o suffer_v all_o sort_n of_o temptation_n from_o satan_n who_o above_o all_o other_o hate_v the_o pray_v nation_n and_o no_o less_o from_o nature_n which_o have_v strange_a repugnance_n to_o so_o crucify_a a_o life_n and_o such_o exercise_n as_o elevate_v she_o above_o all_o her_o natural_a inclination_n and_o also_o from_o the_o world_n which_o do_v not_o relish_v at_o all_o so_o much_o solitude_n and_o mortification_n but_o we_o can_v be_v true_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n crucify_a without_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n to_o follow_v he_o a_o poor_a abject_a despise_a suffer_v life_n content_v with_o pure_a necessity_n for_o food_n and_o clothing_n be_v a_o good_a disposition_n to_o prayer_n it_o will_v very_o much_o dispose_v we_o to_o this_o holy_a exercise_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o suffer_a life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o pure_a virtue_n on_o all_o occasion_n to_o esteem_v the_o sacred_a folly_n of_o the_o cross_a the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o correspond_v to_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n against_o all_o opposition_n whatsoever_o that_o thwart_a the_o design_n of_o god_n and_o hinder_v the_o operation_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o we_o it_o be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o prayer_n to_o make_v it_o our_o sole_a and_o only_a business_n and_o doubtless_o of_o high_a concern_v see_v it_o be_v to_o do_v that_o on_o earth_n which_o the_o saint_n do_v in_o heaven_n to_o contemplate_v and_o love_v the_o beauty_n of_o god_n however_o if_o we_o have_v other_o affair_n at_o least_o we_o must_v make_v this_o the_o principal_a to_o which_o the_o rest_n ought_v to_o give_v place_n and_o not_o as_o alas_o too_o many_o do_v regulate_v our_o devotion_n by_o our_o secular_a affair_n why_o shall_v we_o overcharge_v ourselves_o with_o employment_n by_o offer_v our_o service_n to_o other_o on_o the_o pretence_n of_o charity_n martha_n who_o be_v very_o busy_a about_o the_o corporal_a service_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v reprove_v for_o trouble_v herself_o with_o so_o many_o distract_n office_n and_o her_o sister_n commend_v for_o attend_v to_o the_o only_a thing_n necessary_a the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o contemplation_n it_o be_v a_o good_a help_n to_o prayer_n not_o to_o engage_v ourselves_o in_o worldly_a concern_v nor_o in_o give_v or_o receive_v visit_n without_o necessity_n such_o as_o the_o oblation_n of_o charity_n or_o of_o our_o place_n and_o condition_n require_v of_o we_o if_o we_o be_v free_a to_o shun_v all_o entertainment_n that_o be_v dangerous_a or_o unprofitable_a and_o choose_v to_o converse_v with_o such_o who_o common_o discourse_v about_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a which_o consist_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n but_o all_o this_o must_v be_v so_o do_v as_o our_o discretion_n may_v not_o be_v call_v in_o question_n nor_o charity_n wound_v it_o be_v a_o important_a help_n to_o prayer_n to_o stand_v always_o upon_o our_o guard_n in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n or_o indisposition_n of_o health_n so_o as_o not_o whole_o to_o leave_v off_o our_o usual_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n under_o pretence_n to_o cherish_v the_o body_n we_o common_o yield_v too_o much_o to_o nature_n and_o so_o sometime_o in_o a_o short_a sickness_n we_o lose_v long_a habit_n of_o mortification_n which_o cost_v we_o dear_a in_o their_o acquisition_n prayer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v aside_o at_o such_o a_o time_n but_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o keep_v up_o our_o union_n with_o god_n by_o interiour_n act_n of_o virtue_n which_o require_v no_o strength_n of_o body_n nor_o gust_n of_o devotion_n but_o agree_v well_o enough_o with_o a_o state_n of_o trouble_n and_o dereliction_n it_o be_v asleep_o very_o profitable_a help_n to_o prayer_n to_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o do_v nothing_o of_o concern_v without_o a_o motion_n from_o god_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v in_o we_o to_o conduct_v we_o and_o we_o may_v safe_o follow_v such_o a_o leader_n this_o keep_v the_o soul_n in_o great_a purity_n which_o know_v the_o inspiration_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o internal_a peace_n sweetness_n and_o liberty_n that_o always_o more_o or_o less_o attend_v they_o and_o if_o she_o quit_v they_o to_o follow_v nature_n the_o secret_a sting_n of_o conscience_n tell_v she_o she_o have_v be_v unfaithful_a to_o god_n grace_n and_o retard_v her_o progress_n towards_o perfection_n it_o be_v a_o very_a necessary_a help_n to_o prayer_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o get_v a_o habit_n of_o be_v so_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o live_v only_o to_o god_n and_o in_o god_n her_o only_a centre_n and_o true_a repose_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o if_o she_o deviate_v therefrom_o to_o take_v a_o complacency_n in_o herself_o or_o any_o creature_n she_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o design_n of_o god_n i_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o bring_v our_o mind_n off_o from_o think_v on_o vain_a and_o worldly_a matter_n and_o to_o habituate_v the_o soul_n to_o strive_v against_o imperfection_n and_o adorn_v herself_o with_o all_o christian_a virtue_n however_o she_o must_v then_o reflect_v on_o her_o imperfection_n her_o good_a and_o evil_a inclination_n as_o she_o find_v the_o motion_n of_o grace_n to_o dictate_v to_o she_o she_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o capable_a of_o a_o more_o elevate_a degree_n of_o prayer_n and_o so_o her_o thought_n be_v profitable_o employ_v in_o this_o low_a exercise_n but_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o enter_v into_o she_o as_o to_o make_v she_o enter_v into_o he_o by_o a_o more_o intimate_a union_n her_o thought_n then_o must_v be_v all_o upon_o god_n and_o for_o he_o see_v he_o be_v only_o her_o true_a rest_n and_o repose_v many_o spiritual_a person_n fail_v herein_o not_o well_o observe_v the_o method_n and_o way_n of_o god_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o soul_n they_o have_v not_o a_o eye_n severe_a enough_o on_o their_o interiour_n to_o discover_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o examine_v and_o search_v and_o find_v out_o the_o least_o root_n of_o their_o imperfection_n this_o must_v be_v do_v and_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a in_o its_o season_n but_o when_o god_n call_v we_o to_o high_a elevation_n in_o prayer_n we_o must_v follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n or_o we_o shall_v never_o advance_v in_o the_o way_n of_o perfection_n chap._n vii_o that_o we_o must_v not_o presume_v of_o ourselves_o to_o attempt_v any_o manner_n of_o prayer_n but_o what_o be_v ordinary_a in_o our_o spiritual_a exercise_n we_o must_v ordinary_o prepare_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o prayer_n and_o converse_n with_o god_n this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o holy_a person_n and_o to_o do_v otherwise_o be_v to_o fail_v in_o our_o respect_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n if_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o a_o king_n or_o any_o person_n of_o quality_n we_o think_v thereon_o aforehand_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o have_v consideration_n of_o what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n this_o prepare_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n must_v be_v do_v some_o little_a time_n before_o we_o set_v upon_o the_o duty_n then_o we_o must_v lift_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o desire_v he_o to_o put_v into_o our_o mind_n what_o may_v be_v most_o please_v to_o he_o in_o our_o recollection_n and_o what_o ever_o it_o be_v to_o entertain_v it_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o dwell_v upon_o it_o unless_o god_n inspire_v we_o with_o some_o other_o matter_n that_o call_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o attention_n and_o fidelity_n for_o to_o comply_v with_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o quit_v the_o subject_a we_o have_v prepare_v for_o our_o exercise_n let_v we_o not_o soar_v above_o our_o ability_n but_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o matter_n for_o prayer_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o our_o spiritual_a state_n and_o we_o find_v by_o our_o interiour_n to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n let_v we_o never_o begin_v our_o prayer_n without_o ask_v god_n pardon_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n for_o to_o put_v ourselves_o into_o his_o sacred_a presence_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o he_o without_o a_o detestation_n of_o these_o imperfection_n wherewith_o we_o have_v displease_v he_o be_v to_o make_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n it_o be_v of_o very_o great_a importance_n to_o know_v how_o god_n usual_o conduct_n soul_n to_o perfection_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comply_v with_o the_o design_n of_o his_o grace_n all_o be_v not_o call_v
eminent_a way_n but_o judge_v ourselves_o unworthy_a thereof_o and_o content_a with_o little_a our_o saviour_n shall_v please_v to_o give_v we_o we_o must_v cooperate_v humble_o and_o faithful_o with_o that_o small_a portion_n of_o grace_n we_o have_v already_o and_o not_o grow_v idle_a wish_v for_o those_o eminent_a grace_n wherewith_o perhaps_o our_o soul_n shall_v never_o be_v beautify_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o humility_n to_o be_v content_a with_o that_o little_a portion_n we_o have_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o judge_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o god_n favour_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v nothing_o we_o ought_v so_o high_o esteem_v as_o grace_n and_o its_o increase_n in_o we_o and_o desire_v it_o of_o god_n with_o incessant_a prayer_n but_o this_o must_v be_v with_o perfect_a submission_n to_o his_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o we_o may_v not_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o our_o soul_n on_o one_o side_n i_o behold_v my_o extreme_a misery_n and_o i_o find_v myself_o so_o depress_v that_o all_o my_o natural_a strength_n and_o endeavour_n do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o the_o utmost_a can_v never_o bring_v i_o out_o of_o myself_o on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o burn_v with_o desire_n to_o be_v whole_o for_o god_n by_o live_v a_o supernatural_a and_o spiritual_a life_n it_o be_v to_o you_o o_o divine_a spirit_n i_o address_v my_o sigh_n the_o infinite_a source_n of_o all_o grace_n you_o know_v i_o have_v a_o longing_n to_o live_v this_o spiritual_a life_n in_o the_o exercise_n whereof_o i_o shall_v find_v the_o true_a practice_n of_o divine_a love_n by_o which_o i_o shall_v satisfy_v my_o ardent_a desire_n to_o be_v whole_o for_o jesus_n and_o shall_v live_v no_o more_o after_o my_o natural_a inclination_n and_o the_o maxim_n of_o human_a prudence_n but_o i_o see_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o i_o to_o attain_v this_o unless_o you_o vouchsafe_v to_o assist_v i_o with_o your_o illumination_n against_o my_o darkness_n with_o your_o strength_n against_o my_o weakness_n with_o your_o continual_a supply_n against_o my_o relapse_n for_o how_o often_o o_o divine_a spirit_n have_v i_o begin_v this_o supernatural_a life_n and_o fall_v from_o it_o conquer_v by_o my_o nature_n and_o worldly_a temptation_n draw_v i_o after_o you_o so_o powerful_o and_o continual_o that_o i_o may_v no_o more_o return_n into_o myself_o but_o may_v follow_v your_o attract_v with_o perseverance_n i_o will_v follow_v you_o dear_a jesus_n in_o the_o state_n of_o your_o mortal_a life_n in_o annihilation_n contempt_n poverty_n and_o suffering_n and_o if_o i_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o you_o in_o those_o obscurity_n which_o sometime_o cloud_v my_o soul_n yet_o let_v i_o not_o lose_v courage_n provide_v i_o continue_v in_o your_o way_n that_o be_v in_o the_o esteem_n and_o love_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a life_n you_o will_v not_o be_v far_o from_o i_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o jesus_n annihilate_v and_o suffer_a shall_v not_o be_v near_o to_o a_o soul_n suffer_v and_o annihilate_v well_o then_o though_o we_o may_v lose_v the_o sight_n of_o jesus_n the_o light_n we_o have_v in_o prayer_n leave_v we_o though_o we_o feel_v he_o not_o by_o sensible_a influence_n yet_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v near_o we_o if_o we_o be_v in_o his_o way_n by_o self-denial_n and_o a_o love_n of_o humiliation_n for_o his_o sake_n o_o how_o happy_a be_v a_o soul_n to_o be_v content_a to_o follow_v the_o annihilation_n of_o jesus_n without_o the_o feel_n of_o his_o perfume_n and_o sweetness_n she_o do_v practise_v the_o purity_n of_o love_n in_o this_o condition_n for_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o light_n and_o consolation_n which_o be_v very_o harsh_a to_o nature_n and_o suffer_v it_o content_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o excellent_a act_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n which_o consist_v chief_o in_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n to_o suffer_v as_o well_o inward_o as_o outward_o when_o god_n please_v i_o be_o very_o sensible_a by_o experience_n that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o think_v and_o do_v talk_v and_o live_v this_o true_a christian_a life_n when_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o repugnance_n we_o find_v it_o not_o difficult_a to_o practise_v virtue_n whereof_o the_o idaea_n be_v as_o sweet_a as_o the_o act_n be_v bitter_a of_o such_o as_o consist_v in_o privation_n and_o suffering_n i_o be_o in_o a_o state_n wherein_o i_o feel_v repugnance_n and_o be_o resolve_v thereby_o to_o humble_v myself_o the_o more_o and_o keep_v the_o peace_n of_o my_o soul_n by_o a_o entire_a confidence_n of_o the_o succour_n which_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v unto_o i_o i_o consider_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o seeble_a than_o the_o apostle_n before_o pentecost_n they_o hide_v themselves_o abandon_v their_o master_n in_o his_o suffering_n and_o peter_n deny_v he_o but_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o infuse_v such_o strength_n into_o their_o soul_n that_o they_o become_v powerful_a and_o courageous_a to_o admiration_n chap._n xv._o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o live_v this_o supernatural_a life_n by_o human_a prudence_n the_o supernatural_a life_n be_v a_o continual_a mortification_n of_o deprave_a nature_n 1._o for_o it_o be_v certain_a first_o that_o we_o can_v live_v this_o excellent_a life_n but_o by_o annihilate_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n 2._o second_o that_o this_o life_n be_v whole_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n which_o can_v be_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o inspire_v the_o soul_n with_o his_o influence_n and_o sacred_a motion_n 3._o three_o that_o the_o soul_n which_o live_v this_o life_n must_v be_v elevate_v above_o sense_n und_fw-ge reason_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o prayer_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n which_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o offer_v up_o herself_o to_o god_n as_o a_o continual_a sacrifice_n that_o though_o oftentimes_o w_n must_v do_v thing_n sensual_a as_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v yet_o these_o must_v be_v do_v as_o grace_n direct_v we_o and_o other_o thing_n according_a to_o reason_n as_o to_o love_v our_o relation_n and_o friend_n yet_o this_o must_v be_v only_o in_o god_n and_o as_o his_o oracle_n do_v dictate_v to_o we_o o_o life_n of_o grace_n how_o be_v thou_o a_o continual_a death_n and_o mortification_n who_o live_v christianly_o live_v a_o martyrdom_n tota_n vita_fw-la christiana_n crux_fw-la est_fw-la &_o martyrium_fw-la however_o it_o be_v a_o joyful_a martyrdom_n for_o solid_a joy_n can_v but_o make_v glad_a the_o soul_n where_o grace_n inhabit_v o_o that_o this_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o our_o salvation_n do_v once_o well_o sink_v into_o our_o heart_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o eternal_a king_n of_o glory_n leave_v the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n and_o become_v man_n to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o infinite_a humiliation_n jesus_n give_v we_o life_n by_o his_o death_n he_o put_v we_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n by_o ruine_v himself_o according_a to_o nature_n he_o purchase_v eternity_n for_o we_o by_o yield_v up_o his_o temporal_a life_n and_o the_o evangelist_n express_v his_o death_n do_v on_o set_v purpose_n use_v these_o word_n emisit_fw-la spiritum_fw-la he_o send_v forth_o his_o spirit_n without_o doubt_n he_o send_v it_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v learn_v to_o live_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o they_o so_o say_v st._n paul_n misit_fw-la deus_fw-la spiritum_fw-la filii_fw-la svi_fw-la in_o corda_fw-la nostra_fw-la ut_fw-la qui_fw-la vivunt_fw-la jam_fw-la non_fw-la sibi_fw-la vivre_fw-fr sed_fw-la ei_fw-la qui_fw-la pro_fw-la ipsis_fw-la mortuus_fw-la est_fw-la what_o remain_v then_o but_o that_o we_o banish_v our_o carnal_a spirit_n which_o carry_v we_o on_o to_o sensual_a delight_n although_o sometime_o not_o sinful_a let_v we_o love_v the_o spirit_n of_o penance_n of_o suffer_v of_o self-denial_n and_o humiliation_n gerson_n have_v a_o excellent_a say_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o nature_n be_v mortify_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o grace_n be_v infuse_v we_o must_v often_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o the_o grain_n of_o wheat_n cast_v into_o the_o earth_n except_o it_o die_v can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n if_o we_o do_v not_o die_v to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o world_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n we_o can_v never_o become_v perfect_a christian_n nor_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o divine_a love_n we_o must_v be_v as_o nothing_o before_o man_n that_o we_o may_v be_v something_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n why_o shall_v the_o disciple_n be_v above_o his_o master_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n do_v continual_o jar_v and_o war_n one_o against_o the_o other_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n will_v afford_v we_o light_n to_o discern_v their_o different_a motion_n but_o when_o
behold_v you_o on_o the_o cross_n with_o carnal_a eye_n else_o next_o to_o the_o divinity_n they_o will_v discover_v nothing_o more_o sweet_a and_o lovely_a do_v not_o therefore_o stay_v i_o up_o with_o flower_n but_o with_o thorn_n do_v not_o encompass_v i_o with_o apple_n but_o with_o nail_n because_o i_o languish_v with_o love_n the_o beauty_n and_o sweet_n of_o jesus_n pierce_v my_o heart_n and_o i_o can_v suffer_v more_o than_o to_o be_v without_o suffer_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o suffering_n and_o crucify_a jesus_n but_o some_o say_v to_o suffer_v much_o be_v hurtful_a to_o we_o alas_o do_v we_o find_v it_o hurtful_a to_o we_o to_o love_v much_o wherefore_o will_v you_o that_o love_v crucify_a shall_v be_v more_o moderate_a than_o love-enjoying_a which_o too_o often_o weaken_v the_o soul_n and_o sometime_o wound_v we_o to_o death_n a_o too_o great_a solicitude_n about_o corporal_a health_n be_v a_o sign_n we_o do_v not_o take_v up_o our_o abode_n in_o the_o wound_n of_o jesus_n crucify_v we_o be_v never_o better_o than_o when_o sigh_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o cross_n god_n behold_v himself_o take_v infinite_a delight_n in_o his_o own_o perfection_n out_o of_o himself_o he_o be_v alike_o please_v to_o see_v those_o perfection_n crown_v in_o his_o creature_n his_o mercy_n do_v triumph_n in_o the_o bless_a saint_n and_o angel_n and_o his_o justice_n in_o hell_n a_o soul_n introvert_v in_o solitude_n with_o god_n alone_o find_v sweetness_n unspeakable_a in_o consider_v these_o marvel_n she_o feel_v also_o a_o excessive_a joy_n to_o see_v that_o the_o travel_n and_o sigh_n and_o suffering_n and_o blood_n of_o jesus_n be_v crown_v with_o a_o glory_n by_o the_o elect_a on_o earth_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o suffering_n or_o enjoy_v when_o they_o conquer_v a_o temptation_n the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n be_v crown_v when_o they_o practise_v heroic_a act_n of_o virtue_n the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n be_v crown_v all_o glory_n be_v to_o he_o both_o in_o time_n and_o eternity_n o_fw-fr mortal_n come_v and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o beauty_n goodness_n and_o perfection_n comparable_a to_o that_o of_o jesus_n our_o god_n and_o saviour_n o_o how_o lovely_a be_v he_o and_o yet_o how_o little_a be_v he_o belove_v how_o great_a and_o yet_o how_o despise_v how_o infinite_a in_o his_o perfection_n and_o yet_o how_o little_o know_v o_o the_o only_a desire_n of_o my_o soul_n discover_v yourself_o somewhat_o more_o clear_o to_o i_o that_o be_v ravish_v with_o your_o beauty_n i_o may_v be_v sole_o take_v up_o with_o your_o perfection_n shall_v any_o creature_n after_o this_o oblige_v i_o to_o regard_v it_o no_o my_o eye_n shall_v be_v fix_v on_o god_n alone_o farewell_n then_o poor_a creature_n i_o be_o above_o you_o you_o shall_v never_o more_o amuse_v i_o i_o leave_v you_o to_o place_v my_o thought_n on_o my_o well-beloved_a methinks_v i_o feel_v his_o powerful_a attract_v draw_v i_o out_o of_o myself_o to_o possess_v he_o alone_o my_o friend_n do_v not_o molest_v i_o any_o more_o leave_v i_o in_o myself_o to_o possess_v my_o god_n and_o admire_v his_o perfection_n you_o may_v serve_v he_o by_o help_v other_o but_o leave_v i_o to_o serve_v he_o in_o himself_o i_o desire_v none_o but_o he_o nor_o to_o be_v take_v up_o with_o any_o thing_n but_o he_o see_v he_o be_v please_v to_o let_v i_o know_v it_o be_v his_o pleasure_n farewell_o creature_n farewell_n friend_n farewell_n devotee_n farewell_n world_n i_o be_o go_v to_o god_n to_o unite_v myself_o unto_o he_o by_o a_o constant_a retreat_n that_o shall_v never_o suffer_v a_o separation_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o solitude_n i_o be_o resolve_v on_o the_o vigil_n of_o all_o saint_n to_o mount_v up_o to_o heaven_n to_o congratulate_v their_o happiness_n and_o beg_v their_o charity_n for_o sure_o they_o will_v be_v very_o liberal_a on_o their_o general_a festival_n and_o my_o soul_n hope_n for_o great_a succour_n from_o they_o in_o her_o misery_n however_o i_o will_v chief_o solicit_v the_o bless_a hermit_n and_o solitary_a monk_n who_o habitation_n in_o this_o life_n be_v in_o desert_n and_o monastery_n i_o have_v a_o call_v from_o heaven_n to_o address_v myself_o to_o they_o to_o beg_v their_o intercession_n for_o some_o part_n of_o their_o spirit_n of_o introversion_n retirement_n from_o the_o world_n and_o interiour_n poverty_n which_o be_v the_o true_a life_n of_o holy_a recluse_n be_v in_o a_o profound_a solitude_n of_o soul_n by_o a_o denudation_n of_o all_o creature_n while_o their_o body_n inhabit_v the_o most_o secret_a desert_n great_a saint_n what_o do_v you_o here_o upon_o earth_n you_o labour_v not_o to_o help_v other_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o the_o company_n of_o man_n so_o that_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o unprofitable_a servant_n alas_o how_o ill_o do_v sensual_a man_n judge_v of_o the_o interiour_n of_o saint_n i_o tell_v you_o these_o be_v the_o great_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o in_o their_o desert_n offer_v up_o continual_a sacrifice_n to_o the_o grandeur_n of_o a_o incomprehensible_a majesty_n by_o profound_a poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o annihilation_n of_o themselves_o and_o be_v in_o a_o denudation_n of_o all_o creature_n their_o desire_n be_v for_o god_n and_o he_o alone_o this_o be_v the_o happy_a state_n this_o be_v the_o paradise_n my_o soul_n sigh_v after_o at_o present_a to_o live_v so_o sequester_v from_o creature_n as_o if_o i_o be_v in_o the_o desert_n of_o lybia_n good_a jesus_n there_o be_v nothing_o impossible_a to_o your_o grace_n grant_v i_o this_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o if_o exterior_a poverty_n be_v necessary_a to_o possess_v this_o interiour_n whereof_o i_o speak_v make_v i_o as_o poor_a as_o job_n if_o my_o friend_n must_v leave_v i_o i_o will_v free_o part_v with_o they_o and_o be_v content_a to_o be_v forget_v in_o their_o affection_n for_o ever_o o_o my_o god_n estrange_v i_o from_o all_o creature_n give_v i_o that_o profound_a poverty_n of_o spirit_n which_o methinks_v i_o understand_v though_o i_o can_v express_v it_o thus_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o my_o saviour_n for_o there_o be_v no_o enjoy_n of_o god_n without_o a_o perfect_a denudation_n of_o all_o creature_n but_o how_o shall_v i_o get_v this_o treasure_n who_o have_v the_o dominion_n of_o temporal_a possession_n i_o must_v either_o real_o quit_v they_o to_o gain_v this_o jewel_n or_o possess_v they_o as_o if_o i_o possess_v nothing_o the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n afford_v i_o both_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n the_o saint_n be_v rich_a for_o they_o want_v nothing_o and_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n because_o they_o continual_o annihilate_v all_o the_o riches_n of_o their_o glory_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o their_o felicity_n and_o to_o be_v annihilate_v if_o such_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o manner_n i_o must_v possess_v what_o i_o have_v be_v prepare_v to_o part_n with_o it_o when_o god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o i_o observe_v that_o for_o want_n of_o solitude_n the_o soul_n do_v not_o discern_v the_o more_o subtle_a working_n of_o god_n in_o her_o interior_a which_o afterward_o she_o discover_v by_o experience_n these_o be_v great_a grace_n but_o come_v to_o no_o effect_n for_o want_v of_o introversion_n and_o attention_n i_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v the_o soul_n to_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o her_o creator_n but_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o the_o god_n of_o love_n have_v more_o secret_a and_o in-time_n way_n wherewith_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n work_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o temper_n to_o make_v her_o sensible_a of_o his_o amorous_a embrace_n o_o my_o god_n how_o be_v you_o hide_v in_o the_o fund_z of_o our_o soul_n and_o you_o do_v not_o discover_v yourself_o to_o we_o except_v in_o a_o perfect_a solitude_n when_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o noise_n of_o creature_n god_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v alone_o together_o o_o poor_a mortal_n how_o long_o shall_v your_o heart_n hanker_v after_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n turn_v yourselves_o perfect_o to_o god_n and_o see_v and_o taste_v how_o sweet_a he_o be_v happy_a be_v those_o moment_n although_o but_o short_a wherein_o we_o have_v a_o taste_n of_o the_o divine_a sweetness_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o sensible_a presence_n such_o a_o soul_n will_v find_v in_o herself_o a_o certain_a aversion_n and_o disgust_n of_o worldly_a vanity_n a_o desire_n to_o leave_v they_o a_o love_n of_o solitude_n and_o silence_n to_o be_v the_o more_o at_o liberty_n to_o attend_v to_o god_n service_n all_o other_o thing_n now_o appear_v to_o she_o but_o as_o dross_n and_o dung_n and_o
have_v inflame_v affection_n for_o you_o be_v my_o great_a work_n but_o to_o bring_v my_o heart_n to_o such_o a_o temper_n it_o must_v become_v like_o dry_a wood_n be_v empty_v of_o humidity_n by_o a_o separation_n from_o all_o creature_n this_o desire_n of_o inflame_a affection_n put_v i_o upon_o purify_n my_o heart_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o enjoyment_n make_v i_o eager_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o mortification_n by_o embrace_v evangelical_n counsel_n and_o maxim_n of_o christianity_n see_v poverty_n contempt_n and_o cross_n increase_v the_o flame_n of_o divine_a love_n they_o be_v welcome_a to_o i_o for_o i_o ardent_o desire_v to_o see_v they_o arise_v to_o their_o high_a elevation_n i_o know_v a_o good_a religious_a man_n who_o in_o his_o solitude_n be_v in_o continual_a prayer_n not_o only_o by_o the_o elevation_n of_o his_o spirit_n but_o by_o union_n with_o god_n in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n my_o soul_n find_v great_a contentment_n in_o his_o discourse_n and_o conversation_n in_o sickness_n his_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o vigorous_a nor_o his_o peace_n of_o soul_n so_o savorous_a though_o always_o great_a worldly_n conversation_n seem_v but_o as_o dream_n to_o he_o and_o when_o past_a they_o do_v only_o leave_v confuse_v idea_n in_o his_o memory_n a_o bless_a man_n doubtless_o while_o here_o on_o earth_n and_o converse_v with_o i_o in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n by_o obedience_n he_o declare_v to_o i_o what_o wonderful_a enjoyment_n god_n be_v please_v to_o vouchsafe_v unto_o he_o he_o tell_v i_o that_o to_o attain_v purity_n of_o heart_n we_o must_v divest_v ourselves_o of_o all_o affection_n to_o creature_n and_o not_o satisfy_v our_o natural_a desire_n which_o be_v a_o great_a mortification_n when_o it_o be_v continual_a in_o sickness_n we_o must_v stand_v very_o much_o upon_o our_o guard_n for_o we_o easy_o relax_v and_o yield_v too_o much_o to_o nature_n not_o to_o correspond_v to_o a_o know_a inspiration_n be_v gross_a infidelity_n and_o much_o retard_v our_o advancement_n in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n a_o principal_a point_n of_o devotion_n be_v by_o a_o punctual_a fidelity_n to_o omit_v no_o occasion_n to_o practise_v virtue_n whether_o of_o humility_n patience_n abjection_n or_o any_o other_o this_o contemplative_a tell_v i_o that_o the_o choice_a effect_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o revelation_n or_o vision_n be_v this_o punctual_a fidelity_n to_o god_n call_v it_o be_v a_o affair_n will_v take_v up_o the_o whole_a soul_n to_o free_v herself_o from_o any_o engagement_n with_o creature_n and_o conquer_v she_o own_o natural_a inclination_n that_o she_o may_v enter_v into_o the_o state_n of_o jesus_n crucify_v and_o into_o his_o way_n with_o his_o spirit_n that_o be_v with_o his_o intention_n and_o disposition_n let_v we_o o_o my_o soul_n in_o the_o profound_a silence_n of_o our_o solitude_n often_o say_v to_o jesus_n o_o divine_a jesus_n despise_v for_o i_o contemptible_a poor_a for_o i_o a_o poor_a creature_n annihilate_v for_o i_o a_o mere_a nothing_o term_n which_o in_o some_o sort_n express_v the_o perfect_a union_n that_o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o have_v with_o jesus_n crucify_a and_o this_o union_n be_v the_o grand_a occupation_n of_o solitary_n in_o the_o court_n of_o king_n the_o cook_n and_o baker_n and_o other_o mean_a officer_n labour_v more_o than_o a_o gentleman_n of_o the_o chamber_n who_o have_v little_a to_o do_v but_o to_o attend_v his_o majesty_n as_o a_o companion_n rathen_a than_o a_o servant_n a_o favourite_n have_v yet_o less_o employ_v be_v admit_v into_o his_o prince_n closet_n to_o converse_v free_o with_o he_o and_o entertain_v each_o other_o with_o mutual_a caress_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n they_o who_o be_v appoint_v most_o for_o action_n be_v not_o the_o great_a favourite_n those_o to_o who_o god_n vouchsase_v extraordinary_a visit_n in_o contemplation_n labour_v less_o and_o yet_o be_v more_o accept_v by_o he_o it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o too_o much_o to_o exterior_a action_n of_o charity_n but_o to_o correspond_v to_o god_n holy_a inspiration_n if_o he_o call_v we_o to_o solitude_n to_o attend_v on_o himself_o alone_o out_o of_o the_o noise_n of_o creature_n be_v it_o not_o great_a pity_n that_o temporal_a affair_n shall_v take_v up_o the_o best_a day_n of_o our_o year_n and_o the_o choice_a hour_n of_o our_o day_n leave_v we_o little_a time_n in_o comparison_n to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a the_o work_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o will_v be_v better_o for_o we_o if_o we_o will_v allot_v more_o time_n to_o our_o holy_a retirement_n to_o converse_v with_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o contemplation_n and_o begin_v on_o earth_n what_o we_o must_v continue_v without_o end_n in_o ever_o bless_a eternity_n chap._n v._o how_o we_o may_v put_v our_o soul_n and_o sense_n into_o a_o solitude_n let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o in_o be_v content_a to_o receive_v the_o seed_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n without_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o god_n if_o we_o have_v a_o discern_a spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n we_o shall_v soon_o discover_v that_o this_o our_o only_a affair_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o amusement_n and_o folly_n to_o nourish_v this_o divine_a seed_n in_o we_o we_o must_v shun_v the_o conversation_n of_o worldly_a wiseman_n who_o be_v guide_v only_o by_o carnal_a prudence_n and_o so_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o proceeding_n of_o grace_n leave_v in_o we_o more_o or_o less_o by_o their_o discourse_n some_o impression_n of_o their_o ill_a opinion_n which_o will_v retard_v our_o advancement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n to_o put_v the_o soul_n into_o solitude_n we_o must_v retire_v from_o all_o creature_n and_o put_v ourselves_o absolute_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o do_v with_o we_o what_o he_o please_v and_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o he_o alone_o with_o all_o possible_a endeavour_n to_o be_v faithful_a herein_o we_o must_v resolve_v to_o suffer_v much_o for_o we_o can_v abide_v peaceable_o in_o this_o divine_a hermitage_n without_o leave_v parent_n friend_n worldly_a entertainment_n affair_n and_o to_o suffer_v almost_o a_o continual_a persecution_n on_o every_o side_n for_o one_o tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v a_o hypocritical_a and_o unprofitable_a life_n another_o that_o so_o much_o solitude_n can_v be_v good_a in_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v some_o charity_n for_o our_o neighbour_n but_o let_v they_o talk_v on_o every_o one_o be_v to_o follow_v his_o own_o work_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o vocation_n the_o best_a and_o most_o noble_a employment_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o do_v that_o on_o earth_n which_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n do_v in_o heaven_n how_o the_o devil_n persecute_v a_o soul_n in_o this_o state_n under_o fair_a pretence_n but_o she_o must_v stop_v her_o ear_n and_o quit_v all_o to_o adhere_v to_o her_o sovereign_a good_a when_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o call_v she_o to_o attend_v on_o he_o alone_o when_o god_n say_v he_o will_v lead_v a_o soul_n into_o a_o solitude_n ducam_fw-la eam_fw-la in_o solitudinem_fw-la it_o be_v a_o singular_a mercy_n for_o we_o shall_v find_v but_o few_o in_o the_o world_n prepare_v for_o the_o cross_n and_o resolve_v to_o go_v through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o life_n so_o supernatural_a a_o soul_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o happy_a disposition_n will_v live_v solitary_a not_o trouble_v herself_o with_o the_o cry_n of_o other_o when_o god_n once_o speak_v powerful_o to_o the_o heart_n it_o will_v make_v more_o impression_n on_o we_o than_o all_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o world_n it_o come_v into_o my_o mind_n that_o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o call_v of_o god_n which_o i_o have_v to_o solitude_n require_v of_o i_o to_o spend_v six_o hour_n a_o day_n in_o prayer_n and_o to_o comply_v therewith_o to_o retire_v myself_o about_o five_o in_o the_o afternoon_n and_o eat_v little_a at_o night_n methinks_v also_o i_o ought_v to_o observe_v a_o general_a solitude_n not_o only_o in_o relation_n to_o my_o soul_n but_o to_o my_o interiour_n and_o exterior_a sense_n yea_o when_o i_o shall_v converse_v with_o my_o friend_n and_o behold_v she_o i_o conceive_v this_o may_v be_v do_v sacred_a solitude_n consist_v in_o be_v alone_o with_o god_n in_o a_o vacancy_n from_o creature_n and_o whatevet_n be_v not_o god_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o then_o when_o we_o discourse_v of_o god_n and_o his_o affair_n we_o make_v our_o tongue_n solitary_a and_o so_o speak_v like_o a_o hermit_n when_o we_o will_v not_o give_v ear_n to_o any_o but_o divine_a discourse_n our_o ear_n turn_v hermit_n when_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v our_o eye_n any_o object_n but_o such_o as_o be_v please_v to_o god_n we_o put_v they_o into_o
god_n a_o infinite_a fullness_n contain_v a_o infinity_o of_o perfection_n each_o of_o which_o have_v a_o infinity_o of_o excellency_n incomprehensible_a a_o fullness_n which_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o good_a in_o the_o creature_n we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o but_o a_o mere_a privation_n and_o pure_a nothing_o full_a of_o imperfection_n and_o liable_a to_o infinite_a misery_n alas_o o_o my_o god_n i_o now_o see_v more_o than_o ever_o that_o you_o be_v all_o good_a omne_fw-la bonum_fw-la you_o be_v the_o source_n of_o our_o be_v and_o existence_n and_o without_o your_o continual_a influx_n for_o our_o preservation_n we_o shall_v in_o a_o moment_n return_v to_o our_o first_o nothing_o the_o general_a idea_n of_o this_o truth_n be_v in_o every_o understanding_n but_o well_o to_o consider_v it_o and_o lodge_v it_o in_o our_o heart_n be_v very_o rare_a we_o believe_v this_o as_o many_o other_o point_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o without_o deep_a reflection_n or_o correspondent_a action_n hence_o it_o proceed_v that_o we_o be_v without_o perfect_a self-denial_n and_o abnegation_n be_v not_o sufficient_o persuade_v that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o god_n leave_v in_o we_o many_o imperfection_n unconquered_a that_o we_o may_v know_v by_o experience_n that_o we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o nothing_o but_o weakness_n o_o my_o god_n for_o ever_o bless_v be_v your_o holy_a name_n for_o discover_v to_o i_o your_o fullness_n and_o my_o poverty_n i_o adore_v your_o infinite_a fullness_n with_o a_o cordial_a affection_n because_o it_o show_v your_o grandeur_n and_o i_o be_o please_v with_o my_o poverty_n because_o it_o humble_v i_o in_o your_o presence_n i_o be_o well_o content_a o_o my_o god_n to_o be_v nothing_o that_o you_o may_v be_v all_o kneel_v down_o to_o make_v my_o second_o prayer_n i_o desire_v our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o take_v up_o my_o thought_n with_o what_o he_o please_v and_o it_o come_v into_o my_o mind_n to_o consider_v the_o three_o divine_a person_n as_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v other_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o happiness_n repose_n and_o glory_n i_o behold_v this_o fix_o and_o with_o a_o amorous_a resentment_n and_o complacency_n of_o mind_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o the_o repose_n the_o joy_n and_o the_o glory_n that_o the_o divine_a person_n have_v in_o the_o sacred_a humanity_n be_v infinite_o below_o that_o repose_n and_o glory_n they_o have_v in_o themselves_o and_o that_o delight_v they_o have_v in_o the_o saint_n be_v much_o below_o that_o which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o sacred_a humanity_n i_o sometime_o adore_v this_o divine_a centre_n in_o itself_o and_o sometime_o i_o adore_v the_o occupation_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n towards_o this_o divine_a centre_n and_o i_o endeavour_v to_o fix_v my_o thought_n with_o a_o complacency_n therein_o god_n then_o give_v i_o to_o see_v that_o accidental_a occasion_n of_o charity_n be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o my_o solitude_n and_o design_n of_o extraordinary_a devotion_n but_o to_o take_v upon_o i_o the_o care_n of_o a_o family_n and_o to_o have_v a_o continual_a eye_n over_o they_o as_o i_o have_v former_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o for_o that_o engage_v i_o to_o many_o conference_n many_o letter_n much_o care_n and_o extroversion_n and_o for_o the_o present_a god_n do_v not_o require_v that_o of_o i_o but_o call_v i_o to_o a_o retreat_n to_o solitude_n to_o exterior_a and_o interiour_n silence_n to_o mortification_n to_o converse_v with_o he_o alone_o this_o be_v my_o present_a affair_n upon_o earth_n in_o my_o three_o prayer_n i_o discover_v how_o just_a and_o reasonable_a it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o adore_v the_o divine_a life_n of_o the_o most_o sacred_a trinity_n but_o also_o to_o honour_v the_o service_n which_o the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n render_v to_o his_o father_n on_o earth_n by_o a_o continual_a and_o ineffable_a application_n i_o observe_v that_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n be_v honour_v according_a to_o the_o various_a application_n of_o devout_a soul_n as_o inspire_v from_o heaven_n some_o have_v a_o special_a devotion_n to_o jesus_n as_o regard_v mary_n magdalen_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o mercy_n other_o be_v much_o take_v with_o his_o divine_a discourse_n with_o the_o samaritan_n woman_n and_o her_o conversion_n and_o shall_v we_o forget_v to_o adore_v the_o divine_a regard_n and_o converse_v the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n continual_o have_v with_o the_o divine_a person_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o god_n make_v man_n more_o worthy_a of_o veneration_n this_o be_v his_o most_o noble_a employment_n while_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n let_v we_o therefore_o o_o my_o soul_n according_a to_o our_o duty_n set_v upon_o this_o work_n without_o delay_n let_v our_o great_a care_n be_v to_o please_v jesus_n and_o then_o many_o worldly_a affair_n will_v become_v burdensome_a unto_o we_o let_v we_o recollect_v our_o spirit_n and_o affection_n from_o other_o thing_n and_o place_v they_o whole_o on_o god_n our_o final_a happiness_n a_o true_a christian_a indeed_o will_v be_v so_o generous_a as_o to_o esteem_v all_o thing_n beside_o god_n not_o worth_a his_o labour_n it_o be_v true_a while_o the_o soul_n be_v imprison_v in_o the_o wall_n of_o flesh_n she_o can_v always_o soar_v up_o to_o heaven_n on_o the_o wing_n of_o contemplation_n but_o this_o she_o must_v sigh_v after_o and_o consider_v her_o present_a condition_n on_o all_o occasion_n exercise_v herself_o in_o work_n of_o humility_n in_o my_o four_o prayer_n god_n and_o his_o perfection_n do_v possess_v my_o soul_n rejoice_v in_o that_o he_o be_v perfect_a and_o happy_a i_o have_v a_o mind_n then_o to_o take_v up_o my_o thought_n whole_o with_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n without_o any_o reflection_n on_o my_o own_o interiour_n or_o request_v any_o thing_n to_o supply_v my_o want_n for_o it_o be_v not_o seasonable_a to_o do_v this_o when_o god_n call_v we_o to_o contemplate_v his_o adorable_a perfection_n the_o soul_n than_o forget_v his_o own_o interest_n to_o mind_n only_o those_o of_o god_n i_o than_o be_v press_v with_o a_o vehement_a desire_n to_o forget_v myself_o entire_o and_o have_v god_n only_o in_o my_o remembrance_n i_o be_v then_o much_o please_v with_o the_o multitude_n that_o follow_v jesus_n in_o the_o desert_n take_v no_o care_n for_o bodily_a provision_n their_o divine_a master_n provide_v for_o they_o be_v well_o please_v with_o their_o affection_n in_o be_v only_o attentive_a to_o his_o word_n what_o content_n be_v it_o to_o i_o to_o remember_v how_o mary_n magdalen_n forget_v herself_o yea_o in_o some_o sort_n our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o not_o serve_v he_o in_o her_o castle_n at_o bethanie_n by_o reason_n she_o be_v so_o intent_n on_o his_o divine_a word_n o_o my_o soul_n let_v we_o not_o be_v too_o solicitous_a for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n if_o we_o think_v on_o god_n he_o will_v think_v on_o we_o and_o nothing_o necessary_a shall_v be_v want_v to_o we_o six_o day_n in_o my_o first_o prayer_n my_o soul_n find_v herself_o much_o take_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o those_o excellent_a word_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a i_o consider_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o mortal_n even_o to_o conceive_v the_o idea_n of_o a_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o if_o we_o can_v conceive_v it_o how_o can_v we_o imitate_v it_o but_o god_n the_o father_n have_v provide_v against_o this_o inconvenience_n in_o send_v to_o we_o the_o perfect_a image_n of_o all_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n his_o eternal_a son_n and_o expose_v he_o to_o our_o view_n say_v to_o we_o be_v perfect_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a open_v your_o eye_n and_o behold_v this_o model_n here_o be_v the_o perfection_n you_o must_v imitate_v let_v it_o be_v your_o care_n to_o conform_v to_o this_o exemplar_n and_o you_o will_v be_v perfect_a as_o i_o be_o perfect_a it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v to_o what_o sublimity_n of_o perfection_n we_o be_v call_v by_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o how_o glorious_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v even_o to_o pretend_v to_o imitate_v god_n himself_o but_o alas_o how_o far_o be_v we_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o grand_a exemplar_n jesus_n will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v annihilate_v poor_a despise_v live_v a_o hide_a life_n in_o solitude_n by_o daily_a converse_n with_o god_n but_o just_o contrary_a we_o desire_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v esteem_v to_o have_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o our_o heart_n desire_v and_o enjoy_v the_o creature_n alas_o we_o do_v not_o sufficient_o endeavour_v to_o dive_v into_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n to_o conform_v ourselves_o thereto_o and_o annihilate_v our_o own_o the_o science_n of_o jesus_n be_v not_o well_o know_v there_o be_v few_o person_n that_o study_v it_o
martyrdom_n end_v both_o together_o chap._n viii_o the_o interiour_n cross_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o obscurity_n the_o soul_n in_o the_o state_n of_o obscurity_n hardly_o know_v herself_o she_o be_v so_o change_v from_o what_o she_o be_v for_o in_o the_o state_n of_o enjoyment_n the_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o all_o her_o repugnance_n to_o suffering_n be_v quite_o lose_v in_o her_o present_a delight_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n feel_v no_o pain_n at_o all_o nothing_o hinder_v her_o repose_n she_o taste_v nothing_o but_o sweetness_n and_o have_v no_o sentiment_n unless_o of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o state_n of_o interiour_n suffer_v the_o supreme_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v absorp_v in_o the_o repugnance_n and_o disgust_n of_o nature_n her_o light_n be_v so_o surround_v with_o darkness_n that_o she_o be_v leave_v in_o obscurity_n and_o all_o her_o joy_n be_v take_v from_o she_o although_o she_o may_v be_v very_o well_o resign_v she_o imagine_v she_o be_v not_o for_o her_o intellectual_a conformity_n be_v cloud_v from_o she_o but_o she_o have_v always_o before_o her_o eye_n the_o revolt_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o contradiction_n she_o find_v to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n believe_v she_o have_v no_o intellectual_a resignation_n she_o become_v doubtful_a of_o her_o condition_n whereby_o she_o be_v much_o terrify_v and_o plunge_v in_o a_o sea_n of_o bitterness_n a_o soul_n in_o this_o state_n of_o misery_n be_v well_o please_v to_o god_n but_o she_o not_o know_v it_o remain_v full_a of_o doubt_n and_o sadness_n yet_o if_o you_o ask_v this_o soul_n if_o she_o be_v resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n she_o will_v ready_o reply_v yes_o and_o that_o she_o have_v rather_o die_v than_o not_o will_n what_o please_v god_n however_o this_o act_n of_o resignation_n do_v not_o free_v she_o from_o her_o fear_n because_o she_o will_v this_o in_o a_o manner_n without_o know_v it_o be_v she_o will._n our_o bless_a saviour_n by_o a_o admirable_a design_n of_o providence_n to_o purify_v this_o soul_n the_o more_o by_o her_o suffering_n hinder_v her_o reflection_n on_o this_o act_n of_o conformity_n and_o resignation_n so_o that_o she_o receive_v no_o comfort_n by_o this_o conformity_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o yet_o be_v not_o altogether_o leave_v in_o desolation_n but_o in_o this_o state_n she_o be_v please_v to_o god_n though_o she_o be_v much_o displease_v with_o herself_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o a_o soul_n in_o this_o state_n of_o obscurity_n be_v more_o faithful_a to_o god_n than_o in_o abundance_n of_o illumination_n to_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o thick_a darkness_n and_o believe_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n as_o firm_o as_o if_o they_o be_v clear_v up_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o great_a light_n and_o illustration_n do_v testify_v a_o extraordinary_a fidelity_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o a_o annihilation_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o a_o high_a esteem_n of_o god_n veracity_n what_o wonder_n be_v it_o to_o see_v god_n and_o his_o grandeur_n in_o abundance_n of_o light_n but_o to_o do_v this_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o darkness_n this_o be_v admirable_a happy_a be_v those_o soul_n who_o god_n conduct_n in_o this_o way_n let_v they_o not_o complain_v of_o their_o privation_n see_v this_o be_v to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v more_o glorify_v god_n and_o best_a testify_v their_o fidelity_n o_o my_o soul_n let_v we_o be_v in_o a_o indifferency_n for_o any_o condition_n for_o a_o state_n of_o light_n or_o darkness_n benedicite_fw-la lux_fw-la &_o tenebrae_fw-la domino_fw-la and_o if_o divine_a providence_n try_v we_o with_o obscurity_n let_v we_o be_v comfort_v and_o believe_v that_o god_n deal_v well_o with_o we_o esteem_v this_o privation_n as_o a_o favour_n from_o heaven_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n to_o be_v as_o well_o satisfy_v in_o darkness_n as_o in_o the_o splendour_n of_o paradise_n but_o if_o we_o make_v serious_a reflection_n that_o the_o perfection_n of_o christianity_n consist_v in_o a_o life_n of_o privation_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n it_o will_v be_v no_o matter_n of_o admiration_n behold_v s._n john_n live_v he_o not_o in_o a_o desert_n deprive_v of_o all_o thing_n his_o delight_n be_v austerity_n hunger_n poverty_n to_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o lose_v his_o life_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o hangman_n and_o which_o be_v more_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o conversation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n one_o of_o the_o great_a interior_a cross_n be_v to_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o our_o eye_n nevertheless_o there_o be_v something_o in_o this_o cross_n that_o make_v it_o lovely_a in_o that_o it_o put_v we_o in_o a_o more_o absolute_a dependence_n on_o god_n i_o have_v a_o devotion_n to_o be_v in_o the_o spiritual_a life_n what_o a_o blind_a man_n be_v in_o the_o corporal_n he_o go_v and_o come_v he_o talk_v to_o his_o friend_n he_o do_v his_o little_a affair_n he_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o all_o this_o without_o see_v his_o way_n or_o his_o friend_n or_o the_o room_n or_o heaven_n or_o earth_n only_o he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o conductor_n it_o be_v true_a to_o do_v all_o these_o action_n of_o our_o civil_a life_n in_o this_o sort_n be_v not_o so_o please_v but_o they_o be_v as_o real_o do_v as_o in_o the_o light_n so_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v without_o light_n do_v the_o action_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n not_o so_o pleasant_o indeed_o but_o yet_o true_o and_o perfect_o see_v she_o perform_v they_o in_o the_o annihilation_n of_o her_o light_n and_o proper_a satisfaction_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o a_o soul_n ought_v not_o to_o complain_v so_o much_o of_o the_o linger_n of_o this_o our_o pilgrimage_n where_o we_o live_v in_o the_o obscurity_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o so_o earnest_o desire_v the_o dissolution_n of_o this_o mortal_a body_n under_o pretence_n to_o see_v clear_o and_o be_v unite_v perfect_o to_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n for_o real_o i_o fear_v these_o complaint_n be_v not_o so_o innocent_a as_o we_o image_v see_v they_o may_v proceed_v from_o a_o disgust_n of_o suffering_n in_o a_o state_n of_o privation_n and_o so_o we_o be_v more_o concern_v for_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n than_o content_a with_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o heaviness_n of_o interior_a cross_n god_n sometime_o treat_v a_o soul_n in_o a_o manner_n as_o a_o reprobate_n banish_v she_o from_o his_o presence_n and_o deprive_v she_o of_o all_o enjoyment_n for_o more_o or_o less_o time_n as_o he_o think_v good_a during_o this_o state_n to_o preserve_v a_o perfect_a resignation_n to_o god_n will_v be_v to_o practice_v pure_a virtue_n and_o those_o soul_n must_v be_v very_o faithful_a that_o be_v capable_a thereof_o the_o soul_n in_o enjoyment_n be_v as_o if_o she_o be_v glorify_v she_o feel_v no_o trouble_n her_o passion_n neither_o disturb_v her_o peace_n nor_o darken_v her_o light_n she_o be_v full_a of_o contentment_n delight_v in_o god_n the_o creature_n do_v not_o divert_v she_o from_o the_o creator_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o seem_v to_o stop_v her_o course_n she_o present_o double_v her_o pace_n to_o hasten_v after_o her_o well-beloved_a be_v a_o tracted_a with_o the_o odour_n of_o his_o perfume_n but_o in_o the_o state_n of_o interiour_n suffer_v the_o soul_n become_v a_o captive_n load_v with_o iron_n buffet_v with_o temptation_n disturb_v with_o rebellious_a passion_n lose_v in_o extravagant_a thought_n so_o that_o she_o can_v draw_v near_o to_o god_n but_o like_o a_o poor_a criminal_a lie_v in_o a_o dark_a dungeon_n be_v leave_v to_o herself_o without_o any_o sensible_a relief_n this_o be_v her_o sad_a conditition_n in_o this_o miserable_a captivity_n without_o either_o divine_a or_o humane_a consolation_n the_o influence_n of_o heavenbeing_n withhold_v from_o she_o and_o the_o refreshment_n of_o earth_n deny_v she_o crucify_v between_o they_o both_o without_o help_n from_o either_o in_o this_o state_n the_o soul_n be_v in_o continual_a fear_n of_o offend_a god_n and_o fall_v from_o her_o spiritual_a exercise_n that_o she_o seek_v comfort_n from_o creature_n and_o be_v so_o injurious_a to_o her_o divine_a centre_n from_o who_o only_o she_o ought_v to_o receive_v repose_n and_o contentment_n however_o she_o may_v much_o honour_n god_n by_o these_o interior_a suffering_n if_o she_o thereby_o do_v homage_n to_o the_o dereliction_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o his_o torment_n on_o the_o cross_n the_o eminency_n of_o a_o supernatural_a life_n find_v matter_n of_o practice_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o suffering_n interior_a or_o exterior_a but_o methinks_v the_o soul_n can_v never_o be_v
he_o please_v without_o her_o knowledge_n or_o discovery_n before_o the_o soul_n can_v fix_v in_o this_o state_n she_o must_v suffer_v much_o from_o her_o imagination_n which_o will_v be_v still_o propose_v her_o representation_n light_n and_o sentiment_n according_a to_o her_o usual_a practice_n but_o the_o soul_n must_v quit_v all_o these_o to_o yield_v herself_o passive_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n yea_o even_o spiritual_a lecture_n at_o this_o time_n prove_v hurtful_a because_o it_o keep_v up_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o work_v in_o the_o soul_n neither_o be_v this_o to_o tempt_v god_n see_v he_o will_v have_v the_o soul_n to_o treat_v with_o he_o in_o this_o manner_n and_o her_o present_a disposition_n thus_o require_v she_o ought_v to_o be_v faithful_a in_o comply_v with_o it_o there_o be_v many_o degree_n of_o this_o denudation_n whereof_o i_o speak_v the_o first_o take_v from_o the_o soul_n what_o light_n and_o affection_n she_o get_v discursive_a meditation_n to_o give_v she_o in_o lieu_n thereof_o a_o more_o noble_a knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n the_o second_o evacuate_v this_o knowledge_n by_o infuse_v particular_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o god_n the_o three_o after_o our_o way_n of_o conception_n be_v a_o pure_a and_o general_a knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n the_o soul_n must_v pass_v through_o these_o several_a disposition_n as_o it_o please_v god_n to_o conduct_v she_o therein_o and_o remain_v in_o a_o perfect_a denudation_n adhere_v only_o to_o god_n and_o his_o good_a pleasure_n we_o must_v not_o be_v discourage_v at_o the_o difficulty_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o in_o this_o sublime_a exercise_n but_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o bear_v the_o cross_n they_o must_v endure_v who_o be_v call_v to_o this_o state_n and_z content_o loose_a ourselves_o to_o be_v find_v in_o god_n doubt_v frequent_o arise_v for_o although_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o prayer_n have_v often_o assurance_n of_o she_o well_o do_v yet_o this_o sometime_o do_v not_o appear_v and_o the_o humane_a spirit_n which_o be_v whole_o blind_a herein_o be_v much_o terrify_v but_o when_o the_o soul_n thus_o die_v to_o herself_o and_o the_o world_n not_o by_o she_o own_o but_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n in_o she_o she_o be_v not_o idle_a as_o she_o may_v fear_v but_o dispose_v herself_o to_o receive_v the_o divine_a enaction_n altogether_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a which_o be_v hinder_v in_o she_o by_o her_o own_o operation_n for_o the_o humane_a spirit_n must_v die_v before_o a_o new_a supernatural_a life_n can_v arise_v in_o she_o the_o soul_n begin_v this_o passive_a prayer_n by_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o god_n in_o himself_o confuse_v and_o general_a after_o which_o she_o receive_v divine_a infusion_n as_o god_n see_v good_a or_o remain_v suffer_v in_o a_o total_a denudation_n desire_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o suffer_v see_v she_o find_v at_o present_a that_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o soul_n can_v well_o give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o pass_v in_o she_o in_o this_o state_n of_o passivity_n god_n work_v in_o she_o and_o by_o she_o what_o she_o know_v not_o only_o she_o see_v obscure_o that_o all_o go_v well_o with_o she_o in_o her_o interiour_n and_o that_o god_n be_v she_o and_o that_o suffice_v and_o indeed_o she_o need_v not_o fear_n see_v a_o soul_n thus_o passive_a and_o give_v up_o total_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v more_o under_o the_o sacred_a wing_n of_o his_o protection_n than_o ever_o and_o belong_v in_o a_o singular_a manner_n to_o his_o providence_n nor_o be_v it_o expedient_a the_o soul_n shall_v always_o know_v this_o work_n of_o god_n in_o she_o who_o will_v but_o hinder_v it_o by_o her_o reflection_n and_o complacence_n and_o therefore_o god_n keep_v often_o from_o her_o knowledge_n for_o her_o good_a this_o passive_a contemplation_n can_v be_v understand_v but_o by_o experience_n for_o god_n take_v posseossin_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o much_o other_o manner_n than_o in_o active_a prayer_n it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v his_o wonder_n as_o he_o please_v and_o the_o soul_n receive_v the_o divine_a operation_n cooperate_a therewith_o in_o a_o sort_n very_o sublime_a and_o spiritual_a for_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o idle_a but_o act_n with_o a_o real_a activity_n elevate_v above_o her_o ordinary_a manner_n of_o work_v this_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_o passive_a and_o yet_o very_o active_a their_o power_n work_v in_o a_o most_o sublime_a manner_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o our_o prayer_n be_v pure_a it_o appear_v more_o passive_a in_o respect_n of_o we_o who_o apprehend_v not_o thing_n spiritual_a but_o by_o the_o service_n of_o our_o sense_n the_o soul_n in_o this_o state_n have_v daily_a experience_n of_o divine_a impression_n not_o only_o in_o prayer_n but_o in_o many_o other_o matter_n according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n spiritualis_fw-la homo_fw-la judicat_fw-la omne_fw-la the_o spiritual_a man_n discern_v all_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v wrought_v in_o a_o different_a manner_n for_o sometime_o god_n immediate_o infuse_v his_o light_n and_o love_n into_o the_o soul_n without_o any_o previous_a disposition_n sometime_o by_o the_o look_n on_o a_o image_n sometime_o by_o bring_v to_o mind_n some_o passage_n in_o scripture_n we_o have_v read_v before_o sometime_o by_o a_o sermon_n sometime_o by_o conference_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v god_n always_o who_o work_v powerful_o in_o the_o soul_n these_o exterior_a thing_n be_v only_a subservient_fw-fr to_o his_o grace_n the_o soul_n than_o make_v no_o act_n but_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o god_n and_o his_o perfection_n or_o with_o jesus_n and_o his_o state_n or_o the_o subject_n give_v she_o in_o prayer_n i_o understand_v not_o this_o before_o this_o light_n be_v infuse_v into_o i_o and_o now_o my_o former_a exercise_n in_o prayer_n seem_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n what_o be_v it_o that_o the_o soul_n pretend_v to_o by_o her_o meditation_n and_o affection_n but_o to_o unite_v herself_o to_o god_n but_o when_o she_o do_v already_o possess_v he_o she_o need_v not_o but_o to_o repose_v herself_o in_o he_o and_o live_v in_o he_o and_o of_o he_o as_o she_o desire_v and_o all_o the_o sacrament_n especial_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n serve_v only_o to_o establish_v and_o plunge_v she_o more_o deep_o in_o god_n oh_o how_o rare_o do_v a_o soul_n free_v herself_o from_o all_o her_o own_o operation_n and_o yet_o that_o hinder_v her_o perfect_a union_n with_o god_n she_o leave_v he_o to_o come_v to_o he_o again_o when_o she_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o he_o i_o observe_v that_o upon_o my_o wake_n my_o soul_n have_v a_o eye_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o repose_v herself_o as_o in_o his_o bosom_n by_o who_o she_o find_v herself_o attract_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o divinity_n by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n this_o divine_a idea_n of_o jesus_n christ_n eclipse_v all_o the_o image_n of_o creature_n and_o at_o last_o my_o soul_n be_v insensible_o lose_v in_o a_o general_n and_o amorous_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o afterward_o she_o perceive_v no_o more_o of_o what_o god_n wrought_v in_o she_o be_v then_o environ_v with_o darkness_n which_o cloud_v the_o light_n of_o her_o understanding_n i_o also_o lay_v aside_o all_o exterior_a occupation_n except_o such_o as_o i_o see_v clear_o god_n require_v of_o i_o spiritual_a entertainment_n action_n of_o charity_n visit_v the_o poor_a etc._n etc._n to_o intermeddle_v much_o with_o such_o like_a thing_n do_v take_v up_o the_o time_n for_o prayer_n and_o contemplation_n which_o be_v my_o chief_a and_o principal_a affair_n and_o as_o i_o ought_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o denudation_n of_o all_o creature_n so_o i_o ought_v to_o be_v dis-engaged_n from_o too_o many_o exteteriour_a occupation_n to_o treasure_n up_o time_n enough_o with_o mary_n magdalen_n for_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o because_o solitude_n and_o retirement_n from_o worldly_a conversation_n do_v much_o cherish_v this_o manner_n of_o life_n i_o must_v embrace_v it_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a but_o however_o with_o a_o high_a esteem_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o active_a life_n which_o be_v excellent_a in_o the_o order_n of_o divine_a providence_n sometime_o the_o string_n be_v to_o be_v slakn_v a_o little_a to_o divert_v my_o thought_n by_o recreation_n or_o exterior_a action_n i_o have_v know_v solitary_n that_o have_v do_v so_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o health_n and_o advancement_n of_o their_o spiritual_a exercise_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o my_o life_n have_v be_v too_o much_o take_v up_o with_o amusement_n and_o therefore_o now_o i_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o solitary_a and_o retire_v otherwise_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o my_o vocation_n nor_o conform_v myself_o to_o