make_v of_o they_o jesus_n christ_n will_v his_o apostle_n speak_v to_o they_o of_o suffering_n to_o receive_v they_o without_o fear_n and_o with_o esteem_n and_o will_n that_o they_o be_v unto_o they_o sweet_a and_o please_a 12.4_o because_o say_v he_o the_o hair_n of_o your_o head_n be_v number_v and_o not_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o the_o will_n of_o your_o father_n he_o say_v that_o god_n be_v our_o father_n to_o engrave_v in_o our_o heart_n a_o respect_n confidence_n and_o love_n he_o say_v that_o our_o hair_n be_v number_v and_o that_o he_o keep_v a_o account_n of_o they_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o god_n care_n of_o we_o be_v great_a and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o care_n of_o we_o even_o to_o the_o least_o thing_n in_o brief_a he_o say_v that_o a_o hair_n shall_v not_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o his_o order_n to_o show_v that_o all_o the_o loss_n privation_n suffering_n all_o event_n loss_n of_o good_n of_o honour_n of_o life_n 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and_o to_o make_v we_o to_o bear_v all_o with_o sweetness_n peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n even_o with_o esteem_n and_o respect_n we_o need_v no_o other_o object_n for_o our_o eye_n nor_o other_o thought_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o there_o be_v but_o one_o lord_n this_o lord_n be_v god_n this_o god_n be_v our_o father_n this_o father_n be_v above_o all_o in_o these_o word_n we_o shall_v learn_v in_o what_o respect_n subjection_n and_o esteem_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o the_o contrariety_n and_o suffering_n of_o humane_a life_n second_o we_o may_v look_v upon_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n and_o examine_v what_o be_v the_o essence_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o piety_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o suffering_n be_v the_o principal_a its_o life_n and_o its_o continuance_n and_o its_o maintenance_n my_o son_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n 2.1_o go_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n keep_v thyself_o just_a and_o in_o fear_n and_o prepare_v thy_o soul_n to_o temptation_n 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exercise_n of_o piety_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o persuade_v all_o christian_n to_o and_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o grace_n be_v it_o of_o god_n towards_o man_n or_o of_o man_n towards_o god_n relate_v to_o jesus_n as_o their_o principal_a support_n prop_n and_o foundation_n for_o it_o be_v by_o he_o that_o the_o eternal_a father_n give_v we_o all_o in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o have_v choose_v the_o holy_a humanity_n of_o his_o only_a son_n as_o a_o instrument_n conjoin_v to_o the_o divinity_n to_o operate_v his_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o heaven_n and_o upon_o earth_n by_o he_o he_o receive_v the_o homage_n and_o adoration_n of_o his_o people_n and_o of_o all_o man_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n hence_o it_o may_v be_v infer_v that_o all_o be_v ground_v upon_o jesus_n all_o subsist_v by_o he_o that_o all_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o by_o he_o to_o the_o father_n jesus_n must_v be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o our_o thought_n resentment_n and_o obligation_n upon_o this_o truth_n we_o ought_v to_o make_v often_o reflection_n for_o god_n have_v subject_v the_o world_n to_o our_o use_n and_o give_v we_o his_o son_n the_o son_n i_o say_v out_o of_o a_o excess_n of_o incomparable_a love_n become_v whole_o we_o that_o by_o a_o mutual_a right_n we_o may_v be_v whole_o he_o and_o by_o he_o the_o father_n that_o we_o may_v say_v to_o he_o in_o piety_n as_o he_o say_v to_o his_o father_n in_o love_n all_z that_o be_v i_o be_v thou_o and_o all_o that_o be_v thou_o be_v i_o yea_o my_o jesus_n thou_o be_v i_o by_o thy_o incarnation_n thou_o be_v i_o by_o the_o mystery_n of_o thy_o life_n i_o thou_o give_v i_o thy_o spirit_n in_o baptism_n thy_o body_n in_o the_o eucharist_n thy_o glory_n i_o shall_v have_v in_o paradise_n and_o thou_o may_v say_v true_o that_o what_o be_v thou_o be_v i_o so_o order_n it_o then_o that_o i_o may_v say_v to_o thou_o with_o as_o much_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n 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the_o danger_n those_o be_v in_o who_o live_v thus_o for_o while_o they_o think_v they_o serve_v god_n they_o principal_o mind_v their_o own_o profit_n and_o if_o the_o business_n be_v well_o examine_v you_o will_v find_v they_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n into_o their_o own_o particular_a satisfaction_n the_o end_n of_o their_o exercise_n be_v their_o own_o content_n and_o interest_n of_o who_o we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n they_o love_v and_o seek_v themselves_o 2.21_o and_o make_v a_o gain_n of_o piety_n to_o reform_v this_o universal_a and_o dangerous_a abuse_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o as_o the_o esteem_n and_o spirit_n of_o true_a piety_n consist_v in_o love_v honour_v and_o serve_v of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o a_o adherence_n to_o he_o and_o a_o dependence_n on_o his_o divine_a will_n so_o the_o motive_n object_n and_o end_n we_o be_v to_o have_v in_o our_o devotion_n must_v only_o be_v the_o honour_n love_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o a_o compliance_n with_o his_o amorous_a conduct_n the_o christian_a therefore_o who_o will_v live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o true_a piety_n must_v first_o by_o a_o voluntary_a subjection_n adhere_v to_o the_o power_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o further_o refer_v himself_o whole_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o jesus_n in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v his_o and_o by_o he_o god_n and_o render_v to_o god_n the_o honour_n and_o service_n we_o owe_v he_o according_a to_o this_o advice_n the_o perfect_a christian_a must_v have_v a_o continual_a and_o vigilant_a care_n so_o to_o order_v it_o that_o his_o life_n and_o action_n may_v be_v account_v worthy_a of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o be_v such_o as_o shall_v contribute_v to_o his_o glory_n after_o the_o manner_n he_o will_v have_v it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v thus_o chap._n xi_o the_o use_n and_o practice_n of_o what_o have_v be_v propose_v we_o have_v elsewhere_o teach_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o render_v our_o action_n worthy_a of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o speak_v any_o further_a of_o it_o we_o be_v therefore_o only_o to_o remember_v that_o all_o our_o action_n must_v be_v christian_n to_o be_v worthy_a of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o must_v be_v holy_a and_o to_o be_v holy_a they_o must_v be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n our_o action_n to_o be_v christian_a must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o disposition_n of_o jesus_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o see_v how_o we_o may_v honour_v he_o by_o our_o life_n by_o our_o action_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n whereof_o we_o propose_v two_o way_n one_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o our_o self_n when_o we_o live_v and_o act_v in_o a_o disposition_n of_o will_n whole_o submit_v and_o direct_v towards_o god_n and_o by_o right_n and_o pure_a intention_n refer_v our_o self_n and_o all_o our_o 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or_o privation_n rest_n or_o pain_n change_n or_o destruction_n accept_v his_o conduct_n and_o consent_v to_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o work_n in_o she_o out_o of_o a_o confidence_n that_o he_o will_v establish_v all_o in_o she_o for_o his_o glory_n this_o advice_n to_o soul_n who_o endeavour_v to_o live_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o seek_v christian_a perfection_n be_v of_o so_o great_a consequence_n that_o to_o fail_v in_o this_o point_n be_v to_o fail_v in_o all_o god_n be_v in_o we_o by_o grace_n he_o be_v there_o to_o operate_v not_o only_o by_o himself_o but_o by_o we_o for_o he_o be_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o life_n and_o
must_v make_v choice_n of_o including_z all_o the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n whatsoever_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o these_o the_o first_o estate_n wherein_o we_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n be_v that_o which_o we_o receive_v in_o baptism_n where_o we_o be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n the_o excellency_n of_o this_o estate_n consist_v herein_o that_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n by_o this_o sacrament_n of_o reconciliation_n give_v we_o at_o once_o a_o new_a be_v and_o a_o new_a birth_n it_o sanctify_v and_o consecrate_v we_o by_o a_o unction_n altogether_o extraordinary_a and_o divine_a and_o by_o this_o extraordinary_a consecration_n draw_v we_o from_o ourselves_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o common_a tempest_n of_o the_o world_n to_o dedicate_v and_o refer_v we_o whole_o to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n to_o call_v we_o to_o a_o holy_a conversation_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v with_o divine_a person_n as_o the_o belove_a apostle_n say_v that_o our_o fellowship_n may_v be_v with_o the_o father_n 1.3_o and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n that_o by_o this_o society_n we_o may_v become_v worthy_a and_o capable_a of_o the_o effect_n of_o grace_n and_o divine_a communication_n to_o be_v with_o god_n and_o possess_v of_o god_n that_o which_o make_v this_o favour_n most_o admirable_a be_v that_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n do_v vouchsafe_v to_o apply_v itself_o to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o work_n in_o a_o very_a particular_a manner_n it_o sanctify_v and_o consecrate_v we_o not_o after_o that_o ordinary_a way_n wherewith_o it_o act_n and_o perform_v all_o other_o work_v common_a to_o the_o three_o person_n but_o in_o this_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o sacrament_n of_o life_n it_o consecrate_v we_o in_o a_o manner_n whole_o singular_a and_o full_a of_o mystery_n altogether_o great_a and_o full_a of_o love_n the_o father_n sanctify_v we_o give_v we_o his_o son_n the_o son_n become_v incarnate_a suffer_v and_o rise_v again_o for_o we_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v in_o we_o justification_n infuse_v into_o we_o the_o abundance_n of_o those_o grace_n the_o son_n merit_v for_o we_o thus_o the_o three_o person_n by_o distinct_a operation_n proper_a to_o every_o person_n effect_n in_o we_o this_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n in_o this_o manner_n thus_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n apply_v itself_o whole_o to_o we_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o proper_a to_o this_o sacrament_n to_o consecrate_v we_o to_o their_o glory_n and_o honour_n a_o consecration_n so_o high_a and_o mysterious_a that_o it_o contain_v all_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n whence_o the_o father_n call_v baptism_n the_o sacrament_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o first_o dignity_n whereto_o the_o christian_a soul_n be_v advance_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o let_v we_o go_v on_o and_o penetrate_v further_o into_o this_o mystery_n of_o love_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o this_o consecration_n o_o miracle_n of_o the_o infinite_a bounty_n of_o god_n place_v we_o in_o god_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n be_v in_o we_o not_o after_o the_o manner_n that_o he_o be_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n nor_o by_o any_o gift_n or_o create_v grace_n but_o after_o a_o whole_o extraordinary_a way_n which_o give_v he_o to_o we_o and_o cause_v he_o to_o dwell_v in_o we_o here_o god_n do_v disclose_v his_o heart_n to_o we_o the_o father_n show_v and_o give_v we_o his_o son_n the_o son_n give_v and_o apply_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o mystery_n and_o both_o together_o make_v one_o profusion_n and_o communication_n of_o their_o love_n send_v and_o give_v we_o the_o holy_a spirit_n thus_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n dwell_v in_o we_o consecrate_v we_o and_o fill_v we_o with_o their_o presence_n and_o abundance_n of_o grace_n that_o which_o be_v admirable_a in_o the_o excess_n of_o this_o divine_a love_n make_v this_o grace_n and_o estate_n singular_o eminent_a be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o creature_n not_o the_o angel_n themselves_o be_v advance_v to_o this_o dignity_n it_o be_v reserve_v only_o for_o christian_n who_o be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n after_o so_o holy_a and_o mystical_a a_o manner_n it_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o comprehend_v such_o rare_a advantage_n but_o let_v we_o content_v ourselves_o to_o consider_v first_o that_o all_o creature_n be_v refer_v to_o god_n but_o a_o christian_n not_o only_o refer_v but_o consecrate_v as_o if_o you_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o belong_v more_o to_o god_n and_o be_v more_o holy_a than_o all_o other_o creature_n o_o how_o beautiful_a be_v this_o truth_n worthy_a to_o make_v we_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n second_o we_o know_v that_o both_o angel_n and_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n be_v replenish_v with_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o god_n but_o the_o christian_a in_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o only_o fill_v with_o divine_a gift_n and_o benefit_n but_o with_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n itself_o which_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o consecrate_v he_o after_o the_o manner_n we_o have_v declare_v three_o all_o creature_n even_o angel_n themselves_o behold_v god_n in_o some_o of_o his_o divine_a quality_n as_o the_o seraphin_n in_o his_o love_n the_o cherubim_n in_o his_o knowledge_n the_o throne_n in_o his_o stability_n and_o so_o the_o rest_n but_o the_o christian_a by_o a_o happy_a advantage_n behold_v and_o relate_v to_o he_o in_o the_o extent_n of_o all_o his_o greatness_n not_o only_o as_o creator_n but_o as_o father_n saviour_n and_o sanctifier_n not_o only_o as_o god_n consider_v in_o his_o nature_n and_o divine_a essence_n common_a to_o the_o three_o person_n but_o by_o a_o happy_a reflection_n he_o distinct_o behold_v the_o three_o divine_a person_n and_o refer_v himself_o to_o god_n as_o the_o father_n as_o the_o son_n and_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o by_o one_o special_a and_o singular_a grace_n communicate_v to_o he_o in_o baptism_n he_o be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n and_o make_v the_o temple_n throne_n and_o residence_n of_o the_o ineffable_a immense_a and_o adorable_a trinity_n what_o can_v be_v more_o say_v chap._n ii_o how_o holy_a the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v consecrate_v to_o god_n by_o baptism_n we_o can_v say_v too_o much_o upon_o this_o subject_a which_o contain_v so_o many_o excellency_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o such_o extraordinary_a favour_n of_o god_n and_o when_o we_o have_v say_v all_o we_o can_v we_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o be_v far_o short_a of_o the_o subject_a we_o know_v that_o god_n work_v great_a matter_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o elect_n that_o his_o love_n mercy_n and_o divine_a liberality_n be_v as_o incomprehensible_a as_o ineffable_a which_o be_v so_o what_o can_v be_v add_v to_o the_o love_n that_o god_n express_v to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n what_o more_o can_v be_v hope_v if_o according_a to_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o believe_v god_n give_v his_o son_n to_o the_o world_n make_v he_o like_o unto_o we_o to_o make_v himself_o more_o capable_a of_o be_v merciful_a unto_o we_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o same_o god_n of_o love_n will_v show_v himself_o bountiful_a in_o all_o thing_n else_o since_o he_o have_v make_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a communication_n of_o his_o love_n and_o of_o himself_o in_o thus_o give_v we_o his_o son_n it_o can_v seem_v strange_a if_o now_o after_o so_o divine_a a_o gift_n he_o bestow_v on_o we_o his_o grace_n to_o exalt_v we_o to_o so_o holy_a a_o be_v a_o estate_n which_o consecrate_v we_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o possess_v god_n nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o he_o that_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n we_o ought_v only_o to_o consider_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o a_o disposition_n to_o receive_v all_o that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o christian_n do_v follow_v the_o light_n of_o faith_n as_o they_o be_v oblige_v that_o be_v guide_v and_o illuminate_v by_o this_o heavenly_a pharos_n they_o may_v know_v the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o these_o mystery_n that_o know_v they_o they_o may_v adhere_v to_o they_o that_o adhere_v to_o they_o they_o may_v become_v capable_a of_o that_o grace_n which_o they_o include_v and_o god_n will_v communicate_v to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v thereby_o profit_v as_o christ_n will_v who_o offer_v his_o gift_n desire_v we_o shall_v receive_v and_o use_v they_o according_a to_o his_o intention_n this_o counsel_n we_o ought_v to_o follow_v in_o all_o these_o mystery_n let_v we_o begin_v by_o
christian_n have_v a_o new_a be_v a_o new_a life_n which_o honour_v and_o imitate_v the_o new_a life_n of_o jesus_n in_o his_o holy_a humanity_n spring_v from_o this_o as_o its_o source_n and_o principle_n for_o as_o the_o word_n unite_v itself_o to_o our_o nature_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n replenish_v and_o dwell_v in_o it_o as_o in_o his_o proper_a body_n consecrate_v and_o elevate_v it_o to_o all_o the_o grandeurs_fw-fr of_o his_o divine_a filiation_n so_o the_o same_o jesus_n unite_v himself_o not_o personal_o but_o by_o a_o new_a grace_n and_o after_o a_o singular_a manner_n proper_a to_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n consecrate_v we_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o advance_v we_o to_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o right_n good_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o filiation_n and_o will_v have_v we_o o_o excess_n of_o love_n to_o be_v that_o by_o grace_n which_o he_o be_v by_o nature_n which_o he_o will_v have_v not_o only_o to_o be_v accomplish_v in_o glory_n but_o in_o grace_n not_o only_o in_o heaven_n but_o upon_o earth_n where_o we_o be_v true_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o quality_n henceforward_o we_o enter_v into_o alliance_n with_o he_o we_o have_v right_a to_o his_o heritage_n and_o which_o be_v more_o o_o that_o we_o will_v consider_v it_o he_o give_v we_o power_n to_o call_v god_n our_o father_n to_o look_v up_o to_o he_o as_o such_o to_o relate_v to_o he_o in_o this_o quality_n in_o further_a assurance_n whereof_o he_o give_v we_o his_o spirit_n this_o st._n paul_n teach_v 16._o when_o he_o say_v you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n the_o same_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o privilege_n and_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n let_v we_o deliberate_v further_o upon_o it_o st._n john_n sum_v up_o the_o grace_n receive_v from_o god_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n rank_n this_o the_o first_o for_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o rest_n say_v to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v son_n of_o god_n 1.12_o if_o you_o will_v comprehend_v some_o part_n of_o this_o great_a favour_n think_v that_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o divinity_n great_a than_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o nature_n so_o but_o to_o be_v god_n himself_o nothing_o be_v great_a than_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o grace_n st._n cyprian_n admire_v in_o god_n the_o title_n of_o father_n say_z it_o be_v a_o ineffable_a name_n contain_v the_o mystery_n and_o secret_n hide_v from_o our_o spirit_n incomprehensible_a by_o our_o understanding_n if_o then_o to_o be_v father_n in_o the_o deity_n be_v a_o thing_n the_o most_o mysterious_a and_o ineffable_a that_o our_o soul_n can_v imagine_v by_o consequence_n to_o be_v son_n of_o such_o a_o father_n be_v a_o favour_n and_o dignity_n incomprehensible_a the_o belove_a disciple_n cause_v we_o to_o admire_v at_o this_o great_a benefit_n when_o he_o say_v behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o â—_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v such_o in_o effect_n st._n john_n damascene_fw-la speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o the_o eternal_a father_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o produce_v child_n that_o shall_v be_v such_o to_o he_o by_o grace_n as_o christ_n be_v unto_o he_o by_o nature_n and_o therefore_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o commission_n the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o become_v the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v create_v by_o his_o power_n beget_v by_o his_o love_n and_o acquire_v by_o his_o merit_n and_o give_v by_o his_o spirit_n many_o child_n to_o his_o father_n who_o can_v breathe_v nothing_o but_o glory_n to_o his_o father_n and_o no_o long_o live_v then_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o life_n but_o to_o search_v with_o great_a admiration_n into_o this_o truth_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o manner_n by_o which_o he_o create_v in_o we_o so_o divine_a a_o work_n we_o must_v observe_v that_o in_o baptism_n we_o not_o only_o receive_v grace_n and_o faith_n by_o the_o habitual_a virtue_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o be_v also_o mark_v with_o the_o character_n of_o god_n receive_v and_o own_a as_o his_o child_n the_o manner_n whereby_o god_n effect_n this_o be_v admirable_a for_o as_o the_o father_n have_v seal_v jesus_n christ_n with_o his_o seal_n and_o make_v he_o his_o son_n communicate_v to_o he_o his_o essence_n and_o make_v he_o altogether_o equal_a to_o himself_o so_o jesus_n christ_n do_v comunicate_v to_o we_o what_o he_o himself_o be_v mark_v we_o with_o his_o seal_n make_v we_o and_o own_v we_o as_o child_n and_o make_v we_o as_o it_o be_v another_o himself_n wonder_n say_v saint_n augustine_n and_o rejoice_v brethren_n we_o be_v make_v of_o christ._n in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o benefit_n the_o eternal_a father_n have_v give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n which_o dwell_v in_o we_o 8.9_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n what_o can_v we_o think_v to_o be_v great_a if_o we_o go_v further_o herein_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o we_o be_v not_o advance_v to_o this_o admirable_a estate_n of_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o any_o simple_a acceptation_n or_o by_o bare_a ceremony_n but_o by_o something_o more_o real_a that_o pass_v into_o our_o soul_n as_o saint_n paul_n imply_v by_o these_o mystical_a term_n not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v 3.5_o but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o it_o be_v not_o for_o our_o work_n say_v he_o that_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o renew_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o jesus_n be_v send_v upon_o this_o design_n by_o the_o eternal_a father_n three_o circumstance_n worthy_a great_a consideration_n to_o conclude_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o benefit_n let_v we_o observe_v with_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n that_o we_o be_v advance_v to_o this_o divine_a estate_n by_o a_o new_a birth_n and_o divine_a regeneration_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n operate_v in_o we_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n our_o mother_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o in_o imitation_n of_o his_o eternal_a generation_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n the_o father_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o use_n the_o christian_n ought_v to_o make_v of_o filial_a adoption_n whereto_o they_o be_v advance_v by_o baptism_n the_o truth_n that_o we_o have_v treat_v of_o be_v high_a and_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n but_o that_o our_o design_n be_v to_o prescribe_v the_o practice_n of_o filial_a piety_n we_o will_v only_o represent_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o manifest_v what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o our_o life_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o conformity_n to_o so_o eminent_a a_o estate_n first_o then_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o christian_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n in_o jesus_n 5.17_o and_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n a_o man_n if_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n 3.3_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o of_o god_n and_o consequent_o must_v have_v a_o new_a be_v worthy_a such_o a_o birth_n now_o according_a to_o the_o order_n that_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o all_o thing_n we_o say_v that_o the_o action_n and_o operation_n must_v be_v conformable_a to_o the_o be_v whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o holy_a divine_a estate_n that_o make_v he_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o true_o by_o grace_n as_o jesus_n christ_n be_v by_o nature_n his_o action_n also_o and_o life_n ought_v to_o be_v whole_o divine_a and_o conformable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o say_v be_v you_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n 5.1_o this_o principle_n grant_v we_o must_v see_v what_o benefit_n we_o can_v derive_v from_o thence_o the_o first_o be_v a_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n for_o it_o be_v the_o heritage_n of_o the_o child_n of_o adam_n condemn_v by_o a_o determine_a sentence_n and_o a_o day_n of_o execution_n appoint_v when_o by_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v perish_v in_o a_o general_a conflagration_n let_v we_o then_o despise_v this_o heritage_n of_o adam_n and_o seek_v that_o of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n heaven_n or_o to_o say_v better_o god_n himself_o say_v with_o jesus_n christ_n 18.36_o with_o a_o sound_a heart_n my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n remember_v that_o you_o must_v keep_v the_o rank_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n
you_o cease_v to_o be_v all_o that_o you_o be_v have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o loose_v yourself_o and_o to_o go_v out_o of_o yourself_o and_o that_o your_o be_v be_v annihilate_v and_o consummate_v in_o that_o of_o jesus_n who_o be_v in_o you_o this_o be_v the_o point_n whereto_o you_o must_v arrive_v if_o you_o will_v that_o god_n shall_v possess_v you_o thirdy_n desire_n and_o require_v that_o jesus_n christ_n destroy_v in_o you_o all_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n that_o he_o establish_v in_o you_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o he_o take_v from_o you_o the_o dominion_n which_o self-love_n the_o vanity_n of_o your_o nature_n and_o your_o inclination_n usurp_v over_o you_o and_o the_o creature_n four_o resign_v yourself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o by_o this_o adorable_a sacrament_n of_o love_n will_v receive_v you_o into_o himself_o and_o place_n you_o in_o his_o life_n and_o his_o be_v abandon_v then_o your_o self_n to_o the_o desire_n that_o he_o have_v to_o possess_v you_o a_o desire_n as_o great_a and_o perfect_a as_o the_o love_n wherewith_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o you_o be_v infinite_a pray_v he_o to_o destroy_v in_o this_o present_a life_n the_o be_v that_o you_o use_v and_o abuse_v that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o love_n and_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o this_o ineffable_a sacrament_n he_o may_v make_v you_o what_o he_o be_v that_o be_v to_o say_v love_n life_n and_o truth_n behold_v what_o god_n require_v of_o you_o if_o we_o regard_v intentive_o the_o essence_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o mystery_n if_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n we_o weigh_v the_o effect_n it_o produce_v in_o we_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o acknowledge_v they_o and_o soon_o shall_v we_o be_v constrain_v to_o confess_v that_o this_o sacrament_n of_o love_n do_v appropriate_v we_o whole_o to_o god_n draw_v we_o from_o our_o self_n and_o the_o world_n and_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o commerce_n of_o creature_n that_o we_o may_v be_v knit_v in_o heart_n and_o spirit_n to_o jesus_n christ_n despise_v all_o thing_n for_o his_o love_n and_o glory_n so_o shall_v be_v verify_v the_o word_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o his_o father_n in_o the_o excess_n of_o his_o love_n speak_v to_o he_o not_o only_o of_o his_o apostle_n but_o of_o all_o good_a christian_n they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n 17.14_o even_o as_o i_o be_o not_o of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n the_o excellency_n of_o this_o divine_a estate_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o remember_v this_o you_o shall_v see_v in_o a_o little_a picture_n first_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n consecrate_v we_o to_o god_n and_o imprint_n in_o we_o a_o character_n of_o the_o power_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o empire_n we_o must_v be_v subject_a for_o ever_o and_o must_v undergo_v to_o all_o eternity_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o state_n of_o service_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o spirit_n grace_n and_o conduct_v of_o jesus_n second_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n make_v we_o the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o mercy_n and_o give_v we_o right_o of_o inheritance_n to_o the_o greatness_n and_o true_a glory_n of_o jesus_n christ._n by_o this_o grace_n we_o have_v no_o more_o part_n in_o the_o world_n because_o it_o be_v the_o heritage_n of_o the_o true_a child_n of_o adam_n but_o we_o have_v right_a to_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n who_o be_v himself_o the_o heritage_n of_o his_o child_n three_o this_o grace_n draw_v our_o spirit_n our_o heart_n and_o our_o affection_n from_o ourselves_o and_o all_o creature_n to_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n it_o give_v we_o right_a to_o enter_v into_o familiarity_n and_o alliance_n with_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o make_v himself_o man_n by_o the_o incarnation_n will_v be_v among_o we_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v with_o he_o he_o enter_v into_o society_n with_o man_n invest_v himself_o with_o our_o misery_n &_o infirmity_n to_o communicate_v to_o we_o his_o life_n his_o spirit_n and_o greatness_n thus_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o this_o mystery_n we_o go_v out_o of_o our_o own_o interest_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o interest_n of_o jesus_n christ_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n 3.8_o he_o say_v i_o count_v they_o but_o dung_n that_o i_o may_v win_v christ._n four_o in_o brief_a by_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n we_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o god_n who_o will_v be_v all_o in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o he_o and_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n which_o he_o give_v we_o in_o the_o eucharist_n do_v elevate_v and_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n make_v we_o live_v by_o his_o life_n communicate_v to_o we_o all_o that_o he_o be_v that_o he_o may_v be_v all_o thing_n to_o we_o that_o the_o world_n may_v be_v nothing_o to_o we_o thus_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n unite_v we_o to_o jesus_n christ_n replenish_v we_o with_o his_o life_n and_o spirit_n make_v we_o another_o himself_n and_o therefore_o oblige_v we_o to_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o world_n to_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o know_v we_o must_v be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o world_n so_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o continue_v we_o in_o this_o place_n of_o captivity_n but_o we_o must_v not_o be_v of_o the_o world_n we_o must_v live_v here_o as_o in_o a_o place_n of_o passage_n and_o make_v use_n of_o all_o in_o the_o world_n as_o of_o a_o winter_n garment_n ready_a to_o put_v it_o off_o when_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v come_v to_o his_o meridian_n when_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n let_v we_o use_v all_o the_o creature_n as_o a_o necessary_a medicine_n to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o occasion_n but_o let_v it_o be_v withal_o loathsome_a unto_o we_o as_o violate_v our_o love_n which_o desire_v nothing_o but_o god_n which_o take_v delight_n in_o nothing_o but_o god_n which_o aspire_v to_o nothing_o and_o hope_n in_o nothing_o but_o god_n the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o part_n what_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v behold_v here_o the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n which_o we_o have_v propose_v in_o few_o word_n as_o have_v no_o further_a design_n nor_o intention_n in_o this_o volume_n then_o to_o show_v that_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o dignity_n whereto_o he_o be_v advance_v by_o jesus_n christ._n now_o to_o enter_v into_o this_o knowledge_n it_o suffice_v that_o we_o see_v what_o we_o be_v this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o design_v to_o demonstrate_v in_o this_o first_o part_n propose_v as_o in_o a_o little_a tablet_n the_o essence_n dignity_n and_o eminency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n which_o i_o have_v do_v brief_o express_v only_o the_o principal_a truth_n of_o this_o subject_n leave_v the_o rest_n to_o the_o piety_n and_o consideration_n of_o those_o that_o will_v profit_v thereby_o now_o if_o we_o look_v back_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n upon_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v we_o shall_v clear_o see_v what_o a_o christian_a life_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o shall_v know_v that_o the_o design_n of_o jesus_n christ_n inform_v his_o church_n have_v be_v to_o consecrate_v to_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o unite_v himself_o divine_o to_o our_o soul_n and_o to_o separate_v they_o from_o themselves_o and_o from_o all_o creature_n that_o by_o a_o happy_a revolution_n he_o may_v be_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o we_o may_v live_v in_o he_o and_o of_o he_o as_o he_o live_v in_o his_o father_n of_o the_o life_n of_o his_o father_n that_o so_o he_o may_v restore_v we_o to_o his_o father_n and_o reunite_v we_o to_o himself_o from_o who_o we_o be_v separate_v by_o he_o by_o be_v our_o own_o and_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o creature_n herein_o be_v comprise_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n whereof_o we_o can_v speak_v more_o then_o in_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n you_o be_v dead_a 3.3_o and_o your_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n a_o passage_n which_o contain_v a_o apparent_a contradiction_n if_o we_o be_v dead_a how_o can_v our_o life_n be_v hide_v in_o god_n who_o be_v the_o true_a life_n if_o we_o be_v in_o god_n who_o be_v the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n how_o be_v we_o dead_a the_o apostle_n mean_v that_o our_o life_n be_v life_n and_o death_n our_o life_n be_v a_o life_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o true_a life_n of_o soul_n and_o much_o better_a than_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o life_n of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o proper_a
be_v nothing_o for_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o good_a will_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v never_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n without_o grace_n and_o after_o all_o this_o perseverance_n in_o good_a be_v necessary_a for_o he_o only_o shall_v be_v crown_v who_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n 2.10_o yet_o we_o can_v have_v nor_o merit_v it_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n only_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n a_o pure_a effect_n of_o his_o bounty_n herein_o appear_v the_o extreme_a need_n that_o we_o have_v of_o god_n how_o necessary_a this_o grace_n be_v to_o we_o not_o only_o to_o do_v well_o but_o also_o to_o persevere_v from_o these_o truth_n we_o learn_v that_o a_o christian_n that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v not_o only_o have_v a_o good_a will_n or_o entertain_v a_o good_a intention_n but_o further_o he_o must_v serious_o seek_v god_n adhere_v to_o he_o and_o possess_v he_o since_o in_o he_o alone_o consist_v the_o grace_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o do_v well_o and_o to_o end_v well_o in_o a_o holy_a perseverance_n salvation_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n so_o easy_a as_o we_o conceive_v for_o we_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o our_o self_n as_o our_o self_n that_o can_v help_v to_o save_v we_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o grace_n and_o by_o sin_n conspire_v our_o ruin_n he_o that_o will_v save_v himself_o must_v seek_v from_o without_o himself_o the_o way_n of_o his_o salvation_n the_o power_n to_o do_v work_n worthy_a of_o paradise_n the_o power_n to_o serve_v god_n which_o he_o can_v find_v but_o in_o jesus_n christ_n there_o he_o must_v seek_v it_o of_o he_o alone_o he_o must_v have_v the_o power_n to_o serve_v god_n the_o merit_n of_o his_o good_a work_n the_o grace_n of_o perseverance_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o life_n consequent_o he_o must_v possess_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o if_o he_o will_v attain_v his_o happiness_n nothing_o else_o be_v of_o advantage_n 15.5_o see_v jesus_n christ_n say_v himself_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o rule_n and_o constitution_n may_v be_v give_v we_o use_v and_o document_n may_v be_v prescribe_v to_o practice_v virtue_n and_o to_o attain_v to_o christian_a perfection_n but_o all_o will_v be_v without_o profit_n and_o stability_n if_o we_o go_v not_o out_o of_o ourselves_o to_o possess_v jesus_n his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n to_o receive_v in_o he_o and_o of_o he_o true_a virtue_n stability_n and_o perseverance_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n be_v whole_o to_o have_v true_a virtue_n and_o christianity_n and_o perfect_o to_o accomplish_v the_o action_n and_o practice_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o if_o we_o examine_v these_o principle_n of_o truth_n we_o shall_v immediate_o find_v from_o whence_o arrive_v a_o evil_a common_o observable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o many_o soul_n live_v in_o a_o good_a observance_n labour_n much_o and_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o virtue_n yet_o make_v little_a or_o no_o progress_n towards_o the_o perfection_n that_o they_o desire_v and_o never_o arrive_v at_o the_o end_n which_o they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o if_o a_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v for_o a_o misfortune_n so_o general_a it_o appear_v that_o this_o can_v proceed_v from_o any_o thing_n but_o that_o such_o soul_n seek_v not_o god_n pure_o nor_o resign_v themselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n to_o follow_v with_o simplicity_n and_o fidelity_n the_o order_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v on_o they_o but_o with_o a_o respect_n to_o themselves_o desirous_a to_o rise_v and_o arrive_v to_o a_o estate_n whereunto_o god_n do_v not_o call_v they_o or_o they_o refuse_v to_o labour_v with_o fidelity_n to_o attain_v that_o whereunto_o god_n call_v they_o they_o regard_v not_o god_n they_o work_v not_o by_o grace_n nor_o seek_v it_o where_o it_o be_v but_o trust_v in_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o work_v not_o with_o submission_n to_o grace_v itself_o they_o seek_v not_o in_o jesus_n christ_n strength_n and_o power_n to_o work_v for_o they_o think_v not_o of_o it_o be_v so_o blind_a that_o they_o rely_v upon_o themselves_o and_o by_o secret_a esteem_n of_o their_o own_o action_n and_o labour_n easy_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o there_o be_v virtue_n where_o none_o be_v and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o some_o estate_n of_o perfection_n when_o they_o be_v very_o far_o from_o it_o confide_v in_o their_o own_o good_a will_n or_o in_o a_o simple_a intention_n which_o they_o think_v good_a believe_v this_o enough_o for_o they_o they_o neglect_v or_o despise_v all_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n now_o to_o remedy_v this_o evil_a which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v you_o must_v practice_v what_o i_o shall_v tell_v you_o 1._o we_o must_v be_v in_o will_n and_o perpetual_a desire_n of_o god_n in_o a_o resolution_n not_o to_o love_v or_o act_n but_o by_o grace_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n this_o desire_n be_v a_o disposition_n little_o know_v yet_o more_o important_a than_o it_o seem_v for_o god_n will_v be_v desire_v and_o take_v pleasure_n to_o see_v a_o soul_n thirst_n and_o run_v after_o he_o we_o see_v that_o he_o defer_v his_o great_a mercy_n and_o give_v not_o his_o son_n to_o the_o world_n till_o 4000_o year_n after_o man_n have_v desire_v he_o 2._o we_o must_v demand_v his_o spirit_n with_o earnestness_n cry_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n after_o jesus_n the_o only_o free_a of_o our_o soul_n the_o true_a principle_n of_o grace_n 3._o all_o our_o recourse_n must_v be_v to_o jesus_n not_o rely_v or_o confide_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o his_o power_n virtue_n and_o grace_n to_o love_v and_o act_n by_o his_o disposition_n this_o be_v proper_o that_o we_o call_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o submission_n to_o grace_n let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o truth_n to_o give_v ourselves_o light_a and_o to_o let_v those_o that_o will_v be_v save_v 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in_o jesus_n which_o show_v we_o the_o adherence_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v to_o jesus_n christ._n the_o other_o that_o we_o have_v all_o in_o he_o as_o have_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o who_o be_v true_a love_n true_a wisdom_n and_o assure_a salvation_n by_o those_o truth_n we_o learn_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a gift_n of_o god_n we_o have_v nothing_o if_o we_o possess_v not_o he_o we_o must_v therefore_o labour_v to_o become_v fit_a to_o possess_v he_o with_o the_o effect_n that_o he_o will_v operate_v in_o we_o herein_o consist_v the_o practice_n of_o christian_a life_n to_o receive_v jesus_n as_o a_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o possess_v he_o as_o a_o great_a treasure_n to_o offer_v he_o to_o god_n to_o refer_v he_o to_o his_o father_n and_o with_o he_o our_o be_v our_o life_n and_o action_n our_o soul_n must_v be_v continual_o employ_v in_o this_o double_a practice_n in_o these_o two_o continual_a motion_n towards_o god_n one_o to_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n who_o 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god_n and_o be_v resign_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o have_v already_o show_v how_o much_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v god_n and_o to_o possess_v he_o if_o he_o will_v arrive_v to_o the_o perfection_n to_o which_o he_o be_v call_v it_o remain_v that_o we_o know_v how_o he_o must_v resign_v himself_o whole_o to_o god_n as_o member_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o be_v necessary_o and_o essential_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v leave_v to_o the_o love_n care_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o heavenly_a father_n which_o love_n be_v the_o same_o love_n which_o he_o have_v for_o his_o son_n the_o same_o conduct_n that_o he_o have_v over_o he_o for_o we_o be_v part_n of_o his_o son_n be_v his_o member_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v his_o fullness_n the_o church_n say_v he_o be_v the_o body_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o wherein_o we_o see_v the_o happy_a estate_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o 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christianity_n if_o we_o proceed_v a_o little_a further_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o new_a light_n which_o discover_v this_o truth_n the_o oeconomy_n and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o the_o church_n all_o the_o regency_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o government_n of_o all_o soul_n in_o general_a and_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a be_v leave_v to_o jesus_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n he_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n our_o fullness_n he_o be_v our_o all_o and_o that_o which_o raise_v the_o conduct_n of_o christ_n and_o render_v it_o admirable_a be_v that_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o wisdom_n power_n and_o infinite_a love_n for_o he_o employ_v his_o power_n whole_o to_o furnish_v we_o to_o assist_v we_o in_o all_o thing_n his_o wisdom_n lead_v we_o to_o god_n and_o 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gospel_n with_o such_o high_a and_o divine_a word_n word_n not_o of_o counsel_n as_o many_o think_v but_o of_o command_n in_o clear_a and_o express_v term_n testify_v his_o will_n word_n address_v not_o only_o to_o the_o religious_a but_o to_o all_o christian_n 5.48_o be_v you_o perfect_a say_v he_o even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o or_o speak_v in_o more_o express_a term_n how_o will_v we_o have_v more_o clear_o express_v what_o this_o perfection_n ought_v to_o be_v then_o to_o say_v you_o must_v be_v perfect_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a this_o perfection_n consist_v in_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n and_o this_o union_n be_v make_v and_o accomplish_v by_o pure_a and_o perfect_a love_n the_o love_n of_o god_n come_v from_o god_n above_o which_o alone_o have_v power_n to_o give_v god_n to_o we_o and_o to_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n all_o christian_n in_o general_a be_v call_v to_o the_o 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the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n so_o st._n paul_n call_v it_o 3.14_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n then_o but_o in_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o we_o be_v to_o take_v to_o arrive_v to_o this_o perfection_n there_o be_v divers_a and_o we_o must_v esteem_v all_o and_o regard_v they_o with_o respect_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o question_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o way_n to_o arrive_v to_o this_o love_n and_o if_o we_o must_v have_v law_n and_o maxim_n to_o conduct_v we_o thereunto_o and_o to_o conserve_v we_o therein_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v find_v they_o more_o pure_a more_o divine_a and_o more_o assure_v then_o in_o the_o gospel_n where_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o as_o author_n of_o christianity_n show_v we_o the_o way_n give_v we_o the_o rule_n and_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o maxim_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o keep_v to_o guide_v we_o to_o this_o love_n which_o he_o command_v to_o live_v in_o this_o union_n and_o to_o arrive_v to_o this_o perfection_n whereto_o 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call_v of_o god_n to_o love_n and_o to_o perfection_n this_o and_o more_o which_o may_v be_v say_v on_o this_o subject_n be_v true_a and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o christian_n perfection_n be_v as_o the_o sun_n propose_v to_o all_o christian_n in_o general_a the_o precept_n of_o love_n be_v equal_o give_v to_o all_o man_n and_o consequent_o all_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o same_o perfection_n which_o be_v all_o the_o argument_n wherewith_o i_o will_v undeceive_v such_o christian_n as_o will_v exempt_v themselves_o from_o both_o this_o grant_v it_o rest_v only_o to_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o love_n it_o must_v be_v pure_a perfect_a and_o indissoluble_a the_o three_o property_n of_o love_n in_o christianity_n pure_a for_o it_o regard_v nothing_o but_o god_n if_o it_o regard_v any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v not_o for_o god_n nor_o according_a to_o god_n whence_o it_o come_v that_o that_o which_o regard_v pure_a love_n do_v separate_v we_o from_o our_o self_n from_o all_o our_o interest_n and_o alienates_v we_o from_o all_o creature_n as_o far_o as_o they_o obstruct_v our_o love_n to_o god_n this_o love_n make_v we_o regard_v nothing_o but_o in_o the_o belief_n that_o god_n be_v there_o present_a by_o his_o immensity_n we_o neither_o taste_v nor_o feel_v they_o further_o than_o as_o they_o bear_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n the_o soul_n that_o love_v he_o incline_v to_o he_o seek_v he_o and_o find_v he_o every_o where_o this_o love_n must_v also_o be_v perfect_a god_n say_v so_o express_o we_o must_v love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o explicate_v these_o word_n they_o be_v too_o clear_a and_o evident_o show_v we_o that_o god_n will_v have_v we_o love_v he_o with_o all_o that_o which_o we_o be_v that_o be_v perfect_o this_o love_n must_v last_o be_v indissoluble_a no_o force_n must_v separate_v we_o from_o god_n no_o violence_n must_v tear_v this_o love_n from_o our_o heart_n no_o creature_n in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n no_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o of_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o we_o enjoy_v no_o good_a either_o present_a or_o future_a must_v separate_v we_o from_o this_o love_n which_o must_v be_v in_o we_o more_o powerful_a than_o death_n more_o indissoluble_a than_o unity_n now_o make_v use_n of_o all_o that_o we_o have_v say_v and_o reduce_v to_o practice_v all_o the_o propose_a truth_n we_o shall_v find_v what_o we_o seek_v in_o this_o tract_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n we_o be_v all_o oblige_a to_o divorce_v and_o separate_v ourselves_o true_o and_o strong_o from_o all_o that_o hinder_v we_o from_o love_a god_n perfect_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a this_o perfection_n be_v not_o without_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n this_o love_n can_v be_v in_o we_o but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v separate_v from_o our_o self_n the_o world_n and_o all_o creature_n whence_o we_o learn_v that_o a_o christian_n oblige_v to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o to_o perfection_n can_v arrive_v to_o this_o estate_n which_o he_o seek_v and_o be_v command_v he_o if_o on_o the_o one_o side_n he_o be_v not_o whole_o subject_v to_o god_n and_o on_o the_o other_o altogether_o separate_v in_o spirit_n conduct_n and_o love_n from_o all_o the_o creature_n therefore_o he_o must_v apply_v himself_o earnest_o to_o this_o exercise_n of_o subject_v himself_o to_o god_n and_o divest_v himself_o of_o himself_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o soul_n can_v never_o acquire_v this_o divine_a spirit_n nor_o arrive_v to_o evangelicall_n perfection_n if_o she_o stay_v in_o herself_o obey_v she_o own_o will_n and_o follow_v
unprofitable_a thing_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o practice_n and_o ordinary_a exercise_n of_o christian_n for_o want_v of_o take_v hold_v of_o thing_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o not_o enter_v into_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n for_o want_v whereof_o do_v we_o not_o see_v many_o soul_n who_o keep_v most_o holy_a constitution_n and_o very_o good_a rule_n other_o that_o do_v frequent_a action_n of_o virtue_n many_o who_o follow_v and_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o practice_n yet_o nevertheless_o advance_v not_o towards_o perfection_n nor_o have_v any_o solid_a virtue_n they_o always_o labour_v but_o never_o gain_v any_o they_o continual_o travail_v but_o never_o arrive_v at_o their_o journey_n end_n though_o all_o that_o they_o do_v seem_v to_o be_v do_v in_o grace_n and_o that_o as_o be_v believe_v they_o have_v not_o their_o conscience_n charge_v with_o any_o sin_n yet_o they_o profit_v not_o in_o any_o manner_n all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o such_o person_n be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_n whence_o come_v it_o that_o they_o profit_v nothing_o amid_o so_o much_o care_n and_o travel_v the_o evil_n come_v from_o this_o that_o such_o soul_n have_v not_o sufficient_a recourse_n nor_o submission_n to_o grace_n they_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o jesus_n christ_n they_o scarce_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o jesus_n christ_n they_o have_v no_o distrust_n of_o themselves_o they_o seek_v not_o god_n but_o their_o self-satisfaction_n and_o their_o particular_a interest_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o by_o a_o secret_a and_o dangerous_a consequence_n they_o rely_v upon_o their_o own_o courage_n upon_o their_o travel_n and_o exercise_n and_o promise_v to_o themselves_o too_o much_o of_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o tie_v themselves_o to_o divers_a practice_n whereof_o they_o make_v use_v they_o tie_v also_o their_o happiness_n thereto_o if_o you_o demand_v whence_o it_o come_v that_o they_o have_v not_o solid_a virtue_n it_o be_v easy_o perceive_v it_o be_v because_o they_o amuse_v themselves_o much_o in_o unprofitable_a thing_n trifle_n and_o exterior_a thing_n they_o enter_v not_o into_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a and_o solid_a virtue_n they_o esteem_v they_o not_o and_o hardly_o know_v they_o if_o they_o do_v practice_v they_o it_o be_v but_o superficial_o they_o have_v but_o the_o appearance_n of_o virtue_n all_o that_o they_o possess_v thereof_o be_v like_o the_o grass_n upon_o the_o house_n top_n which_o wither_v away_o of_o itself_o of_o which_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n and_o careful_o remedy_v it_o least_o pass_v our_o life_n so_o we_o travel_v in_o vain_a and_o run_v without_o arrive_v to_o our_o end_n and_o that_o under_o those_o fair_a appearance_n in_o the_o most_o part_n of_o our_o action_n 25.12_o we_o be_v not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n of_o they_o to_o who_o god_n say_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n i_o know_v you_o not_o for_o god_n tell_v we_o 7.21_o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o christian_n who_o will_v find_v themselves_o deceive_v when_o god_n shall_v make_v manifest_a the_o secret_n of_o heart_n 4.5_o and_o judge_v the_o justice_n of_o man_n because_o that_o believe_v themselves_o rich_a in_o good_a work_n and_o charge_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o christian_n penitence_n they_o shall_v find_v in_o their_o hand_n nothing_o but_o wind_n and_o shall_v see_v in_o their_o life_n nothing_o but_o appearance_n of_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o affair_n so_o important_a we_o must_v be_v vigilant_a to_o act_v christian_o and_o to_o do_v work_n worthy_a of_o god_n which_o shall_v gain_v we_o the_o eternal_a possession_n of_o god_n this_o subject_n be_v of_o high_a enterprise_n i_o will_v propose_v the_o disposition_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o necessary_a the_o first_o disposition_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a disposition_n which_o the_o soul_n that_o will_v live_v christianly_o must_v have_v be_v faith_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 11.6_o must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o this_o disposition_n be_v not_o only_o the_o first_o but_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o what_o the_o root_n be_v to_o the_o tree_n the_o foundation_n to_o the_o building_n the_o mother_n to_o the_o infant_n the_o same_o be_v faith_n to_o all_o virtue_n and_o to_o a_o christian_a life_n whence_o on_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n depend_v all_o the_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a soul_n or_o on_o the_o other_o side_n from_o littleness_n of_o faith_n spring_v all_o the_o evil_a all_o the_o abomination_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n the_o soul_n that_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n of_o faith_n know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o love_v and_o what_o to_o detest_v for_o faith_n be_v nothing_o but_o truth_n the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n be_v proper_o the_o spirit_n of_o eternal_a truth_n wherein_o be_v see_v the_o strength_n of_o faith_n he_o therefore_o that_o have_v faith_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o by_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n if_o he_o possess_v it_o and_o suffer_v it_o to_o guide_v he_o he_o easy_o discern_v good_a from_o bad_a true_a from_o false_a the_o flesh_n from_o the_o spirit_n this_o faith_n this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n show_v the_o soul_n what_o the_o god_n be_v that_o she_o adore_v from_o thence_o she_o be_v carry_v on_o to_o love_v he_o to_o fear_v he_o and_o to_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a respect_n of_o his_o divine_a presence_n i'faith_o say_v god_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o be_v the_o end_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o out_o of_o he_o all_o be_v but_o a_o dream_n that_o all_o creature_n be_v vain_a that_o god_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n 17.28_o that_o he_o give_v life_n and_o be_v to_o all_o that_o all_o thing_n depend_v on_o he_o this_o make_v the_o soul_n know_v that_o she_o ought_v to_o esteem_n god_n alone_o and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o god_n that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n and_o lie_n this_o light_n and_o spirit_n of_o faith_n teach_v that_o god_n be_v eternal_a truth_n his_o work_n be_v truth_n his_o word_n and_o promise_n true_a and_o infallible_a this_o cause_v the_o soul_n which_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n constant_o to_o adhere_v and_o strong_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o truth_n and_o maxim_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o work_n and_o the_o word_n of_o jesus_n god_n and_o man_n she_o believe_v firm_o that_o what_o he_o have_v say_v will_v come_v to_o pass_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v be_v certain_a the_o truth_n that_o the_o eternal_a father_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n be_v infallible_a and_o eternal_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n uncreated_a be_v a_o god_n which_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o lie_v hereupon_o the_o soul_n by_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n remain_v indissoluble_o tie_v to_o all_o that_o god_n have_v say_v and_o reveal_v by_o his_o son_n so_o as_o she_o can_v taste_v nor_o understand_v any_o humane_a reason_n or_o object_n she_o will_v not_o hearken_v nor_o adhere_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n she_o will_v only_o follow_v the_o maxim_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v leave_v we_o in_o his_o gospel_n and_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o his_o life_n &_o divine_a virtue_n the_o rest_n she_o despise_v as_o unworthy_a a_o christian_a soul_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o nor_o live_v but_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o certain_o so_o the_o christian_a must_v live_v all_o the_o world_n confess_v that_o god_n alone_o be_v truth_n that_o the_o only_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a spirit_n of_o truth_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o all_o that_o be_v not_o god_n and_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v but_o vanity_n and_o lie_n this_o grant_v how_o can_v they_o live_v who_o have_v any_o other_o object_n than_o god_n here_o let_v we_o make_v reflection_n on_o the_o point_n we_o shall_v show_v how_o much_o they_o be_v deceive_v who_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n separate_v themselves_o from_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o seek_v humane_a reason_n way_n of_o prudence_n maxim_n of_o wise_a man_n who_o measure_n perfection_n and_o christian_a virtue_n according_a to_o their_o proper_a sense_n according_a to_o their_o own_o spirit_n such_o soul_n can_v but_o fall_v into_o a_o abyss_n of_o error_n and_o doubt_n or_o at_o least_o such_o person_n
from_o all_o thing_n without_o doubt_n if_o god_n operate_v you_o shall_v see_v all_o these_o effect_n and_o therefore_o the_o soul_n that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v narrow_o look_v into_o all_o this_o and_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a vigilancy_n to_o become_v faithful_a and_o attentive_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n in_o she_o on_o one_o side_n to_o correspond_v thereto_o and_o to_o labour_v after_o the_o manner_n god_n inspire_v she_o with_o on_o the_o other_o to_o annihilate_v herself_o not_o the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o if_o we_o oppose_v not_o ourselves_o to_o grace_n and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o if_o we_o do_v not_o annihilate_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o we_o god_n will_v certain_o work_v great_a thing_n in_o we_o but_o alas_o the_o way_n whereby_o we_o make_v use_v of_o devotion_n in_o this_o age_n be_v more_o capable_a to_o drive_v god_n away_o then_o to_o invite_v he_o into_o our_o heart_n i_o shall_v describe_v they_o unto_o you_o the_o soul_n blind_v with_o natural_a love_n to_o her_o self_n desire_v to_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n she_o will_v enjoy_v he_o and_o will_v love_v what_o seem_v good_a and_o profitable_a to_o she_o she_o fill_v herself_o with_o divers_a desire_n she_o tie_v herself_o thereto_o and_o will_v continual_o act_v and_o attain_v she_o put_v herself_o into_o all_o employment_n and_o motion_n she_o seek_v they_o she_o please_v herself_o with_o a_o satisfaction_n that_o her_o own_o love_n take_v in_o thing_n most_o holy_a and_o in_o the_o very_a operation_n of_o god_n she_o seek_v herself_o therein_o she_o elevate_v herself_o thereto_o in_o this_o manner_n she_o oppose_v herself_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o annihilate_v the_o work_n of_o god_n who_o will_v only_o live_v in_o she_o only_o occupate_v her_o spirit_n only_o possess_v she_o desire_v by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o love_n to_o annihate_v in_o she_o all_o that_o be_v of_o she_o jesus_n christ_n will_v take_v away_o and_o this_o soul_n will_v add_v to_o god_n will_v dispossess_v and_o spoil_v and_o she_o will_v acquire_v and_o possess_v thus_o she_o hinder_v and_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n drive_v god_n out_o of_o she_o and_o out_o of_o her_o spirit_n to_o cause_v she_o own_o love_n to_o reign_v there_o her_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o will_n a_o vanity_n ordinary_a to_o such_o soul_n as_o be_v whole_o consume_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o adam_n they_o therefore_o who_o tend_v to_o perfection_n must_v go_v with_o all_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n they_o must_v seek_v nothing_o but_o god_n and_o to_o please_v god_n but_o above_o all_o they_o must_v be_v very_o circumspect_a and_o attentive_a to_o his_o inward_a operation_n have_v a_o great_a care_n and_o fidelity_n to_o leave_v the_o spirit_n to_o act_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o as_o all_o this_o be_v very_o secret_a and_o interior_a and_o often_o be_v in_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o must_v we_o take_v heed_n thereto_o and_o beside_o the_o vigilance_n necessary_a it_o be_v good_a from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o practice_v these_o ensue_a act_n first_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o live_v in_o he_o and_o to_o bear_v the_o spirit_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o self-denial_n after_o the_o manner_n that_o please_v he_o second_o to_o renounce_v ourselves_o our_o secret_a vanity_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o we_o opposite_a to_o grace_n and_o to_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n three_o to_o be_v attentive_a to_o the_o motion_n and_o operation_n of_o god_n in_o we_o especial_o when_o he_o act_n by_o self-denial_n and_o privation_n as_o well_o interior_a as_o exterior_a to_o cooperate_v therewith_o either_o by_o action_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a or_o by_o consent_n of_o the_o soul_n give_v herself_o to_o god_n to_o receive_v what_o god_n shall_v operate_v in_o she_o when_o the_o soul_n shall_v feel_v divers_a motion_n or_o meet_v several_a occasion_n to_o practice_v virtue_n she_o shall_v always_o choose_v those_o where_o there_o shall_v be_v privation_n and_o self-denial_n as_o the_o most_o assure_a way_n and_o the_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n most_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o most_o conformable_a to_o his_o humane_a life_n four_o she_o shall_v pray_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o vouchsafe_v to_o operate_v and_o put_v into_o she_o all_o that_o he_o will_v and_o to_o annihilate_v in_o she_o all_o that_o he_o require_v to_o prevent_v in_o she_o by_o his_o light_n and_o love_n the_o time_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n whereto_o he_o must_v annihilate_v the_o thought_n and_o judgement_n of_o man_n the_o abridgement_n of_o the_o three_o part._n chap._n fourteen_o treat_v of_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o god_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v that_o among_o christian_n even_o those_o who_o think_v they_o have_v virtue_n enough_o to_o fave_v they_o many_o deceive_v and_o altogether_o lose_v themselves_o take_v the_o shadow_n of_o virtue_n for_o the_o substance_n appearance_n for_o truth_n like_o the_o dog_n in_o the_o fable_n who_o let_v go_v the_o good_a morsel_n he_o have_v hold_v of_o to_o catch_v a_o shadow_n these_o neglect_n the_o solid_a virtue_n and_o principal_a foundation_n of_o piety_n to_o insist_v on_o certain_a exterior_a action_n which_o have_v no_o substance_n but_o in_o the_o air_n of_o imagination_n they_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o moral_a virtue_n and_o despise_v the_o christian_a they_o compose_v the_o exterior_a and_o form_v their_o demeanour_n and_o neglect_v the_o interior_a they_o fear_v to_o displease_v man_n and_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v their_o kindred_n and_o friend_n but_o care_v no_o more_o to_o please_v god_n than_o they_o fear_v to_o displease_v he_o they_o will_v seem_v good_a but_o care_v not_o to_o be_v so_o in_o a_o word_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o choose_v the_o most_o beautiful_a and_o best_a and_o will_v have_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v good_a but_o for_o their_o soul_n that_o which_o be_v least_o best_a content_v they_o they_o seek_v but_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a what_o give_v they_o great_a liberty_n and_o satisfaction_n they_o embrace_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n god_n who_o be_v truth_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o these_o feign_n and_o will_n that_o we_o serve_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n he_o detest_v a_o lie_n and_o curse_n those_o that_o serve_v he_o with_o the_o mouth_n only_o if_o he_o love_v 29.13_o he_o will_v be_v belove_v and_o as_o his_o love_n be_v most_o pure_a and_o perfect_a he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v such_o also_o whence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o comprehend_v that_o to_o be_v a_o perfect_a christian_n and_o friend_n to_o god_n require_v great_a quality_n he_o must_v have_v a_o golden_a key_n that_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o king_n chamber_n he_o that_o will_v come_v to_o a_o royal_a feast_n must_v be_v clothe_v with_o a_o wedding_n garment_n 13._o lest_o he_o be_v bind_v hand_n and_o foot_n and_o cast_v into_o prison_n and_o utter_a darkness_n to_o be_v a_o perfect_a christian_a be_v not_o so_o slight_a a_o business_n as_o some_o think_v it_o it_o belong_v to_o god_n only_o to_o make_v a_o man_n just_a it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o great_a than_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n at_o least_o in_o this_o god_n show_v himself_o more_o powerful_a in_o his_o love_n and_o more_o admirable_a in_o his_o mercy_n therefore_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o good_a and_o perfect_a christian_a we_o speak_v of_o god_n handiwork_n of_o a_o man_n worthy_a to_o be_v a_o saint_n for_o to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o be_v saint_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n now_o what_o ought_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o saint_n to_o be_v who_o must_v one_o day_n see_v god_n live_v with_o god_n say_v st._n bernard_n in_o his_o meditation_n and_o be_v eternal_o in_o unity_n with_o god_n what_o must_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o soul_n be_v that_o shall_v become_v worthy_a so_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a a_o happiness_n whereto_o all_o aspire_v that_o will_v be_v save_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o their_o thought_n who_o know_v how_o to_o esteem_v of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o make_v account_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o paradise_n and_o shall_v only_o tell_v those_o languish_a and_o easy_a spirit_n with_o saint_n paul_n 8_o be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v for_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_v that_o shall_v he_o reap_v also_o for_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a whereupon_o we_o must_v reflect_v that_o christian_n who_o be_v to_o reap_v the_o incorruption_n of_o the_o life_n everlasting_a if_o they_o will_v arrive_v to_o their_o
have_v this_o disposition_n perfect_a the_o soul_n in_o its_o suffering_n eversion_n and_o humiliation_n and_o in_o all_o the_o contrariety_n of_o humane_a life_n must_v have_v no_o other_o thought_n nor_o interior_a state_n but_o to_o suffer_v because_o it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n she_o shall_v suffer_v this_o i_o call_v a_o pure_a regard_n of_o god_n she_o suffer_v only_o to_o praise_n god_n only_o because_o god_n have_v delight_n to_o see_v she_o suffer_v and_o will_n that_o she_o shall_v suffer_v this_o dispositition_n be_v the_o state_n that_o the_o wise_a man_n call_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o holocaust_n 3.6_o a_o sacrifice_n kill_v and_o lay_v whole_a on_o the_o altar_n as_o the_o holocaust_n be_v all_o consume_v and_o annihilate_v to_o the_o glory_n content_a and_o honour_n of_o god_n alone_o without_o the_o creature_n have_v any_o part_n therein_o so_o the_o soul_n suffer_v in_o this_o pure_a regard_n of_o god_n sacrifice_n herself_o whole_o to_o god_n and_o be_v whole_o consume_v in_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n without_o her_o bring_n or_o receive_v any_o other_o intention_n think_v or_o state_n wherein_o her_o happiness_n do_v consist_v for_o god_n see_v the_o soul_n suffer_v only_o for_o his_o content_n and_o good_a pleasure_n give_v she_o a_o sufficiency_n and_o capacity_n to_o suffer_v with_o so_o much_o liberty_n and_o amplitude_n that_o she_o no_o long_o regard_n what_o she_o suffer_v nor_o think_v more_o of_o suffering_n but_o only_o think_v to_o do_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n so_o that_o she_o undergo_v not_o suffering_n with_o pain_n but_o with_o love_n and_o with_o a_o disposition_n that_o bear_v in_o it_o more_o of_o love_n then_o of_o sufferance_n in_o the_o suffering_n itself_o resign_v herself_o whole_o to_o god_n and_o to_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n how_o vigorous_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v think_v no_o more_o of_o suffering_n but_o believe_v and_o love_v and_o in_o this_o disposition_n love_n be_v the_o life_n of_o suffering_n and_o suffering_n be_v the_o object_n of_o love_n of_o a_o love_n pure_a and_o perfect_a to_o suffer_v according_a to_o divine_a way_n may_v yet_o be_v understand_v in_o another_o manner_n when_o in_o suffering_n mortification_n and_o humiliation_n the_o soul_n be_v such_o to_o god_n and_o so_o firm_o unite_v that_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v painful_a to_o she_o all_o be_v unsupportable_a to_o she_o and_o her_o own_o body_n cause_v she_o to_o sigh_v and_o lament_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 8.23_o we_o groan_v within_o ourselves_o wait_v for_o the_o adoption_n to_o wit_n the_o redemption_n of_o our_o body_n every_o where_o she_o find_v contrariety_n and_o the_o more_o she_o live_v in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o more_o she_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o creature_n all_o her_o repose_n be_v to_o be_v god_n she_o seek_v not_o nor_o find_v any_o thing_n but_o pain_n and_o contrariety_n for_o she_o find_v all_o her_o pleasure_n all_o her_o repose_n and_o content_a to_o be_v in_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o this_o disposition_n the_o soul_n must_v be_v real_o lose_v in_o god_n for_o she_o no_o more_o bear_v all_o the_o adversity_n of_o humane_a life_n but_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n with_o a_o divine_a patience_n that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o god_n bear_v they_o or_o if_o you_o will_v in_o the_o spirit_n wherewith_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v our_o nature_n our_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n a_o patience_n which_o we_o must_v adore_v and_o imitate_v in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o do_v not_o only_o bear_v they_o but_o also_o which_o be_v admirable_a in_o the_o excess_n of_o his_o love_n give_v his_o life_n a_o divine_a life_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o by_o the_o same_o patience_n bear_v the_o contrariety_n that_o his_o divine_a and_o infinite_a essence_n have_v to_o all_o impure_a and_o limit_a creature_n he_o act_v with_o the_o creature_n labour_v and_o die_v for_o it_o this_o patience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o beginning_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o happiness_n this_o patience_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o all_o the_o just_a and_o holy_a that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o church_n militant_a have_v bear_v all_o adversity_n with_o peace_n and_o meekness_n this_o patience_n must_v always_o make_v we_o to_o suffer_v all_o the_o rigour_n of_o this_o life_n but_o after_o a_o manner_n so_o much_o more_o perfect_a and_o divine_a as_o the_o soul_n have_v receive_v of_o grace_n and_o be_v advance_v in_o the_o way_n of_o perfection_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v possess_v of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o same_o measure_n the_o spirit_n of_o sufferance_n must_v be_v pure_a in_o she_o and_o she_o must_v remain_v more_o resign_v to_o the_o design_n of_o god_n more_o divide_v from_o all_o creature_n in_o this_o point_n consist_v the_o principal_a subject_n to_o be_v examine_v whereby_o to_o know_v the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o soul._n he_o that_o will_v know_v the_o way_n to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o divine_a spirit_n must_v learn_v it_o of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o example_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n all_o that_o he_o do_v all_o that_o he_o suffer_v have_v relation_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n to_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o name_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n in_o a_o word_n he_o live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n only_o to_o do_v the_o good_a pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o his_o father_n my_o meat_n say_v he_o to_o his_o apostle_n be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o 4.34_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o come_n and_o of_o his_o incarnation_n let_v we_o do_v the_o same_o and_o remember_v that_o as_o we_o must_v have_v purity_n of_o intention_n in_o all_o our_o action_n so_o must_v we_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n have_v a_o pure_a regard_n to_o the_o will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n when_o we_o shall_v suffer_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v let_v we_o suffer_v it_o because_o god_n permit_v it_o or_o so_o appoint_v it_o or_o because_o he_o will_v show_v his_o power_n over_o we_o and_o will_v be_v glorify_v in_o our_o subjection_n let_v we_o not_o regard_v our_o own_o interest_n but_o undervalue_v all_o thing_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n let_v we_o endure_v they_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n since_o it_o be_v his_o will_n since_o he_o take_v pleasure_n to_o see_v we_o in_o suffering_n and_o in_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o he_o will_v show_v his_o power_n in_o our_o submission_n let_v we_o reduce_v all_o our_o intention_n hither_o they_o may_v be_v good_a but_o this_o include_v all_o the_o rest_n in_o this_o disposition_n jesus_n christ_n prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o cross_n and_o present_v himself_o to_o his_o father_n to_o be_v the_o offering_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o holocaust_n 26.43_o a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n thy_o will_v be_v do_v say_v he_o and_o no_o more_o let_v we_o say_v the_o same_o in_o all_o event_n let_v we_o settle_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o this_o estate_n and_o disposition_n to_o this_o we_o must_v add_v a_o remarkable_a admonition_n for_o those_o who_o will_v profit_v by_o suffering_n humiliation_n and_o other_o adversity_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o bear_v they_o with_o faithfulness_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o in_o all_o condition_n of_o life_n in_o all_o that_o may_v happen_v to_o we_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o design_n which_o god_n have_v over_o we_o in_o all_o that_o he_o do_v or_o permit_v to_o be_v do_v and_o we_o be_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o receive_v they_o and_o cooperate_v faithful_o with_o they_o for_o as_o god_n in_o all_o he_o do_v or_o permit_v have_v always_o some_o design_n worthy_a of_o his_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n so_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o submit_v herself_o thereto_o to_o subject_v herself_o according_a to_o all_o her_o capacity_n that_o with_o a_o entire_a consent_n she_o may_v act_v with_o god_n if_o need_v be_v and_o receive_v with_o fidelity_n all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n as_o for_o instance_n there_o happen_v loss_n and_o ruin_n we_o be_v to_o see_v if_o god_n by_o these_o loss_n will_v separate_v and_o sever_v we_o from_o the_o creature_n if_o it_o be_v so_o we_o must_v accept_v they_o with_o this_o disposition_n and_o make_v it_o our_o endeavour_n to_o sever_v and_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o love_n of_o all_o thing_n create_v because_o that_o by_o the_o loss_n and_o disgrace_n which_o befall_v we_o we_o see_v that_o
consequent_o follow_v that_o the_o centre_n the_o repose_n of_o a_o christian_a can_v be_v but_o in_o this_o estate_n of_o suffering_n and_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n of_o suffer_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v here_o upon_o earth_n when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o centre_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o cross_n annihilation_n and_o adversity_n we_o must_v conceive_v it_o in_o the_o high_a and_o consider_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n to_o satisfy_v his_o divine_a justice_n and_o for_o the_o sanctification_n of_o our_o soul_n these_o be_v his_o design_n desire_n and_o thought_n now_o the_o thought_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a and_o permanent_a for_o they_o be_v divine_a and_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o the_o essence_n and_o of_o divine_a action_n to_o be_v immutable_a and_o permanent_a see_v then_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o cross_n from_o all_o eternity_n &_o live_v upon_o earth_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o sufferance_n he_o remain_v always_o in_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o the_o desire_n of_o humiliation_n and_o the_o rigour_n of_o death_n the_o zeal_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n go_v not_o from_o his_o heart_n but_o he_o preserve_v this_o spirit_n and_o offer_v himself_o to_o his_o father_n to_o bear_v it_o eternal_o and_o to_o suffer_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v his_o good_a pleasure_n this_o zeal_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v unfruitful_a this_o offer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v refuse_v and_o yet_o the_o estate_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o glory_n can_v permit_v it_o what_o remedy_n love_n always_o wise_a and_o inventive_a have_v find_v out_o a_o mean_n to_o satisfy_v the_o equity_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o divine_a affection_n and_o the_o majesty_n of_o his_o glory_n for_o the_o eternal_a father_n have_v give_v his_o son_n a_o mystical_a body_n which_o be_v his_o church_n he_o have_v appoint_v he_o head_n over_o all_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n &_o all_o christian_n be_v member_n of_o this_o body_n 5.30_o true_a member_n as_o the_o body_n be_v a_o true_a body_n though_o a_o mystical_a body_n we_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n member_n of_o his_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n now_o to_o this_o body_n and_o these_o member_n the_o spirit_n and_o zeal_n of_o jesus_n christ_n communicate_v itself_o by_o the_o design_n and_o special_a counsel_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o divine_a counsel_n the_o son_n of_o god_n pour_v into_o his_o church_n and_o upon_o christian_n the_o zeal_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o love_n of_o justice_n he_o pour_v it_o out_o as_o he_o please_v distribute_v his_o gift_n according_a to_o his_o holy_a will_n to_o some_o he_o communicate_v his_o spirit_n of_o sufferance_n and_o cross_n to_o other_o that_o of_o death_n and_o to_o speak_v more_o general_o he_o communicate_v his_o estate_n and_o spirit_n to_o who_o he_o please_v and_o as_o he_o please_v 1.24_o so_o saint_n paul_n i_o fill_v up_o that_o which_o be_v behind_o of_o the_o affliction_n of_o christ_n in_o my_o flesh_n reflect_v on_o this_o truth_n we_o shall_v clear_o see_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n which_o he_o communicate_v to_o his_o church_n be_v the_o head_n and_o to_o christian_n his_o member_n and_o as_o this_o spirit_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o desire_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n love_v of_o the_o cross_n and_o zeal_n of_o justice_n it_o follow_v they_o who_o will_v be_v good_a christian_n must_v necessary_o bear_v this_o spirit_n and_o be_v in_o this_o estate_n of_o annihilation_n and_o the_o cross_n and_o embrace_v all_o adversity_n that_o they_o meet_v with_o yea_o embrace_v they_o courageous_o as_o a_o order_n of_o god_n establish_v upon_o they_o and_o as_o a_o estate_n which_o be_v singular_o proper_a for_o they_o in_o this_o disposition_n they_o shall_v find_v the_o centre_n and_o repose_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o in_o this_o subjection_n to_o the_o cross_n they_o shall_v obtain_v the_o peace_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v acquire_v for_o we_o by_o his_o cross_n we_o may_v also_o say_v that_o to_o suffer_v christianly_o be_v to_o bear_v all_o thing_n with_o cheerfulness_n of_o spirit_n do_v like_o the_o apostle_n who_o depart_v rejoice_v that_o they_o be_v account_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v shame_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n 5.41_o and_o like_o the_o first_o christian_n 10.34_o who_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n defy_v torment_n and_o the_o cruelty_n of_o beast_n like_o saint_n ignatius_n the_o burn_a of_o fire_n as_o saint_z lawrence_z the_o violence_n of_o torment_n as_o saint_n agnes_n and_o in_o the_o church_n first_o beginning_n their_o zeal_n to_o suffer_v be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o make_v the_o apostle_n saint_n james_n to_o say_v 1.2_o count_v it_o all_o joy_n when_o you_o fall_v into_o divers_a temptation_n this_o advice_n will_v seem_v hard_a for_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o pain_n of_o this_o life_n be_v too_o pierce_v but_o if_o we_o love_v all_o will_v be_v easy_a for_o where_o love_n be_v say_v saint_n bernard_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o sweetness_n and_o nothing_o be_v difficult_a to_o he_o that_o love_v though_o thorn_n guard_v and_o encompass_v the_o rose_n we_o gather_v it_o notwithstanding_o and_o enjoy_v its_o beauty_n and_o odour_n 29.20_o jacob_n say_v he_o serve_v seven_o year_n for_o rachel_n and_o they_o seem_v unto_o he_o but_o a_o few_o day_n because_o he_o love_v she_o so_o much_o that_o he_o be_v insensible_a of_o the_o travail_n he_o also_o that_o will_v suffer_v christianly_o must_v love_v for_o he_o that_o can_v love_v can_v suffer_v and_o he_o that_o can_v neither_o suffer_v nor_o love_n be_v no_o christian_a 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this_o way_n from_o all_o eternity_n and_o by_o consequence_n from_o all_o eternity_n he_o bear_v the_o thought_n and_o love_n of_o the_o cross._n he_o have_v choose_v the_o cross_n say_v st._n paul_n he_o have_v embrace_v it_o from_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o his_o incarnation_n and_o by_o a_o excess_n of_o love_n he_o begin_v to_o suffer_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o by_o the_o election_n of_o his_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o never_o fail_v he_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o confusion_n and_o contempt_n rather_o than_o greatness_n and_o contentment_n so_o say_v the_o apostle_n of_o he_o and_o we_o find_v it_o in_o his_o divine_a mystery_n and_o from_o hence_o come_v the_o esteem_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v thereof_o
displease_v he_o and_o as_o much_o as_o she_o have_v displease_v he_o by_o her_o offence_n she_o desire_v to_o glorify_v he_o and_o this_o desire_n bear_v she_o to_o a_o zeal_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o final_o this_o zeal_n animate_v she_o to_o support_v all_o thing_n patient_o and_o to_o embrace_v they_o free_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o repentance_n consist_v not_o only_o in_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n commit_v and_o a_o hatred_n of_o all_o sin_n but_o also_o it_o contain_v a_o desire_n to_o glorify_v god_n for_o we_o can_v no_o more_o enter_v into_o paradise_n without_o this_o then_o without_o repentance_n herein_o they_o must_v have_v a_o care_n who_o perform_v indeed_o some_o act_n of_o mortification_n and_o suffer_v many_o thing_n but_o with_o certain_a dissemble_n or_o out_o of_o some_o private_a consideration_n or_o concernment_n and_o many_o time_n out_o of_o curiosity_n let_v they_o take_v heed_n they_o build_v not_o with_o straw_n for_o true_a 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as_o certain_a and_o will_v be_v great_a and_o true_a true_a repentance_n annihilate_v we_o and_o destroy_v sin_n in_o we_o and_o the_o fountain_n of_o sin_n as_o also_o our_o evil_a inclination_n and_o vicious_a habit_n it_o root_v out_o of_o our_o heart_n all_o that_o divide_v we_o from_o god_n all_o that_o displease_v he_o it_o convert_v we_o to_o god_n it_o draw_v we_o near_o to_o he_o it_o give_v we_o god_n and_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o creature_n and_o ourselves_o for_o the_o true_a penitent_n be_v crucify_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o dead_a to_o himself_o of_o a_o death_n to_o sin_n which_o give_v he_o life_n in_o god_n and_o make_v he_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n alter_v in_o himself_o and_o in_o his_o action_n this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o saint_n paul_n where_o he_o say_v as_o you_o have_v yield_v your_o member_n servant_n to_o uncleanness_n 6.19_o and_o to_o iniquity_n even_o so_o now_o yield_v your_o member_n servant_n to_o righteousness_n unto_o holiness_n 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a_o spiritual_a treasure_n contain_v our_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o the_o virtue_n necessary_a to_o a_o perfect_a christian._n author_n write_v in_o french_a by_o john_n quarre_n english_v by_o sir_n thomas_z stanley_z kt._n the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v by_o t._n r._n for_o thomas_n dring_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n near_o saint_n dunstan_n church_n 1664._o to_z the_o lady_z stanley_z madam_n what_o you_o here_o receive_v be_v due_a only_a to_o yourself_o it_o be_v the_o product_n of_o that_o contemplative_a retirement_n to_o which_o my_o dear_a father_n resign_v the_o two_o late_a year_n of_o his_o life_n the_o author_n be_v high_o esteem_v in_o his_o own_o country_n and_o have_v meet_v with_o so_o good_a reception_n in_o we_o also_o that_o he_o already_o see_v a_o second_o impression_n which_o in_o this_o age_n not_o a_o little_a commend_v a_o treatise_n of_o this_o nature_n upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o be_v solicit_v by_o the_o stationer_n to_o 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that_o may_v be_v despise_v all_o ornament_n of_o word_n since_o truth_n have_v so_o much_o lustre_n of_o itself_o as_o she_o need_v not_o borrow_v of_o other_o the_o world_n perhaps_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o it_o or_o suffer_v it_o to_o speak_v will_v not_o understand_v it_o for_o its_o doctrine_n be_v too_o divine_a its_o principle_n too_o high_a that_o which_o it_o propose_v be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o world_n profess_v and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o many_o will_v dispute_v it_o consider_v that_o falsehood_n and_o malice_n have_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o great_a part_n as_o love_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n and_o unwilling_a to_o consent_v to_o truth_n we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n so_o corrupt_a that_o even_a christian_n many_o time_n fear_v to_o be_v good_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v persecute_v and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o appear_v virtuous_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v deride_v hardly_o can_v it_o promise_v itself_o a_o better_a reception_n among_o they_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o piety_n for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o seek_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o most_o holy_a thing_n self-love_n have_v such_o absolute_a power_n over_o soul_n that_o they_o flatter_v themselves_o in_o every_o thing_n believe_v all_o to_o be_v good_a which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n seem_a devotion_n have_v so_o much_o applause_n among_o man_n that_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o persuade_v the_o contrary_n so_o that_o our_o perfect_a christian_a who_o speak_v here_o pure_o of_o truth_n and_o true_o of_o piety_n can_v easy_o avoid_v the_o various_a censure_n of_o man_n for_o as_o he_o speak_v christianly_o for_o his_o stile_n be_v in_o the_o spirit_n so_o he_o condemn_v free_o all_o that_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o god_n in_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o may_v appear_v strange_a and_o those_o who_o confide_v too_o much_o in_o themselves_o esteem_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o action_n will_v soon_o condemn_v this_o manner_n of_o discourse_n but_o what_o remedy_n shall_v we_o therefore_o injure_v truth_n no_o she_o will_v appear_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o world_n and_o although_o she_o may_v meet_v with_o spirit_n little_a capable_a to_o receive_v she_o yet_o it_o be_v always_o good_a to_o expose_v the_o image_n to_o the_o view_n even_o of_o her_o great_a enemy_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o will_v be_v force_v see_v she_o to_o confess_v they_o have_v no_o virtue_n that_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o night_n of_o untruth_n and_o perhaps_o they_o will_v apprehend_v their_o own_o misery_n and_o be_v afraid_a to_o loose_v themselves_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o think_v themselves_o already_o arrive_v at_o the_o high_a point_n of_o perfection_n flatter_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o esteem_n when_o they_o shall_v here_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n the_o purity_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o admire_v the_o design_n of_o god_n upon_o soul_n and_o see_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o perfect_a christian_a they_o will_v open_v those_o eye_n which_o self-love_n have_v bewitch_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o their_o action_n come_v far_o short_a of_o their_o own_o esteem_n of_o they_o and_o then_o humble_v themselves_o even_o to_o the_o centre_n of_o their_o nothing_o they_o will_v resolve_v to_o seek_v god_n to_o serve_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n after_o a_o manner_n worthy_a of_o god_n however_o they_o who_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v this_o little_a work_n will_v see_v that_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o to_o their_o great_a mischief_n and_o will_v learn_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o small_a matter_n to_o gain_v heaven_n for_o to_o such_o only_o be_v paradise_n open_a and_o that_o there_o be_v require_v more_o purity_n and_o virtue_n than_o we_o ordinary_o propose_v for_o if_o the_o life_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a be_v a_o life_n of_o god_n in_o man_n if_o true_a perfection_n be_v a_o amorous_a possession_n of_o god_n what_o purity_n what_o virtue_n must_v there_o be_v in_o he_o who_o will_v possess_v so_o rich_a a_o treasure_n &_o pretend_v to_o a_o estate_n of_o divine_a this_o be_v a_o point_n you_o must_v consider_v of_o friendly_a reader_n as_o be_v that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o your_o action_n for_o if_o you_o will_v open_v your_o eye_n to_o see_v what_o god_n require_v of_o you_o if_o you_o will_v rest_v your_o thought_n upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n you_o will_v learn_v that_o your_o heart_n must_v be_v the_o throne_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n who_o will_v establish_v his_o kingdom_n therein_o your_o soul_n a_o heaven_n where_o god_n will_v glorify_v himself_o your_o life_n the_o life_n of_o god_n who_o live_v in_o you_o that_o you_o may_v reign_v with_o he_o to_o conclude_v you_o shall_v know_v that_o you_o be_v only_o in_o the_o world_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o do_v his_o will_n in_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o spirit_n always_o holy_a be_v not_o this_o a_o affair_n of_o great_a importance_n if_o for_o your_o satisfaction_n and_o profit_n you_o desire_v to_o comprehend_v what_o i_o say_v and_o to_o know_v the_o motive_n and_o obligation_n that_o you_o have_v to_o love_v and_o serve_v god_n perfect_o read_v the_o two_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n the_o three_o and_o four_o show_v you_o the_o way_n you_o must_v keep_v and_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o live_v a_o good_a christian_a the_o last_o give_v you_o a_o pattern_n of_o true_a piety_n read_v and_o you_o shall_v learn_v how_o to_o be_v a_o good_a christian._n a_o table_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n treat_v of_o in_o this_o book_n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a prerogative_n whereunto_o man_n be_v
true_a piety_n be_v oblige_v to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ._n 481_o chap._n xiii_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o have_v be_v propose_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 489_o chap._n fourteen_o of_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n happen_v in_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n 498_o chap._n xv._n in_o what_o disposition_n the_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v that_o he_o yield_v not_o to_o such_o temptation_n as_o occur_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n 507_o chap._n xvi_o of_o temptation_n and_o the_o advantage_n a_o christian_n ought_v to_o make_v of_o they_o 512_o chap._n xvii_o of_o resignation_n in_o temptation_n 519_o chap._n xviii_o divers_a uses_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o temptation_n 525_o the_o end_n spiritual_a treasure_n the_o first_o part._n of_o the_o divine_a prerogative_n whereunto_o man_n be_v raise_v by_o the_o state_n and_o grace_n of_o christianity_n the_o first_o prerogative_n chap._n i._n how_o by_o baptism_n man_n be_v appropriate_v to_o god_n and_o consecrate_v by_o the_o bless_a trinity_n be_v you_o perfect_a 5.48_o even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a these_o be_v holy_a word_n word_n of_o truth_n pronunce_v by_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n word_n that_o import_v the_o beginning_n and_o eminency_n of_o the_o estate_n which_o we_o be_v to_o attain_v word_n worthy_a to_o be_v engrave_v not_o upon_o the_o front_n of_o our_o house_n as_o a_o celebrious_a sentence_n of_o the_o ancient_n nor_o print_v in_o our_o forehead_n in_o great_a character_n like_o the_o law_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o in_o the_o centre_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o bottom_n of_o our_o spirit_n for_o in_o these_o divine_a word_n we_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o table_n bring_v from_o heaven_n what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v we_o see_v that_o we_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n by_o creation_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v his_o resemblance_n by_o sanctification_n our_o soul_n bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v capable_a of_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v a_o essence_n so_o noble_a and_o divine_a that_o nothing_o can_v satisfy_v nothing_o can_v fill_v she_o but_o a_o infinite_a essence_n beside_o we_o learn_v that_o our_o soul_n be_v call_v to_o the_o resemblance_n of_o god_n nothing_o can_v ennoble_v she_o nothing_o can_v perfect_v she_o but_o the_o greatness_n and_o very_a perfection_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o to_o this_o it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n invite_v we_o when_o he_o say_v be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a this_o only_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o little_a work_n i_o will_v to_o god_n that_o they_o who_o be_v transport_v with_o the_o wonder_n in_o nature_n who_o can_v admire_v her_o greatness_n rare_a variety_n and_o perfection_n who_o willing_o confine_v themselves_o to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o earth_n of_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o the_o admirable_a secret_a property_n of_o every_o thing_n will_v turn_v back_o their_o sight_n into_o themselves_o to_o take_v notice_n what_o they_o be_v and_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o contemplate_v the_o singular_a perfection_n enclose_v within_o their_o own_o soul_n the_o greatness_n whereto_o god_n will_v raise_v they_o and_o eminency_n of_o that_o state_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v if_o other_o creature_n be_v object_n able_a to_o ravish_v our_o spirit_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o contemplation_n and_o admiration_n with_o how_o much_o more_o reason_n ought_v we_o to_o employ_v ourselves_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v if_o virtue_n say_v plato_n be_v so_o beautiful_a as_o that_o her_o lustre_n be_v able_a to_o transform_v our_o heart_n and_o force_v we_o to_o love_v she_o what_o then_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o which_o virtue_n be_v but_o the_o ornament_n o_o soul_n say_v one_o of_o the_o father_n thou_o love_v the_o world_n yet_o thou_o thyself_o art_n of_o more_o value_n than_o all_o the_o world_n thou_o admire_v the_o sun_n and_o yet_o art_n more_o beautiful_a than_o all_o the_o star_n thou_o do_v contemplate_v heaven_n yet_o be_v exalt_v above_o the_o firmament_n thy_o god_n only_o be_v above_o thou_o all_o creature_n be_v under_o thy_o foot_n let_v we_o begin_v to_o prepare_v our_o heart_n to_o these_o thought_n let_v we_o call_v back_o our_o distract_a spirit_n from_o so_o many_o object_n let_v we_o withdraw_v our_o wander_a eye_n from_o so_o many_o curiosity_n and_o undeceive_v our_o heart_n charm_v by_o so_o many_o vanity_n that_o we_o may_v apply_v or_o self_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o this_o knowledge_n for_o in_o be_v ignorant_a of_o these_o truth_n man_n be_v estrange_v from_o god_n and_o himself_o serve_v the_o creature_n who_o be_v make_v to_o serve_v he_o make_v his_o vanity_n a_o ornament_n and_o advance_v above_o himself_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v under_o his_o foot_n and_o far_o lose_v himself_o in_o the_o curious_a pursuit_n of_o creature_n or_o pernicious_a affection_n to_o the_o world_n he_o no_o more_o think_v of_o himself_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o seem_v no_o long_a to_o know_v his_o god_n hence_o spring_v all_o evil_n which_o overflow_v the_o earth_n all_o vice_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n nor_o be_v it_o strange_a for_o how_o can_v a_o christian_n serve_v his_o god_n if_o he_o esteem_v not_o his_o greatness_n and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o divine_a adorable_a perfection_n and_o how_o shall_v he_o know_v they_o if_o he_o seldom_o or_o never_o consider_v they_o beside_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o render_v unto_o god_n what_o he_o ought_v and_o to_o live_v as_o god_n require_v if_o he_o take_v no_o time_n to_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o if_o he_o know_v not_o what_o he_o be_v whence_o he_o come_v whither_o he_o go_v how_o he_o live_v in_o this_o it_o be_v he_o ought_v to_o employ_v his_o thought_n and_o time_n the_o high_a employment_n of_o man_n say_v heraclitus_n be_v to_o seek_v himself_o and_o we_o say_v the_o most_o necessary_a yet_o we_o be_v not_o with_o democritus_n to_o put_v out_o our_o eye_n and_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o creature_n thereby_o with_o more_o ease_n and_o attention_n to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o this_o high_a philosophy_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o we_o need_v not_o go_v to_o such_o a_o extremity_n on_o the_o contrary_a let_v we_o preserve_v our_o eye_n and_o attention_n to_o contemplate_v at_o leisure_n the_o image_n which_o i_o be_o go_v to_o describe_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v the_o pourtracture_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a in_o which_o shall_v be_v draw_v in_o lively_a colour_n the_o christian_a virtue_n and_o represent_v the_o disposition_n action_n and_o piety_n wherein_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o live_v to_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n be_v proportionable_a to_o this_o subject_n he_o that_o will_v make_v a_o man_n to_o see_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v must_v draw_v his_o picture_n that_o he_o may_v see_v and_o contemplate_v himself_o therein_o the_o soul_n like_o the_o eye_n see_v all_o thing_n yet_o not_o itself_o unless_o by_o reflection_n to_o make_v she_o know_v herself_o a_o glass_n must_v be_v set_v before_o she_o wherein_o be_v represent_v the_o true_a beauty_n of_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n her_o obligation_n to_o perfection_n her_o capacity_n to_o possess_v god_n that_o consider_v all_o these_o she_o may_v see_v what_o she_o be_v and_o what_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o she_o god_n thus_o see_v herself_o she_o know_v herself_o know_v her_o helf_n she_o esteem_v according_o of_o she_o own_o be_v life_n and_o condition_n and_o by_o these_o degree_n arrive_v to_o this_o esteem_n she_o faithful_o endeavour_v to_o render_v god_n the_o honour_n love_n and_o service_n due_a to_o he_o careful_a to_o lead_v a_o life_n suitable_a to_o the_o condition_n and_o dignity_n whereto_o god_n have_v call_v she_o to_o represent_v to_o the_o life_n so_o great_a perfection_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v what_o the_o soul_n be_v before_o god_n to_o who_o she_o be_v call_v and_o may_v arrive_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o a_o supernatural_a power_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o essence_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o mystery_n wrought_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o what_o he_o have_v accomplish_v in_o heaven_n because_o they_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o source_n of_o all_o grace_n wherewith_o we_o be_v enrich_v they_o make_v we_o know_v what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o what_o he_o will_v operate_v in_o we_o and_o by_o we_o these_o than_o we_o must_v propose_v behold_v three_o which_o we_o
manner_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v in_o our_o action_n spring_v from_o the_o son_n of_o god_n must_v by_o consequence_n be_v very_o like_o it_o so_o a_o christian_a action_n shall_v be_v that_o which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v bear_v upon_o the_o earth_n accomplish_v in_o the_o holy_a and_o perfect_a disposition_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o by_o this_o only_a circumstance_n we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o difference_n of_o our_o action_n for_o all_o that_o we_o do_v without_o the_o spirit_n and_o without_o disposition_n agreeable_a to_o a_o action_n worthy_a of_o god_n be_v to_o do_v nothing_o or_o very_o little_a such_o action_n ordinary_o proceed_v but_o from_o a_o naturrll_a inclination_n or_o which_o be_v worse_o from_o the_o instigation_n of_o our_o own_o lust_n and_o love_n of_o ourselves_o let_v we_o far_o consider_v this_o truth_n which_o will_v seem_v hard_a or_o new_a to_o those_o who_o know_v not_o the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n who_o never_o regard_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o their_o salvation_n when_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v say_v to_o comprehend_v their_o perfection_n you_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n not_o only_o to_o communicate_v to_o we_o his_o grace_n but_o to_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o give_v we_o his_o spirit_n and_o life_n to_o give_v they_o to_o we_o not_o only_o to_o justify_v we_o and_o as_o we_o say_v to_o put_v we_o into_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n but_o to_o be_v in_o we_o to_o dwell_v there_o to_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o a_o new_a life_n and_o new_a spirit_n in_o we_o and_o to_o give_v we_o disposition_n proportionable_a to_o such_o a_o estate_n this_o the_o apostle_n teach_v when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o eternal_a father_n have_v put_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o our_o heart_n 8.16_o and_o that_o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o see_v that_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o state_n and_o grace_n of_o filiation_n and_o divine_a adoption_n we_o live_v in_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v make_v our_o life_n and_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o we_o dwell_v in_o we_o govern_v we_o inlivens_fw-la we_o and_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o action_n make_v they_o please_v to_o god_n supernatural_a and_o worthy_a of_o paradise_n thus_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a according_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o god_n be_v far_o above_o all_o life_n a_o be_v above_o all_o being_n i_o leave_v you_o to_o judge_v what_o the_o action_n of_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v proceed_v from_o a_o principle_n so_o holy_a and_o divine_a you_o will_v find_v all_o the_o very_a reasonable_a and_o admire_v the_o bounty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o this_o conduct_n of_o our_o soul_n if_o we_o will_v consider_v that_o the_o eternal_a word_n be_v make_v man_n that_o by_o debase_v himself_o he_o may_v render_v to_o his_o father_n a_o honour_n worthy_a of_o god_n he_o come_v upon_o the_o earth_n to_o establish_v by_o the_o merit_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o cross_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o to_o make_v we_o worthy_a to_o serve_v and_o honour_n god_n after_o a_o manner_n worthy_a of_o god_n for_o this_o cause_n he_o advance_v unto_o himself_o he_o consecrate_v our_o life_n and_o action_n by_o his_o death_n and_o blood_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v refer_v worthy_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n he_o unite_v himself_o to_o we_o communicate_v to_o we_o his_o life_n his_o spirit_n and_o disposition_n to_o make_v we_o capable_a to_o praise_n god_n according_a to_o his_o greatness_n which_o we_o can_v never_o do_v if_o we_o do_v not_o take_v of_o he_o and_o from_o he_o this_o power_n and_o disposition_n this_o he_o give_v we_o when_o he_o 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of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o see_v more_o evident_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v let_v we_o further_o remember_v that_o as_o christian_n we_o be_v member_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o be_v our_o head_n a_o head_n that_o infuse_v life_n in_o we_o in_o this_o quality_n he_o have_v right_a to_o live_v and_o act_v in_o we_o as_o our_o soul_n act_v and_o live_v in_o our_o body_n this_o consider_v we_o must_v say_v that_o as_o the_o essence_n and_o excellency_n of_o a_o christian_a consist_v in_o his_o be_v a_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o the_o perfection_n of_o christian_a duty_n be_v that_o they_o be_v operate_v by_o jesus_n christ_n live_v and_o operate_n in_o we_o as_o his_o member_n i_o say_v not_o only_o that_o we_o must_v imitate_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o do_v all_o our_o action_n in_o grace_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v be_v call_v christian_a but_o also_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o the_o same_o intention_n and_o spirit_n wherewith_o jesus_n christ_n do_v act_n on_o earth_n which_o he_o communicate_v to_o his_o church_n and_o to_o all_o he_o our_o action_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o be_v good_a and_o reasonable_a but_o to_o be_v worthy_a of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o head_n who_o member_n we_o be_v therefore_o they_o must_v be_v animate_v by_o his_o life_n guide_v by_o his_o motion_n and_o regulate_v by_o his_o intention_n see_v that_o to_o this_o end_n he_o give_v we_o his_o spirit_n and_o life_n to_o be_v our_o spirit_n and_o life_n and_o that_o he_o give_v we_o free_o abundant_a grace_n in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o to_o accomplish_v all_o our_o action_n this_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n for_o which_o we_o shall_v one_o day_n render_v a_o strict_a account_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o uprightness_n of_o man_n by_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o favour_n certain_o he_o will_v examine_v and_o punish_v the_o ignorance_n the_o contempt_n and_o abuse_n of_o so_o many_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v acquire_v for_o we_o by_o his_o travel_n and_o cross_n and_o offer_v we_o with_o so_o much_o love_n and_o bounty_n this_o will_v appear_v yet_o more_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o common_a belief_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a who_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o perfect_a christian_a aught_o to_o be_v action_n of_o grace_n let_v we_o therefore_o examine_v what_o the_o essence_n and_o dignity_n of_o this_o grace_n be_v for_o suppose_v that_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o life_n of_o grace_n we_o must_v necessary_o grant_v that_o our_o action_n by_o consequence_n ought_v to_o be_v conformable_a and_o correspondent_a to_o the_o sanctity_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o grace_n which_o give_v they_o life_n sanctify_v they_o and_o advance_v they_o since_o they_o must_v be_v proportionable_a and_o semblable_a to_o the_o cause_n we_o know_v that_o the_o grace_n which_o sanctify_v and_o give_v life_n to_o our_o action_n be_v a_o grace_n make_v for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o from_o he_o it_o flow_v into_o we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o replenish_v and_o enrich_v but_o from_o his_o bounty_n this_o grant_v our_o life_n and_o action_n must_v be_v holy_a and_o perfect_a by_o the_o same_o sanctity_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v love_o communicate_v to_o and_o engraft_a in_o our_o soul_n sanctify_v enliven_a and_o perfect_v our_o life_n and_o action_n when_o we_o say_v that_o this_o grace_n come_v from_o jesus_n christ_n we_o express_v in_o this_o alone_a the_o excellency_n and_o dignity_n of_o it_o for_o to_o know_v the_o dignity_n and_o eminency_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n it_o suffice_v not_o to_o say_v as_o we_o common_o do_v that_o it_o
of_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o the_o favour_n wherewith_o the_o powerful_a hand_n of_o the_o divinity_n have_v so_o liberal_o enrich_v he_o and_o degrade_v he_o of_o all_o honour_n and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o condition_n of_o meanness_n impotence_n and_o error_n this_o goodly_a spirit_n of_o man_n or_o rather_o this_o man_n all_o spirit_n be_v now_o nothing_o but_o flesh_n this_o beautiful_a soul_n which_o breathe_v for_o nothing_o but_o heaven_n entertain_v itself_o so_o delicious_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o infallible_a truth_n and_o be_v enrich_v with_o contemplation_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n as_o with_o divine_a dew_n and_o heavenly_a manna_n after_o so_o deplorable_a a_o fall_n obstinate_o link_n himself_o to_o the_o perishable_a good_n of_o this_o world_n believe_v in_o lie_n seek_v after_o vanity_n and_o can_v no_o more_o elevate_v himself_o to_o god_n so_o miserable_a and_o impotent_a have_v sin_n make_v he_o o_o unhappiness_n which_o can_v sufficient_o be_v bewail_v man_n who_o by_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o creation_n have_v eye_n to_o contemplate_v only_o his_o creator_n and_o convert_v himself_o whole_o to_o he_o have_v no_o heart_n but_o to_o love_v he_o no_o spirit_n but_o to_o adhere_v to_o he_o after_o so_o fatal_a a_o cast_n whole_o turn_v away_o from_o god_n regard_v nothing_o but_o himself_o be_v whole_o convert_v to_o the_o creature_n live_v as_o a_o beast_n only_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o like_o a_o beast_n without_o judgement_n the_o apostle_n go_v further_a for_o describe_v the_o estate_n whereto_o the_o sinner_n be_v reduce_v he_o declare_v he_o uncapable_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n say_v he_o receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v hence_o i_o doubt_v lest_o the_o way_n i_o intend_v to_o propose_v which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n appear_v too_o high_a or_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o our_o spirit_n i_o confess_v they_o be_v so_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n impotency_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o contrary_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o relieve_v man_n after_o his_o fall_n to_o restore_v he_o those_o gift_n with_o advantage_n which_o he_o lose_v to_o render_v he_o capable_a of_o god_n in_o brief_a he_o be_v make_v man_n to_o teach_v man_n the_o true_a way_n to_o love_n and_o serve_v god_n he_o give_v the_o power_n have_v settle_v in_o his_o church_n a_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o grace_n whence_o all_o soul_n may_v draw_v strength_n in_o their_o weakness_n succour_n in_o their_o necessity_n and_o ability_n in_o the_o very_a impotency_n of_o their_o nature_n here_o of_o jesus_n man_n and_o god_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v the_o way_n to_o love_v and_o adore_v and_o to_o serve_v god_n from_o he_o we_o must_v have_v the_o grace_n to_o do_v it_o we_o must_v in_o and_o by_o jesus_n operate_v above_o our_o strength_n above_o our_o be_v and_o natural_a power_n and_o nothing_o aught_o to_o seem_v difficult_a to_o we_o or_o impossible_a for_o he_o see_v he_o give_v we_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n in_o abundance_n to_o accomplish_v it_o to_o believe_v this_o we_o must_v look_v back_o upon_o the_o design_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o profusion_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o leisurely_o examine_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n what_o he_o will_v operate_v in_o we_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o divine_a communication_n at_o the_o first_o view_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o grace_n draw_v from_o we_o our_o impotency_n advance_v we_o above_o our_o nature_n give_v we_o a_o new_a be_v a_o new_a life_n a_o life_n entire_a and_o whole_o hide_v in_o god_n a_o life_n proper_a to_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n according_a to_o which_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o live_v the_o son_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o the_o samaritan_n and_o in_o she_o to_o all_o the_o faithful_a make_v a_o discourse_n hereof_o worthy_a to_o be_v consider_v express_v a_o intention_n to_o establish_v his_o church_n 4.23_o the_o hour_n shall_v come_v say_v he_o and_o now_o be_v wherein_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o the_o reason_n he_o add_v god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o 24._o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n what_o more_o powerful_a and_o clear_a testimony_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o try_v and_o elect_v soul_n that_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n if_o he_o himself_o do_v choose_v they_o and_o call_v they_o to_o this_o new_a life_n be_v it_o not_o necessary_a that_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o election_n he_o give_v they_o grace_v necessary_a to_o arrive_v at_o such_o a_o estate_n let_v we_o consider_v this_o passage_n and_o ponder_v all_o the_o word_n of_o it_o 1._o jesus_n christ_n show_v we_o that_o our_o life_n must_v be_v holy_a and_o sever_v from_o the_o creature_n see_v that_o we_o must_v serve_v god_n in_o truth_n without_o amuse_v ourselves_o with_o the_o vanity_n and_o thing_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o lie_v in_o truth_n that_o be_v to_o say_v conformable_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n and_o to_o that_o principle_n whence_o the_o soul_n take_v power_n to_o serve_v god_n the_o grace_n spirit_n and_o disposition_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n we_o learn_v further_o that_o if_o perfection_n of_o this_o life_n be_v inward_a pure_a holy_a and_o absolute_o divine_a see_v it_o be_v and_o subsist_v in_o the_o adoration_n of_o god_n who_o as_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n pure_a and_o holy_a will_v be_v serve_v and_o adore_v in_o spirit_n 2._o jesus_n christ_n teach_v that_o we_o must_v wait_v upon_o he_o for_o this_o grace_n necessary_a to_o accomplish_v his_o command_n who_o require_v of_o we_o a_o life_n so_o pure_a and_o perfect_a oblige_v himself_o to_o give_v we_o necessary_a grace_n to_o arrive_v unto_o it_o since_o that_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o that_o which_o he_o teach_v in_o brief_a we_o see_v how_o much_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o require_v this_o grace_n to_o search_v after_o it_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o unto_o it_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o become_v worthy_a of_o it_o we_o must_v not_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o important_a as_o this_o of_o our_o salvation_n demur_v in_o consideration_n of_o our_o impotency_n or_o experience_n of_o our_o own_o incapacity_n but_o raise_v ourselves_o above_o ourselves_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v hope_v in_o he_o who_o command_v nothing_o impossible_a who_o give_v grace_n abundant_o to_o accomplish_v what_o he_o demand_v these_o be_v the_o first_o disposition_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o which_o those_o soul_n that_o have_v any_o desire_n to_o live_v christianly_o ought_v first_o of_o all_o to_o learn_v but_o it_o happen_v quite_o contrary_a the_o understanding_n of_o man_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o they_o desire_v not_o these_o internal_a solid_a virtue_n nor_o require_v they_o of_o god_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o many_o think_v it_o unnecessary_a to_o possess_v they_o and_o that_o such_o a_o life_n as_o we_o call_v interior_a be_v for_o few_o person_n as_o if_o jesus_n christ_n speak_v to_o the_o samaritan_n have_v speak_v only_o to_o she_o and_o not_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n other_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o attain_v they_o as_o not_o believe_v the_o apostle_n who_o say_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n which_o strengthen_v i_o 4.13_o a_o manifest_a error_n wherein_o many_o lose_v themselves_o in_o not_o sufficient_o consider_v what_o they_o daily_o see_v by_o common_a experience_n set_v before_o their_o eye_n if_o weak_a woman_n virgin_n and_o child_n have_v have_v strength_n sufficient_a notwithstanding_o their_o young_a and_o tender_a body_n to_o embrace_v torture_n almost_o insupportable_a and_o have_v by_o grace_n be_v strengthen_v to_o overcome_v those_o difficulty_n why_o shall_v not_o we_o believe_v also_o that_o abandon_v ourselves_o to_o the_o power_n and_o conduct_v of_o grace_n and_o become_v faithful_a to_o the_o design_n of_o god_n we_o may_v have_v sufficient_a grace_n and_o capacity_n to_o acquire_v these_o virtue_n if_o by_o the_o help_n of_o grace_n they_o can_v attain_v strength_n of_o body_n to_o support_v the_o rigour_n of_o a_o penitent_a life_n wherefore_o by_o favour_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n may_v not_o we_o arrive_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o true_a virtue_n wherein_o a_o
christian_a life_n do_v consist_v what_o difficulty_n do_v we_o find_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n all_o the_o obstacle_n if_o we_o near_o consider_v it_o proceed_v from_o not_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o interior_a life_n of_o the_o soul_n many_o believe_v it_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o abstract_n life_n and_o of_o the_o other_o world_n a_o life_n full_a of_o care_n a_o life_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o humane_a society_n other_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o life_n of_o insupportable_a solitude_n and_o inaccessible_a contemplation_n every_o one_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o he_o please_v some_o condemn_v it_o other_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a most_o believe_v it_o difficult_a let_v we_o not_o insist_v upon_o word_n they_o be_v explicate_v to_o all_o sense_n let_v we_o only_o say_v that_o the_o life_n we_o call_v interior_a be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v god_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o life_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o mother_n of_o all_o virtue_n thus_o than_o the_o interior_a life_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o virtuous_a christian_a life_n to_o which_o life_n all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a man_n must_v fear_v god_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o soul_n must_v high_o esteem_v of_o all_o that_o be_v in_o christianity_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n must_v be_v vigilant_a to_o do_v nothing_o to_o displease_v god_n careful_a to_o preserve_v his_o soul_n and_o conscience_n in_o the_o purity_n of_o grace_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n 13.18_o to_o have_v a_o esteem_n of_o god_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o of_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o to_o carry_v a_o mean_a esteem_n of_o himself_o and_o all_o creature_n to_o live_v in_o this_o manner_n be_v that_o which_o i_o call_v a_o inward_a life_n the_o rest_n without_o this_o be_v nothing_o and_o to_o teach_v soul_n any_o other_o life_n be_v to_o betray_v they_o now_o who_o see_v not_o that_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n if_o they_o will_v be_v save_v who_o find_v not_o now_o how_o much_o this_o life_n be_v easy_a than_o it_o be_v represent_v and_o all_o together_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v expect_v let_v we_o then_o take_v a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o embrace_v it_o and_o to_o give_v ourselves_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n to_o he_o who_o have_v give_v himself_o to_o we_o he_o have_v right_a and_o power_n to_o live_v in_o we_o to_o do_v in_o we_o and_o of_o we_o all_o that_o he_o please_v let_v we_o only_o take_v care_n that_o we_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o to_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v assist_v by_o his_o grace_n let_v we_o cheerful_o endeavour_v the_o acquisition_n of_o christian_a virtue_n let_v we_o so_o order_n that_o grace_n may_v reign_v in_o we_o according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o god_n that_o god_n may_v dwell_v in_o we_o as_o in_o a_o live_a tabernacle_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v consecrate_v by_o his_o blood_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o experience_n that_o with_o the_o apostle_n 4.13_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o jesus_n christ_n who_o strengthen_v we_o chap._n ii_o that_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n whereto_o we_o can_v arrive_v but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ._n before_o i_o proceed_v i_o must_v suppose_v that_o i_o speak_v to_o soul_n desirous_a to_o live_v virtuous_o and_o perfect_o in_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n according_a to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o law_n and_o rule_n my_o address_n be_v to_o such_o who_o be_v faithful_a dispensator_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v make_v use_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n endeavour_v to_o profit_v a_o hundred_o fold_n the_o first_o thing_n that_o i_o ask_v of_o they_o be_v what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o as_o in_o thing_n natural_a &_o artificial_a the_o first_o thought_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o workman_n be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o work_n so_o in_o piety_n we_o must_v consider_v and_o know_v the_o end_n and_o the_o life_n of_o christian_a action_n that_o know_v they_o we_o may_v resolve_v courageous_o to_o undertake_v they_o and_o promise_v ourselves_o great_a fidelity_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v propose_v to_o we_o or_o be_v necessary_a for_o to_o arrive_v at_o so_o happy_a a_o estate_n we_o know_v the_o end_n of_o a_o christian_a soul_n be_v nothing_o but_o god_n 1.23_o who_o be_v he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o say_v the_o apostle_n who_o it_o seek_v to_o and_o possess_v as_o its_o sole_a happiness_n and_o to_o enjoy_v he_o for_o ever_o none_o reject_v this_o truth_n though_o it_o appear_v high_a and_o extraordinary_a for_o they_o that_o discourse_n ordinary_o of_o christian_a perfection_n say_v all_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o in_o perfect_a charity_n which_o be_v true_a but_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o this_o love_n mean_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n have_v privilege_n and_o power_n to_o give_v god_n who_o be_v essential_a love_n thus_o consider_v this_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o perfection_n consist_v in_o love_n which_o love_n give_v we_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o soul_n must_v be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n he_o that_o will_v comprehend_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o must_v know_v the_o greatness_n and_o dignity_n of_o god_n from_o which_o knowledge_n he_o shall_v learn_v what_o the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n must_v be_v what_o our_o entertainment_n and_o how_o holy_a our_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v for_o if_o the_o mean_n be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o end_n it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o end_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v supernatural_a and_o nothing_o less_o than_o god_n himself_o the_o mean_n also_o that_o we_o must_v use_v to_o arrive_v to_o this_o end_n must_v be_v supernatural_a and_o divine_a they_o therefore_o who_o seek_v perfection_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o end_n must_v have_v a_o particular_a care_n not_o only_o to_o embrace_v all_o action_n and_o use_n which_o may_v conduct_v they_o but_o shun_v and_o contemn_v all_o vain_a and_o superfluous_a thing_n which_o serve_v not_o to_o attain_v to_o this_o end_n and_o must_v detest_v they_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o we_o can_v arrive_v at_o this_o end_n nor_o to_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a his_o fullness_n and_o the_o consummation_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o by_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n himself_o by_o grace_n alone_o and_o mercy_n and_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n none_o can_v arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o by_o his_o divine_a light_n and_o by_o a_o special_a revelation_n 11.27_o no_o man_n know_v the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n neither_o know_v any_o man_n the_o father_n save_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o who_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o and_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o this_o knowledge_n he_o can_v make_v no_o good_a use_n of_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v aid_v with_o a_o new_a favour_n he_o can_v go_v to_o god_n nor_o enjoy_v his_o grace_n or_o spirit_n unless_o he_o be_v aid_v and_o guide_v by_o he_o who_o say_v 14.6_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o and_o that_o which_o show_v our_o great_a impotency_n or_o need_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o grace_n be_v that_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o worthy_a and_o capable_a to_o approach_v unto_o god_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o possess_v he_o 15.5_o without_o i_o say_v he_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o on_o the_o one_o side_n the_o soul_n see_v and_o confess_v that_o god_n be_v her_o perfection_n her_o happiness_n and_o heritage_n that_o in_o he_o she_o have_v all_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v her_o sufficiency_n her_o life_n and_o consummation_n on_o the_o other_o side_n she_o find_v that_o she_o can_v go_v to_o he_o nor_o enjoy_v he_o nor_o think_v of_o he_o but_o by_o he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o his_o grace_n by_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n she_o feel_v that_o she_o bear_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o she_o be_v not_o only_a incapacity_n impotency_n and_o feeblness_n but_o of_o opposition_n to_o grace_n to_o the_o gift_n and_o work_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n she_o carry_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n love_n she_o
be_v deceive_v by_o this_o way_n our_o spirit_n be_v too_o feeble_a this_o way_n too_o eminent_a and_o that_o it_o occasion_n a_o perpetual_a combat_n in_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v troublesome_a to_o a_o man_n to_o walk_v in_o darkness_n so_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o the_o soul_n to_o go_v this_o way_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v obscure_a and_o hide_a but_o if_o we_o will_v learn_v it_o well_o we_o must_v say_v the_o contrary_a all_o other_o way_n be_v uncertain_a and_o deceitful_a virtue_n alone_o be_v infallible_a we_o shall_v never_o be_v deceive_v if_o we_o stick_v to_o it_o it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o mean_a esteem_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o faith_n god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o conduct_v we_o be_v capable_a of_o lose_v we_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n to_o guide_v our_o reason_n and_o that_o our_o reason_n must_v submit_v thereunto_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o faith_n be_v annihilate_v as_o saint_n paul_n say_v we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n meaning_n that_o to_o live_v christianly_o 5.7_o we_o must_v let_v our_o reason_n be_v guide_v by_o faith_n not_o faith_n by_o reason_n wherein_o we_o see_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o necessity_n of_o our_o walk_n by_o the_o light_n of_o this_o torch_n or_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a manner_n of_o speech_n see_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o will_v live_v a_o perfect_a christian_a to_o follow_v only_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o learn_v to_o make_v use_n of_o evangelicall_n truth_n if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o soul_n who_o take_v this_o way_n be_v deceive_v it_o be_v in_o that_o they_o go_v out_o of_o it_o and_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o devil_n or_o self-love_n or_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o humane_a spirit_n which_o esteem_v itself_o in_o every_o thing_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o conduct_n of_o faith_n to_o follow_v that_o of_o humane_a prudence_n choose_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o worldly_a vanity_n rather_o than_o by_o the_o maxim_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o heavenly_a truth_n thus_o indeed_o they_o find_v themselves_o deceive_v and_o fall_v into_o misfortune_n not_o for_o have_v take_v this_o way_n of_o faith_n but_o for_o have_v quit_v it_o and_o adhere_v to_o humane_a prudence_n and_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n which_o like_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la will_v lead_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n unless_o we_o be_v aid_v by_o a_o supernatural_a force_n and_o guide_v by_o a_o more_o sure_a light_n such_o as_o be_v this_o of_o faith_n but_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v faithful_a apply_v herself_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n and_o maxim_n of_o christianity_n that_o seek_v god_n with_o simplicity_n and_o humility_n there_o must_v necessary_o arrive_v great_a profit_n and_o advantage_n in_o christian_n perfection_n we_o must_v not_o therefore_o condemn_v this_o way_n and_o reject_v it_o as_o too_o high_a too_o difficult_a and_o too_o painful_a for_o it_o be_v the_o way_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n and_o command_v all_o his_o child_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v teach_v it_o every_o one_o accommodate_v ourselves_o to_o their_o several_a capacity_n and_o give_v they_o all_o the_o mean_n to_o pursue_v it_o without_o go_v out_o of_o it_o lest_o they_o be_v deceive_v if_o we_o find_v here_o any_o difficulty_n it_o be_v in_o ourselves_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o man_n which_o hinder_v his_o progress_n this_o way_n one_o be_v esteem_v of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o own_o spirit_n the_o other_o be_v the_o love_n that_o he_o bear_v himself_o and_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n to_o the_o creature_n to_o pursue_v this_o way_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o faith_n he_o must_v go_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o renounce_v his_o own_o spirit_n and_o raise_v himself_o above_o all_o creature_n to_o adhere_v to_o truth_n to_o believe_v and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o what_o he_o do_v believe_v he_o must_v renounce_v his_o judgement_n his_o reason_n and_o his_o sense_n and_o annihilate_v they_o if_o our_o reason_n sense_n and_o judgement_n repugn_v the_o truth_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n we_o must_v quit_v our_o reason_n and_o our_o sense_n to_o unite_v ourselves_o to_o the_o truth_n if_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v propose_v that_o the_o uncreated_a eternal_a word_n become_v man_n that_o god_n die_v reason_n and_o sense_n oppose_v this_o truth_n reason_n can_v comprehend_v that_o the_o eternal_a god_n shall_v make_v himself_o subject_a to_o time_n the_o immortal_a submit_v himself_o to_o death_n yet_o to_o believe_v this_o our_o will_n move_v by_o grace_n notwithstanding_o the_o opposition_n of_o reason_n and_o sense_n must_v say_v i_o will_v believe_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n propose_v the_o will_n adhere_v hereto_o command_v reason_n and_o judgement_n which_o obey_v she_o believe_v what_o she_o propose_v the_o understanding_n which_o use_v to_o command_v and_o be_v free_a render_v itself_o captive_a and_o obedient_a annihilate_v its_o own_o thought_n and_o reason_n that_o so_o it_o may_v adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n propose_v and_o form_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n thus_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o of_o saint_n paul_n 10.5_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n by_o faith_n the_o understanding_n which_o use_v to_o command_v be_v make_v captive_a and_o obedient_a to_o the_o will_n therefore_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n go_v out_o of_o herself_o and_o no_o more_o obey_v her_o judgement_n or_o sense_n she_o no_o more_o regard_v herself_o but_o the_o truth_n only_o which_o she_o embrace_v as_o her_o object_n adhere_v and_o unite_n herself_o thereto_o thus_o by_o faith_n the_o soul_n be_v elevate_v above_o herself_o to_o be_v tie_v and_o unite_v to_o the_o eternal_a and_o infallible_a truth_n reveal_v and_o propose_v to_o she_o this_o well_o consider_v will_v show_v we_o the_o excellency_n and_o dignity_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o knowledge_n we_o shall_v learn_v how_o much_o we_o be_v to_o esteem_v the_o state_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_a and_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_n in_o particular_a see_v that_o according_a to_o god_n design_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o christian_n as_o christian_n must_v live_v and_o be_v guide_v only_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o light_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a draw_v we_o out_o of_o ourselves_o to_o unite_v and_o tie_v we_o to_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n we_o shall_v moreover_o see_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o what_o we_o think_v it_o consist_v not_o in_o great_a learning_n in_o many_o reason_n and_o several_a argument_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v for_o the_o simple_a and_o for_o those_o who_o can_v go_v out_o of_o themselves_o who_o can_v annihilate_v themselves_o in_o their_o reason_n and_o quit_v the_o regard_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o creature_n adhere_v and_o follow_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v common_o that_o the_o learned_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v most_o prudence_n most_o reason_n the_o most_o solid_a judgement_n and_o capacity_n of_o spirit_n have_v likewise_o most_o opposition_n to_o faith_n for_o they_o be_v less_o able_a to_o go_v out_o of_o themselves_o to_o annihilate_v their_o own_o spirit_n and_o judgement_n thus_o jesus_n christ_n after_o he_o have_v sum_v up_o the_o truth_n of_o heaven_n and_o describe_v the_o contentment_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o just_a 11.25_o conclude_v with_o a_o enthusiasm_n of_o truth_n i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n say_v he_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n these_o truth_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o meek_a which_o show_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o god_n give_v it_o to_o the_o humble_a and_o little_a one_o that_o to_o adhere_v to_o it_o we_o must_v humble_v and_o abase_v ourselves_o in_o a_o word_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n conceive_v we_o must_v go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o out_o of_o esteem_n of_o ourselves_o let_v we_o practice_v this_o for_o it_o be_v our_o principal_a design_n to_o make_v use_n of_o faith_n and_o truth_n conceive_v we_o must_v first_o consider_v what_o faith_n propose_v but_o we_o must_v consider_v it_o bare_o and_o simple_o without_o any_o discourse_n upon_o it_o we_o
must_v adhere_v thereto_o and_o have_v adhere_v to_o it_o we_o must_v act_v and_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o adherence_n let_v we_o propose_v a_o example_n in_o common_a thing_n to_o facilitate_v the_o practice_n i_o look_v upon_o god_n i_o consider_v his_o infinite_a essence_n i_o see_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n all_o creature_n be_v as_o nothing_o have_v take_v and_o imprint_v this_o thought_n in_o my_o spirit_n i_o believe_v and_o immediate_o adhere_v thereunto_o say_v it_o be_v true_a then_o make_v use_n of_o this_o truth_n which_o i_o believe_v i_o despise_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o god_n for_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n which_o i_o perform_v teach_v i_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v nothing_o all_o creature_n be_v nothing_o before_o god_n in_o like_a manner_n amid_o my_o action_n make_v use_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o i_o profess_v and_o believe_v sometime_o i_o despise_v one_o thing_n sometime_o another_o esteem_v god_n only_o but_o account_v all_o the_o rest_n as_o nothing_o thus_o i_o act_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o make_v use_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o give_v a_o example_n more_o common_a i_o will_v form_v in_o myself_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n hereupon_o i_o will_v rouse_v up_o in_o my_o spirit_n the_o thought_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o teach_v i_o god_n be_v present_a every_o where_o and_o thence_o infer_v that_o consequent_o he_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n with_o the_o same_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n that_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n amid_o the_o cherubim_n and_o saint_n for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n have_v conceive_v this_o truth_n i_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o say_v it_o be_v true_a then_o make_v use_n of_o it_o i_o find_v myself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n i_o hold_v myself_o before_o he_o in_o great_a reverence_n i_o walk_v with_o recollection_n of_o spirit_n and_o a_o sweet_a application_n of_o my_o soul_n to_o god_n who_o be_v present_a now_o i_o look_v on_o he_o with_o love_n next_o i_o adore_v he_o do_v all_o these_o action_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n this_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o truth_n the_o thing_n be_v not_o hard_o we_o must_v only_o apply_v ourselves_o hearty_o hereunto_o for_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o we_o advance_v and_o perfectionate_a ourselves_o in_o this_o exercise_n shall_v our_o action_n be_v perfect_a and_o perform_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o much_o importance_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v persuade_v all_o christian_n to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o cause_n root_n and_o source_n of_o all_o good_a action_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o effect_n that_o faith_n produce_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n 11.1_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o he_o will_v compare_v faith_n to_o substance_n and_o say_v that_o as_o substance_n be_v the_o support_n of_o all_o accident_n so_o faith_n be_v the_o support_n and_o basis_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o grace_n faith_n be_v the_o first_o gift_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o elder_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n she_o contain_v and_o substain_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o the_o use_n we_o make_v thereof_o be_v we_o virtuous_a and_o advance_v in_o christian_a perfection_n as_o this_o be_v the_o first_o of_o god_n gift_n so_o the_o first_o care_n of_o a_o christian_a must_v be_v to_o compass_v so_o fruitful_a and_o profitable_a a_o grace_n this_o be_v a_o talon_n whereof_o god_n will_v demand_v a_o most_o exact_a account_n when_o we_o shall_v appear_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o his_o divine_a justice_n god_n give_v we_o not_o so_o great_a a_o grace_n but_o to_o profit_v thereby_o and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o it_o belong_v to_o god_n alone_o to_o give_v faith_n to_o move_v our_o will_n to_o illuminate_v our_o understanding_n but_o it_o be_v in_o man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o to_o show_v by_o his_o work_n the_o faith_n he_o have_v receive_v of_o god_n in_o fine_a what_o advantage_n be_v it_o to_o possess_v faith_n which_o be_v a_o infuse_a habit_n and_o to_o let_v it_o sleep_v in_o we_o to_o possess_v truth_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o under_o restraint_n i'faith_o we_o say_v be_v a_o supernatural_a habit_n a_o light_n of_o grace_n we_o must_v therefore_o put_v it_o in_o action_n and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o light_n to_o walk_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o path_n of_o virtue_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n evident_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n the_o eternal_a father_n send_v and_o give_v we_o his_o son_n the_o uncreated_a and_o essential_a truth_n to_o speak_v to_o we_o &_o conduct_v we_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o son_n converse_v among_o man_n to_o bear_v witness_n 18.37_o as_o he_o himself_o say_v unto_o the_o truth_n the_o same_o son_n of_o god_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n send_v to_o we_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o enlighten_v we_o and_o teach_v we_o the_o truth_n and_o why_o have_v god_n so_o great_a a_o care_n that_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n but_o because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o may_v save_v we_o and_o make_v we_o free_a that_o be_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n may_v draw_v we_o from_o vice_n and_o sin_n to_o lead_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o acquisition_n and_o possession_n of_o virtue_n look_v upon_o a_o soul_n guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n you_o shall_v see_v that_o immediate_o she_o detest_v ill_a and_o embrace_v good_a it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o it_o to_o engender_v and_o form_v act_n of_o virtue_n if_o the_o soul_n know_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n make_v use_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o truth_n she_o will_v present_o be_v carry_v to_o a_o great_a esteem_n of_o god_n from_o this_o esteem_n spring_v reverence_n reverence_n operate_v love_n love_n bring_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n the_o soul_n so_o unite_v by_o love_n fear_v to_o displease_v he_o this_o fear_n which_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o love_n bring_v into_o the_o soul_n a_o vigilancy_n not_o to_o offend_v he_o she_o love_v but_o it_o be_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n this_o vigilancy_n form_v a_o purity_n in_o the_o soul_n this_o purity_n render_v we_o worthy_a to_o possess_v god_n thus_o faith_n summon_v all_o the_o virtue_n 10.38_o embrace_v they_o and_o bind_v they_o all_o together_o and_o as_o she_o be_v mother_n so_o be_v she_o also_o nurse_v of_o they_o in_o brief_a she_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n the_o nourishment_n of_o all_o good_a action_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o saint_n paul_n who_o say_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a faith_n be_v a_o light_n of_o truth_n he_o than_o that_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n walk_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o truth_n be_v to_o hate_v sin_n which_o be_v a_o liar_n this_o be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n and_o possession_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o in_o the_o term_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o live_v in_o jesus_n 14.6_o who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n it_o therefore_o great_o import_v soul_n which_o will_v live_v good_a christian_n and_o obtain_v true_a virtue_n to_o establish_v themselves_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o use_v of_o faith_n to_o demand_v it_o of_o god_n and_o to_o refer_v all_o their_o good_a exercise_n thereunto_o which_o be_v true_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o principle_n the_o entertainer_n and_o supporter_n of_o christian_a perfection_n this_o exercise_n be_v very_o large_a faith_n and_o truth_n have_v effect_n almost_o innumerable_a he_o who_o apply_v himself_o thereto_o shall_v taste_v the_o fruit_n more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o his_o care_n therein_o but_o if_o we_o will_v know_v the_o most_o important_a where_o we_o must_v begin_v i_o answer_v it_o be_v the_o esteem_n of_o god_n wherein_o the_o soul_n must_v entertain_v itself_o much_o and_o lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n to_o arrive_v at_o this_o esteem_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o high_a and_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o frequent_a love_a and_o affectionate_a consideration_n of_o god_n we_o must_v never_o speak_v of_o god_n or_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o concern_v he_o but_o in_o word_n worthy_a of_o the_o subject_n with_o a_o sense_n full_a of_o respect_n and_o reverence_n
when_o we_o speak_v or_o think_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n we_o must_v believe_v they_o be_v ineffahle_fw-mi far_o above_o all_o that_o we_o can_v think_v or_o speak_v we_o must_v not_o make_v small_a account_n of_o what_o concern_v god_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v have_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o soul_n a_o great_a esteem_n and_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o god_n have_v do_v of_o all_o he_o have_v say_v and_o of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n in_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o little_a god_n be_v as_o adorable_a and_o estimable_a in_o the_o least_o as_o in_o the_o great_a final_o it_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o give_v itself_o to_o this_o exercise_n to_o draw_v from_o all_o thing_n and_o upon_o every_o subject_a a_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o to_o form_n in_o heart_n solid_a and_o serious_a thought_n thereof_o to_o assist_v we_o in_o this_o practice_n and_o to_o advance_v we_o in_o this_o virtue_n we_o ordinary_o make_v use_v of_o read_v prayer_n and_o meditation_n but_o it_o be_v good_a to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o be_v guide_v in_o this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n how_o we_o make_v use_v of_o the_o thought_n the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n we_o receive_v herein_o many_o seek_v only_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o do_v nothing_o but_o busy_a their_o own_o spirit_n they_o seek_v and_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o relish_v and_o resentment_n they_o leap_v from_o one_o subject_n to_o another_o they_o run_v from_o the_o first_o point_n to_o the_o second_o and_o apply_v themselves_o sometime_o to_o one_o affection_n sometime_o to_o another_o spend_v the_o whole_a time_n in_o a_o multiplicity_n and_o disturbance_n of_o thought_n to_o profit_v herein_o we_o must_v proceed_v otherwise_o for_o in_o these_o exercise_n and_o all_o other_o we_o must_v only_o seek_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o esteem_v it_o and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o worthy_a the_o grace_n necessary_a to_o accomplish_v his_o will_n and_o to_o please_v his_o divine_a majesty_n and_o have_v put_v ourselves_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v lay_v hold_v upon_o truth_n we_o must_v rest_v therein_o naked_o and_o simple_o we_o must_v adhere_v thereunto_o and_o keep_v ourselves_o firm_a in_o this_o first_o view_n with_o care_n quiet_o to_o leave_v our_o spirit_n to_o be_v replenish_v of_o god_n and_o bathe_v ourselves_o as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o thought_n we_o must_v unite_v ourselves_o to_o this_o knowledge_n imprint_v by_o degree_n in_o our_o heart_n the_o light_n strength_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o propose_a truth_n whether_o the_o knowledge_n be_v great_a or_o little_a we_o must_v always_o keep_v our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n open_a and_o free_a to_o receive_v the_o thought_n thereof_o these_o will_v put_v we_o into_o a_o esteem_n of_o god_n by_o this_o esteem_n we_o shall_v easy_o be_v carry_v to_o a_o humble_a respect_n and_o desire_v to_o serve_v and_o love_v so_o high_a a_o majesty_n and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o that_o many_o thing_n will_v be_v do_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o christ_n if_o she_o dispose_v herself_o thereto_o as_o she_o ought_v if_o she_o leave_v herself_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o abandon_v herself_o to_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o grace_n attend_v they_o with_o a_o humble_a patience_n but_o oh_o the_o misfortune_n of_o our_o self-love_n the_o soul_n seek_v herself_o and_o her_o own_o satisfaction_n withdraw_v and_o separate_v herself_o from_o god_n to_o follow_v she_o own_o inclination_n to_o content_v her_o sense_n and_o to_o employ_v herself_o in_o what_o she_o please_v make_v herself_o hereby_o unworthy_a to_o feel_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o bear_v the_o effect_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o deduce_v all_o into_o particular_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a but_o not_o to_o trouble_v myself_o with_o all_o the_o fail_n that_o happen_v in_o this_o exercise_n it_o suffice_v that_o i_o say_v that_o the_o first_o study_n of_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v to_o know_v god_n according_a to_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o faith_n to_o adhere_v strong_o to_o this_o knowledge_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o esteem_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o then_o to_o honour_v and_o adore_v he_o with_o a_o honour_n worthy_a of_o god_n these_o word_n express_v much_o and_o include_v the_o first_o duty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o show_v wherein_o she_o must_v employ_v herself_o with_o care_n before_o all_o thing_n hence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o their_o practice_n be_v not_o good_a who_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o enter_v into_o some_o knowledge_n and_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v some_o light_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o feel_v themselves_o move_v and_o as_o it_o be_v draw_v by_o a_o humble_a respect_n and_o inward_a reverence_n before_o god_n instead_o of_o stay_v and_o receive_v at_o leisure_n this_o little_a touch_n this_o sweet_a beam_n of_o heaven_n follow_v this_o little_a interior_a light_n and_o annihilate_v themselves_o before_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n of_o god_n they_o retire_v from_o it_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o false_a humility_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o other_o thought_n and_o fear_v evil_a on_o purpose_n to_o lose_v time_n and_o be_v deceive_v or_o to_o lose_v themselves_o in_o their_o estate_n they_o shut_v the_o ear_n to_o god_n and_o their_o eye_n to_o the_o light_n to_o entertain_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o conception_n and_o imagination_n and_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o themselves_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o this_o way_n be_v ill_a we_o may_v easy_o observe_v that_o such_o soul_n never_o advance_v or_o if_o there_o appear_v some_o advancement_n it_o be_v but_o in_o appearance_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v always_o in_o fear_n and_o in_o a_o spirit_n of_o self-love_n never_o in_o solid_a virtue_n the_o reason_n be_v manifest_a if_o prayer_n be_v a_o elevation_n and_o union_n of_o our_o heart_n a_o speak_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o we_o may_v advise_v to_o quit_v this_o application_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n to_o torment_v her_o imagination_n and_o cast_v she_o into_o the_o consideration_n of_o exterior_a thing_n into_o the_o examination_n of_o divers_a circumstance_n into_o a_o continual_a regard_n of_o what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o wherefore_o all_o this_o see_v it_o pertain_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n let_v we_o leave_v it_o to_o they_o who_o treat_v thereof_o and_o content_v ourselves_o to_o conclude_v with_o that_o which_o we_o will_v persuade_v that_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o he_o must_v practice_v who_o will_v live_v a_o perfect_a christian_n be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o this_o light_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o esteem_n of_o god_n which_o be_v support_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o of_o what_o he_o be_v what_o course_n we_o must_v take_v to_o obtain_v this_o knowledge_n we_o will_v proceed_v to_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o subject_n of_o humility_n the_o second_o disposition_n chap._n viii_o of_o humility_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n the_o picture_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a describe_v one_o after_o another_o not_o all_o the_o virtue_n but_o those_o only_o which_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o the_o base_n and_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n the_o mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o the_o rest_n faith_n lead_v the_o way_n humility_n follow_v for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v and_o esteem_v of_o god_n so_o far_o be_v we_o humble_a faith_n make_v we_o know_v god_n humility_n lead_v we_o to_o god_n faith_n dispose_v we_o and_o show_v we_o true_a virtue_n humility_n acquire_v they_o and_o be_v acquire_v conserves_n they_o this_o be_v she_o that_o open_v and_o make_v plain_a the_o way_n to_o charity_n and_o who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o mistress_n of_o god_n house_n she_o alone_o lay_v up_o and_o keep_v safe_a the_o divine_a gift_n st._n paul_n by_o way_n of_o excellency_n call_v she_o the_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o virtue_n appertain_v to_o he_o more_o than_o to_o any_o and_o that_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v ever_o accomplish_v in_o humility_n it_o be_v moreover_o his_o virtue_n in_o that_o he_o publish_v it_o and_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o will_n that_o his_o humility_n be_v the_o object_n and_o example_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n 11.29_o learn_v of_o i_o say_v he_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a
conduct_n of_o god_n the_o creature_n by_o the_o condition_n of_o its_o be_v subsist_v only_o in_o resign_v itself_o to_o the_o conduct_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o as_o it_o belong_v to_o god_n alone_o to_o give_v be_v to_o all_o thing_n so_o be_v he_o alone_o the_o preserver_n and_o governor_n of_o they_o whence_o as_o the_o creature_n bear_v god_n in_o its_o depth_n and_o its_o centre_n so_o it_o bear_v in_o the_o same_o depth_n a_o capacity_n all_o that_o he_o operate_v in_o and_o by_o it_o which_o capacity_n the_o philosopher_n call_v obedientiall_a power_n whereby_o all_o that_o be_v create_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o power_n of_o its_o creator_n and_o resign_v to_o his_o conduct_n man_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o this_o indispensable_a law_n he_o can_v exempt_v himself_o from_o this_o subjection_n whereto_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o necessity_n of_o be_v create_v a_o necessity_n so_o absolute_a in_o what_o estate_n soever_o he_o be_v in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o other_o in_o time_n or_o eternity_n that_o he_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o creator_n whether_o in_o the_o rigour_n of_o his_o justice_n or_o in_o the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o though_o his_o deprave_a nature_n cause_v he_o sometime_o to_o separate_v himself_o from_o his_o god_n to_o live_v in_o the_o disorder_n of_o his_o own_o will_n contrary_a to_o the_o order_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o can_v absolute_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o order_n of_o his_o divine_a providence_n nor_o avoid_v the_o arm_n of_o god_n who_o comprehend_v all_o thing_n dispose_v they_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o arrive_v to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o have_v propose_v they_o for_o this_o order_n and_o power_n be_v so_o general_a that_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n can_v be_v exempt_v from_o it_o so_o much_o be_v the_o creature_n subject_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o creator_n necessity_n exact_v it_o of_o we_o the_o law_n of_o love_n and_o acknowledgement_n oblige_v we_o thereto_o and_o that_o very_o strict_o for_o god_n who_o have_v a_o particular_a providence_n and_o a_o extraordinary_a care_n of_o man_n conduct_n he_o also_o and_o love_v he_o excessive_o become_v his_o father_n king_n and_o prince_n &_o his_o all_o that_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o man_n man_n may_v the_o more_o willing_o resign_v himself_o to_o his_o love_a conduct_n not_o by_o constraint_n or_o necessity_n but_o through_o a_o spirit_n of_o freedom_n by_o a_o esteem_n of_o his_o love_n by_o a_o holy_a and_o love_a election_n these_o truth_n no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o yet_o we_o make_v no_o use_n of_o they_o for_o man_n despise_v the_o conduct_n of_o his_o god_n shut_v his_o eye_n to_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n neglect_v his_o most_o wholesome_a law_n his_o certain_a counsel_n his_o divine_a motion_n withdraws_z himself_z from_o the_o disposal_n and_o conduct_n of_o god_n to_o adhere_v whole_o to_o himself_o to_o his_o own_o thought_n and_o inclination_n to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n to_o follow_v the_o false_a maxim_n of_o humane_a prudence_n the_o motion_n of_o his_o passion_n the_o allurement_n of_o self-love_n the_o perfect_a christian_a must_v take_v heed_n that_o he_o do_v nothing_o inward_o or_o outward_o but_o according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o conduct_v of_o god_n man_n in_o all_o his_o action_n and_o motion_n must_v necessary_o be_v either_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n or_o of_o himself_o if_o he_o adhere_v to_o one_o he_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o other_o for_o those_o he_o conduct_n be_v in_o themselves_o absolute_o contrary_a the_o conduct_n that_o man_n take_v of_o himself_o be_v a_o turn_n from_o god_n a_o way_n that_o separate_v we_o from_o god_n and_o quite_o lose_v we_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o man_n after_o his_o fall_n who_o spirit_n be_v turn_v from_o god_n subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n bear_v the_o seed_n of_o all_o fault_n and_o error_n he_o be_v so_o engulf_a in_o this_o state_n of_o misery_n that_o he_o can_v get_v out_o of_o it_o though_o he_o endeavour_v all_o he_o can_v if_o jesus_n christ_n draw_v he_o not_o out_o of_o it_o he_o can_v return_v to_o god_n if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o lead_v he_o no_o man_n come_v unto_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o 14.6_o now_o man_n who_o follow_v his_o own_o conduct_n his_o own_o inclination_n motion_n and_o will_v withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o conduct_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o his_o spirit_n be_v turn_v from_o his_o god_n by_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n so_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o conduct_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o own_o will_n and_o action_n how_o can_v he_o but_o turn_v from_o god_n and_o separate_v himself_o more_o and_o more_o from_o he_o and_o that_o so_o powerful_o that_o so_o long_o as_o he_o remain_v in_o his_o humane_a condition_n he_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o return_v to_o god_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v lead_v he_o to_o god_n if_o he_o do_v not_o resign_v himself_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v aid_v by_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n of_o saint_n paul_n when_o he_o say_v the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n with_o god_n 8.7_o for_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v and_o that_o to_o be_v carnal_a mind_v be_v death_n 8.6_o since_o he_o lose_v himself_o who_o govern_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o only_o follow_v his_o own_o conduct_n all_o the_o divine_a oracle_n cry_v out_o to_o we_o and_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v happen_v to_o man_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v of_o god_n and_o abandon_v to_o humane_a prudence_n to_o his_o own_o motion_n natural_a inclination_n and_o will_n for_o a_o man_n so_o abandon_v of_o god_n live_v a_o dangerous_a life_n 30.1_o and_o must_v expect_v a_o miserable_a fall_n woe_n say_v god_n to_o they_o when_o i_o shall_v be_v separate_v from_o they_o woe_n indeed_o yea_o a_o threefold_a woe_n see_v that_o when_o god_n leave_v a_o soul_n to_o its_o own_o counsel_n motion_n inclination_n and_o will_v she_o be_v at_o the_o same_o instant_n make_v captive_a drag_v and_o lead_v in_o triumph_n to_o her_o passion_n and_o appetite_n for_o the_o passion_n will_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n be_v rebellious_a and_o hurry_v by_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n now_o from_o the_o time_n that_o man_n be_v abandon_v and_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n grace_n withdraw_v from_o he_o he_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o rebellious_a fall_v into_o a_o thousand_o error_n and_o will_v infallible_o lose_v himself_o if_o god_n have_v not_o pity_v on_o he_o and_o call_v he_o home_o therefore_o for_o god_n to_o abandon_v we_o thus_o to_o our_o own_o conduct_n and_o will_n be_v the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v arrive_v to_o man_n the_o great_a punishment_n whereby_o god_n can_v revenge_v himself_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n my_o people_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o voice_n say_v god_n be_v angry_a 12._o and_o israel_n will_v not_o obey_v i_o so_o i_o give_v they_o up_o unto_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o let_v they_o follow_v their_o own_o imagination_n and_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n most_o rigorous_a punishment_n of_o the_o ingratitude_n of_o man_n have_v be_v to_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o desire_n and_o appetite_n 1.24_o god_n give_v they_o up_o say_v the_o holy_a apostle_n to_o uncleanness_n through_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n it_o import_v he_o therefore_o who_o will_v be_v a_o good_a christian_a and_o make_v his_o salvation_n sure_a to_o forsake_v his_o own_o conduct_n to_o annihilate_v his_o inclination_n passion_n appetite_n to_o confound_v his_o own_o will_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o conduct_n of_o humane_a prudence_n and_o from_o his_o own_o reason_n to_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v above_o reason_n and_o illuminate_v and_o guide_v that_o he_o do_v nothing_o but_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n law_n and_o will_v of_o god_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o must_v separate_v ourselves_o renounce_v the_o conduct_n of_o humane_a prudence_n and_o annihilate_v our_o own_o will_n our_o prudence_n and_o reason_n be_v faulty_a in_o every_o point_n for_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o come_v from_o we_o it_o separate_v we_o from_o god_n as_o much_o as_o it_o can_v humane_a nature_n and_o the_o will_n of_o man_n in_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n regard_v only_o itself_o not_o god_n its_o supernatural_a end_n the_o will_n incline_v to_o self-love_n and_o can_v advance_v itself_o to_o a_o true_a love_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o guide_v and_o aid_v by_o
to_o love_n god_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v be_v impossible_a the_o spirit_n and_o the_o proper_a grace_n of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n put_v we_o into_o this_o necessity_n for_o the_o first_o and_o most_o inseparable_a effect_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o destroy_v in_o we_o the_o old_a man_n and_o to_o crucify_v he_o there_o to_o make_v the_o new_a man_n to_o live_v who_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v no_o other_o than_o jesus_n christ_n and_o we_o know_v that_o grace_n must_v necessary_o destroy_v our_o evil_a inclination_n and_o jesus_n christ_n will_v purify_v and_o consume_v after_o the_o manner_n that_o he_o please_v and_o as_o much_o as_o he_o will_v the_o be_v and_o life_n of_o adam_n who_o be_v in_o we_o there_o to_o establish_v a_o be_v and_o a_o life_n of_o god_n now_o this_o can_v be_v but_o by_o suffering_n by_o subversion_n and_o by_o a_o long_a and_o painful_a death_n and_o therefore_o the_o master_n of_o christian_n say_v to_o the_o galatian_n those_o that_o be_v of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n 5.24_o the_o sin_n the_o passion_n and_o concupiscense_v show_v that_o those_o who_o be_v god_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n be_v crucify_v and_o must_v necessary_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o suffering_n and_o subversion_n and_o immediate_o after_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v christian_n and_o child_n of_o god_n not_o only_o to_o live_v in_o this_o estate_n but_o withal_o by_o a_o necessity_n so_o absolute_a that_o we_o may_v say_v that_o those_o who_o be_v belong_v to_o jesus_n christ_n be_v know_v to_o be_v such_o because_o they_o have_v crucify_v and_o mortify_v their_o flesh_n and_o passion_n more_o than_o those_o who_o have_v not_o mortification_n and_o who_o avoid_v and_o neglect_v it_o and_o therefore_o belong_v long_v not_o to_o jesus_n christ._n the_o conclusion_n be_v manifest_a in_o st._n paul_n who_o say_v if_o any_o of_o you_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 8.9_o he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o now_o this_o spirit_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o spirit_n of_o suffering_n subversion_n contrariety_n opposition_n and_o the_o cross_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v be_v jesus_n christ_n must_v resolve_v to_o suffer_v and_o though_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o demand_v it_o of_o god_n yet_o he_o must_v embrace_v it_o with_o esteem_n and_o receive_v it_o with_o love_n and_o courage_n when_o it_o befall_v he_o for_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o establish_v he_o in_o virtue_n hence_o we_o may_v see_v what_o deceit_n be_v creep_v into_o christian_n who_o make_v profession_n of_o some_o piety_n instead_o of_o profit_v by_o suffering_n and_o receive_v they_o with_o esteem_n have_v no_o great_a care_n then_o to_o exempt_v themselves_o from_o they_o seek_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o inward_a and_o outward_a content_n and_o labour_v to_o live_v in_o a_o satisfaction_n and_o repose_n of_o spirit_n they_o fly_v all_o sort_n of_o pain_n and_o remove_v themselves_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v from_o all_o trouble_n be_v it_o never_o so_o little_a and_o renounce_v and_o avoid_v all_o occupation_n and_o occasion_n that_o may_v mortify_v they_o and_o if_o they_o can_v help_v themselves_o nor_o find_v any_o remedy_n than_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n murmur_v in_o their_o heart_n impatient_a in_o their_o word_n and_o excessive_a in_o their_o plaint_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o dulness_n and_o weakness_n unworthy_a a_o christian_n to_o live_v so_o as_o to_o become_v uncapable_a of_o any_o solid_a virtue_n be_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o heart_n which_o be_v not_o god_n and_o of_o a_o soul_n which_o love_v but_o itself_o let_v we_o then_o hearken_v to_o the_o decree_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 12.25_o he_o that_o love_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o life_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o life_n eternal_a chap._n xi_o how_o the_o fear_n of_o suffering_n draw_v we_o from_o the_o way_n of_o perfection_n have_v in_o describe_v the_o way_n to_o perfection_n show_v the_o obstacle_n therein_o it_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a to_o speak_v far_o of_o it_o be_v it_o not_o that_o the_o subject_n of_o suffering_n oblige_v we_o thereto_o hitherto_o we_o have_v see_v how_o all_o that_o be_v of_o adam_n and_o of_o the_o life_n of_o adam_n hinder_v we_o from_o please_a god_n for_o man_n as_o the_o child_n of_o adam_n be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n the_o object_n of_o divine_a justice_n degrade_v from_o all_o favour_n his_o fall_n be_v so_o deplorable_a that_o he_o be_v uncapable_a of_o raise_v himself_o up_o to_o god_n his_o supernatural_a end_n if_o not_o aid_v by_o grace_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o engraft_v in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o stock_n into_o the_o vine_n and_o live_v not_o his_o life_n which_o be_v a_o life_n of_o grace_n a_o life_n that_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n 8.8_o for_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n can_v please_v god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n 6.1_o dead_a work_n now_o if_o we_o contemplate_v this_o world_n in_o the_o curse_n of_o sin_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o creature_n have_v conspire_v against_o we_o that_o the_o air_n be_v full_a of_o our_o enemy_n that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v the_o instrument_n of_o our_o ruin_n wherefore_o our_o obstruction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o perfection_n be_v infinite_a but_o the_o great_a be_v in_o we_o and_o of_o ourselves_o one_o of_o the_o great_a be_v a_o fear_n to_o suffer_v pain_n a_o apprehension_n of_o shame_n and_o confusion_n for_o common_o we_o stand_v in_o fear_n of_o cross_n and_o travail_n self-love_n cause_v we_o to_o shun_v all_o that_o humble_v we_o make_v we_o to_o fly_v what_o ever_o be_v low_a and_o hinder_v we_o from_o embrace_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v difficult_a this_o fear_n be_v a_o great_a obstacle_n to_o virtue_n which_o can_v be_v attain_v but_o by_o travel_n nor_o preserve_v but_o by_o viglancy_n nor_o perfect_v but_o in_o humility_n and_o privation_n it_o be_v the_o common_a resentment_n of_o all_o man_n we_o see_v also_o by_o experience_n that_o he_o who_o fear_v labour_n and_o suffering_n often_o fail_v of_o goodness_n and_o willing_o renounce_v it_o when_o he_o find_v any_o trouble_n to_o conserve_v it_o he_o easy_o quit_v the_o rudder_n when_o he_o see_v the_o least_o storm_n of_o temptation_n or_o opposite_a action_n arise_v and_o rather_o than_o suffer_v humiliation_n he_o will_v quit_v virtue_n and_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n renounce_v his_o portion_n of_o paradise_n rather_o than_o the_o pleasure_n and_o content_n he_o take_v in_o do_v his_o own_o will_n rather_o than_o his_o own_o quiet_a and_o repose_v we_o see_v the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n dare_v not_o enter_v into_o consideration_n of_o their_o life_n past_a nor_o reflect_v serious_o on_o their_o sin_n nor_o think_v of_o death_n or_o future_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n mere_o by_o reason_n of_o fear_n to_o suffer_v sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o apprehension_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o god_n judgement_n they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o think_v thereon_o hereupon_o they_o persevere_v in_o their_o malice_n and_o remain_v final_o obstinate_a in_o their_o sin_n live_v in_o ignorance_n of_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o least_o fear_n of_o pain_n withdraw_v they_o from_o virtue_n to_o see_v how_o much_o this_o fear_n be_v prejudicial_a let_v we_o consider_v that_o to_o the_o acquisition_n and_o conservation_n of_o virtue_n two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a which_o require_v both_o travel_n and_o pain_n first_o we_o must_v destroy_v ill_a habit_n next_o we_o must_v acquire_v virtuous_a habit_n we_o can_v ruin_v the_o evil_a without_o mortification_n and_o consequent_o pain_n and_o suffering_n we_o can_v root_v they_o out_o without_o privation_n and_o resignation_n wherein_o be_v both_o travel_n and_o the_o cross_n but_o if_o we_o will_v obtain_v good_a habit_n and_o practise_v christian_a virtue_n and_o all_o in_o grace_n than_o we_o must_v have_v a_o great_a care_n vigilancy_n and_o strength_n of_o courage_n to_o resist_v all_o opposition_n that_o nature_n inclination_n or_o occasion_n present_a unto_o we_o and_o although_o virtue_n be_v beautiful_a sweet_a and_o acceptable_a yet_o she_o find_v contrariety_n and_o then_o she_o need_v resolution_n to_o use_v violence_n 30._o and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o point_n whereof_o jesus_n christ_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v if_o thy_o right_a eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o and_o cast_v it_o behind_o thou_o if_o thy_o right_a hand_n offend_v thou_o cut_v if_o off_o
this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n or_o else_o if_o by_o humiliation_n and_o interior_a or_o exterior_a eversion_n god_n will_v annihilate_v we_o let_v we_o consent_v to_o this_o annihilation_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o thereto_o cooperate_v with_o the_o work_n of_o god_n with_o all_o the_o extent_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o so_o let_v we_o do_v in_o all_o and_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o object_n this_o advice_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o pure_a regard_n of_o god_n which_o we_o must_v have_v in_o all_o suffering_n for_o in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o in_o all_o that_o he_o permit_v we_o must_v consider_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n do_v it_o and_o the_o cause_n that_o move_v he_o either_o to_o permit_v it_o or_o do_v it_o the_o end_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v his_o honour_n and_o glory_n but_o the_o cause_n that_o move_v he_o in_o his_o operation_n and_o divine_a permission_n be_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o establishment_n and_o communication_n of_o his_o spirit_n his_o grace_n and_o his_o virtue_n we_o must_v here_o do_v as_o before_o we_o must_v suffer_v have_v no_o end_n but_o the_o pure_a regard_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o glory_n but_o because_o god_n require_v fidelity_n and_o will_v establish_v his_o kingdom_n and_o power_n in_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v also_o our_o duty_n to_o cooperate_v with_o his_o intention_n and_o to_o receive_v all_o thing_n not_o only_o because_o such_o be_v his_o good_a pleasure_n but_o also_o in_o the_o manner_n that_o he_o will_v and_o to_o make_v use_n thereof_o according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n the_o perfection_n therefore_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o sufferance_n consist_v not_o in_o receive_v all_o thing_n indifferent_o a_o soul_n be_v not_o perfect_a though_o it_o be_v insensible_a of_o all_o accident_n be_v they_o never_o so_o sad_a and_o miserable_a perfection_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o stoical_a apathy_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n and_o purity_n in_o suffering_n it_o be_v when_o we_o receive_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a &_o divine_a disposition_n of_o jesus_n and_o that_o we_o bear_v they_o after_o that_o manner_n that_o god_n will_v and_o according_a to_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n and_o herein_o consist_v the_o first_o and_o noble_a disposition_n which_o must_v accompany_v our_o suffering_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o chap._n xiii_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o suffer_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n 21._o if_o when_o you_o do_v well_o and_o suffer_v for_o it_o you_o take_v it_o patient_o it_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o hereunto_o be_v you_o call_v because_o christ_n also_o suffer_v for_o we_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v his_o step_n in_o these_o word_n full_a of_o efficacy_n and_o truth_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n propose_v the_o motive_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o suffer_v patient_o all_o adversity_n and_o affliction_n which_o occur_v in_o all_o condition_n of_o this_o life_n he_o say_v that_o we_o be_v call_v thereto_o and_o that_o by_o consequence_n the_o proper_a condition_n and_o quality_n of_o a_o christian_a bind_v we_o to_o the_o crosse._n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o allege_v proof_n of_o this_o see_v we_o have_v say_v enough_o already_o for_o the_o spirit_n grace_n and_o conduct_v of_o god_n whereby_o he_o use_v to_o save_v we_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o annihilation_n and_o humiliation_n and_o affliction_n god_n have_v try_v they_o and_o find_v they_o worthy_a of_o he_o the_o cross_n and_o suffering_n be_v then_o the_o lot_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v their_o portion_n and_o they_o must_v make_v such_o use_n of_o it_o as_o to_o bear_v it_o christianly_o but_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o to_o teach_v we_o patience_n be_v when_o he_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o must_v imitate_v he_o and_o follow_v his_o step_n after_o this_o we_o can_v in_o reason_n find_v any_o thing_n hard_o if_o jesus_n christ_n from_o his_o birth_n to_o his_o death_n have_v espouse_v the_o suffering_n and_o embrace_v the_o cross_n wherefore_o shall_v we_o refuse_v be_v his_o child_n to_o live_v and_o die_v as_o he_o do_v we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n to_o suffer_v the_o humiliation_n and_o pain_n due_a to_o sin_n and_o sinner_n and_o that_o he_o will_v by_o this_o low_a estate_n honour_v his_o father_n but_o withal_o he_o leave_v upon_o the_o earth_n the_o same_o spirit_n to_o honour_n god_n that_o as_o in_o heaven_n god_n be_v honour_v by_o exaltation_n he_o may_v be_v honour_v upon_o earth_n by_o humiliation_n in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o design_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o must_v as_o christian_n honour_n god_n by_o our_o lowness_n and_o annihilation_n on_o the_o other_o side_n see_v the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v for_o we_o we_o must_v die_v for_o he_o if_o he_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o life_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o must_v imitate_v he_o and_o if_o he_o be_v bear_v our_o head_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n we_o must_v as_o his_o member_n bear_v his_o spirit_n and_o follow_v his_o motion_n in_o a_o word_n if_o we_o reign_v with_o jesus_n christ_n we_o must_v suffer_v with_o he_o there_o remain_v then_o no_o more_o then_o to_o know_v the_o spirit_n and_o disposition_n where_o with_o we_o must_v receive_v and_o bear_v suffering_n we_o have_v say_v that_o the_o 2_o d._n disposition_n necessary_a to_o a_o perfect_a christian_a to_o live_v faithful_o in_o the_o adversity_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v to_o bear_v they_o in_o a_o christian_a way_n and_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n now_o we_o suffer_v in_o christian_n way_n when_o we_o suffer_v what_o befall_v we_o as_o a_o order_n of_o god_n and_o as_o a_o estate_n prepare_v for_o christian_n and_o by_o which_o god_n will_v conduct_v we_o to_o the_o heritage_n of_o christian_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o disposition_n we_o make_v no_o reflection_n at_o all_o on_o our_o suffering_n nor_o upon_o the_o estate_n and_o overturning_n wherein_o we_o be_v our_o spirit_n only_o remain_v settle_v and_o fasten_v upon_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o truth_n i_o be_o a_o christian_n and_o as_o such_o i_o belong_v to_o jesus_n christ_n who_o put_v i_o into_o what_o estate_n he_o please_v and_o because_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o do_v his_o good_a pleasure_n i_o will_v have_v no_o other_o thought_n then_o to_o resign_v myself_o to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o do_v with_o i_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n by_o adhere_v to_o this_o truth_n by_o this_o disposition_n and_o interior_a estate_n the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o member_n be_v to_o their_o head_n and_o she_o remain_v subject_a to_o his_o conduct_n without_o further_a care_n or_o thought_n then_o that_o she_o be_v god_n because_o god_n will_v it_o herein_o consist_v the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o perfect_a christian._n this_o disposition_n be_v pure_a and_o simple_a and_o produce_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o perfect_a peace_n calm_a and_o repose_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o that_o the_o suffering_n humiliation_n and_o contempt_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o christian_a soul_n as_o thing_n create_v have_v no_o repose_n but_o in_o their_o centre_n so_o the_o perfect_a christian_n can_v have_v the_o true_a repose_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o in_o suffering_n and_o in_o this_o disposition_n they_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o christianity_n because_o the_o eternal_a word_n be_v please_v to_o place_v his_o estate_n and_o whole_a life_n in_o humiliation_n he_o be_v bear_v in_o poverty_n he_o live_v in_o contempt_n he_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n all_o the_o passage_n of_o his_o way-faring_a life_n be_v in_o continual_a suffering_n and_o lowness_n and_o also_o when_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o divinity_n he_o entertain_v thought_n of_o the_o cross_n he_o consent_v to_o death_n and_o prepare_v himself_o for_o suffering_n when_o that_o from_o all_o eternity_n he_o resolve_v to_o be_v make_v man_n and_o to_o invest_v himself_o with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n so_o true_a be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v in_o suffering_n and_o lowness_n this_o also_o the_o centre_n repose_n and_o life_n of_o a_o perfect_a christian_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o estate_n and_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o estate_n be_v contain_v in_o adversity_n in_o lowness_n and_o in_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o cross_n it_o
true_o all_o virtue_n be_v good_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o perfect_a christian_a the_o practice_n thereof_o profitable_a the_o acquisition_n useful_a and_o necessary_a but_o his_o chief_a care_n and_o exercise_n must_v be_v piety_n 8._o for_o he_o add_v godliness_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o advice_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v his_o disciple_n we_o must_v here_o propose_v to_o our_o perfect_a christian_a have_v already_o speak_v of_o virtue_n the_o most_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n there_o remain_v then_o no_o more_o to_o commend_v unto_o he_o but_o a_o true_a and_o solid_a christian_a piety_n for_o this_o piety_n be_v the_o ornament_n or_o mistress_n of_o all_o other_o virtue_n i_o mean_v the_o christian_a virtue_n dispose_v we_o assist_v we_o and_o put_v we_o into_o a_o capacity_n agreeable_a to_o god_n and_o to_o honour_v he_o they_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o make_v we_o worthy_a of_o god_n they_o show_v we_o the_o way_n to_o god_n but_o piety_n lead_v we_o to_o god_n and_o make_v use_v of_o all_o virtue_n to_o conduct_v we_o thither_o and_o have_v no_o object_n but_o god_n teach_v we_o the_o worship_n and_o honour_n that_o we_o must_v render_v to_o he_o and_o like_o a_o good_a mistress_n put_v we_o into_o a_o ready_a and_o easy_a practice_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o entertain_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o action_n that_o honour_n god_n and_o be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o in_o brief_a she_o enable_v we_o to_o pay_v god_n what_o we_o owe_v he_o this_o piety_n be_v the_o first_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o a_o soul_n as_o the_o first_o motion_n the_o first_o instinct_n the_o first_o light_n we_o have_v from_o nature_n to_o know_v god_n so_o the_o first_o exercise_n she_o inspire_v we_o with_o be_v to_o honour_v the_o same_o god_n to_o render_v he_o that_o worship_n and_o service_n which_o the_o creature_n owe_v its_o creator_n this_o piety_n teach_v to_o this_o she_o incite_v we_o this_o she_o produce_v in_o we_o whence_o we_o may_v apprehend_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o know_v wherein_o this_o true_a piety_n consist_v and_o to_o establish_v our_o self_n therein_o for_o above_o all_o that_o we_o have_v say_v already_o which_o be_v very_o considerable_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o true_a piety_n be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a foundation_n whereby_o christian_n perfection_n be_v support_v in_o the_o conduct_n of_o man_n all_o action_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o life_n be_v rule_v according_a to_o piety_n and_o as_o we_o common_o say_v according_a to_o the_o devotion_n they_o have_v if_o then_o their_o piety_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o a_o solid_a foundation_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n will_v be_v unconstant_a and_o its_o exercise_n very_o uncertain_a superficial_a and_o perhaps_o whole_o unprofitable_a 3.5_o as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o devotion_n of_o many_o which_o be_v only_o in_o the_o exterior_a who_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v have_v the_o form_n of_o godliness_n despise_v the_o power_n thereof_o in_o such_o soul_n we_o see_v nothing_o solid_a nothing_o but_o inconstancy_n in_o their_o life_n imperfection_n in_o their_o action_n disquiet_a disturbance_n and_o adherence_n to_o several_a creature_n in_o their_o spirit_n a_o small_a blast_n of_o adversity_n overturn_v they_o if_o we_o consider_v all_o their_o life_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o appearance_n and_o shadow_n of_o piety_n counterfeit_a pearl_n that_o make_v a_o fair_a glitter_a show_n but_o be_v full_o only_a of_o wind_n some_o fall_n into_o this_o evil_a by_o ignorance_n other_o by_o default_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o direct_v both_o into_o the_o truth_n it_o concern_v we_o therefore_o to_o examine_v wherein_o piety_n and_o true_a christian_a devotion_n consist_v several_a person_n speak_v of_o it_o several_o every_o one_o add_v to_o it_o and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o his_o own_o inclination_n humour_n and_o particular_a affection_n but_o according_a to_o catholic_n truth_n the_o foundation_n of_o solid_a and_o true_a christian_a piety_n consist_v in_o the_o soul_n being_n jesus_n christ_n and_o belong_v to_o he_o by_o a_o relation_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n true_a piety_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n esteem_n adherence_n and_o subjection_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o jesus_n chr_v from_o which_o esteem_n adherence_n and_o subjection_n all_o our_o exercise_n action_n of_o devotion_n and_o piety_n must_v proceed_v as_o heat_v from_o the_o fire_n the_o effect_n from_o the_o cause_n this_o description_n of_o piety_n may_v seem_v new_a but_o it_o will_v appear_v manifest_a if_o we_o weigh_v with_o patience_n the_o deduction_n thereof_o and_o consider_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v our_o saviour_n our_o mediator_n by_o who_o we_o have_v access_n to_o god_n by_o who_o we_o honour_v god_n render_v our_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o most_o high_a and_o most_o adorable_a trinity_n and_o refer_v our_o life_n action_n and_o our_o self_n thereto_o herein_o consist_v true_a piety_n for_o by_o jesus_n christ_n we_o be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o by_o he_o god_n who_o be_v all_o sufficient_a in_o himself_o vouchsafe_v to_o accept_v our_o will_n to_o sanctify_v our_o action_n and_o recompense_v our_o good_a work_n st._n paul_n teach_v this_o when_o he_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v all_o our_o glory_n 8._o it_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o he_o that_o we_o live_v in_o he_o we_o merit_v and_o satisfy_v by_o fruit_n worthy_a repentance_n it_o be_v in_o he_o that_o they_o be_v meritorious_a it_o be_v he_o that_o offer_v they_o to_o his_o father_n consider_v these_o word_n and_o his_o father_n accept_v they_o and_o they_o be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o for_o his_o sake_n what_o more_o clear_a or_o more_o to_o our_o purpose_n hence_o we_o conclude_v that_o devotion_n and_o christian_a piety_n can_v be_v in_o a_o soul_n if_o that_o soul_n be_v not_o jesus_n christ_n if_o it_o adhere_v not_o to_o he_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o spirit_n for_o if_o we_o live_v not_o if_o we_o merit_v not_o nor_o can_v satisfy_v god_n but_o by_o jesus_n christ_n it_o necessary_o follow_v we_o can_v live_v if_o we_o be_v not_o jesus_n christ_n he_o therefore_o say_v saint_n john_n 5.12_o who_o have_v not_o the_o son_n have_v not_o life_n imply_v he_o have_v nothing_o and_o consequent_o he_o have_v no_o capacity_n to_o honour_n and_o serve_v god_n wherein_o consist_v true_a piety_n whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o to_o acquire_v true_a devotion_n we_o must_v begin_v with_o this_o esteem_n of_o jesus_n and_o by_o a_o adherence_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o spirit_n and_o conduct_v let_v we_o more_o particular_o explain_v wherein_o this_o true_a piety_n consist_v to_o know_v it_o we_o must_v not_o stop_v at_o exterior_a thing_n or_o at_o action_n which_o have_v nothing_o but_o appearance_n but_o we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o regard_v true_a devotion_n only_o in_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o proper_a office_n and_o principal_a duty_n of_o true_a piety_n be_v to_o cause_v we_o to_o regard_n god_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o render_v to_o god_n what_o we_o owe_v he_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n not_o by_o speculation_n or_o sublime_a knowledge_n but_o by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n this_o knowledge_n lead_v we_o to_o esteem_v god_n by_o this_o esteem_n we_o enter_v into_o a_o propriety_n and_o a_o true_a and_o absolute_a subjection_n to_o his_o greatness_n and_o will_n all_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o true_a devotion_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v render_v to_o god_n the_o honour_n love_n and_o service_n we_o owe_v he_o but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o esteem_v he_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o see_v then_o piety_n consist_v in_o render_v to_o god_n the_o honour_n love_n and_o service_n we_o owe_v he_o and_o that_o we_o can_v otherwise_o honour_v or_o serve_v he_o then_o as_o we_o esteem_v he_o and_o depend_v of_o he_o and_o his_o divine_a will_n it_o follow_v that_o to_o be_v true_o devout_a we_o must_v act_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n and_o follow_v this_o supernatural_a light_n we_o must_v conceive_v a_o great_a esteem_n of_o god_n and_o live_v in_o great_a subjection_n to_o his_o law_n and_o divine_a conduct_n and_o so_o to_o live_v be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o piety_n and_o to_o be_v true_o devout_a but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o we_o must_v proceed_v further_o the_o christian_a be_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o heart_n dispose_v after_o the_o manner_n we_o mention_v feel_v a_o spiritual_a vivacity_n a_o
soul_n to_o his_o son_n 6.44_o he_o add_v every_o man_n that_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o i_o 45._o these_o word_n include_v the_o secret_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v full_a of_o mystery_n they_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o eternal_a father_n by_o his_o grace_n draw_v we_o and_o guide_v we_o to_o his_o son_n he_o speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o inspiration_n in_o the_o interior_a of_o our_o soul_n he_o show_v we_o that_o we_o be_v jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o this_o to_o say_v all_o that_o we_o have_v propose_v that_o the_o design_n of_o god_n to_o save_v we_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o give_v we_o his_o son_n to_o unite_v we_o to_o he_o by_o the_o powerful_a attraction_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o to_o cause_v we_o to_o adhere_v to_o he_o by_o love_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o life_n true_o christian_n herein_o do_v true_a piety_n consist_v we_o must_v therefore_o continual_o elevate_v our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n to_o this_o jesus_n the_o only_a happiness_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o must_v entreat_v he_o to_o accomplish_v in_o we_o the_o design_n of_o his_o father_n and_o to_o take_v a_o absolute_a power_n over_o we_o we_o must_v so_o offer_v our_o self_n to_o he_o as_o to_o have_v no_o other_o intention_n will_n nor_o conduct_v but_o he_o that_o we_o may_v by_o a_o true_a relation_n verify_v what_o saint_n paul_n say_v 45._o all_o be_v you_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v go_n let_v we_o so_o think_v of_o he_o and_o so_o do_v that_o from_o henceforth_o our_o heart_n and_o mouth_n may_v neither_o speak_v nor_o think_v but_o of_o he_o that_o all_o thing_n else_o may_v be_v of_o no_o savour_n to_o we_o that_o nothing_o enter_v our_o spirit_n which_o resent_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o odor_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o respire_v not_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n in_o a_o word_n let_v we_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o by_o a_o indissoluble_a and_o eternal_a union_n dwell_v in_o he_o that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v eternal_o bear_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n he_o that_o be_v join_v unto_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o one_o spirit_n 6.17_o o_o how_o happy_a be_v the_o soul_n that_o be_v call_v to_o this_o happiness_n and_o that_o be_v true_o in_o the_o power_n of_o jesus_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o grace_n this_o be_v the_o state_n whereto_o christian_a perfection_n must_v arrive_v the_o foundation_n of_o piety_n and_o true_a devotion_n but_o because_o many_o think_v not_o of_o it_o and_o many_o know_v it_o not_o we_o must_v treat_v of_o it_o more_o at_o large_a and_o propose_v the_o motive_n that_o most_o oblige_v we_o to_o this_o devotion_n chap._n iii_o of_o piety_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o its_o principal_a effect_n what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o know_v what_o we_o owe_v unto_o he_o but_o the_o importance_n of_o this_o subject_n require_v that_o for_o our_o better_a information_n we_o explain_v particular_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o piety_n and_o the_o mean_n necessary_a to_o attain_v it_o but_o before_o we_o enter_v into_o this_o subject_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o devotion_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v all_o christian_n be_v not_o so_o to_o limit_v our_o soul_n as_o to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o what_o they_o owe_v to_o god_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o exercise_n of_o this_o piety_n be_v necessary_a to_o conduct_v we_o more_o worthy_o and_o holy_o to_o god_n because_o by_o piety_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o attain_v a_o capacity_n and_o power_n to_o honour_v god_n jesus_n christ_n be_v our_o way_n by_o he_o alone_o we_o go_v to_o god_n he_o be_v our_o life_n by_o he_o we_o live_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n a_o life_n which_o only_o make_v we_o worthy_a to_o honour_v god_n he_o be_v our_o truth_n in_o he_o alone_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n we_o know_v god_n we_o adore_v he_o and_o serve_v he_o in_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n he_o be_v our_o all_o in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o we_o have_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o son_n the_o father_n give_v we_o all_o and_o by_o the_o son_n we_o render_v all_o to_o the_o father_n this_o be_v the_o gift_n we_o receive_v of_o god_n and_o the_o gift_n we_o give_v to_o god_n for_o all_o be_v operate_v and_o subsist_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o church_n offer_v nothing_o to_o demand_v nothing_o of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n but_o by_o jesus_n christ._n we_o must_v imitate_v the_o church_n in_o pious_a custom_n piety_n to_o jesus_n christ_n require_v not_o so_o much_o exterior_a exercise_n as_o interior_a and_o permanent_a estate_n do_v in_o our_o soul_n nor_o demand_v it_o any_o novelty_n of_o affection_n but_o a_o newness_n of_o spirit_n a_o new_a disposition_n incline_v our_o soul_n to_o employ_v themselves_o in_o the_o thought_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o regard_v he_o to_o love_v he_o to_o honour_v he_o as_o the_o object_n and_o end_n of_o our_o life_n action_n and_o devotion_n it_o require_v that_o the_o action_n of_o the_o religious_a shall_v be_v devout_a those_o of_o the_o ordinary_a christian_n virtuous_a those_o of_o a_o private_a person_n familiar_a in_o this_o object_n without_o change_v his_o spirit_n but_o direct_v his_o intention_n and_o disposition_n to_o the_o pure_a regard_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o example_n let_v we_o do_v all_o that_o we_o do_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o honour_n and_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n if_o we_o suffer_v let_v it_o be_v to_o imitate_v and_o render_v honour_n to_o his_o suffering_n what_o ever_o happen_v to_o we_o let_v we_o receive_v it_o by_o a_o dependence_n on_o and_o submission_n to_o his_o power_n and_o conduct_v if_o we_o will_v insist_v upon_o any_o good_a thought_n let_v it_o be_v of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o consider_v his_o greatness_n the_o mystery_n of_o his_o life_n his_o virtue_n his_o benefit_n and_o the_o power_n he_o have_v over_o we_o by_o these_o sweet_a entertainment_n by_o these_o regard_v of_o honour_n and_o love_n the_o perfect_a christian_a advance_n himself_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o piety_n we_o speak_v of_o to_o know_v what_o this_o piety_n be_v and_o how_o we_o must_v apply_v ourselves_o thereto_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o principle_n the_o centre_n the_o end_n of_o all_o christian_a soul_n for_o as_o faith_n teach_v we_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o good_a that_o be_v in_o we_o the_o spring_n of_o all_o the_o grace_n we_o possess_v author_n of_o the_o life_n which_o we_o live_v in_o christianity_n and_o be_v the_o principle_n he_o be_v also_o consequent_o the_o end_n thereof_o for_o according_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v in_o nature_n that_o which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v also_o its_o end_n and_o nature_n follow_v invariable_o the_o order_n god_n have_v prefix_v and_o by_o his_o well_o order_a motion_n gentle_o lead_v and_o if_o not_o divert_v infallible_o conduct_n all_o thing_n to_o the_o principle_n whence_o she_o draw_v they_o 1.7_o so_o the_o water_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n return_v to_o the_o ocean_n as_o to_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o according_a to_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n we_o say_v all_o thing_n return_v to_o god_n because_o they_o all_o come_v out_o of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n if_o then_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o be_v life_n and_o state_n of_o christianity_n he_o must_v be_v also_o the_o end_n so_o that_o our_o be_v life_n and_o estate_n regard_v the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v refer_v to_o he_o as_o the_o end_n and_o if_o the_o end_n the_o centre_n also_o of_o a_o christian_a life_n in_o he_o our_o soul_n find_v their_o repose_n and_o perfection_n 11.36_o in_o he_o by_o he_o and_o of_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n say_v saint_n paul_n this_o principle_n alone_o consider_v show_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v full_a power_n over_o we_o that_o we_o be_v his_o not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o divine_a greatness_n and_o supreme_a power_n over_o all_o as_o god_n saviour_n and_o redeemer_n as_o purchaser_n of_o we_o with_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o his_o of_o life-giving_a death_n but_o also_o because_o he_o be_v the_o principle_n centre_n and_o end_n of_o the_o life_n and_o state_n of_o christianity_n in_o this_o relation_n he_o have_v sovereign_a power_n over_o we_o have_v give_v we_o be_v and_o grace_n consecrate_v we_o to_o his_o glory_n and_o honour_n in_o such_o absolute_a manner_n that_o the_o christian_a can_v make_v use_n either_o of_o himself_o or_o any_o
then_o of_o grace_n the_o christian_a therefore_o if_o he_o seek_v perfection_n must_v take_v heed_n hereto_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n observe_v as_o a_o maxim_n in_o catholic_a virtue_n that_o christian_a virtue_n and_o true_a piety_n consist_v not_o in_o be_v conformable_a to_o reason_n and_o to_o a_o humane_a spirit_n but_o to_o the_o spirit_n and_o intention_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o our_o action_n this_o advice_n be_v of_o importance_n we_o shall_v speak_v of_o it_o elsewhere_o when_o we_o have_v convince_v the_o more_o difficult_a spirit_n and_o make_v they_o see_v the_o right_a jesus_n christ_n have_v to_o we_o chap._n iu._n the_o right_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v to_o we_o motive_n oblige_v we_o to_o be_v his_o and_o to_o adhere_v to_o he_o by_o true_a piety_n which_o way_n soever_o we_o consider_v ourselves_o we_o belong_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o be_v our_o happiness_n we_o belong_v unto_o he_o after_o a_o singular_a manner_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o we_o all_o thing_n be_v as_o the_o evangelist_n say_v make_v by_o he_o in_o the_o be_v of_o grace_n we_o belong_v to_o he_o in_o the_o be_v of_o glory_n we_o be_v he_o by_o he_o all_o be_v raise_v to_o glory_n by_o a_o grace_n spring_v from_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o proper_a to_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n he_o be_v our_o head_n we_o his_o member_n he_o be_v the_o father_n we_o his_o child_n he_o our_o spouse_n we_o his_o heart_n and_o delight_n he_o our_o doctor_n we_o his_o disciple_n he_o our_o pastor_n we_o his_o sheep_n he_o our_o redeemer_n we_o his_o captive_n he_o our_o king_n we_o his_o subject_n he_o the_o sacrificer_n we_o his_o sacrifice_n in_o a_o word_n he_o be_v our_o all_o the_o way_n the_o life_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v 1.23_o he_o be_v our_o fullness_n and_o we_o be_v his_o by_o the_o price_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o possession_n of_o his_o spirit_n we_o be_v so_o much_o the_o son_n be_v that_o we_o can_v be_v god_n without_o be_v first_o iesus_n who_o refer_v we_o to_o his_o father_n if_o the_o father_n accept_v we_o and_o behold_v we_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o mercy_n it_o be_v in_o the_o son_n in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v his_o member_n and_o unite_v unto_o he_o this_o union_n whereby_o we_o belong_v to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v so_o necessary_a that_o as_o the_o eternal_a father_n love_v we_o not_o but_o for_o his_o son_n be_v sake_n nor_o regard_v we_o but_o in_o he_o so_o can_v our_o action_n be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o nor_o all_o our_o exercise_n of_o piety_n please_v he_o if_o they_o be_v not_o do_v by_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n and_o by_o adherence_n and_o union_n to_o jesus_n though_o they_o may_v otherwise_o seem_v good_a and_o perfect_a he_o that_o be_v not_o with_o i_o 11.23_o say_v christ_n be_v against_o i_o and_o he_o that_o gather_v not_o with_o i_o scatter_v this_o property_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n only_o become_v man_n not_o the_o father_n nor_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o alone_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o mediator_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o humane_a nature_n he_o alone_o be_v our_o redeemer_n our_o mediator_n and_o our_o head_n in_o this_o quality_n we_o be_v his_o captive_n and_o member_n he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o age_n to_o come_v and_o we_o be_v his_o child_n for_o he_o alone_o beget_v we_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o death_n and_o as_o a_o pelican_n he_o give_v we_o life_n by_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o animate_v we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o cross_n in_o the_o cross_n he_o beget_v we_o by_o his_o death_n he_o give_v we_o that_o life_n we_o lose_v by_o the_o envy_n of_o the_o serpent_n thus_o in_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n we_o adore_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v of_o the_o divine_a person_n the_o only_a incarnate_a live_v and_o die_v for_o we_o he_o only_o redeem_v we_o from_o the_o captivity_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v god_n become_v man_n that_o man_n may_v become_v god_n all_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o life_n accomplish_v upon_o earth_n be_v only_o to_o sanctify_v we_o his_o die_a upon_o the_o cross_n make_v he_o the_o only_a victim_n and_o holocaust_n of_o our_o propitiation_n be_v not_o these_o motive_n sufficient_a to_o show_v we_o that_o we_o be_v his_o in_o a_o singular_a manner_n belong_v to_o he_o by_o extraordinary_a relation_n be_v it_o not_o reason_n we_o shall_v acknowledge_v he_o and_o by_o a_o particular_a fidelity_n profess_v ourselves_o his_o and_o careful_o endeavour_v to_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o by_o true_a piety_n to_o render_v he_o the_o honour_n love_n and_o service_n that_o his_o benefit_n oblige_v we_o to_o this_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n think_v not_o of_o as_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o impiety_n ignorant_a of_o their_o benefactor_n as_o the_o ancient_n be_v through_o their_o idolatry_n of_o their_o creator_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a ingratitude_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o blind_a in_o these_o day_n as_o not_o know_v his_o jesus_n and_o pass_v his_o life_n away_o careless_o neglect_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o in_o his_o greatness_n to_o adore_v he_o in_o his_o work_n and_o to_o honour_v he_o in_o his_o humane_a divine_a life_n our_o business_n then_o must_v be_v to_o reform_v this_o ignorance_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v propose_v the_o principal_a right_n which_o he_o have_v to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v learn_v with_o what_o piety_n and_o devotion_n we_o ought_v to_o follow_v and_o serve_v he_o and_o that_o those_o soul_n who_o neglect_v or_o despise_v this_o piety_n may_v re-enter_v into_o themselves_o and_o endeavour_v from_o henceforth_o to_o render_v to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o honour_n love_n and_o service_n whereto_o they_o be_v by_o so_o many_o just_a relation_n oblige_v the_o first_o right_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v to_o man_n be_v derive_v from_o his_o quality_n of_o be_v god-man_n for_o such_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o divinity_n but_o also_o according_a to_o his_o humanity_n in_o this_o quality_n jesus_n christ_n by_o a_o power_n of_o excellency_n aught_o to_o rule_v and_o command_v all_o that_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v create_v a_o power_n that_o the_o eternal_a father_n give_v he_o at_o the_o first_o minute_n of_o his_o incarnation_n beside_o that_o by_o this_o mystery_n the_o son_n change_v his_o condition_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n and_o abase_v himself_o to_o honour_v he_o the_o father_n also_o will_v needs_o honour_v he_o constitute_v he_o from_o thenceforward_o the_o principle_n of_o life_n grace_n and_o glory_n proclaim_v he_o sovereign_a of_o the_o universe_n and_o replenish_n his_o humane_a nature_n with_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o all_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n possible_o communicable_a to_o he_o as_o god_n and_o man_n that_o as_o the_o son_n honour_v his_o father_n in_o debase_v himself_o so_o do_v the_o father_n honour_v the_o son_n in_o exalt_v he_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o make_v he_o his_o equal_a in_o power_n greatness_n and_o majesty_n and_o invest_v he_o from_o this_o first_o moment_n for_o evermore_o with_o all_o the_o power_n that_o he_o have_v over_o his_o creature_n this_o the_o belove_a apostle_n teach_v 3.35_o when_o he_o say_v the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o all_o thing_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o st._n paul_n beginning_n to_o write_v the_o greatness_n of_o jesus_n say_v express_o speak_v of_o his_o mission_n that_o the_o eternal_a father_n appoint_v he_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n 1.2_o by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n thus_o by_o this_o first_o right_o and_o by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n jesus_n have_v the_o same_o power_n over_o soul_n that_o the_o creator_n have_v over_o his_o creature_n and_o in_o relation_n to_o this_o power_n we_o give_v he_o all_o that_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o consequent_o acknowledge_v in_o this_o mystery_n jesus_n to_o have_v a_o double_a power_n over_o we_o as_o god_n and_o man_n this_o consideration_n oblige_v we_o to_o adore_v and_o serve_v he_o acknowledge_v this_o power_n must_v double_o subject_v we_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o divine_a will_n heaven_n and_o earth_n pay_v this_o duty_n and_o fidelity_n to_o this_o jesus_n god_n and_o man._n let_v we_o hear_v with_o a_o resentment_n of_o love_n how_o st._n john_n describe_v the_o triumph_n of_o our_o jesus_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o hear_v the_o angel_n cry_v aloud_o the_o lamb_n who_o have_v be_v slay_v be_v
the_o life_n of_o jesus_n after_o what_o manner_n he_o please_v this_o be_v a_o principal_a point_n of_o christian_a piety_n the_o very_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n acquaint_v we_o with_o this_o truth_n and_o discover_v unto_o we_o the_o design_n whereby_o the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v advance_v we_o to_o a_o participation_n of_o his_o mystery_n and_o the_o several_a estate_n of_o his_o life_n the_o son_n of_o god_n become_v man_n by_o incarnation_n take_v possession_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n of_o our_o body_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n by_o which_o he_o acquire_v a_o right_a to_o his_o nature_n to_o advance_v and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o himself_o after_o what_o manner_n he_o please_v as_o by_o this_o work_n of_o love_n he_o take_v humane_a nature_n upon_o he_o assume_v body_n and_o soul_n which_o he_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o and_o elevate_v to_o all_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o divinity_n communicate_v to_o it_o for_o ever_o the_o person_n be_v life_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n in_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n whereby_o his_o divine_a mystery_n be_v honour_v jesus_n choose_v such_o soul_n as_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o by_o love_n or_o after_o what_o manner_n he_o please_v otherwise_o he_o appropriate_v they_o to_o himself_o by_o his_o grace_n he_o advance_v they_o to_o adherence_n and_o union_n of_o spirit_n with_o he_o and_o by_o a_o particular_a indulgence_n establish_v they_o in_o a_o communication_n of_o his_o greatness_n to_o this_o end_n he_o apply_v and_o employ_v his_o power_n to_o which_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v most_o vigilant_a and_o attentive_a that_o he_o may_v always_o continue_v in_o the_o subjection_n he_o owe_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o accept_v receive_v and_o bear_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n this_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o common_a doctrine_n 9_o that_o all_o that_o jesus_n christ_n do_v he_o do_v for_o we_o and_o all_o that_o he_o be_v he_o be_v for_o we_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n become_v poor_a for_o our_o sake_n although_o he_o be_v rich_a that_o by_o his_o poverty_n we_o may_v be_v make_v rich_a meaning_n that_o jesus_n be_v god_n become_v man_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o our_o meanness_n infirmity_n suffering_n death_n the_o several_a condition_n of_o our_o life_n to_o withdraw_v we_o from_o our_o meanness_n enrich_v we_o with_o his_o divine_a grace_n and_o advance_v we_o to_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o several_a estate_n of_o his_o life_n blessedness_n sanctification_n and_o salvation_n hence_o we_o may_v take_v occasion_n to_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o jesus_n 1.10_o he_o be_v our_o fullness_n in_o his_o annihilation_n in_o his_o poverty_n he_o suffice_v all_o for_o god_n gather_v together_o in_o one_o all_o thing_n in_o christ_n both_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o which_o be_v on_o earth_n it_o be_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o mystery_n that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o communication_n to_o we_o and_o can_v admit_v the_o sanctification_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v our_o glory_n and_o happiness_n to_o be_v able_a to_o participate_v of_o the_o grace_n estate_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ._n this_o be_v the_o first_o design_n god_n have_v upon_o we_o when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n live_v a_o immortal_a and_o eternal_a life_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n take_v a_o new_a and_o mortal_a life_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o virgin_n his_o mother_n he_o desire_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o to_o give_v we_o his_o immortal_a life_n and_o to_o abase_v himself_o to_o our_o estate_n to_o elevate_v we_o to_o a_o participation_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o as_o he_o honour_v his_o father_n by_o the_o several_a estate_n of_o his_o new_a life_n his_o hide_a life_n his_o suffering_n poverty_n death_n cross_n obedience_n subjection_n in_o all_o the_o estate_n and_o mystery_n of_o his_o life_n so_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o honour_v he_o in_o participate_v of_o the_o estate_n spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o same_o mystery_n for_o this_o reason_n in_o his_o church_n and_o of_o all_o quality_n and_o vocation_n he_o choose_v soul_n and_o call_v they_o to_o a_o establishment_n in_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o a_o communication_n of_o his_o new_a life_n a_o life_n of_o grace_n such_o as_o be_v whole_o singular_a and_o proportion_v to_o the_o eminence_n dignity_n and_o sanctity_n of_o a_o christian_a calling_n all_o this_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o his_o divine_a mercy_n the_o fruit_n of_o his_o suffering_n it_o be_v our_o glory_n to_o be_v call_v and_o elevate_v to_o this_o happiness_n as_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o in_o a_o disposition_n and_o capacity_n to_o receive_v and_o bear_v they_o according_a to_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n all_o those_o then_o who_o be_v desirous_a to_o live_v according_a to_o christian_a piety_n must_v make_v it_o their_o main_a business_n to_o continue_v faithful_a and_o humble_a in_o this_o subjection_n that_o they_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o go_v when_o they_o be_v call_v and_o to_o receive_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v reward_v we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o disposition_n whereby_o this_o estate_n may_v be_v attain_v chap._n ix_o certain_a disposition_n necessary_a for_o the_o devout_a soul_n that_o will_v participate_v of_o the_o grace_n and_o estate_n of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ._n this_o estate_n of_o interior_a piety_n which_o put_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o subjection_n to_o the_o power_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o a_o capacity_n to_o receive_v and_o bear_v the_o grace_n and_o estate_n of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n be_v altogether_o suitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o those_o who_o seek_v perfection_n as_o be_v proportion_v and_o conformable_a to_o the_o design_n and_o order_n that_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o his_o creature_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o visible_a world_n adorn_v and_o embellish_v with_o so_o many_o several_a creature_n god_n have_v create_v angel_n and_o man_n to_o contemplate_v so_o perfect_a a_o work_n to_o admire_v the_o excellency_n and_o to_o honour_v the_o author_n of_o such_o miraculous_a production_n he_o have_v do_v the_o like_a in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o new_a world_n that_o be_v the_o establishment_n of_o his_o church_n wherein_o jesus_n christ_n choose_v soul_n and_o form_v spirit_n who_o be_v employ_v in_o consider_v the_o work_n of_o love_n operate_v by_o he_o upon_o the_o earth_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o honour_v the_o author_n of_o so_o many_o grace_n as_o god_n have_v create_v a_o great_a number_n of_o angel_n different_a in_o perfection_n and_o order_n and_o as_o some_o conceive_v in_o species_n also_o to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v several_a gift_n and_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o several_a rank_n in_o heaven_n that_o they_o may_v honour_v by_o these_o diversity_n of_o estate_n &_o perfection_n the_o divine_a quality_n and_o several_a perfection_n of_o god_n for_o the_o seraphim_n as_o thomas_n aquinas_n affirm_v adore_v by_o estate_n and_o by_o grace_n and_o contemplate_v by_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n the_o uncreated_a love_n of_o god_n the_o cherubim_v his_o wisdom_n the_o throne_n his_o stability_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n the_o eternal_a word_n have_v accomplish_v the_o ineffable_a and_o adorable_a work_n of_o his_o incarnation_n have_v finish_v that_o of_o our_o redemption_n and_o create_v in_o this_o natural_a world_n a_o new_a world_n that_o be_v the_o church_n put_v soul_n into_o it_o who_o by_o the_o conduct_n of_o grace_n be_v employ_v in_o consideration_n of_o the_o work_n which_o jesus_n christ_n operate_v on_o earth_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n he_o have_v choose_v many_o who_o by_o their_o several_a estate_n and_o perfection_n continual_o honour_v the_o several_a estate_n of_o his_o life_n and_o adore_v his_o action_n and_o perfection_n humanely-divine_a and_o divinely-humane_a this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o undeniable_a truth_n for_o if_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o church_n triumphant_a be_v continual_o and_o eternal_o employ_v in_o admire_v and_o adore_v the_o life_n estate_n and_o mystery_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v not_o her_o sister_n in_o the_o church_n militant_a have_v the_o same_o right_n employment_n and_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v and_o certain_o see_v that_o love_n have_v oblige_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o these_o lowness_n and_o make_v he_o we_o for_o ever_o for_o he_o shall_v be_v man_n eternal_o and_o eternal_o our_o jesus_n our_o head_n and_o our_o all_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n that_o we_o be_v always_o he_o and_o render_v he_o perpetual_a honour_n and_o homage_n this_o be_v he_o that_o operate_v in_o our_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o estate_n whereto_o many_o be_v call_v it_o
operation_n in_o we_o it_o be_v he_o that_o operate_v there_o incessant_o thing_n great_a and_o worthy_a of_o himself_o this_o grant_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o christian_n who_o desire_v to_o live_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n must_v on_o the_o one_o side_n shun_v all_o manner_n of_o sin_n especial_o such_o as_o may_v ruin_v this_o grace_n in_o he_o on_o the_o other_o become_v very_o attentive_a and_o faithful_a to_o receive_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o so_o he_o may_v cooperate_v therewith_o according_a to_o his_o intention_n otherwise_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v he_o may_v lose_v it_o or_o at_o least_o hinder_v its_o effect_n and_o so_o destroy_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o all_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o his_o soul._n this_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o faith_n for_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o ourselves_o as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o jesus_n christ_n do_v all_o in_o we_o act_v and_o refer_v all_o our_o action_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n we_o must_v then_o let_v he_o act_v and_o as_o we_o know_v not_o his_o divine_a intention_n and_o design_n over_o we_o neither_o know_v the_o grace_n or_o degree_n of_o grace_n whereto_o he_o will_v elevate_v we_o for_o his_o great_a glory_n for_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o do_v all_o when_o and_o how_o he_o please_v it_o remain_v then_o that_o we_o oppose_v not_o ourselves_o to_o his_o intention_n and_o destroy_v not_o his_o work_n the_o christian_a therefore_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v god_n and_o to_o live_v in_o true_a piety_n must_v not_o amuse_v himself_o in_o these_o unprofitable_a and_o superficial_a thing_n nor_o regard_n so_o much_o these_o exercise_n but_o purify_v himself_o and_o make_v himself_o worthy_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n take_v great_a care_n to_o preserve_v himself_o therein_o and_o have_v a_o continual_a attention_n to_o all_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n operate_v in_o he_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o he_o destroy_v it_o not_o by_o a_o contrary_a application_n and_o want_n of_o co-operation_n hereby_o we_o shall_v see_v how_o many_o false_a devotion_n there_o be_v and_o how_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n these_o two_o way_n of_o honour_v the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v be_v understand_v after_o two_o manner_n whereby_o we_o may_v honour_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o may_v honour_v himself_o in_o we_o two_o way_n one_o by_o action_n the_o other_o by_o estate_n the_o action_n be_v transient_a and_o be_v but_o for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o perhaps_o be_v but_o in_o one_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o estate_n be_v a_o thing_n permanent_a which_o dwell_v in_o the_o whole_a capacity_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o be_v imprint_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o its_o be_v have_v no_o dependence_n on_o the_o action_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n we_o may_v act_v well_o in_o the_o first_o manner_n and_o it_o be_v good_a but_o we_o must_v also_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v ourselves_o in_o a_o estate_n which_o perfect_o honour_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o only_o honour_v his_o father_n by_o the_o action_n of_o his_o transitory_a life_n but_o have_v be_v please_v to_o become_v man_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o a_o nature_n which_o essential_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o servitude_n and_o remain_v perpetual_o and_o inviolable_o therein_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o divinity_n so_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o honour_v the_o son_n of_o god_n not_o only_o by_o transitory_a action_n but_o also_o by_o a_o permanent_a estate_n and_o condition_n such_o as_o may_v render_v he_o honour_n and_o perpetual_a homage_n this_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v for_o our_o part_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n as_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o essential_a exercise_n of_o piety_n but_o our_o attempt_n be_v feeble_a and_o all_o we_o can_v do_v be_v little_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o we_o owe_v god_n the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o who_o be_v our_o supplyer_n do_v it_o sometime_o himself_o by_o his_o grace_n by_o his_o divine_a and_o amorous_a attraction_n he_o call_v we_o and_o put_v we_o into_o the_o estate_n which_o he_o himself_o operate_v in_o we_o by_o which_o he_o satisfy_v his_o father_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n it_o be_v a_o singular_a happiness_n a_o favour_n to_o obtain_v which_o all_o we_o can_v do_v be_v to_o continue_v dispose_v attentive_a to_o whatever_o the_o son_n of_o god_n operate_v in_o we_o and_o careful_o to_o take_v heed_n thereto_o and_o to_o cooperate_v faithful_o therein_o and_o with_o the_o best_a disposition_n may_v be_v propose_v the_o meaning_n hereof_o be_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o in_o a_o simple_a submission_n of_o our_o spirit_n to_o that_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o this_o submission_n consist_v in_o not_o resist_v it_o but_z leave_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o the_o power_n of_o and_o a_o dependence_n on_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o conduct_v give_v up_o offering_z and_o dispose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o work_n and_o design_n which_o he_o have_v in_o and_o upon_o we_o renounce_v all_o our_o own_o contrary_a inclination_n the_o soul_n that_o live_v in_o this_o submission_n be_v capable_a to_o bear_v effectual_o the_o effect_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o honour_n god_n in_o all_o thing_n now_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o refer_v all_o our_o action_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o mean_v not_o only_o the_o good_a and_o virtuous_a but_o even_o the_o common_a and_o natural_a action_n even_o to_o a_o moment_n of_o time_n for_o all_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n this_o truth_n we_o learn_v of_o the_o church_n our_o mother_n who_o in_o her_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n do_v not_o only_o represent_v the_o mystery_n and_o action_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o honour_v they_o in_o represent_v they_o and_o as_o such_o be_v her_o intention_n whence_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o in_o all_o her_o ceremony_n even_o to_o the_o least_o she_o intend_v to_o honour_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o may_v be_v also_o a_o example_n to_o we_o in_o this_o exercise_n of_o piety_n for_o in_o that_o he_o have_v take_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n upon_o he_o he_o have_v honour_v his_o father_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o by_o all_o the_o concernment_n of_o humane_a nature_n do_v to_o that_o end_n and_o intention_n not_o only_o those_o action_n which_o we_o call_v religious_a and_o virtuous_a but_o even_o those_o which_o be_v natural_a and_o pure_o humane_a and_o refer_v to_o his_o honour_n all_o the_o moment_n of_o his_o life_n we_o must_v carry_v ourselves_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n what_o he_o do_v be_v do_v by_o he_o as_o a_o master_n for_o our_o imitation_n the_o devout_a christian_a therefore_o must_v refer_v all_o his_o exercise_n and_o action_n both_o natural_a and_o common_a little_a and_o great_a to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ._n by_o this_o relation_n our_o action_n be_v ennoble_v for_o what_o he_o have_v sanctify_v be_v neither_o common_a nor_o inconsiderable_a whatsoever_o be_v consecrate_v and_o refer_v by_o his_o honour_n can_v but_o be_v great_a when_o his_o honour_n be_v so_o great_a there_o be_v a_o many_o that_o judge_v this_o practice_n of_o piety_n to_o be_v too_o difficult_a whereas_o they_o will_v indifferent_o receive_v some_o other_o but_o if_o we_o consider_v it_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v a_o obligation_n proper_a to_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n which_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n be_v dispense_v with_o for_o if_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o lively_a image_n of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o a_o life_n derive_v and_o flow_v from_o his_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n follow_v that_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v sanctify_v and_o make_v divine_a in_o jesus_n christ_n so_o be_v they_o such_o in_o we_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n which_o be_v give_v we_o which_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o operate_v in_o we_o from_o which_o reason_n we_o may_v infer_v that_o as_o in_o jesus_n there_o be_v nothing_o mean_a or_o vile_a but_o all_o in_o he_o be_v elevate_v and_o refer_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n so_o in_o christian_a soul_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o action_n mean_a and_o object_n no_o not_o indifferent_a see_v they_o all_o belong_v to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v sanctify_v they_o in_o his_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o conduct_n and_o direction_n of_o he_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o operate_v
saint_n paul_n explain_v where_o he_o say_v that_o god_n speak_v to_o the_o world_n four_o thousand_o year_n 2_o and_o conduct_v and_o teach_v man_n after_o divers_a manner_n and_o send_v angel_n he_o give_v a_o law_n write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o prescribe_v many_o ceremony_n and_o in_o all_o age_n cause_v prophet_n to_o speak_v but_o in_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n he_o speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o teach_v we_o supernatural_a truth_n till_o then_o unknown_a to_o the_o world_n and_o reserve_v for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n the_o angel_n now_o guide_v we_o no_o more_o but_o attend_v we_o the_o write_a law_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o the_o ceremony_n be_v now_o limit_v and_o the_o prophet_n speak_v no_o long_o it_o be_v jesus_n the_o word_n and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n who_o become_v man_n and_o converse_v among_o man_n speak_v to_o we_o and_o teach_v we_o he_o be_v our_o angel_n to_o enlighten_v we_o our_o law_n to_o direct_v we_o our_o prophet_n to_o speak_v to_o we_o and_o our_o master_n to_o teach_v we_o he_o be_v the_o abridge_v word_n and_o by_o the_o condition_n that_o he_o have_v make_v with_o his_o father_n he_o conduct_n we_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o illuminate_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n he_o direct_v we_o by_o his_o providence_n and_o he_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o father_n so_o he_o teach_v we_o not_o only_o by_o his_o word_n but_o also_o by_o the_o holy_a and_o adorable_a action_n of_o his_o life_n the_o rule_n the_o law_n and_o model_n of_o our_o life_n now_o if_o jesus_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o our_o life_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v he_o if_o we_o will_v live_v christianly_o and_o if_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o solid_a piety_n we_o desire_v to_o attain_v a_o perfection_n suitable_a to_o the_o vocation_n and_o estate_n we_o profess_v we_o must_v choose_v none_o but_o those_o which_o imitate_v the_o son_n of_o god_n hold_v it_o a_o maxim_n in_o all_o kind_n of_o exercise_n that_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o devout_a and_o perfect_a the_o more_o conformable_a his_o life_n and_o action_n be_v to_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o he_o be_v neither_o devout_a nor_o perfect_a but_o as_o far_o as_o he_o imitate_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o true_a piety_n and_o christian_a perfection_n if_o right_o understand_v consist_v only_o in_o this_o point_n this_o principle_n and_o precept_n we_o have_v also_o from_o jesus_n christ_n where_o he_o say_v if_o any_o man_n serve_v i_o 12.26_o let_v he_o follow_v i_o and_o where_o i_o be_o there_o my_o servant_n shall_v be_v also_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n must_v imitate_v jesus_n christ._n to_o serve_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o follow_v to_o follow_v according_a to_o st._n austin_n be_v to_o imitate_v so_o that_o the_o devotion_n whereby_o we_o shall_v serve_v god_n be_v not_o devotion_n but_o illusion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o exercise_n which_o cause_v we_o to_o follow_v and_o imitate_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ._n here_o we_o may_v see_v how_o much_o they_o be_v deceive_v who_o dare_v call_v he_o rash_a and_o accuse_v he_o of_o presumption_n that_o will_v imitate_v jesus_n christ_n who_o say_v it_o be_v to_o soar_v too_o high_a and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a man_n shall_v imitate_v his_o god_n and_o blind_v with_o this_o ignorance_n be_v content_a to_o employ_v themselves_o in_o some_o good_a moral_a exercise_n the_o apostle_n condemn_v this_o error_n say_v jesus_n christ_n suffer_v for_o we_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v his_o step_n 2.21_o st._n paul_n confess_v that_o his_o study_n and_o principal_a care_n be_v to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ_n to_o which_o end_n 11.1_o he_o write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o as_o i_o be_o of_o jesus_n christ._n in_o a_o word_n we_o be_v not_o make_v christian_n nor_o participate_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o to_o be_v put_v into_o a_o capacity_n and_o obligation_n to_o imitate_v he_o this_o be_v his_o intention_n when_o he_o say_v 10.38_o who_o do_v not_o follow_v he_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o to_o say_v the_o contrary_a be_v to_o oppose_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n a_o truth_n more_o manifest_a than_o day_n by_o these_o principle_n we_o discover_v another_o blindness_n great_a than_o the_o other_o a_o deceit_n more_o dangerous_a in_o many_o christian_n who_o only_o study_v to_o perfect_v their_o reason_n and_o think_v they_o do_v much_o to_o follow_v that_o in_o every_o point_n wherein_o they_o be_v much_o deceive_v for_o they_o believe_v it_o sufficient_a to_o live_v reasonable_o and_o christianly_o and_o in_o this_o belief_n forget_v or_o neglect_v the_o rest_n think_v they_o be_v arrive_v to_o a_o estate_n perfect_a enough_o but_o be_v quite_o contrary_a for_o by_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n only_o we_o live_v as_o perfect_a man_n or_o at_o most_o but_o as_o good_a philosopher_n but_o if_o we_o will_v live_v and_o operate_v as_o good_a christian_n and_o child_n of_o god_n we_o must_v advance_v ourselves_o above_o reason_n to_o live_v not_o a_o humane_a but_o a_o divine_a life_n that_o be_v the_o life_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n live_v upon_o earth_n and_o communicate_v to_o true_a christian_n the_o life_n of_o the_o new_a man_n to_o live_v this_o life_n we_o make_v use_v not_o of_o reason_n but_o of_o grace_n which_o be_v far_o above_o reason_n and_o must_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o christian_a action_n for_o only_a grace_n can_v bring_v we_o to_o god_n and_o render_v we_o worthy_a of_o god_n that_o be_v of_o god_n consider_v as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o religion_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o a_o humane_a spirit_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o our_o conduct_n nor_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n as_o christian_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n law_n and_o principle_n thereof_o wherefore_o in_o our_o exercise_n of_o piety_n we_o must_v have_v this_o continual_o before_o our_o eye_n if_o we_o will_v be_v devout_a viz._n we_o must_v follow_v he_o if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v and_o we_o must_v imitate_v he_o if_o we_o will_v follow_v he_o which_o we_o be_v now_o to_o consider_v how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v chap._n xiii_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o have_v be_v propose_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n when_o we_o speak_v of_o imitate_v the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o mean_v not_o do_v of_o miracle_n as_o he_o do_v we_o be_v not_o command_v to_o walk_v upon_o the_o sea_n to_o raise_v up_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n and_o to_o give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a we_o mean_v not_o the_o be_v elevate_v to_o a_o intuitive_a knowledge_n of_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o divinity_n this_o be_v only_o for_o jesus_n these_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n and_o the_o mark_n of_o his_o mission_n we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o come_v into_o competition_n with_o he_o but_z as_o he_o be_v humble_v to_o our_o meanness_n and_o be_v clothe_v with_o our_o nature_n become_v man_n and_o take_v a_o new_a be_v and_o estate_n so_o he_o take_v also_o a_o new_a manner_n of_o life_n conformable_a to_o we_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v after_o which_o we_o be_v to_o form_v the_o interior_a of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o procedure_v of_o our_o action_n he_o annihilate_v himself_o in_o the_o incarnation_n say_v the_o apostle_n he_o humble_v himself_o in_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o life_n 2.8_o he_o make_v himself_o poor_a in_o all_o his_o estate_n he_o be_v obedient_a even_o to_o the_o cross_n he_o suffer_v even_o to_o death_n he_o have_v show_v his_o love_n in_o all_o his_o work_n in_o a_o word_n he_o practise_v all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o progress_n of_o his_o life_n let_v we_o do_v the_o like_a he_o be_v bear_v for_o our_o sake_n and_o all_o that_o he_o do_v be_v only_a that_o he_o may_v imitate_v he_o as_o the_o model_n of_o our_o life_n for_o this_o reason_n he_o choose_v a_o kind_n of_o life_n full_a of_o various_a estate_n and_o practise_v several_a action_n that_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o estate_n shall_v find_v in_o he_o the_o idea_n of_o their_o action_n and_o the_o prototype_n of_o their_o life_n thus_o to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o obligation_n belong_v to_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n when_o we_o receive_v baptism_n we_o be_v incorporate_v into_o he_o as_o member_n this_o incorporation_n do_v not_o only_o bind_v we_o to_o adhere_v to_o he_o as_o member_n to_o their_o head_n but_o to_o be_v like_o