to_o require_v it_o of_o we_o my_o three_o prayer_n pass_v on_o in_o these_o thought_n that_o the_o most_o sacred_a trinity_n be_v eternal_o knowledge_n and_o love_v substantial_a my_o soul_n ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o produce_v in_o herself_o a_o actual_a knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n the_o better_a to_o resemble_v this_o adorable_a trinity_n a_o soul_n in_o the_o state_n of_o contemplation_n render_v this_o honour_n to_o god_n in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n enjoy_v god_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n in_o as_o transcendent_a a_o manner_n as_o mortality_n permit_v it_o be_v true_a the_o prospect_n i_o have_v of_o this_o divine_a life_n here_o below_o draws_z my_o soul_n powerful_o after_o it_o and_o i_o love_v it_o better_o than_o former_o but_o i_o see_v that_o to_o persevere_v therein_o we_o must_v be_v very_o poor_a in_o spirit_n that_o be_v not_o only_o free_a from_o exorbitant_a passion_n but_o all_o distract_n image_n which_o pass_v by_o the_o sense_n that_o be_v not_o mortify_v news_n attend_v with_o curiosity_n or_o the_o eye_n attach_v to_o sensible_a object_n or_o such_o like_a immortification_n fill_v the_o soul_n with_o unprofitable_a image_n which_o make_v her_o uncapable_a of_o divine_a impression_n by_o correspond_v to_o which_o we_o most_o benefit_n ourselves_o and_o most_o glorify_v god_n in_o my_o four_o prayer_n i_o be_v take_v up_o with_o a_o view_n of_o those_o amorous_a complacency_n and_o those_o infinite_a joy_n wherewith_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n replenish_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v the_o clear_a vision_n of_o the_o ineffable_a mystery_n of_o the_o most_o sacred_a trinity_n and_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o knowledge_n and_o love_n which_o be_v reciprocal_a among_o the_o divine_a person_n to_o see_v god_n clear_o be_v the_o beatifical_a vision_n alas_o how_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v humble_v to_o consider_v how_o infinite_o we_o fall_v short_a in_o our_o devotion_n of_o the_o continual_a hallelujah_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o glory_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o our_o hope_n be_v at_o last_o to_o bear_v they_o company_n o_o how_o this_o life_n be_v poor_a and_o miserable_a where_o all_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n the_o view_n of_o my_o own_o weakness_n make_v i_o sensible_a that_o all_o i_o do_v for_o god_n be_v as_o nothing_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n i_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v dear_a lord_n but_o that_o i_o merit_v eternal_a confusion_n which_o must_v needs_o fall_v upon_o i_o unless_o your_o goodness_n have_v pity_n on_o i_o according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o your_o mercy_n can_v we_o imagine_v we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n too_o much_o for_o god_n it_o be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v of_o our_o small_a service_n and_o endeavour_n and_o reward_v they_o eternal_o o_o how_o great_a a_o truth_n be_v it_o that_o grace_n and_o glory_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o pure_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o we_o bless_a be_v his_o name_n to_o all_o eternity_n three_o day_n in_o my_o first_o prayer_n of_o this_o day_n i_o consider_v that_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n be_v happy_a in_o contemplation_n of_o themselves_o from_o all_o eternity_n when_o they_o create_v the_o world_n the_o preservation_n and_o government_n thereof_o do_v not_o at_o disturb_v their_o repose_n and_o felicity_n the_o father_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o son_n and_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n three_o in_o one_o and_o one_o in_o three_o infinite_o happy_a in_o each_o other_o before_o all_o time_n and_o shall_v be_v to_o all_o eternity_n o_o what_o ravish_v beauty_n do_v they_o behold_v in_o each_o other_o and_o what_o unspeakable_a delight_n do_v they_o take_v in_o their_o infinite_a perfection_n nothing_o without_o they_o can_v interrupt_v their_o joy_n or_o add_v to_o their_o happiness_n though_o true_a solitary_n who_o live_v the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o like_a manner_n repose_v only_o in_o he_o and_o be_v dead_a to_o themselves_o and_o all_o creature_n live_v only_o in_o he_o to_o he_o and_o for_o he_o o_o divine_a life_n of_o solitude_n thou_o be_v here_o begin_v on_o earth_n and_o can_v not_o be_v perfect_v but_o in_o heaven_n a_o true_a hermit_n life_n be_v not_o a_o sensual_a but_o divine_a life_n god_n call_v i_o to_o contemplation_n i_o will_v repair_v to_o church_n as_o to_o a_o hermitage_n where_o i_o may_v live_v this_o divine_a life_n the_o psalmody_n there_o much_o rejoice_v my_o heart_n and_o lift_v up_o my_o soul_n to_o contemplation_n through_o natural_a consideration_n i_o have_v condescend_v to_o please_v other_o against_o my_o own_o inclination_n but_o now_o i_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o converse_v with_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n i_o can_v no_o more_o relish_v the_o company_n of_o my_o friend_n and_o relation_n except_o rare_o to_o maintain_v peace_n and_o union_n or_o for_o some_o great_a necessity_n and_o if_o they_o be_v displease_v i_o must_v not_o value_v it_o my_o second_o prayer_n be_v a_o amorous_a attention_n upon_o what_o past_a eternal_o among_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n how_o the_o father_n know_v his_o divine_a perfection_n do_v beget_v his_o son_n and_o how_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n by_o a_o infinite_a love_n do_v produce_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o father_n be_v a_o infinite_a ocean_n of_o perfection_n by_o a_o infinite_a fecundity_n beget_v his_o son_n and_o they_o be_v absorb_v in_o each_o other_o produce_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o a_o everlasting_a flux_n and_o reflux_n of_o love_n this_o i_o do_v contemplate_v with_o great_a repose_n of_o soul_n and_o yield_v up_o the_o intellectual_a power_n thereof_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n to_o 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spirit_n be_v as_o so_o many_o sacred_a vessel_n into_o who_o god_n infuse_v his_o love_n and_o knowledge_n by_o a_o continual_a emanation_n which_o love_n and_o knowledge_n return_v to_o god_n its_o source_n as_o the_o water_n of_o a_o run_a fountain_n rise_v as_o high_a as_o the_o spring_n from_o whence_o it_o have_v its_o origen_n this_o love_n and_o knowledge_n do_v establish_v god_n in_o we_o and_o also_o do_v firm_o establish_v we_o in_o god_n so_o that_o god_n take_v a_o delight_n and_o repose_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n find_v her_o centre_n and_o rest_n in_o he_o thereby_o faint_o represent_v how_o the_o divine_a person_n have_v a_o mutual_a repose_n in_o each_o other_o empty_a vessel_n be_v most_o capable_a to_o be_v fill_v and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o our_o soul_n be_v empty_a of_o self-love_n and_o nature_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o be_v they_o capable_a of_o divine_a love_n and_o knowledge_n a_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o state_n delight_v in_o solitude_n and_o care_v not_o to_o live_v in_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n what_o most_o sadden_v our_o spirit_n and_o retard_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v a_o natural_a aversion_n we_o have_v from_o a_o hide_a life_n for_o man_n natural_o desire_v to_o be_v know_v and_o love_v and_o think_v life_n be_v as_o nothing_o without_o repute_n and_o as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v full_a of_o this_o liquor_n we_o be_v not_o vessel_n proper_a to_o receive_v the_o influence_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o knowledge_n let_v we_o o_o my_o soul_n empty_v ourselves_o of_o self-love_n that_o divine_a love_n may_v take_v place_n in_o we_o in_o my_o four_o prayer_n i_o find_v a_o amorous_a complacency_n in_o my_o soul_n in_o that_o god_n be_v but_o one_o do_v subsist_v in_o three_o person_n know_v and_o love_v themselves_o
wherein_o consist_v their_o felicity_n the_o father_n be_v the_o source_n of_o be_v the_o the_o son_n the_o term_n of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o his_o love_n the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v from_o the_o father_n the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n know_v the_o son_n the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n love_v the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o be_v the_o wonder_n that_o make_v heaven_n happy_a firm_o to_o believe_v they_o be_v our_o blessedness_n on_o earth_n and_o to_o contemplate_v they_o continual_o bring_v solid_a consolation_n to_o the_o soul_n i_o see_v clear_o that_o to_o dispose_v myself_o for_o this_o incomparable_a happiness_n i_o be_v to_o purify_v my_o interiour_n and_o to_o mortify_v some_o natural_a resentment_n which_o yet_o live_v in_o i_o as_o namely_o too_o great_a a_o fear_n about_o the_o loss_n of_o worldly_a thing_n or_o to_o be_v despise_v by_o other_o or_o ill_a success_n of_o affair_n beside_o too_o great_a a_o sense_n of_o humane_a respect_n and_o a_o backwardness_n to_o follow_v the_o instinct_n of_o grace_n for_o worldly_a consideration_n i_o know_v god_n sometime_o suffer_v these_o imperfection_n to_o live_v in_o we_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o fidelity_n however_o his_o will_n be_v that_o we_o strive_v to_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o world_n and_o ourselves_o have_v our_o affection_n so_o fix_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n as_o to_o live_v a_o divine_a life_n in_o mortal_a body_n believe_v i_o till_o our_o interiour_n be_v thorough_o purify_v we_o shall_v not_o not_o be_v capable_a of_o high_a contemplation_n nor_o arrive_v to_o much_o knowledge_n in_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n four_o day_n in_o my_o first_o prayer_n i_o be_v principal_o take_v up_o with_o the_o adorable_a person_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n methinks_v i_o see_v how_o he_o be_v ravish_v with_o infinite_a joy_n in_o himself_o with_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o what_o complacency_n he_o also_o take_v in_o the_o suffer_v of_o the_o humanity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n though_o he_o love_v he_o with_o the_o same_o love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v himself_o and_o because_o these_o suffering_n be_v please_v to_o his_o divine_a father_n as_o satisfactory_a for_o our_o sin_n he_o do_v thirst_n to_o suffer_v more_o to_o fulfil_v his_o will_n and_o therefore_o after_o such_o variety_n of_o dolorous_a suffering_n die_v on_o the_o cross_n he_o cry_v out_o sitio_fw-la i_o thirst_v it_o much_o rejoice_v my_o heart_n to_o see_v what_o infinite_a complacency_n the_o three_o divine_a person_n take_v in_o the_o divinity_n and_o say_v within_o myself_o o_o sacred_a trinity_n enjoy_v eternal_o these_o infinite_a delight_n but_o i_o desire_v as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v to_o add_v to_o your_o exterior_a contentment_n by_o imitate_v the_o suffering_n of_o my_o bless_a saviour_n and_o herein_o i_o will_v not_o have_v so_o much_o a_o eye_n to_o the_o reward_n to_o please_v the_o sacred_a trinity_n who_o i_o adore_v behold_v then_o what_o hereupon_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o god_n put_v into_o my_o mind_n 1._o to_o eat_v neither_o fish_n nor_o flesh_n but_o in_o case_n of_o sickness_n 2._o to_o discipline_n every_o day_n 3._o to_o be_v please_v with_o occasion_n of_o contempt_n 4._o to_o despise_v all_o temporal_a thing_n to_o follow_v the_o attract_v of_o divine_a love_n 5._o to_o lie_v down_o upon_o a_o hard_a bed_n 6._o to_o cut_v off_o all_o worldly_a visit_n and_o retire_v myself_o into_o a_o solitude_n where_o the_o world_n may_v despise_v i_o i_o consider_v in_o my_o second_o prayer_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o divine_a father_n in_o possession_n of_o infinite_a delight_n and_o joy_n unspeakable_a out_o of_o love_n to_o his_o father_n do_v quit_v his_o bosom_n and_o clothe_v himself_o with_o mortal_a flesh_n to_o plunge_v himself_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o misery_n abjection_n and_o suffering_n that_o he_o may_v glorify_v his_o divine_a father_n by_o his_o humane_a and_o suffer_a life_n and_o teach_v we_o man_n his_o brethren_n that_o the_o way_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o love_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n be_v by_o the_o gate_n of_o suffering_n be_v it_o you_o o_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n be_v it_o you_o bear_v in_o a_o stable_a work_v in_o a_o shop_n die_v on_o a_o cross_n you_o that_o be_v all_o splendour_n and_o glory_n the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o delight_n of_o heaven_n be_v it_o you_o that_o be_v so_o poor_a and_o abject_a so_o void_a of_o friend_n so_o full_a of_o disgrace_n so_o scorn_v and_o despise_v be_v it_o you_o who_o they_o esteem_v as_o the_o outcast_n of_o man_n and_o not_o worthy_a to_o live_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n o_o the_o love_n of_o the_o son_n towards_o his_o father_n o_o the_o strange_a invention_n of_o the_o son_n to_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n o_o my_o jesus_n how_o admirable_a be_v you_o in_o your_o divinity_n but_o how_o amiable_a be_v you_o in_o your_o humanity_n i_o desire_v o_o dear_a jesus_n to_o follow_v you_o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n and_o seek_v no_o other_o glory_n than_o in_o your_o cross_n and_o poverty_n your_o humiliation_n and_o suffering_n absit_fw-la mihi_fw-la gloriari_fw-la nisi_fw-la in_o cruse_n domini_fw-la nostri_fw-la jesus_n christi_fw-la the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v my_o crown_n and_o glory_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o possess_v honour_n riches_n and_o worldly_a preferment_n without_o fear_n and_o humility_n have_v we_o not_o cause_n to_o fear_v that_o in_o a_o state_n of_o worldly_a greatness_n nature_n will_v seek_v herself_o and_o not_o follow_v jesus_n poor_a and_o humble_a which_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v either_o effective_o or_o in_o affection_n a_o state_n of_o suffer_v under_o the_o cross_n be_v true_o glorious_a and_o full_a of_o interiour_n consolation_n in_o my_o three_o prayer_n i_o consider_v that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o father_n with_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o son_n with_o the_o father_n be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o union_n infinite_a and_o adorable_a o_o holy_a spirit_n see_v it_o be_v your_o property_n to_o unite_v unite_v my_o heart_n so_o intimate_o to_o the_o adorable_a trinity_n present_a in_o i_o that_o i_o may_v never_o suffer_v a_o separation_n and_o that_o this_o adorable_a union_n may_v be_v frequent_a in_o my_o thought_n and_o meditation_n bless_a be_v your_o holy_a name_n my_o god_n that_o you_o be_v please_v to_o be_v so_o merciful_a unto_o i_o as_o to_o take_v up_o my_o thought_n with_o this_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n o_o how_o do_v i_o begin_v too_o late_o have_v be_v too_o long_o amuze_v with_o vain_a trifle_n my_o past_a life_n displease_v i_o and_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n be_v troublesome_a unto_o i_o see_v it_o hinder_v i_o from_o converse_v with_o you_o as_o i_o desire_v natural_a necessity_n as_o to_o eat_v to_o sleep_v to_o recreate_v be_v burdensome_a unto_o a_o soul_n quicken_v with_o your_o spirit_n strong_o incline_v we_o to_o live_v here_o on_o earth_n as_o in_o heaven_n in_o a_o perfect_a and_o perpetual_a union_n with_o your_o goodness_n the_o consideration_n which_o take_v up_o my_o thought_n in_o my_o four_o prayer_n be_v that_o the_o eternal_a son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n seem_v to_o have_v more_o commerce_n with_o man_n then_o the_o eternal_a father_n because_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o by_o external_a mission_n the_o son_n be_v make_v man_n for_o to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n take_v divers_a form_n for_o the_o service_n of_o man_n and_o to_o inflame_v our_o heart_n with_o divine_a love_n the_o eternal_a father_n seem_v always_o to_o remain_v in_o himself_o ravish_v with_o his_o own_o infinite_a beauty_n and_o perfection_n o_o adorable_a mansion_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n within_o himself_o o_o wonderful_a mission_n of_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n towards_o we_o man_n and_o for_o our_o salvation_n eternal_a matter_n of_o adoration_n o_o my_o god_n when_o shall_v i_o go_v out_o of_o myself_o to_o elevate_v my_o heart_n to_o you_o and_o converse_v with_o you_o i_o see_v very_o well_o that_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n retirement_n be_v requisite_a abstinence_n and_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o to_o conserve_v the_o same_o temper_n of_o soul_n we_o must_v practise_v silence_n as_o much_o as_o our_o condition_n and_o affair_n will_v permit_v if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o holy_a spirit_n do_v appear_v here_o upon_o earth_n only_o for_o our_o good_a certain_o we_o ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n and_o adore_v the_o most_o sacred_a trinity_n for_o these_o infinite_a mercy_n five_o day_n my_o first_o prayer_n pass_v in_o acknowledgement_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o
thing_n else_o be_v but_o deceit_n and_o vanity_n 3._o they_o consider_v the_o mystery_n of_o jesus_n begin_v to_o discover_v the_o beauty_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o suffering_n which_o yet_o be_v shadow_v with_o some_o obscurity_n 4._o their_o eye_n be_v more_o open_v they_o behold_v distinct_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o suffering_n contempt_n and_o poverty_n of_o the_o word_n incarnate_a and_o thereupon_o conceive_v a_o great_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n 5._o in_o persuance_n hereof_o they_o contemplate_v the_o divine_a mystery_n and_o if_o they_o be_v faithful_a to_o imitate_v christ_n crucify_a they_o will_v arrive_v to_o a_o great_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divinity_n 6._o then_o if_o they_o keep_v close_o to_o purity_n of_o heart_n they_o be_v whole_o in_o a_o manner_n take_v up_o with_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a mystery_n of_o jesus_n be_v very_o sensible_a what_o a_o infinite_a mercy_n it_o be_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o darkness_n of_o that_o ignorance_n which_o be_v in_o carnal_a man_n who_o have_v no_o feel_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n or_o their_o salvation_n 7._o their_o light_n increase_v they_o more_o and_o more_o discover_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creature_n more_o clear_o without_o comparison_n in_o the_o sacred_a humanity_n of_o jesus_n but_o yet_o more_o transcendent_o in_o their_o source_n the_o divinity_n sweet_o apply_v themselves_o thereto_o with_o much_o felicity_n behold_v this_o be_v what_o god_n give_v i_o to_o know_v â—n_v a_o little_a time_n and_o this_o light_n will_v increase_v if_o i_o be_v faithful_a to_o practise_v the_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n crucify_a who_o be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o the_o divinity_n the_o centre_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o her_o perfect_a repose_n in_o my_o three_o prayer_n i_o find_v myself_o in_o a_o disposition_n to_o admire_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o our_o soul_n god_n our_o creator_n work_v in_o they_o what_o he_o please_v he_o have_v endow_v 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the_o father_n as_o that_o he_o can_v beget_v another_o like_o he_o o_o my_o jesus_n how_o this_o verity_n discover_v to_o i_o the_o riches_n the_o glory_n the_o grandeur_n of_o your_o person_n what_o prodigious_a blindness_n have_v seize_v on_o man_n as_o not_o to_o see_v this_o and_o not_o to_o esteem_v you_o above_o ten_o thousand_o world_n you_o appear_v poor_a humble_a and_o abject_a in_o their_o eye_n and_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v true_a the_o whole_a world_n be_v less_o than_o a_o atomn_n in_o your_o presence_n i_o take_v for_o the_o subject_n of_o my_o three_o prayer_n this_o admirable_a truth_n that_o the_o eternal_a father_n be_v the_o source_n of_o the_o whole_a divinity_n which_o he_o communicate_v to_o his_o son_n beget_v of_o his_o substance_n yet_o without_o any_o superiority_n or_o authority_n over_o he_o by_o his_o paternity_n and_o the_o son_n who_o receive_v all_o from_o his_o father_n owe_v he_o nothing_o of_o thanks_o of_o service_n or_o obedience_n not_o but_o 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sufficient_o and_o few_o that_o practice_n it_o in_o purity_n and_o real_o aspire_v to_o form_v the_o true_a image_n of_o jesus_n in_o they_o in_o my_o second_o prayer_n i_o do_v apply_v myself_o to_o consider_v how_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_o in_o the_o midst_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o be_v a_o mediator_n between_o his_o eternal_a father_n and_o we_o sinner_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o father_n but_o by_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o happiness_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sad_a case_n that_o man_n shall_v so_o much_o go_v astray_o this_o be_v a_o low_a and_o humble_a way_n and_o they_o puff_v up_o with_o pride_n will_v march_v over_o mountain_n in_o way_n above_o they_o this_o be_v a_o poor_a penitential_a suffer_v way_n and_o they_o be_v for_o a_o way_n easy_a delicious_a rich_a and_o commodious_a be_v it_o possible_a to_o come_v to_o the_o bosom_n of_o 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upon_o earth_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a fear_n to_o think_v we_o shall_v shorten_v our_o day_n by_o our_o endeavour_v to_o live_v a_o divine_a life_n in_o our_o mortal_a body_n seven_o day_n i_o begin_v my_o first_o prayer_n by_o a_o peculiar_a instinct_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n bring_v often_o to_o my_o mind_n those_o precious_a word_n of_o st._n paul_n god_n have_v send_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o our_o heart_n cry_v abba_n father_n and_o then_o i_o find_v that_o a_o soul_n assist_v with_o the_o extraordinary_a infusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v elevate_v above_o herself_o which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n free_o communicate_v whereby_o she_o see_v and_o taste_v the_o ineffable_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n o_o what_o a_o gracious_a gift_n be_v this_o what_o a_o great_a favour_n be_v it_o when_o god_n be_v please_v thus_o to_o communicate_v himself_o unto_o we_o it_o than_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o the_o faculty_n of_o my_o soul_n cease_v their_o ordinary_a operation_n and_o the_o obscurity_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v vanish_v this_o divine_a wisdom_n elevate_a they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n which_o they_o can_v conceive_v who_o know_v not_o by_o experience_n to_o a_o very_a sublime_a way_n of_o work_v much_o above_o their_o ordinary_a proceed_n the_o soul_n stand_v wonder_v at_o it_o and_o can_v hardly_o believe_v she_o can_v arrive_v to_o such_o a_o point_n of_o perfection_n then_o a_o divine_a light_n give_v i_o to_o see_v at_o once_o my_o unworthiness_n to_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n to_o bestow_v they_o on_o i_o and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n whereby_o they_o be_v purchase_v i_o be_v much_o amaze_v that_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v so_o great_a favour_n to_o so_o wretched_a a_o sinner_n and_o i_o do_v melt_v in_o acknowledgement_n be_v humble_v in_o myself_o with_o a_o entire_a confidence_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n i_o continue_v my_o second_o prayer_n and_o this_o divine_a light_n increase_v in_o my_o soul_n and_o discover_v the_o favour_n god_n vouchsafe_v to_o soul_n of_o which_o there_o be_v many_o degree_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o purity_n of_o heart_n 1._o they_o see_v the_o deformity_n of_o sin_n clear_a enough_o to_o conceive_v a_o horror_n and_o detestation_n of_o it_o and_o know_v confuse_o the_o christian_a virtue_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o sacred_a humanity_n and_o divinity_n 2._o they_o see_v more_o clear_o some_o christian_a principle_n as_o a_o eternity_n of_o a_o happy_a or_o miserable_a condition_n after_o this_o life_n that_o our_o salvation_n be_v our_o principal_n concern_v and_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a aend_v that_o all_o
for_o everblessed_n eternity_n o_o my_o soul_n let_v we_o not_o follow_v our_o own_o fancy_n but_o serve_v god_n in_o what_o manner_n he_o will_v have_v we_o by_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n the_o eternal_a song_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o my_o four_o prayer_n i_o consider_v with_o great_a delight_n that_o all_o the_o angel_n and_o glorious_a saint_n shall_v eternal_o glorify_v the_o adorable_a trinity_n with_o this_o sacred_a trisagion_n holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n of_o sabbath_n methinks_v the_o first_o of_o the_o seraphin_n begin_v this_o anthem_n with_o a_o admirable_a air_n and_o all_o the_o choirs_fw-fr of_o angel_n join_v their_o voice_n all_o sing_v with_o a_o tone_n more_o or_o less_o elevate_v proportion_v to_o the_o degree_n they_o possess_v in_o glory_n and_o this_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o angelical_a voice_n make_v a_o most_o melodious_a and_o admirable_a harmony_n wherewith_o the_o divine_a person_n be_v much_o delight_v it_o come_v into_o my_o thought_n that_o the_o sacred_a humanity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o noble_a of_o all_o create_a entity_n the_o sacred_a virgin_n mother_n of_o god_n and_o queen_n of_o angel_n with_o all_o the_o multitude_n of_o holy_a patriarch_n prophet_n apostle_n martyr_n confessor_n and_o virgin_n do_v bear_v a_o part_n in_o this_o sacred_a harmony_n with_o great_a contentment_n and_o my_o soul_n be_v much_o delight_v therewith_o desire_v to_o glorify_v god_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a i_o see_v that_o the_o church_n militant_a in_o a_o holy_a emulation_n of_o the_o church_n triumphant_a do_v use_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o most_o sacred_a trinity_n a_o like_a canticle_n repeat_v in_o her_o divine_a office_n on_o all_o occasion_n gloria_fw-la patri_fw-la &_o filio_fw-la &_o spiritui_fw-la sancto_fw-la glory_n be_v to_o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o son_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o heaven_n and_o earth_n do_v echo_n forth_o incessant_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o adorable_a trinity_n i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o all_o creature_n have_v voice_n to_o praise_n god_n continual_o and_o with_o much_o affection_n i_o often_o repeat_v glory_n be_v to_o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o son_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n tribus_fw-la honour_n unus_fw-la amen_n ten_o day_n this_o day_n begin_v my_o prayer_n i_o feel_v my_o soul_n prevent_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a sweetness_n i_o represent_v my_o god_n in_o the_o fund_z of_o my_o heart_n as_o my_o belove_a and_o i_o return_v he_o thanks_o for_o his_o manifold_a visit_n my_o disposition_n be_v then_o as_o a_o spiritual_a springtime_n i_o scent_v the_o odour_n of_o the_o flower_n of_o virtue_n perfume_a my_o interiour_n and_o i_o make_v thereof_o a_o crown_n for_o the_o bridegroom_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o set_v it_o on_o his_o head_n and_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v much_o please_v with_o it_o and_o my_o soul_n take_v great_a complacency_n therein_o i_o observe_v that_o when_o the_o spiritual_a bridegroom_n come_v to_o visit_v his_o spouse_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a communion_n or_o by_o any_o visit_n extraordinary_a it_o be_v with_o different_a effect_n sometime_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v inebriate_v with_o divine_a love_n at_o other_o time_n she_o have_v a_o feel_n of_o great_a variety_n of_o virtue_n wherewith_o the_o interiour_n be_v beautify_v as_o a_o garden_n with_o flower_n the_o soul_n be_v be_v not_o then_o take_v up_o sole_o with_o the_o sweet_n of_o love_n but_o be_v adorn_v with_o variety_n of_o virtue_n sometime_o she_o present_v this_o sometime_o that_o sometime_o altogether_o to_o her_o belove_a my_o second_o prayer_n be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o same_o thought_n and_o i_o perceive_v that_o every_o step_v the_o divine_a bridegroom_n of_o our_o soul_n make_v in_o the_o garden_n of_o his_o spouse_n give_v a_o new_a birth_n to_o different_a flower_n this_o be_v no_o small_a contentment_n to_o the_o soul_n but_o what_o ought_v most_v to_o affect_v she_o herein_o be_v that_o her_o beloved_n be_v please_v to_o take_v with_o she_o his_o recreation_n who_o delight_v to_o be_v sometime_o with_o the_o child_n of_o man_n then_o it_o be_v he_o refresh_v we_o with_o the_o perfume_n and_o odour_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o glorify_v and_o we_o must_v give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o his_o divine_a will._n other_o time_n he_o visit_v a_o soul_n in_o this_o crucify_a state_n bring_v with_o he_o nothing_o but_o thorn_n and_o nail_n and_o bitterness_n and_o suffering_n but_o a_o soul_n must_v not_o think_v that_o her_o beloved_n be_v not_o then_o well_o please_v with_o she_o because_o of_o this_o rough_a usage_n for_o this_o be_v his_o will_n and_o it_o be_v best_a for_o she_o i_o be_v much_o astonish_v to_o see_v the_o excess_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o i_o who_o deserve_v to_o have_v be_v treat_v as_o a_o enemy_n but_o he_o be_v please_v to_o unite_v i_o to_o himself_o with_o such_o ravish_a transport_n as_o transcend_v expression_n o_o that_o i_o have_v a_o heart_n so_o full_a of_o love_n as_o may_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v unto_o i_o o_o jesus_n the_o love_n of_o my_o heart_n if_o you_o continue_v thus_o i_o shall_v die_v of_o love_n for_o you_o o_o amorous_a flame_n consume_v my_o heart_n to_o ash_n that_o nothing_o may_v be_v find_v there_o but_o love_n and_o humility_n o_o my_o friend_n come_v and_o see_v what_o great_a thing_n god_n have_v do_v for_o my_o soul_n my_o three_o prayer_n be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o amiable_a communication_n that_o the_o most_o sacred_a trinity_n be_v please_v to_o have_v with_o our_o soul_n the_o divine_a nature_n unite_v the_o three_o adorable_a person_n in_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n unite_v two_o nature_n in_o jesus_n and_o grace_n unite_v jesus_n to_o purify_a soul_n and_o this_o union_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n be_v perfect_v by_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n and_o wonderful_a communication_n in_o contemplation_n this_o union_n sometime_o be_v so_o high_a and_o elevate_v that_o jesus_n and_o the_o soul_n seem_v to_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n one_o spirit_n one_o knowledge_n one_o love_n and_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o soul_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o in_o this_o state_n she_o glorify_v god_n in_o a_o transcendent_a way_n be_v wonderful_o unite_v to_o that_o love_n and_o glory_n jesus_n render_v to_o the_o divinity_n and_o the_o divinity_n to_o itself_o the_o design_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o communicate_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n be_v to_o augment_v this_o gracious_a union_n that_o as_o he_o pray_v to_o his_o father_n we_o may_v be_v one_o as_o they_o be_v one_o by_o which_o wonderful_a union_n he_o give_v unto_o we_o a_o fullness_n of_o grace_n and_o divine_a love_n imprint_v on_o we_o unless_o we_o be_v refractory_a the_o like_a inclination_n he_o receive_v from_o his_o father_n to_o keep_v we_o continual_o unite_v to_o he_o by_o love_n and_o honour_v he_o with_o the_o grateful_a sacrifice_n of_o our_o humiliation_n my_o last_o prayer_n be_v a_o amorous_a repose_n of_o myself_o in_o jesus_n find_v myself_o in_o this_o disposition_n i_o dwell_v upon_o it_o know_v well_o that_o a_o soul_n unite_v to_o jesus_n be_v transform_v into_o he_o by_o amorous_a affection_n and_o so_o glorify_v god_n do_v love_n and_o honour_n and_o adore_v the_o divinity_n by_o the_o love_n and_o adoration_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o soul_n in_o this_o amorous_a repose_n find_v all_o her_o want_n supply_v as_o courage_n in_o adversity_n humility_n in_o success_n perseverance_n in_o good_a action_n and_o grace_n to_o practise_v all_o those_o virtue_n which_o god_n command_v on_o all_o occasion_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o amorous_o unite_v to_o jesus_n in_o prayer_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v she_o participate_v of_o his_o spirit_n and_o disposition_n and_o consequent_o be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o the_o cross_n and_o suffering_n to_o have_v union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o prayer_n and_o to_o be_v divide_v from_o he_o in_o our_o life_n and_o action_n be_v a_o illusion_n for_o one_o principal_a effect_n of_o pure_a prayer_n be_v to_o imprint_v in_o we_o a_o love_n to_o follow_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n there_o now_o come_v into_o my_o mind_n a_o excellent_a observation_n of_o a_o father_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v visible_o descend_v to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o son_n do_v not_o as_o the_o son_n visible_o return_v to_o heaven_n but_o take_v up_o his_o mansion_n with_o we_o here_o on_o earth_n to_o unite_v our_o heart_n with_o our_o heavenly_a father_n as_o in_o the_o divinity_n he_o be_v the_o union_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n
divinity_n o_o how_o great_a be_v the_o dignity_n of_o pure_a soul_n when_o they_o communicate_v o_o how_o low_a and_o abject_a be_v all_o the_o grandeurs_fw-fr of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o compare_v with_o this_o for_o what_o glory_n be_v comparable_a to_o that_o of_o a_o soul_n intimate_o unite_v with_o the_o supreme_a be_v my_o god_n how_o delightful_a and_o transport_v be_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o wonder_n and_o profound_a secret_n wrap_v up_o in_o your_o mystery_n how_o they_o penetrate_v the_o soul_n you_o disclose_v they_o to_o this_o union_n with_o jesus_n in_o communion_n be_v inessable_a for_o as_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v one_o in_o unity_n of_o essence_n the_o word_n and_o humane_a nature_n one_o in_o unity_n of_o person_n so_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v one_o in_o jesus_n partake_v of_o both_o the_o union_n divine_a and_o humane_a jesus_n be_v in_o she_o according_a to_o both_o his_o nature_n and_o she_o be_v all_o in_o jesus_n and_o while_o she_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o he_o he_o work_v all_o in_o she_o he_o pray_v adore_v love_n suffer_v labour_n insomuch_o that_o this_o perfect_a union_n produce_v a_o certain_a unity_n between_o god_n jesus_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o between_o all_o their_o operation_n it_o settle_v a_o kind_n of_o partnership_n and_o community_n of_o good_n and_o possession_n between_o they_o in_o a_o word_n it_o import_v more_o than_o can_v be_v express_v now_o this_o condition_n must_v needs_o be_v most_o holy_a and_o divine_a where_o god_n work_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n in_o god_n in_o i_o manet_fw-la &_o ego_fw-la in_o eo_fw-la and_o the_o alliance_n between_o they_o grow_v continual_o straight_a and_o close_o proportionable_o to_o her_o increasing_n in_o virtue_n in_o this_o life_n and_o receive_v its_o ultimate_a perfection_n only_o in_o heaven_n o_o amiable_a jesus_n with_o what_o a_o profusion_n of_o goodness_n and_o love_n you_o entertain_v our_o soul_n in_o this_o sacrament_n you_o conceal_v your_o presence_n under_o the_o external_n species_n to_o give_v we_o occasion_n and_o advantage_n to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n which_o behold_v you_o so_o much_o more_o clear_o as_o you_o be_v more_o secret_o and_o obscure_o present_a again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n you_o manifest_a and_o show_v yourself_o by_o innumerable_a effect_n of_o your_o grace_n and_o divine_a sentiment_n which_o you_o breath_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o excite_v and_o exercise_v our_o love_n what_o can_v a_o soul_n do_v when_o she_o see_v herself_o so_o prevent_v so_o convince_v so_o press_v by_o evident_a instance_n and_o experimental_a proof_n of_o your_o endless_a and_o unwearied_a bounty_n what_o can_v she_o do_v but_o love_n love_n without_o stint_n render_v love_n for_o love_n how_o many_o excellent_a thing_n may_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_a but_o how_o can_v those_o sentiment_n be_v express_v that_o can_v hardly_o be_v conceive_v chap._n xi_o the_o four_o effect_n of_o communion_n be_v to_o confer_v the_o high_a love_n oftentimes_o before_o and_o after_o communion_n i_o be_v take_v up_o with_o contemplate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o be_v different_a in_o our_o manner_n of_o conception_n and_o the_o verity_n of_o their_o effect_n now_o when_o any_o one_o of_o they_o discover_v itself_o it_o appear_v in_o full_a beauty_n and_o majesty_n and_o all_o the_o other_o seem_v to_o sink_v in_o to_o it_o and_o lend_v all_o their_o ornament_n and_o excellence_n to_o increase_v its_o lustre_n a_o instance_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n where_o the_o divine_a love_n display_v all_o its_o magnificence_n and_o the_o other_o attribute_n contribute_v to_o that_o design_n the_o bright_a of_o their_o charm_n and_o perfection_n eternity_n immensity_n wisdom_n omnipotence_n justice_n mercy_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v most_o eminent_a and_o adorable_a in_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v present_a there_o and_o attend_v upon_o the_o triumph_n of_o love_n each_o of_o these_o perfection_n espouse_v the_o interest_n and_o put_v on_o the_o inclination_n of_o love_n which_o be_v liberality_n and_o magnificence_n and_o according_o operate_v in_o a_o soul_n when_o love_n make_v his_o triumphant_a entry_n at_o the_o time_n of_o communion_n for_o love_n as_o its_o proper_a effect_n produce_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o reciprocal_a love_n eternity_n imprint_n continuance_n and_o perseverance_n immensity_n spread_v the_o affection_n and_o give_v it_o a_o unbounded_a extent_n wisdom_n shed_v round_o about_o a_o supernatural_a light_n to_o guide_v its_o good_a purpose_n and_o illustrate_v the_o way_n of_o virtue_n omnipotence_n inspire_v a_o invincible_a strength_n to_o surmount_v all_o difficulty_n and_o obstacle_n thus_o in_o communion_n a_o soul_n do_v not_o only_o receive_v the_o impression_n of_o love_n but_o of_o love_n attend_v with_o the_o lustre_n and_o excellency_n of_o all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o jesus_n christ_n together_o with_o his_o eternal_a father_n send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n to_o replenish_v they_o with_o love_n in_o the_o same_o place_n where_o he_o have_v give_v they_o himself_o in_o the_o sacrament_n so_o that_o this_o divine_a sanctuary_n be_v choose_v two_o several_a time_n to_o be_v the_o theatre_n where_o the_o two_o great_a action_n of_o love_n be_v represent_v that_o ever_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n exhibit_v out_o of_o himself_o the_o first_o in_o give_v we_o his_o son_n to_o reside_v in_o our_o heart_n who_o from_o all_o eternity_n rest_v in_o his_o own_o bosom_n and_o thereby_o enable_v we_o to_o live_v divine_o by_o he_o as_o he_o live_v by_o his_o father_n the_o second_o in_o send_v on_o we_o the_o adorable_a spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n to_o be_v the_o knot_n of_o the_o eternal_a espousal_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o her_o god_n to_o beautify_v she_o with_o he_o in_o create_v light_n to_o warm_v she_o with_o his_o sacred_a flame_n to_o animate_v she_o with_o his_o heavenly_a force_n and_o virtue_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o render_v she_o entire_o spiritual_a and_o both_o these_o action_n be_v perpetuate_v in_o the_o holy_a church_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o be_v feast_v with_o the_o precious_a body_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o inebriate_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o love_n o_o who_o can_v conceive_v the_o admirable_a commerce_n and_o caress_n that_o be_v interchange_v between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o pure_a soul_n in_o this_o divine_a sacrament_n the_o world_n which_o discern_v nothing_o but_o by_o meditation_n of_o the_o sense_n be_v too_o gross_a and_o stupid_a to_o comprehend_v they_o it_o think_v that_o soul_n which_o be_v escape_v from_o its_o snare_n and_o dis-engaged_n from_o its_o business_n lead_v a_o idle_a and_o unprofitable_a life_n it_o fancy_v they_o do_v nothing_o because_o their_o action_n be_v not_o see_v that_o their_o fire_n be_v extinguish_v because_o it_o do_v not_o blaze_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o men._n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o resemble_v those_o mountain_n full_a of_o sulphur_n which_o carry_v vast_a globe_n of_o fire_n in_o their_o bosom_n though_o they_o break_v out_o but_o at_o certain_a time_n and_o then_o they_o be_v not_o only_o see_v but_o whole_a province_n feel_v the_o conflagration_n town_n and_o village_n be_v burn_v and_o field_n cover_v with_o ash_n in_o like_a manner_n those_o retire_a soul_n which_o burn_v inward_o with_o divine_a love_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n shine_v only_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o yet_o when_o the_o command_n and_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n excite_v they_o to_o external_n duty_n they_o produce_v such_o extraordinary_a effect_n that_o number_n of_o soul_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n with_o their_o virtue_n example_n and_o instruction_n in_o this_o kind_n we_o have_v have_v many_o great_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v conceive_v a_o thousand_o good_a desire_n in_o their_o retirement_n and_o inflame_v with_o heavenly_a fire_n by_o the_o frequent_a use_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a communion_n issue_n from_o their_o retreat_n and_o this_o sacred_a table_n like_o lion_n breathe_v nothing_o but_o flame_n and_o set_v all_o on_o fire_n about_o they_o such_o have_v make_v the_o great_a conversion_n of_o sinner_n change_v the_o face_n of_o whole_a province_n and_o kingdom_n and_o all_o this_o perform_v only_o by_o one_o or_o a_o small_a number_n of_o such_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o appear_v so_o powerful_a in_o work_n and_o word_n that_o all_o their_o action_n seem_v to_o be_v so_o many_o miracle_n here_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o this_o interiour_n fire_n in_o a_o person_n not_o sufficient_o retire_v within_o himself_o or_o that_o from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v not_o careful_a to_o lay_v on_o more_o fuel_n to_o nourish_v it_o i_o mean_v to_o
the_o interiour_n christian_n or_o the_o interiour_n conformity_n which_o christian_n ought_v to_o have_v with_o jesus_n christ_n divide_v into_o eight_o book_n which_o contain_v most_o divine_a meditation_n extract_v out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o a_o great_a servant_n of_o god_n of_o this_o age._n non_fw-la magna_fw-la loquimur_fw-la sed_fw-la vivimus_fw-la st._n cyprian_n not_o our_o tongue_n but_o our_o life_n speak_v the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n translate_v out_o of_o the_o 12_o edition_n in_o french_a antwerp_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1684._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n in_o this_o unhappy_a age_n of_o contention_n about_o religion_n wherein_o the_o heat_n of_o controversy_n have_v so_o much_o cool_v the_o fervour_n of_o true_a devotion_n among_o we_o that_o even_o some_o great_a pretender_n to_o piety_n have_v only_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o inward_a power_n like_o guild_a sepulcher_n full_a of_o dead-men_n 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please_v he_o constant_o and_o have_v rather_o die_v than_o wilful_o by_o mortal_a sin_n break_v friendship_n with_o he_o there_o be_v no_o devil_n he_o hate_v worse_a than_o hypocricy_n his_o chief_a care_n be_v to_o be_v real_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n what_o he_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n yea_o he_o be_v more_o inward_o than_o he_o seem_v outward_o as_o well_o consider_v that_o god_n who_o see_v our_o heart_n will_v reward_v we_o according_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o interiour_n christian_n what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v of_o nathanael_n ecce_fw-la verè_fw-la israelita_fw-la in_fw-la quo_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la dolus_fw-la behold_v 1._o joh._n 1._o a_o true_a israelite_n in_o who_o be_v no_o deceit_n and_o he_o may_v true_o say_v of_o himself_o with_o good_a hezekiah_n o_o lord_n i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a 38._o isa_n 38._o heart_n and_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n and_o he_o may_v say_v also_o with_o st._n paul_n herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n 24._o act_n 24._o void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o men._n and_o therefore_o may_v safe_o say_v with_o the_o same_o saint_n elsewhere_o vivo_fw-la ego_fw-la jam_fw-la non_fw-la ego_fw-la vivit_fw-la verò_fw-la in_o i_o christus_fw-la it_o be_v not_o so_o mueh_a i_o that_o live_v as_o 2._o gal._n 2._o christ_n who_o live_v in_o i_o make_v i_o a_o new_a creature_n by_o internal_a sanctification_n whereby_o i_o become_v crucify_a to_o my_o lust_n and_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n that_o i_o may_v live_v to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o i_o now_o we_o must_v know_v that_o there_o be_v infinite_a degree_n of_o internal_a sanctification_n and_o the_o least_o degree_n be_v sufficient_a to_o put_v we_o in_o god_n favour_n and_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o make_v we_o real_o interiour_n christian_n as_o the_o least_o pigmy_n be_v as_o much_o essential_o a_o man_n as_o the_o great_a giant_n this_o i_o mention_v lest_o some_o timorous_a and_o well-meaning_a soul_n who_o real_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n read_v in_o this_o book_n and_o other_o spiritual_a author_n more_o sublime_a and_o elevate_a way_n of_o advance_v our_o union_n with_o god_n than_o they_o experience_n in_o themselves_o or_o perhaps_o ever_o shall_v in_o this_o life_n shall_v he_o discourage_v and_o torture_v with_o scruple_n as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n as_o they_o ought_v and_o be_v not_o true_o interiour_n christian_n i_o must_v put_v such_o soul_n in_o mind_n of_o what_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o same_o spirit_n divide_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o will_v and_o please_v some_o indeed_o be_v wonderful_o elevate_v saint_n rapt_v with_o st._n paul_n into_o the_o three_o heaven_n ravish_v in_o a_o ecstatical_a manner_n with_o the_o glimmering_n of_o glory_n and_o those_o joy_n which_o may_v be_v feel_v but_o be_v inexpressible_a such_o contemplation_n and_o union_n with_o god_n be_v rare_a and_o admirable_a other_o in_o their_o recollection_n and_o mental_a prayer_n receive_v from_o heaven_n divine_a visit_n and_o wonderful_a illumination_n which_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o purify_v their_o heart_n more_o and_o more_o and_o to_o advance_v in_o piety_n and_o godliness_n these_o be_v great_a proficient_n and_o walk_v in_o a_o region_n of_o light_n above_o ordinary_a christian_n but_o if_o god_n holy_a spirit_n have_v not_o vouchsafe_v we_o these_o special_a gift_n and_o grace_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v discourage_v in_o our_o pious_a endeavour_n but_o rest_v content_v with_o our_o present_a state_n in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o devotion_n if_o upon_o severe_a examination_n of_o our_o conscience_n we_o find_v that_o with_o zakariah_n and_o elizabeth_n we_o real_o endeavour_v to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n blameless_a and_o daily_o make_v it_o our_o work_n to_o conquer_v ourselves_o to_o mortify_v our_o passion_n to_o kill_v our_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o to_o make_v a_o progress_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o entitle_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o make_v we_o interiour_n christian_n though_o without_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n without_o vision_n and_o union_n extraordinary_a without_o wonderful_a irradiation_n in_o mental_a prayer_n which_o god_n only_o vouchsafe_v to_o some_o special_a favourite_n think_v upon_o this_o and_o be_v content_a with_o what_o measure_n of_o grace_n heaven_n bestow_v upon_o thou_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o true_a humility_n of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a good_a reader_n in_o what_o order_n thou_o read_v these_o excellent_a instruction_n every_o treatise_n contain_v a_o complete_a subject_n independent_a on_o each_o other_o but_o my_o advice_n be_v to_o make_v those_o more_o familiar_a to_o thou_o wherein_o thou_o find_v most_o gust_n and_o spiritual_a profit_n to_o thy_o soul_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o whatever_o order_n thou_o observe_v they_o will_v high_o conduce_v to_o the_o end_n they_o be_v write_v namely_o to_o withdraw_v our_o heart_n from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o advance_v our_o union_n with_o god_n by_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n to_o follow_v jesus_n this_o be_v the_o spirit_n and_o soul_n of_o this_o book_n and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v it_o may_v work_v these_o effect_n in_o every_o reader_n in_o the_o perusal_n whereof_o remember_v in_o thy_o prayer_n thou_o in_o christ_n jesus_n a._n l._n advertisement_n i_o think_v good_a courteous_a reader_n to_o explain_v some_o term_n frequent_o occur_v in_o this_o treatise_n to_o prevent_v mistake_n in_o such_o who_o be_v not_o accustom_v to_o such_o expression_n the_o word_n annihilation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v physical_o but_o moral_o now_o a_o moral_a annihilation_n be_v to_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o not_o able_a so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o that_o all_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n for_o who_o be_v both_o the_o will_n and_o the_o work_n in_o meritorious_a action_n gratia_n deisum_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la sum_fw-la by_o grace_n we_o be_v save_v our_o nothing_o our_o ruin_n self-destruction_n poverty_n of_o spirit_n be_v term_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o annihilation_n so_o that_o to_o ruin_n or_o destroy_v ourselves_o be_v to_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o this_o annihilation_n annihilation_n in_o some_o place_n signify_v to_o be_v content_a to_o be_v think_v of_o by_o other_o as_o of_o no_o worth_n or_o good_a for_o nothing_o a_o unworthy_a person_n of_o reputation_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v often_o apply_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v the_o better_o
that_o you_o withdraw_v from_o i_o your_o divine_a illumination_n in_o prayer_n and_o recollection_n so_o as_o to_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n void_a of_o understanding_n sicut_fw-la equus_fw-la &_o malus_fw-la quibus_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la intellectus_fw-la provide_v dear_a jesus_n that_o i_o be_v but_o content_a with_o these_o humiliation_n it_o be_v sufficient_a i_o shall_v be_v happy_a let_v other_o ask_v of_o you_o what_o they_o please_v as_o for_o i_o my_o desire_n be_v to_o be_v entire_o annihilate_v and_o that_o my_o portion_n may_v be_v to_o honour_v your_o divine_a humiliation_n we_o be_v not_o courageous_a enough_o to_o fight_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o destroy_v in_o we_o our_o sensual_a inclination_n for_o we_o be_v too_o feeble_a against_o ourselves_o and_o too_o indulgent_a to_o our_o defect_n in_o this_o spiritual_a combat_n but_o o_o my_o god_n put_v too_o your_o help_a hand_n and_o work_v in_o we_o your_o will_n that_o we_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o content_o submit_v to_o your_o operation_n chap._n viii_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v rich_a when_o she_o possess_v the_o love_n of_o self-contempt_n god_n have_v infuse_v this_o thought_n into_o my_o soul_n that_o the_o love_n of_o self-contempt_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o humiliation_n may_v be_v that_o hide_a treasure_n mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n thesauro_fw-la abscondita_fw-la in_o agro_fw-la matt._n 13._o it_o be_v real_o a_o great_a treasure_n to_o love_v abjection_n yea_o a_o treasure_n that_o contain_v abundance_n of_o inestimable_a riches_n but_o they_o appear_v not_o outward_o be_v hide_v on_o purpose_n to_o preserve_v with_o more_o security_n and_o he_o only_o have_v this_o treasure_n who_o keep_v well_o hide_v what_o he_o possess_v it_o be_v a_o treasure_n hide_a and_o unknown_a to_o the_o world_n for_o who_o will_v imagine_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n so_o rich_a and_o precious_a in_o suffering_n and_o humiliation_n shall_v our_o sense_n or_o carnal_a prudence_n or_o human_a reason_n make_v enquiry_n will_v they_o search_v here_o to_o enrich_v themselves_o and_o satisfy_v their_o desire_n we_o can_v never_o have_v think_v that_o a_o hide_a treasure_n be_v here_o enshrine_v if_o jesus_n christ_n who_o put_v it_o there_o himself_o have_v not_o reveal_v this_o great_a secret_a to_o our_o soul_n by_o his_o peculiar_a favour_n and_o merciful_a illumination_n if_o we_o will_v have_v this_o treasure_n we_o must_v buy_v it_o and_o give_v for_o it_o whatever_o we_o possess_v that_o be_v to_o say_v we_o must_v lay_v down_o our_o whole_a patrimony_n the_o fatal_a inheritance_n leave_v we_o by_o our_o first_o parent_n namely_o affection_n for_o honour_n for_o pleasure_n for_o riches_n too_o much_o seek_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o interest_n the_o love_n of_o our_o own_o excellence_n and_o all_o the_o other_o wretched_a moveable_n which_o we_o possess_v by_o be_v conceive_v in_o sin_n and_o bring_v forth_o in_o iniquity_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v content_a to_o part_v with_o all_o yea_o the_o utmost_a farthing_n we_o can_v be_v enrich_v with_o this_o treasure_n o_o how_o rich_a and_o happy_a be_v he_o who_o do_v possess_v it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o treasure_n which_o as_o the_o world_n cannog_v give_v so_o it_o can_v take_v it_o from_o we_o and_o as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o quiet_a possession_n thereof_o we_o find_v god_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o such_o a_o profound_a peace_n as_o pass_v all_o human_a understanding_n when_o one_o have_v purchase_v a_o good_a estate_n in_o land_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v he_o be_v in_o a_o good_a condition_n what_o need_v he_o fear_v now_o have_v a_o sure_a foundation_n of_o subsistence_n if_o a_o war_n happen_v the_o enemy_n can_v carry_v that_o away_o with_o they_o they_o may_v indeed_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o money_n and_o good_n but_o for_o his_o land_n that_o be_v fix_v and_o immovable_a it_o be_v the_o same_o case_n with_o this_o precious_a treasure_n when_o once_o the_o soul_n have_v it_o in_o possession_n and_o will_v not_o part_v with_o it_o she_o need_v not_o fear_n she_o have_v sure_o hold_v of_o subsistence_n for_o her_o spiritual_a life_n neither_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o devil_n nor_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n let_v they_o make_v never_o such_o furious_a onsets_a can_v rob_v she_o of_o it_o it_o surpass_v their_o power_n and_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o it_o be_v true_a they_o may_v deprive_v she_o of_o some_o moveable_n as_o sensible_a consolation_n the_o love_n of_o austerity_n the_o desire_n to_o undertake_v brave_a action_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o to_o go_v to_o canada_n or_o england_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o fair_a idaea_n of_o spirituality_n the_o devil_n the_o world_n nature_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o these_o moveable_n and_o a_o soul_n that_o possess_v only_o these_o have_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v be_v take_v from_o she_o but_o whosoever_o possess_v this_o treasure_n of_o the_o love_n of_o abjection_n and_o self-denial_n be_v rich_a for_o ever_o and_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o discover_v to_o a_o soul_n the_o value_n thereof_o prae_fw-la gaudio_fw-la illius_fw-la vadit_fw-la &_o vendit_fw-la universa_fw-la quae_fw-la habet_fw-la &_o emit_fw-la agrum_fw-la illum_fw-la she_o joyful_o part_n with_o all_o she_o have_v to_o get_v it_o in_o possession_n we_o have_v a_o double_a right_a to_o pretend_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o divine_a treasure_n the_o first_o be_v our_o natural_a inability_n to_o good_a the_o second_o be_v our_o criminal_a sinfulness_n these_o two_o lay_v upon_o we_o a_o continual_a obligation_n to_o endeavour_v after_o self-denial_n and_o annihilation_n and_o this_o endeavour_n be_v very_o please_v to_o god_n who_o delight_v to_o see_v a_o creature_n acknowledge_v what_o be_v due_a to_o itself_o and_o render_v to_o he_o his_o deserve_a glory_n the_o son_n of_o god_n begin_v as_o a_o giant_n to_o run_v in_o this_o way_n of_o self-contempt_n by_o his_o incarnation_n for_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a humiliation_n for_o god_n to_o become_v man_n and_o he_o finish_v this_o course_n by_o his_o death_n on_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v as_o low_a as_o humility_n can_v descend_v for_o god-man_n to_o die_v a_o infamous_a death_n between_o two_o thief_n as_o a_o malefactor_n and_o his_o whole_a life_n beside_o be_v but_o as_o one_o continue_a humiliation_n and_o yet_o alas_o we_o pass_v away_o our_o day_n in_o vanity_n call_v ourselves_o christian_n though_o all_o for_o exaltation_n of_o ourselves_o destitute_a of_o self-denial_n and_o true_a humility_n o_o wonderful_a blindness_n o_o jesus_n poor_a and_o abject_a when_o will_v you_o draw_v i_o after_o you_o by_o the_o powerful_a attract_v of_o your_o mercy_n your_o way_n be_v pure_a and_o pleasant_a and_o odoriferous_a to_o those_o who_o soul_n be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o ray_n of_o grace_n you_o o_o jesus_n establish_v your_o empire_n in_o 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in_o glorify_v god_n follow_v the_o call_n of_o his_o holy_a inspiration_n in_o a_o way_n which_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v well_o understand_v it_o be_v a_o great_a misery_n not_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o acknowledge_v that_o human_a wisdom_n be_v but_o folly_n before_o god_n which_o continual_o egg_n we_o on_o to_o get_v out_o of_o the_o happy_a state_n of_o abjection_n upon_o the_o fair_a pretence_n imaginable_a as_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n to_o help_v our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o like_a notwithstanding_o it_o be_v safe_a to_o yield_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o sole_a conduct_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n the_o order_n of_o who_o providence_n we_o can_v shun_v god_n glorify_v himself_o in_o heaven_n by_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o creature_n on_o earth_n by_o their_o humiliation_n let_v no_o person_n complain_v then_o that_o he_o can_v be_v instrumental_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o
to_o their_o substance_n be_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o in_o the_o bound_n of_o human_a reason_n to_o which_o they_o be_v conformable_a but_o to_o observe_v they_o in_o a_o elevate_a manner_n so_o as_o our_o obedience_n may_v be_v meritorious_a to_o follow_v divine_a inspiration_n in_o love_a contempt_n poverty_n mortification_n and_o embrace_v evangelical_n counsel_n to_o do_v this_o we_o must_v be_v elevate_v above_o ourselves_o and_o live_v a_o supernatural_a life_n see_v then_o what_o i_o understand_v by_o a_o supernatural_a and_o christian_a life_n to_o live_v christianly_o be_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n according_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n the_o new_a man._n a_o grace_n far_o different_a from_o the_o grace_n give_v to_o old_a adam_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n a_o life_n more_o holy_a and_o more_o eminent_a and_o which_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o different_a effect_n and_o contrary_a proceed_n the_o grace_n of_o adam_n do_v enable_v he_o to_o use_v the_o creature_n virtuous_o and_o by_o the_o holy_a use_n of_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o riches_n to_o arrive_v to_o his_o final_a happiness_n this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n from_o whence_o be_v fall_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v find_v out_o another_o way_n quite_o different_a which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o privation_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o suffering_n of_o humiliation_n in_o which_o jesus_n christ_n march_v from_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o his_o incarnation_n to_o his_o last_o breath_n on_o the_o cross_n this_o be_v the_o true_a foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n this_o be_v the_o true_a principle_n this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n or_o perfection_n worldly_n man_n and_o too_o many_o christian_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o not_o know_v supereminentem_fw-la scientiam_fw-la jesus_n christi_fw-la this_o supereminent_a science_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o know_v nothing_o as_o they_o ought_v because_o they_o know_v not_o jesus_n crucify_v this_o doctrine_n be_v harsh_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o whole_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o saint_n have_v practise_v it_o and_o i_o must_v walk_v the_o same_o way_n except_o i_o will_v be_v very_o faithless_a and_o renonnce_n the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n o_o my_o god_n i_o will_v become_v a_o new_a man_n in_o my_o understanding_n will_n life_n proceed_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o will_v change_v my_o doctrine_n my_o principle_n and_o maxim_n i_o will_v deny_v myself_o and_o take_v up_o my_o cross_n to_o follow_v jesus_n i_o will_v be_v content_a with_o poverty_n contempt_n and_o mortification_n my_o inclination_n shall_v tend_v this_o way_n for_o the_o future_a and_o suffering_n for_o your_o sake_n shall_v be_v delight_n unto_o i_o and_o if_o i_o do_v otherwise_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v through_o wilfulness_n but_o human_a weakness_n o_o good_a jesus_n give_v i_o to_o live_v with_o you_o a_o crucify_a life_n on_o earth_n that_o you_o may_v make_v i_o partaker_n of_o your_o glorify_a life_n in_o heaven_n there_o be_v a_o time_n for_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v a_o life_n of_o suffering_n the_o other_o of_o enjoyment_n o_o blindness_n of_o christian_n not_o to_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n some_o be_v busy_a to_o make_v themselves_o fit_a for_o worldly_a employment_n some_o be_v all_o for_o science_n other_o for_o war_n etc._n etc._n but_o few_o make_v it_o their_o chief_a work_n to_o become_v good_a christian_n as_o be_v of_o little_a value_n with_o they_o o_o the_o ignorance_n of_o christian_n not_o to_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n beside_o be_v pure_a vanity_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o high_a esteem_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o christian_a life_n jesus_n on_o the_o day_n of_o his_o ascension_n be_v elevate_v to_o the_o high_a heaven_n where_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n upon_o which_o my_o soul_n rejoice_v with_o her_o saviour_n in_o admiration_n of_o his_o triumph_n and_o breathe_v out_o after_o he_o a_o thousand_o praise_n and_o benediction_n with_o all_o saint_n and_o angel_n find_v motion_n in_o myself_o to_o follow_v he_o not_o to_o heaven_n but_o to_o mount_n calvary_n not_o in_o his_o triumph_n but_o humiliation_n o_o my_o jesus_n say_v she_o that_o i_o be_v elevate_v above_o myself_o that_o i_o can_v so_o keep_v nature_n under_o as_o to_o live_v a_o supernatural_a life_n and_o triumph_v over_o human_a reason_n and_o natural_a maxim_n i_o may_v repose_v quiet_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o your_o cross_n and_o there_o live_v happy_o in_o that_o content_a the_o world_n know_v not_o with_o that_o peace_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n i_o know_v that_o all_o the_o patriarch_n which_o you_o lead_v in_o triumph_n be_v just_o ravish_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a but_o if_o you_o please_v to_o raise_v i_o by_o grace_n to_o a_o supernatural_a life_n i_o will_v not_o envy_v their_o happiness_n they_o be_v elevate_v to_o enjoyment_n but_o as_o for_o i_o i_o be_o for_o privation_n for_o contempt_n and_o misery_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o be_v suffer_v for_o your_o sake_n dear_a jesus_n more_o delicious_a than_o paradise_n if_o i_o persevere_v with_o fidelity_n in_o a_o crucify_a life_n i_o will_v not_o trouble_v myself_o about_o the_o life_n of_o glory_n but_o alas_o my_o frequent_a fall_n and_o fail_n by_o reason_n of_o my_o weakness_n and_o inconstancy_n make_v i_o desire_v that_o life_n where_o be_v no_o fault_n or_o imperfection_n the_o ascension_n of_o a_o soul_n to_o heaven_n o_o how_o delightful_a be_v it_o the_o ascension_n of_o a_o soul_n to_o a_o supernatural_a life_n o_o it_o be_v admirable_a how_o happy_a be_v they_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o o_o my_o god_n clear_v up_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o that_o i_o may_v behold_v the_o wonder_n you_o work_v in_o soul_n in_o this_o valley_n of_o tear_n what_o if_o i_o say_v that_o a_o soul_n be_v as_o happy_a and_o triumphant_a in_o go_v out_o of_o herself_o for_o the_o love_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o embrace_v abjection_n as_o in_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o possess_v heaven_n so_o many_o sally_n as_o she_o make_v out_o of_o herself_o for_o the_o love_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v so_o many_o glorious_a ascension_n which_o delight_n even_o god_n himself_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n behold_v it_o with_o admiration_n the_o same_o faith_n which_o open_v my_o eye_n to_o see_v jesus_n poor_a and_o abject_a do_v assure_v i_o that_o the_o triumph_n of_o a_o soul_n in_o humiliation_n be_v no_o less_o admirable_a than_o in_o glory_n what_o can_v be_v do_v more_o to_o make_v we_o have_v the_o high_a esteem_n of_o this_o supernatural_a life_n when_o we_o see_v god_n the_o father_n among_o so_o many_o possible_a way_n have_v from_o all_o eternity_n choose_v this_o for_o his_o son_n while_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n how_o do_v his_o well-beloved_a son_n who_o be_v infinite_o wise_a leave_v the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n with_o joy_n to_o embrace_v this_o life_n with_o love_n and_o affection_n how_o do_v the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o repose_v in_o his_o breast_n as_o the_o centre_n of_o his_o more_o noble_a sentiment_n carry_v he_o on_o by_o most_o powerful_a inspiration_n to_o the_o cross_n contempt_n poverty_n humiliation_n during_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n what_o other_o way_n can_v those_o who_o belong_v unto_o christ_n take_v to_o make_v themselves_o conformable_a to_o he_o but_o by_o tread_v in_o his_o step_n but_o when_o our_o bless_a saviour_n live_v in_o the_o world_n this_o wonderful_a life_n mundus_fw-la eum_fw-la non_fw-la cognovit_fw-la the_o world_n know_v he_o not_o because_o he_o lay_v hide_v in_o poverty_n pain_n and_o suffering_n in_o like_a manner_n those_o who_o live_v a_o life_n most_o conformable_a to_o he_o the_o world_n know_v they_o not_o for_o we_o must_v have_v eye_n clear_v by_o divine_a irradiation_n to_o discover_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o state_n and_o yet_o so_o much_o glory_n and_o grandeur_n be_v envelop_v in_o the_o shadow_n of_o this_o life_n that_o they_o who_o live_v it_o do_v most_o glorify_v god_n and_o exalt_v his_o honour_n take_v courage_n then_o and_o let_v we_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o divine_a love_n which_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o solid_a practice_n of_o this_o supernatural_a life_n let_v other_o do_v what_o they_o please_v we_o will_v follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o march_v stout_o after_o jesus_n christ_n abject_a and_o crucify_a o_o what_o happy_a advantage_n enjoy_v that_o soul_n to_o who_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v a_o view_n of_o this_o supernatural_a life_n a_o life_n hide_a and_o unknown_a to_o worldly_a man_n it_o be_v of_o more_o worth_n than_o all_o
have_v espouse_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o it_o be_v his_o will_n i_o shall_v do_v so_o likewise_o and_o shall_v not_o i_o do_v his_o will_n o_o my_o god_n i_o be_o content_a to_o be_v deprive_v of_o what_o the_o world_n love_v and_o desire_n leave_v but_o i_o the_o folly_n of_o the_o cross_n i_o shall_v be_v rich_a enough_o o_o amiable_a folly_n he_o who_o know_v thou_o can_v but_o love_v thou_o what_o a_o fool_n have_v i_o be_v to_o embrace_v thou_o no_o soon_o behold_v my_o soul_n thou_o be_v engage_v and_o this_o engagement_n make_v thou_o fearful_a quare_fw-la tristis_fw-la es_fw-la anima_fw-la mea_fw-la &_o quare_fw-la conturbas_fw-la i_o but_o why_o o_o my_o soul_n be_v thou_o disquiet_v it_o be_v true_a for_o the_o future_a thou_o must_v suffer_v injury_n affront_n pain_n of_o body_n trouble_v of_o mind_n be_v content_a with_o annihilation_n and_o abjection_n be_v please_v with_o disgrace_n be_v the_o play-game_n of_o worldling_n and_o esteem_v as_o a_o fool_n yea_o to_o be_v ill_o speak_v of_o by_o some_o devotee_n thou_o must_v not_o be_v cast_v down_o with_o ill_a success_n whether_o thou_o be_v in_o fault_n or_o no_o thou_o must_v drink_v deep_a of_o the_o cup_n of_o humiliation_n see_v other_o exalt_v and_o love_n to_o be_v humble_v yea_o though_o by_o spiritual_a desolation_n take_v courage_n o_o my_o soul_n we_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v we_o i_o confess_v the_o greatness_n of_o my_o engagement_n will_v have_v quite_o cast_v i_o down_o be_v sensible_a of_o my_o own_o wonderful_a weakness_n if_o i_o have_v not_o be_v support_v by_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n wherefore_o i_o must_v love_v the_o cross_n which_o i_o have_v espouse_v for_o ever_o i_o shall_v find_v myself_o well_o enough_o in_o this_o alliance_n if_o i_o do_v but_o continue_v faithful_a for_o the_o more_o i_o converse_v with_o it_o i_o shall_v the_o more_o discover_v its_o beauty_n my_o fear_n will_v vanish_v my_o passion_n will_v be_v appease_v and_o be_v in_o peace_n my_o soul_n will_v be_v enlarge_v and_o melt_v in_o love_n towards_o this_o spouse_n which_o though_o black_a be_v wonderful_a comely_a if_o i_o love_v the_o cross_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o pure_a grace_n my_o own_o frailty_n bear_v witness_n but_o at_o present_a i_o find_v myself_o in_o great_a disposition_n of_o love_n o_o how_o weak_a be_v my_o soul_n when_o leave_v to_o herself_o o_o how_o strong_a be_v she_o when_o support_v by_o grace_n o_o my_o jesus_n it_o be_v your_o love_n and_o your_o example_n that_o make_v i_o love_v the_o sacred_a folly_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o you_o have_v so_o dear_o love_v as_o to_o die_v in_o its_o embrace_n when_o i_o consider_v a_o god_n crucify_v methinks_v i_o discover_v certain_a ray_n of_o beauty_n which_o make_v the_o horror_n of_o mount_n calvary_n seem_v wonderful_a amiable_a and_o i_o can_v hardly_o be_v satisfy_v with_o look_v on_o this_o lovely_a object_n and_o say_v o_o my_o jesus_n how_o delightful_a be_v it_o to_o see_v the_o beauty_n of_o a_o god_n die_v for_o man_n this_o beauty_n indeed_o be_v not_o in_o his_o sacred_a visage_n for_o that_o be_v all_o disfigure_v with_o blood_n and_o buffet_n but_o in_o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o die_v on_o the_o cross_n for_o man_n and_o the_o eternal_a father_n take_v complacence_n in_o this_o beauty_n i_o can_v explicate_v what_o be_v this_o beauty_n unless_o by_o the_o effect_n it_o produce_v in_o i_o for_o very_o my_o soul_n see_v nothing_o beside_o this_o to_o captivate_v my_o sight_n jesus_n only_o in_o his_o humiliation_n and_o suffering_n on_o the_o cross_n command_v my_o eye_n and_o my_o heart_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o other_o state_n of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n his_o incarnation_n nativity_n solitude_n conversation_n and_o the_o like_a i_o find_v in_o they_o a_o beauty_n invite_v i_o to_o behold_v they_o with_o delight_n because_o i_o discover_v certain_a irradiation_n to_o beam_n from_o the_o obscurity_n and_o humiliation_n of_o these_o state_n which_o be_v very_o ravish_v i_o often_o say_v with_o myself_o how_o lovely_a be_v the_o abjection_n of_o this_o state_n how_o be_v the_o poverty_n of_o that_o admirable_a and_o in_o all_o i_o perceive_v the_o beauty_n of_o a_o sacred_a folly_n which_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n will_v make_v use_n of_o to_o confound_v the_o false_a maxim_n of_o worldly_a prudence_n o_o what_o a_o favour_n have_v you_o in_o mercy_n do_v for_o i_o o_o my_o god_n to_o discover_v to_o i_o the_o beauty_n of_o this_o divine_a folly_n which_o to_o worldly_a man_n seem_v nothing_o but_o deformity_n but_o what_o abundance_n of_o grace_n do_v you_o vouchsafe_v i_o by_o enable_v i_o to_o make_v so_o strict_a a_o alliance_n with_o it_o i_o have_v espouse_v it_o i_o will_v live_v with_o it_o i_o will_v die_v with_o it_o and_o nothing_o shall_v ever_o divorce_v i_o from_o it_o chap._n v._o how_o we_o ought_v to_o conform_v our_o interiour_n to_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ._n our_o interiour_n ought_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o as_o his_o member_n we_o may_v be_v govern_v and_o animate_v by_o his_o spirit_n that_o have_v part_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o christian_n part_n of_o his_o light_n from_o his_o doctrine_n part_n of_o his_o inclination_n to_o put_v we_o upon_o practice_n we_o may_v be_v so_o transform_v into_o jesus_n as_o to_o have_v a_o perfect_a union_n with_o he_o and_o this_o be_v that_o wherein_o lie_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o christian_a this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v christian_n indeed_o and_o to_o do_v and_o suffer_v as_o become_v christian_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n to_o see_v what_o little_a knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o the_o christian_a life_n some_o who_o have_v leave_v nature_n to_o follow_v grace_n suppose_v it_o consist_v in_o do_v much_o for_o god_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n by_o preach_v instruct_v give_v alm_n and_o suchlike_a charitable_a exercise_n this_o be_v good_a indeed_o but_o we_o must_v form_v the_o interiour_n christian_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v do_v best_a for_o other_o what_o god_n call_v we_o to_o undertake_v the_o interiour_n consist_v in_o illustration_n inward_a teach_n sentiment_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o those_o be_v high_a and_o elevate_v the_o interiour_n be_v so_o likewise_o but_o the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n have_v the_o most_o elevate_a illustration_n possible_a of_o the_o excellency_n of_o self-denial_n poverty_n pain_n abjection_n and_o the_o cross_n and_o from_o thence_o a_o singular_a love_n and_o esteem_v for_o they_o these_o irradiation_n and_o affection_n be_v infuse_v into_o his_o most_o beautiful_a soul_n the_o first_o moment_n of_o his_o incarnation_n and_o continue_v to_o his_o last_o breath_n on_o the_o cross_n the_o eternal_a father_n who_o by_o this_o new_a adam_n will_v repair_v his_o glory_n which_o be_v obscure_v by_o old_a adam_n fall_n among_o the_o infinity_n of_o mean_n which_o lay_v treasure_v up_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o omniscience_n and_o omnipotency_n choose_v this_o of_o the_o cross_n which_o his_o son_n make_v flesh_n embrace_v cherish_v love_a and_o put_v in_o execution_n all_o his_o life-time_n esteem_v contempt_n cross_n suffering_n as_o thing_n great_a and_o excellent_a prefer_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n before_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o sacred_a humanity_n which_o have_v a_o natural_a repugnance_n to_o they_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o than_o that_o a_o soul_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o interiour_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o she_o esteem_v and_o love_v the_o cross_n and_o consequent_o do_v more_o glorify_v god_n the_o father_n for_o to_o suffer_v be_v to_o make_v a_o continual_a sacrifice_n of_o our_o pleasure_n and_o interest_n unite_n ourselves_o to_o the_o design_n the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v by_o suffer_v to_o repair_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n wherefore_o when_o a_o soul_n cease_v to_o value_n and_o love_v the_o cross_n and_o humiliation_n she_o be_v no_o more_o conform_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n and_o so_o do_v not_o glorify_v god_n the_o father_n in_o a_o high_a manner_n but_o when_o she_o feel_v in_o herself_o a_o high_a esteem_n and_o love_n of_o the_o cross_n she_o high_o glorify_v the_o eternal_a father_n who_o take_v great_a delight_n in_o she_o in_o that_o she_o resemble_v his_o well-beloved_a son_n when_o a_o soul_n be_v enlighten_v with_o these_o irradiation_n she_o see_v her_o glory_n be_v to_o be_v despise_v because_o her_o glory_n be_v to_o procure_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o she_o do_v most_o by_o humiliation_n she_o find_v her_o delight_n to_o be_v in_o suffering_n because_o her_o
behold_v whither_o a_o soul_n be_v conduct_v who_o many_o think_v good_a for_o nothing_o o_o how_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n be_v different_a from_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n let_v then_o every_o one_o honour_v god_n by_o the_o way_n and_o life_n that_o be_v proper_a for_o they_o otherwise_o they_o will_v fall_v into_o perturbation_n of_o spirit_n and_o be_v disquiet_v will_v become_v troublesome_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o a_o day_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o a_o hard_a task_n to_o become_v dead_a to_o the_o world_n and_o ourselves_o every_o state_n be_v good_a yea_o the_o most_o abject_a all_o grace_n be_v excellent_a yea_o the_o least_o and_o mean_a there_o be_v many_o sort_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o perhaps_o do_v not_o much_o value_n and_o yet_o be_v real_o to_o be_v more_o esteem_v than_o vision_n rapt_n or_o revelation_n to_o labour_v and_o suffer_v for_o god_n be_v of_o great_a worth_n than_o ecstasy_n it_o be_v a_o truth_n well_o enough_o know_v by_o many_o though_o practise_v but_o by_o few_o that_o a_o little_a matter_n hinder_v the_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o we_o one_o only_o small_a natural_a inclination_n unmortified_a suffice_v to_o retard_v our_o progress_n to_o perfection_n for_o this_o reason_n we_o must_v exact_o die_v to_o all_o creature_n annihilate_v in_o we_o every_o motion_n that_o tend_v not_o to_o god_n some_o way_n or_o other_o as_o for_o example_n to_o give_v no_o refreshment_n to_o the_o body_n by_o meat_n drink_z or_o sleep_v &c_n &c_n but_o for_o necessity_n we_o must_v also_o mortify_v in_o we_o the_o desire_n of_o honour_n and_o temporal_a commodity_n yea_o love_v abjection_n pain_n and_o poverty_n will_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v conduce_v to_o advance_v god_n glory_n i_o more_o value_v the_o union_n of_o a_o soul_n with_o god_n in_o humiliation_n and_o suffering_n than_o in_o consolation_n chap._n xiii_o some_o maxim_n concern_v a_o supernatural_a life_n o_o god_n what_o a_o poor_a christian_n be_o i_o in_o occasion_n of_o trial_n i_o have_v imprint_v in_o i_o some_o idaea_n and_o sentiment_n of_o a_o supernatural_a life_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n my_o timorous_a nature_n shrink_v and_o make_v excuse_n to_o shun_v suffering_n and_o then_o the_o occasion_n be_v over_o i_o have_v great_a regreat_a for_o not_o be_v courageous_a and_o come_v to_o know_v thereby_o my_o little_a virtue_n and_o small_a perfection_n i_o then_o see_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o perfection_n be_v the_o conformity_n which_o we_o have_v with_o jesus_n crucify_v poor_a and_o abject_a when_o that_o be_v great_a our_o perfection_n be_v great_a also_o but_o that_o i_o find_v i_o have_v little_a or_o no_o affective_a conformity_n with_o jesus_n crucify_v behold_v here_o those_o light_n and_o direction_n i_o have_v learn_v by_o conference_n with_o a_o holy_a person_n and_o be_v good_a for_o my_o practice_n and_o solid_a establishment_n in_o a_o supernatural_a life_n 1._o we_o must_v accustom_v our_o body_n to_o austerity_n exercise_v it_o with_o love_a chastisement_n for_o our_o own_o transgression_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o 2._o we_o can_v never_o attain_v to_o contemplation_n and_o a_o perfect_a love_n of_o the_o divinity_n but_o by_o pass_v first_o by_o jesus_n crucify_v poor_a and_o abject_a we_o see_v he_o poor_a and_o despise_a attend_v with_o few_o follower_n because_o we_o refuse_v to_o walk_v in_o those_o rough_a path_n he_o have_v set_v before_o we_o 3._o we_o must_v have_v a_o ardent_a love_n for_o solitude_n and_o recollection_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v be_v whole_o for_o god_n and_o correspond_v faithful_o to_o the_o inspiration_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o although_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o general_a indifferency_n to_o all_o state_n and_o call_v of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v better_a to_o incline_v rather_o to_o retirement_n and_o solitude_n not_o mere_o to_o enjoy_v the_o sweetness_n thereof_o but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v want_v to_o cooperate_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v unto_o we_o holy_a solitude_n be_v the_o region_n of_o divine_a communication_n ducam_fw-la eam_fw-la in_o solitudinem_fw-la &_o loquar_fw-la ad_fw-la cor_fw-la ejus_fw-la say_v god_n by_o the_o prophet_n i_o will_v lead_v a_o soul_n into_o solitude_n and_o speak_v interior_o to_o her_o heart_n 4._o the_o reason_n why_o we_o see_v so_o few_o even_o devout_a christian_n make_v progress_n in_o perfection_n be_v because_o they_o limit_v the_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v hinder_v its_o enlargement_n by_o natural_a argument_n and_o human_a prudence_n they_o say_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o i_o to_o do_v this_o or_o that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o aspire_v to_o so_o high_a perfection_n those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v so_o elevate_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n these_o and_o suchlike_a excuse_n they_o make_v which_o hinder_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n from_o work_v full_o what_o he_o intend_v if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v the_o ardent_a desire_n that_o jesus_n have_v to_o advance_v soul_n in_o the_o way_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o how_o ready_a he_o be_v to_o bestow_v on_o we_o new_a grace_n upon_o our_o faithful_a correspond_v with_o the_o former_a we_o will_v be_v both_o ravish_v and_o ashamed_a also_o to_o be_v so_o backward_o in_o give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n who_o desire_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o that_o we_o may_v love_v he_o perfect_o and_o enjoy_v he_o eternal_o but_o as_o while_o jesus_n be_v on_o earth_n it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o the_o world_n know_v he_o not_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o for_o see_v he_o bear_v in_o a_o stable_a circumcise_a as_o a_o sinner_n live_v poor_o as_o a_o carpenter_n persecute_v accuse_v condemn_v to_o die_v a_o infamous_a death_n on_o the_o cross_n they_o will_v not_o take_v he_o for_o the_o promise_a messiah_n so_o as_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o well_o know_v and_o many_o christian_n themselves_o do_v not_o receive_v he_o nor_o let_v his_o spirit_n and_o maxim_n reign_v in_o their_o heart_n yea_o some_o who_o profess_v the_o way_n of_o perfection_n do_v not_o as_o they_o ought_v esteem_n and_o embrace_v his_o humiliation_n and_o abjection_n for_o we_o too_o much_o desire_v honour_n and_o preferment_n and_o too_o much_o fear_v abjection_n and_o suffering_n o_o my_o soul_n what_o have_v thou_o do_v hitherto_o not_o to_o have_v as_o yet_o begin_v this_o life_n crucify_v and_o annihilate_v i_o confess_v my_o folly_n and_o blindness_n o_o my_o god_n make_v i_o present_o to_o set_v upon_o it_o and_o let_v not_o any_o day_n pass_v over_o without_o the_o happiness_n of_o suffer_v something_o for_o your_o love_n chap._n fourteen_o what_o content_a a_o soul_n receive_v in_o a_o supernatural_a life_n we_o have_v oftentimes_o no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o care_n than_o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o a_o ordinary_a way_n of_o devotion_n without_o pretend_v to_o what_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o motion_n now_o and_o then_o to_o undertake_v a_o life_n of_o great_a perfection_n may_v proceed_v rather_o from_o a_o seek_n of_o our_o own_o excellency_n than_o a_o true_a desire_n of_o please_a god_n among_o these_o danger_n blindness_n and_o obscurity_n we_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n and_o conduct_v of_o some_o holy_a person_n who_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o however_o put_v our_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o live_v in_o a_o entire_a dependence_n on_o he_o we_o shall_v find_v peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o mind_n if_o we_o have_v desire_n for_o any_o thing_n let_v it_o be_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o jesus_n crucify_v desire_v for_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a inclination_n and_o though_o there_o may_v possible_o occur_v some_o self-seeking_a yet_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o grace_n inasmuch_o as_o the_o find_a of_o our_o soul_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o interiour_n of_o jesus_n and_o not_o to_o that_o of_o adam_n let_v we_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o be_v mortify_v daily_o with_o good_a st._n paul_n mortificamur_fw-la tota_fw-la die_fw-la we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v profit_n from_o incommodity_n and_o ill_a success_n by_o use_v they_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o by_o this_o mean_n we_o shall_v purify_v ourselves_o and_o the_o interiour_n of_o our_o soul_n will_v empty_v itself_o and_o make_v room_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n bring_v with_o he_o joy_n and_o peace_n unspeakable_a when_o we_o shall_v have_v find_v out_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o heart_n our_o inability_n to_o any_o good_a yea_o to_o the_o least_o good_a thought_n as_o of_o ourselves_o it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o aspire_v after_o the_o most_o
of_o god_n and_o his_o divine_a perfection_n let_v such_o a_o soul_n be_v in_o light_n or_o darkness_n in_o peace_n or_o war_n elevate_v or_o deject_v she_o be_v still_o the_o same_o because_o god_n will_n be_v she_o and_o she_o desire_v nothing_o but_o what_o please_v he_o her_o chief_a care_n be_v to_o give_v herself_o up_o whole_o to_o god_n will_v in_o so_o great_a variety_n of_o interiour_n state_n and_o why_o shall_v a_o soul_n be_v concern_v at_o this_o variety_n for_o if_o i_o pure_o desire_v to_o please_v god_n it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o to_o i_o whether_o i_o do_v it_o by_o suffering_n or_o enjoy_v chap._n x._o that_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v ourselves_o up_o with_o confidence_n to_o divine_a providence_n dear_o lord_n draw_v the_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o my_o heart_n whole_o after_o you_o o_o that_o i_o can_v go_v out_o of_o myself_o to_o abide_v only_o in_o you_o oh_o that_o i_o have_v no_o love_n but_o for_o you_o no_o fear_n no_o desire_n no_o joy_n but_o in_o you_o and_o that_o my_o affection_n be_v only_o for_o you_o o_o that_o your_o grace_n will_v mortify_v in_o i_o the_o fear_n hope_n sadness_n and_o desire_n of_o nature_n that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o my_o love_n this_o be_v the_o purity_n we_o must_v aim_v at_o or_o else_o we_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o vain_a our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o one_o sparrow_n shall_v not_o be_v forget_v of_o god_n why_o then_o have_v we_o such_o fear_n to_o want_v who_o be_v chief_o call_v upon_o to_o rely_v on_o providence_n if_o god_n permit_v we_o to_o be_v in_o want_n it_o be_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o perfection_n by_o suffering_n god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o daily_o his_o precious_a body_n and_o will_v he_o deny_v we_o bread_n i_o can_v believe_v it_o all_o thought_n to_o to_o the_o contrary_n be_v from_o the_o enemy_n or_o nature_n solicitous_a for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n my_o confidence_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o god_n alone_o though_o it_o happen_v that_o we_o fall_v into_o trouble_n temptation_n or_o sickness_n which_o seem_v to_o deprive_v we_o of_o the_o good_a temper_n of_o soul_n to_o attend_v to_o our_o devotion_n we_o ought_v to_o abandon_v ourselves_o to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o say_v god_n only_o and_o his_o holy_a will._n if_o the_o idea_n of_o some_o state_n of_o perfection_n present_v itself_o to_o the_o understanding_n if_o we_o make_v some_o resolution_n upon_o the_o feeling_n of_o a_o actual_a favour_n we_o ought_v the_o more_o entire_o abandon_v ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o say_v i_o desire_v god_n only_o and_o his_o holy_a will._n this_o abandon_v make_v a_o soul_n peaceable_a and_o content_a and_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n to_o which_o though_o she_o may_v feel_v some_o motion_n of_o affection_n yet_o they_o be_v troublesome_a and_o gain_v no_o consent_n in_o this_o state_n she_o be_v whole_o absorb_v in_o god_n find_v her_o repose_n in_o he_o alone_o and_o out_o of_o he_o be_v no_o contentment_n it_o seem_v to_o she_o that_o whatever_o accident_n may_v happen_v they_o shall_v not_o disturb_v her_o quiet_a she_o be_v ground_v in_o god_n her_o sovereign_a peace_n and_o though_o she_o may_v feel_v some_o emotion_n in_o the_o inferior_a part_n they_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o superior_a faculty_n we_o must_v be_v perfect_a as_o god_n will_v have_v we_o not_o as_o we_o will_v have_v it_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v far_o different_a from_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n the_o world_n believe_v that_o king_n lewis_n must_v be_v saint_v by_o conquer_a the_o holy_a land_n god_n make_v he_o he_o a_o saint_n indeed_o but_o not_o by_o his_o victory_n but_o his_o captivity_n not_o by_o his_o triumph_n but_o his_o suffering_n we_o intend_v to_o sanctity_n ourselves_o by_o action_n and_o god_n will_v do_v it_o by_o affliction_n we_o must_v give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o his_o conduct_n absolute_o abandon_v ourselves_o to_o his_o will_n and_o only_o love_v his_o design_n when_o shall_v i_o be_v so_o mortify_v to_o my_o own_o endeavour_n as_o to_o abandon_v myself_o whole_o to_o divine_a providence_n i_o must_v follow_v pure_o the_o design_n of_o god_n love_v only_o his_o good_a pleasure_n put_v my_o confidence_n in_o he_o and_o he_o will_v have_v a_o care_n of_o i_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o shall_v be_v best_a to_o advance_v his_o glory_n doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o not_o to_o rely_v on_o our_o own_o providence_n but_o to_o depend_v chief_o on_o god_n assistance_n we_o must_v therefore_o elevate_v ourselves_o above_o nature_n which_o rely_v on_o creature_n and_o fear_n want_n and_o abhor_v suffering_n that_o we_o may_v put_v our_o sole_a confidence_n in_o god_n whoever_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o be_v confound_v there_o be_v as_o well_o martyr_n of_o providence_n as_o martyr_n for_o faith_n they_o be_v more_o hide_v and_o sometime_o suffer_v little_a less_o than_o the_o other_o be_v content_a with_o all_o occurrence_n of_o providence_n which_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o good_n or_o honour_n or_o call_v their_o life_n in_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o sometime_o to_o enjoy_v god_n in_o a_o more_o perfect_a way_n they_o despise_v and_o forsake_v the_o accommodation_n of_o this_o life_n that_o they_o may_v sacrifice_v themselves_o to_o god_n with_o the_o flame_n of_o divine_a love_n in_o pious_a exercise_n or_o if_o providence_n have_v so_o order_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v bear_v subject_n to_o disease_n and_o misery_n they_o bear_v they_o with_o perfect_a resignation_n there_o be_v also_o spiritual_a martyr_n who_o providence_n have_v order_v to_o suffer_v much_o by_o interiour_n pain_n o_o how_o advantageous_a be_v it_o for_o such_o soul_n to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o god_n design_n upon_o they_o and_o be_v faithful_a therein_o as_o for_o i_o the_o love_n of_o god_n will_n shall_v hereafter_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o my_o action_n and_o undertake_n i_o will_v abandon_v myself_o and_o all_o creature_n and_o put_v my_o confidence_n in_o god_n alone_o if_o our_o imperfection_n disturb_v our_o inward_a peace_n and_o union_n with_o god_n we_o must_v repair_v it_o without_o too_o much_o disquiet_v ourselves_o for_o our_o pass_a fault_n union_n with_o god_n be_v never_o without_o love_n and_o love_n will_v blot_v out_o our_o offence_n and_o bring_v the_o soul_n to_o repose_v in_o her_o wont_a centre_n chap._n xi_o to_o be_v indifferent_a to_o all_o thing_n but_o god_n good_a pleasure_n one_o excellent_a effect_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o make_v we_o as_o it_o be_v insensible_a of_o all_o thing_n but_o god_n will_n a_o soul_n that_o be_v enrich_v with_o this_o indifferency_n can_v desire_v nothing_o else_o yea_o not_o virtue_n themselves_o except_o in_o order_n to_o god_n pleasure_n we_o must_v strict_o examine_v ourselves_o concern_v this_o general_a disengagement_n from_o creature_n and_o not_o easy_o believe_v we_o have_v it_o except_o on_o several_a occasion_n we_o find_v so_o by_o experience_n our_o bless_a saviour_n vouchsafe_v i_o extraordinary_a attract_v to_o be_v whole_o he_o he_o put_v i_o into_o a_o state_n of_o wonderful_a interiour_n peace_n and_o quiet_a so_o that_o it_o cost_v i_o little_a to_o do_v virtuous_o i_o aspire_v after_o dear_a solitude_n and_o holy_a poverty_n my_o health_n be_v but_o feeble_a and_o in_o probability_n my_o life_n here_o can_v be_v long_o and_o therefore_o i_o endeavour_v to_o live_v so_o disengage_v as_o if_o in_o effect_n i_o be_v already_o dead_a my_o dear_a jesus_n infuse_v into_o my_o soul_n a_o spirit_n of_o denudation_n and_o i_o do_v cherish_v it_o that_o i_o may_v live_v no_o more_o in_o myself_o but_o my_o continuance_n in_o this_o pilgrimage_n may_v be_v beneath_o i_o and_o i_o without_o any_o gust_n or_o affection_n to_o it_o so_o that_o at_o present_a i_o suffer_v not_o a_o little_a to_o see_v myself_o so_o far_o from_o god_n amid_o the_o distraction_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o body_n and_o other_o affair_n incumbent_a on_o i_o for_o when_o god_n manifest_v himself_o to_o a_o soul_n experimental_o taste_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o live_v here_o below_o be_v a_o pain_n unto_o she_o however_o she_o continue_v in_o great_a peace_n because_o in_o her_o interiour_n she_o be_v pure_o resign_v to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n i_o be_o so_o habituate_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o to_o please_v myself_o but_o in_o he_o and_o to_o have_v no_o joy_n but_o for_o he_o that_o i_o can_v rejoice_v to_o see_v myself_o perfect_a nor_o be_v sad_a at_o my_o imperfection_n god_n be_v my_o all_o his_o will_n his_o pleasure_n and_o nothing_o else_o all_o reflection_n on_o myself_o seem_v to_o full_o
indisposition_n of_o health_n i_o ought_v to_o value_v it_o and_o not_o forsake_v my_o usual_a devotion_n nor_o have_v recourse_n to_o such_o refreshment_n as_o satisfy_v sensuality_n but_o to_o take_v pleasure_n for_o once_o to_o make_v bold_a with_o my_o body_n that_o have_v often_o make_v bold_a with_o my_o soul_n notwithstanding_o this_o must_v be_v do_v with_o discretion_n 3._o i_o must_v rejoice_v at_o cross_n and_o difficulty_n which_o i_o meet_v withal_o as_o afford_v matter_n to_o practise_v many_o great_a virtue_n which_o prepare_v the_o soul_n for_o great_a grace_n and_o make_v her_o worthy_a of_o great_a love_n what_o god_n please_v to_o give_v oftentimes_o to_o his_o best_a friend_n in_o this_o life_n be_v fair_a occasion_n to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n by_o a_o generous_a renunciation_n of_o what_o the_o world_n most_o affect_v and_o nature_n most_o desire_n 4._o i_o ought_v to_o be_v strong_o persuade_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o rich_a in_o virtue_n as_o i_o shall_v be_v poor_a in_o worldly_a good_n provide_v i_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o my_o vocation_n which_o invite_v i_o to_o be_v dead_a to_o all_o thing_n but_o only_a god_n i_o must_v therefore_o have_v a_o care_v not_o to_o harken_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o humane_a prudence_n which_o still_o find_v pretension_n enough_o to_o shun_v contempt_n and_o suffering_n our_o sensuality_n do_v much_o retardus_n in_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n but_o humane_a reason_n more_o be_v more_o subtle_a and_o powerful_a to_o persuade_v the_o only_a remedy_n be_v to_o abandon_v ourselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o grace_n and_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o the_o folly_n of_o the_o cross_n chap._n xiii_o to_o give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n spirit_n we_o must_v not_o use_v violence_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n by_o bind_v ourselves_o severe_o to_o this_o or_o that_o way_n but_o sweet_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n we_o must_v row_v against_o the_o stream_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n but_o not_o strive_v against_o the_o wind_n that_o come_v from_o heaven_n work_v we_o must_v but_o by_o follow_v god_n holy_a inspiration_n which_o be_v sensible_a enough_o to_o holy_a heart_n a_o soul_n accustom_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n spirit_n do_v know_v his_o motion_n i_o can_v explicate_v this_o as_o i_o will_v but_o it_o be_v a_o assure_a truth_n she_o know_v they_o by_o experience_n i_o must_v whole_o depend_v on_o divine_a providence_n without_o any_o dependence_n on_o creature_n though_o holy_a cast_v myself_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o god_n as_o a_o infant_n that_o take_v no_o care_n but_o to_o lie_v in_o the_o mother_n bosom_n to_o suck_v the_o teat_n and_o delight_v therewith_o do_v love_v she_o dear_o i_o confess_v our_o bless_a saviour_n treat_v i_o after_o this_o manner_n for_o without_o any_o solicitude_n of_o i_o to_o nourish_v my_o soul_n with_o spiritual_a food_n or_o without_o any_o search_n into_o book_n for_o that_o end_n but_o only_o in_o his_o sacred_a heart_n i_o experience_n that_o i_o want_v nothing_o which_o sometime_o do_v strike_v i_o with_o admiration_n and_o fear_n that_o i_o have_v be_v negligent_a to_o do_v my_o duty_n but_o this_o fear_n do_v present_o vanish_v see_v god_n be_v please_v to_o provide_v for_o i_o before_o i_o think_v on_o it_o this_o make_v i_o know_v experimental_o that_o god_n will_v have_v i_o whole_o depend_v upon_o he_o without_o any_o support_n from_o creature_n for_o if_o i_o seek_v to_o they_o his_o care_n diminish_v and_o my_o soul_n fall_v into_o indigence_n find_v little_a succour_n from_o the_o creature_n she_o have_v recourse_n to_o which_o make_v she_o soon_o retire_v to_o the_o pap_n of_o providence_n and_o this_o suffice_v a_o mother_n sometime_o have_v milk_n in_o one_o pap_n and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o if_o the_o little_a infant_n will_v change_v he_o be_v deceive_v but_o find_v little_a help_n from_o the_o left_a pap_n he_o return_v to_o the_o right_n and_o now_o will_v not_o quit_v it_o be_v grow_v wise_a by_o experience_n my_o soul_n thus_o find_v little_a help_n from_o the_o creature_n return_v present_o to_o the_o pap_n of_o providence_n and_o there_o abide_v i_o fear_v sometime_o to_o have_v too_o many_o consolation_n in_o prayer_n but_o this_o do_v satisfy_v i_o that_o god_n will_v have_v i_o live_v as_o a_o infant_n that_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o comfort_n he_o make_v choice_n of_o other_o soul_n for_o great_a performance_n that_o regard_v his_o glory_n if_o a_o infant_n shall_v leave_v the_o bosom_n of_o his_o mother_n to_o do_v her_o service_n he_o will_v fall_v and_o hurt_v himself_o and_o do_v no_o good_a he_o must_v then_o let_v other_o work_n and_o be_v content_a with_o his_o mother_n embrace_n wherefore_o what_o i_o have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o stick_v close_o to_o god_n and_o let_v other_o travel_v in_o great_a affair_n as_o more_o grow_v up_o in_o grace_n in_o comparison_n of_o who_o a_o little_a infant_n be_v nothing_o but_o weakness_n my_o perfection_n consist_v in_o my_o fidelity_n in_o a_o perfect_a abandon_v of_o myself_o to_o god_n which_o will_v increase_v as_o i_o advance_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o his_o design_n i_o must_v therefore_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n passive_a and_o in_o my_o thought_n desire_n action_n disposition_n interior_a and_o exterior_a depend_v on_o the_o pure_a conduct_n of_o god_n and_o his_o pleasure_n a_o soul_n well_o illuminate_v love_v not_o the_o disposition_n she_o find_v in_o herself_o but_o god_n who_o give_v they_o and_o his_o will_n be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o her_o complacency_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o she_o to_o be_v in_o this_o or_o that_o disposition_n as_o best_o please_v god_n and_o love_a nothing_o more_o than_o a_o perfect_a abandon_v of_o herself_o to_o his_o providence_n o_o dear_a abandon_v thou_o be_v at_o present_a the_o object_n of_o my_o love_n which_o by_o thou_o be_v purify_v augment_v and_o inflame_v whosoever_o possess_v thou_o do_v know_v and_o taste_v the_o amiable_a transport_n of_o great_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n a_o soul_n lose_v herself_o happy_o in_o thou_o after_o have_v lose_v all_o creature_n for_o the_o love_n of_o abjection_n and_o find_v herself_o no_o where_n but_o in_o god_n be_v dead_a to_o all_o thing_n beside_o he_o o_o dear_a abandon_v thou_o be_v the_o disposition_n of_o disposition_n and_o all_o other_o do_v refer_v to_o thou_o happy_a be_v they_o that_o know_v thou_o be_v of_o more_o worth_n than_o all_o other_o grace_n a_o soul_n in_o abandon_v have_v a_o pure_a regard_n to_o god_n and_o be_v not_o concern_v but_o for_o his_o interest_n yea_o desire_v not_o abjection_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o god_n good_a pleasure_n few_o word_n can_v explicate_v the_o great_a effect_n that_o it_o work_v in_o the_o interiour_n to_o establish_v a_o soul_n perfect_o in_o god_n it_o be_v abandon_v that_o make_v her_o insensible_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o accident_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o loss_n of_o abandon_v can_v afflict_v she_o you_o be_v admirable_a o_o my_o god_n you_o be_v admirable_a in_o your_o holy_a operation_n and_o assention_n that_o you_o make_v in_o soul_n who_o you_o conduct_v from_o light_n to_o light_v by_o your_o divine_a providence_n which_o be_v not_o know_v but_o by_o experience_n sometime_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o the_o grace_n to_o love_v abjection_n be_v the_o high_a pitch_n but_o now_o i_o see_v that_o abandon_v mount_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o more_o elevate_a state_n o_o dear_a abandon_v thou_o doubtless_o will_v be_v the_o ultimate_a disposition_n i_o desire_v nothing_o but_o thou_o and_o death_n as_o the_o gate_n whereby_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o eternal_a abandon_v dear_a death_n how_o pleasant_a and_o lovely_a do_v thou_o seem_v unto_o i_o what_o allurement_n do_v i_o see_v in_o thou_o deliver_v i_o from_o my_o captivity_n that_o i_o may_v full_o enjoy_v my_o well-beloved_a however_o if_o thy_o come_n will_v interrupt_v my_o abandon_v come_v not_o for_o thou_o be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n and_o all_o thy_o delight_n will_v be_v bitter_a to_o i_o o_o dear_a abandon_v thou_o be_v the_o belove_a of_o my_o heart_n which_o ardent_o breathe_v after_o thou_o but_o when_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o i_o possess_v thou_o perfect_o this_o shall_v be_v when_o the_o divine_a will_n shall_v reign_v perfect_o in_o i_o for_o my_o soul_n shall_v be_v establish_v in_o a_o entire_a indifferency_n to_o all_o event_n and_o mean_n of_o perfection_n when_o she_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o joy_n then_o in_o god_n no_o other_o content_n no_o other_o felicity_n our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v often_o to_o a_o soul_n abandon_v to_o his_o will_n think_v upon_o i_o and_o i_o will_v think_v upon_o
a_o hermitage_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o our_o memory_n whole_o take_v up_o with_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o his_o excellency_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o will_n employ_v only_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n if_o we_o will_v often_o put_v our_o sense_n into_o this_o solitude_n we_o shall_v attain_v great_a purity_n of_o virtue_n a_o true_a solitare_fw-la do_v hardly_o touch_v the_o earth_n with_o his_o foot_n that_o be_v all_o his_o stay_n with_o the_o creature_n be_v for_o pure_a necessity_n his_o conversation_n be_v with_o god_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n i_o have_v inspiration_n from_o god_n to_o prayer_n and_o solitude_n so_o frequent_a and_o powerful_a that_o my_o soul_n take_v pleasure_n in_o nothing_o else_o methinks_v god_n speak_v thus_o to_o my_o soul_n be_v thou_o faithful_a to_o quit_v all_o worldly_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v conduct_v thou_o into_o a_o interiour_n solitude_n where_o no_o creature_n shall_v hinder_v thou_o and_o i_o will_v speak_v to_o thy_o heart_n which_o shall_v answer_v of_o what_o will_v my_o divine_a bridegroom_n speak_v except_o of_o his_o infinite_a beauty_n and_o goodness_n chap._n vi_o a_o solitude_n or_o retreat_n of_o ten_o day_n upon_o the_o infallible_a mystery_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n although_o every_o one_o who_o will_v serious_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o his_o salvation_n aught_o to_o have_v a_o affection_n for_o solitude_n as_o the_o proper_a school_n of_o virtue_n yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o make_v some_o more_o severe_a retreat_n by_o separate_n ourselves_o from_o all_o business_n and_o company_n that_o we_o may_v converse_v with_o god_n alone_o in_o a_o more_o continual_a prayer_n than_o ordinary_a i_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a manner_n to_o treat_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o a_o devout_a soul_n must_v conform_v herself_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n bestow_v on_o she_o cooperate_a therewith_o with_o all_o humility_n and_o dependence_n whether_o her_o prayer_n be_v of_o high_a or_o inferior_a nature_n the_o first_o be_v when_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n discourse_n on_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n the_o second_o be_v when_o in_o converse_n with_o god_n she_o only_o behold_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n by_o a_o simple_a view_n and_o apprehension_n the_o three_o be_v when_o a_o soul_n receive_v supernatural_a illustration_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o extraordinary_a motion_n in_o the_o will_n to_o know_v and_o love_n god_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n and_o this_o passive_a and_o extraordinary_a prayer_n have_v many_o degree_n of_o which_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v at_o present_a a_o soul_n experience_v in_o the_o operation_n of_o grace_n will_v easy_o know_v to_o what_o sort_n of_o prayer_n she_o have_v a_o call_n from_o god_n and_o will_v betake_v herself_o to_o it_o with_o great_a sweetness_n submission_n and_o simplicity_n 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my_o god_n make_v i_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n that_o i_o may_v live_v to_o you_o alone_o and_o my_o thought_n may_v be_v only_o take_v up_o with_o your_o perfection_n second_o day_n behold_v what_o sudden_o come_v into_o my_o mind_n about_o this_o great_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n i_o be_o wonderful_o content_a to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o inability_n to_o understand_v it_o in_o that_o the_o power_n of_o my_o soul_n be_v lead_v captive_a by_o faith_n surround_v with_o cloud_n this_o inability_n this_o obscurity_n this_o captivity_n be_v please_v to_o i_o and_o for_o the_o future_a i_o will_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n upon_o earth_n to_o please_v god_n then_o by_o submit_v our_o understanding_n and_o will_n to_o his_o revelation_n yea_o i_o do_v more_o value_v this_o captivity_n to_o faith_n in_o believe_v what_o i_o see_v not_o than_o all_o splendour_n imaginable_a how_o be_v this_o submission_n of_o our_o spirit_n natural_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a please_v to_o god_n how_o much_o hereby_o do_v we_o honour_v and_o glorify_v he_o o_o glorious_a saint_n with_o all_o due_a reverence_n i_o challenge_v you_o to_o be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o your_o eternal_a splendour_n than_o i_o be_o with_o these_o cloud_n of_o holy_a faith_n if_o you_o be_v content_a i_o be_o no_o less_o to_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o willing_o to_o captivate_v my_o understanding_n to_o the_o high_a mystery_n god_n have_v reveal_v and_o that_o which_o fill_v i_o with_o joy_n and_o make_v i_o happy_a before_o i_o come_v to_o heaven_n be_v to_o find_v my_o will_n in_o perfect_a submission_n to_o my_o god_n and_o to_o the_o mean_a creature_n for_o love_n of_o he_o o_o bless_a soul_n i_o be_o a_o little_a too_o bold_a with_o you_o yet_o i_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o you_o well_o know_v it_o i_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o this_o submission_n be_v the_o way_n to_o practice_v it_o a_o way_n sure_a and_o excellent_a in_o my_o 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of_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o it_o then_o seem_v to_o she_o that_o heretofore_o she_o be_v wander_v in_o darkness_n in_o effect_v it_o seem_v to_o she_o that_o she_o now_o live_v in_o another_o world_n with_o other_o light_n and_o other_o principle_n and_o other_o proceed_v and_o another_o taste_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n she_o now_o seek_v occasion_n to_o mortify_v her_o sense_n obedience_n dependence_n contempt_n loss_n do_v relish_v with_o she_o and_o she_o be_v please_v only_o to_o live_v a_o life_n of_o faith_n make_v no_o matter_n of_o the_o mockery_n of_o worldly_a man_n who_o judge_v not_o but_o by_o sense_n or_o at_o best_o but_o according_a humane_a reason_n second_o day_n jesus_n a_o infant_n begin_v my_o morning_n prayer_n these_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v present_v to_o my_o thought_n consideravi_fw-la opera_fw-la tua_fw-la &_o expavi_fw-la i_o have_v consider_v your_o work_n o_o my_o saviour_n and_o stand_v amaze_v with_o admiration_n and_o how_o can_v i_o be_v otherwise_o affect_v to_o see_v the_o eternal_a god_n a_o infant_n to_o see_v that_o immensity_n which_o the_o heaven_n can_v contain_v lie_v swaddle_v in_o a_o manger_n eternity_n but_o one_o day_n old_a omnipotency_n become_v weakness_n the_o joy_n of_o angel_n in_o a_o suffer_a condition_n o_o god_n of_o love_n who_o can_v but_o fall_v into_o a_o ecstasy_n to_o see_v these_o wonder_n this_o excess_n of_o goodness_n above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n but_o bless_a saviour_n it_o be_v your_o glory_n to_o have_v nothing_o and_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v altogether_o incomprehensible_a i_o observe_v a_o great_a silence_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n where_o the_o whole_a creation_n seem_v to_o be_v strike_v dumb_a with_o admiration_n of_o the_o great_a mystery_n then_o bring_v to_o pass_v i_o behold_v how_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o good_a joseph_n fix_v their_o eye_n on_o the_o infant_n god-man_n lie_v in_o a_o manger_n speak_v not_o one_o word_n be_v transport_v with_o love_n and_o admiration_n and_o whole_o astonish_v at_o a_o humiliation_n so_o prodigious_a and_o i_o wonder_v all_o creature_n do_v not_o stand_v immovable_a for_o a_o whole_a age_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o so_o incomprehensible_a a_o mystery_n all_o expression_n be_v below_o this_o excess_n of_o love_n and_o condescension_n let_v we_o o_o my_o soul_n be_v silent_a with_o a_o respectful_a attention_n love_a adore_a admire_v these_o great_a thing_n god_n have_v do_v for_o we_o methinks_v i_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o stand_v always_o in_o silence_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o infant_n jesus_n i_o apply_v myself_o in_o my_o second_o prayer_n to_o consider_v the_o universal_a denudation_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o seem_v most_o necessary_a at_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v bear_v as_o a_o exile_n out_o of_o his_o mother_n house_n to_o have_v no_o lodging_n usual_a for_o man_n but_o a_o stable_a which_o be_v prepare_v for_o beast_n to_o be_v his_o bedchamber_n and_o a_o manger_n for_o his_o cradle_n to_o suffer_v the_o rigour_n of_o winter_n for_o want_n of_o fire_n what_o poor_a miserable_a creature_n can_v be_v reduce_v to_o a_o great_a denudation_n notwithstanding_o this_o be_v that_o which_o ravish_v both_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o glorious_a angel_n find_v nothing_o in_o heaven_n of_o equal_a admiration_n and_o therefore_o hither_o they_o come_v to_o contemplate_v these_o wonder_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o glad_a tiding_n thereof_o to_o man_n make_v the_o air_n to_o echo_v with_o their_o joyful_a melody_n and_o without_o any_o mention_n of_o the_o divinity_n declare_v only_o to_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v find_v a_o infant_n wrap_v in_o swaddle_a clothes_n lie_v in_o a_o manger_n and_o hither_o the_o shepherd_n run_v transport_v with_o joy_n and_o the_o world_n have_v follow_v they_o when_o the_o wise_a man_n demand_v of_o herod_n where_o he_o be_v bear_v who_o be_v king_n of_o the_o jew_n this_o idea_n of_o royalty_n do_v much_o affright_v he_o and_o in_o rage_n he_o design_v a_o cruelty_n more_o barbarous_a than_o what_o as_o yet_o the_o sun_n do_v ever_o behold_v it_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n that_o grandeur_n and_o a_o elevate_a condition_n though_o in_o the_o person_n of_o god_n himself_o make_v man_n be_v attend_v with_o many_o evil_n and_o commotion_n but_o abjection_n and_o humiliation_n in_o the_o infant_n jesus_n have_v force_n enough_o to_o win_v our_o heart_n and_o yet_o we_o will_v not_o understand_v this_o in_o my_o three_o prayer_n i_o discover_v that_o since_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n which_o be_v the_o wonderful_a union_n of_o the_o creator_n with_o the_o creature_n than_o son_n of_o man_n be_v call_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o prayer_n and_o converse_n with_o god_n then_o former_o the_o gift_n of_o sublime_a prayer_n be_v one_o effect_n of_o this_o divine_a mystery_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o value_n and_o preserve_v it_o as_o a_o treasure_n the_o heart_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o man_n and_o when_o a_o poor_a soul_n be_v distract_v she_o must_v gentle_o lead_v herself_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o jesus_n to_o offer_v to_o the_o eternal_a father_n the_o holy_a disposition_n of_o that_o adorable_a heart_n to_o unite_v that_o little_a we_o do_v with_o that_o infinite_a service_n jesus_n render_v to_o his_o eternal_a father_n thus_o our_o little_a will_v be_v make_v great_a by_o jesus_n christ_n o_o my_o soul_n let_v this_o divine_a heart_n of_o jesus_n for_o the_o future_a be_v thy_o oratory_n it_o be_v in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o thou_o must_v offer_v all_o thy_o prayer_n to_o god_n to_o make_v they_o acceptable_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n make_v this_o thy_o school_n to_o learn_v there_o the_o supereminent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o that_o of_o the_o world_n thou_o will_v find_v there_o principle_n sublime_a and_o pure_a a_o treasure_n which_o will_v enrich_v thou_o with_o purity_n love_n and_o fidelity_n and_o what_o be_v very_o plentiful_a in_o this_o treasury_n humiliation_n poverty_n and_o suffering_n the_o love_n and_o esteem_v of_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o precious_a jewel_n which_o principal_o and_o original_o be_v find_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o jesus_n other_o heart_n how_o noble_a soever_o have_v more_o or_o less_o of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n they_o receive_v from_o this_o exhaustible_a treasury_n in_o my_o four_o prayer_n i_o have_v a_o strong_a idea_n of_o the_o disposition_n which_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o st._n joseph_n have_v towards_o the_o infant_n jesus_n it_o be_v reveal_v to_o a_o holy_a soul_n that_o the_o bless_a virgin_n pass_v all_o the_o time_n in_o prayer_n while_o her_o sacred_a womb_n be_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o never_o cease_v to_o adore_v the_o word_n make_v flesh_n that_o st._n joseph_n enter_v with_o the_o holy_a virgin_n into_o the_o stable_a at_o bethlehem_n be_v elevate_v in_o high_a contemplation_n upon_o the_o mystery_n there_o to_o be_v accomplish_v and_o in_o this_o prayer_n be_v so_o replenish_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o his_o desire_n for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v more_o pure_a and_o more_o ardent_a then_o of_o all_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n before_o and_o that_o next_o to_o the_o holy_a virgin_n he_o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n at_o the_o moment_n of_o the_o wonderful_a nativity_n of_o the_o infant_n jesus_n such_o ray_n of_o glory_n and_o admirable_a splendour_n be_v dart_v from_o his_o soul_n as_o pierce_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o st._n joseph_n and_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o infinite_a grandeurs_fw-fr of_o that_o babe_n through_o all_o the_o weakness_n their_o eye_n be_v witness_v of_o and_o in_o deep_a silence_n and_o contemplation_n they_o offer_v to_o he_o a_o pure_a and_o amorous_a offering_n of_o their_o whole_a be_v as_o to_o their_o god_n o_o who_o can_v comprehend_v the_o wonderful_a effect_n that_o his_o presence_n cause_v in_o their_o heart_n these_o consideration_n do_v sweet_o possess_v my_o soul_n during_o my_o prayer_n and_o i_o find_v myself_o in_o a_o disposition_n of_o great_a love_n for_o internal_a prayer_n in_o silence_n and_o solitude_n with_o infant-jesus_n three_o day_n jesus_n poor_a and_o abject_a in_o my_o morning_n prayer_n i_o find_v in_o myself_o a_o great_a esteem_n and_o love_n for_o poverty_n see_v jesus_n have_v so_o esteem_v and_o love_v it_o and_o we_o have_v a_o obligation_n to_o be_v conform_v to_o he_o and_o i_o say_v within_o myself_o o_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n what_o riches_n do_v thou_o bring_v to_o a_o soul_n thou_o give_v her_o possession_n of_o a_o kingdom_n of_o peace_n thou_o do_v purify_v she_o to_o unite_v she_o to_o jesus_n in_o his_o humiliation_n which_o
the_o poor_a we_o be_v in_o spirit_n the_o rich_a we_o be_v in_o grace_n the_o more_o a_o soul_n be_v nothing_o in_o herself_o the_o more_o god_n be_v all_o in_o she_o and_o be_v please_v to_o work_v great_a thing_n for_o she_o jesus_n present_v himself_o to_o my_o spirit_n in_o my_o second_o prayer_n discover_v to_o i_o in_o general_a the_o different_a state_n of_o his_o life_n passive_a in_o his_o suffering_n active_a in_o virtue_n and_o how_o he_o be_v the_o origen_n and_o source_n of_o all_o purity_n to_o which_o we_o aspire_v by_o a_o spiritual_a life_n i_o conceive_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o purity_n of_o suffering_n which_o be_v great_a indeed_o when_o we_o suffer_v without_o seek_v relief_n carry_v this_o cross_n for_o god_n sake_n as_o long_o as_o he_o please_v there_o be_v a_o purity_n of_o action_n when_o we_o act_n not_o whether_o interior_o or_o exterior_o but_o by_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n with_o pure_a intention_n here_o argument_n of_o humane_a reason_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o we_o stir_v not_o without_o some_o impression_n of_o grace_n work_v only_o for_o god_n by_o his_o work_n in_o we_o we_o must_v labour_v hard_a and_o be_v perfect_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n before_o we_o can_v come_v to_o this_o state_n of_o purity_n there_o be_v a_o purity_n of_o intention_n when_o we_o have_v only_o a_o eye_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o do_v what_o please_v he_o without_o act_v upon_o other_o motive_n though_o good_a and_o laudable_a wherein_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o self-interest_n as_o fear_v to_o offend_v to_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n call_n to_o be_v more_o love_v and_o reward_v a_o soul_n in_o this_o state_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o herself_o but_o sole_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n her_o end_n and_o object_n there_o be_v a_o purity_n of_o employment_n when_o a_o soul_n will_v not_o divert_v her_o thought_n from_o god_n but_o by_o order_n from_o god_n himself_o by_o some_o motion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n hence_o we_o shun_v unnecessary_a visit_n unprofitable_a word_n superfluous_a occupation_n and_o that_o be_v superfluous_a to_o one_o soul_n which_o be_v not_o to_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o grace_n impart_v to_o they_o we_o must_v suffer_v many_o mortification_n to_o attain_v this_o purity_n and_o such_o a_o soul_n must_v fear_v nothing_o more_o than_o infidelity_n this_o be_v but_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o action_n there_o be_v a_o purity_n of_o virtue_n when_o we_o practise_v only_o what_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o do_v there_o be_v a_o purity_n of_o spiritual_a delight_n when_o the_o superior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n receive_v no_o consolation_n willing_o from_o any_o creature_n or_o sensual_a thing_n but_o stand_v upon_o her_o guard_n to_o keep_v they_o out_o and_o there_o be_v a_o purity_n of_o prayer_n when_o the_o soul_n elevate_v above_o herself_o by_o the_o working_n of_o god_n in_o she_o be_v in_o ecstasy_n of_o spirit_n and_o unite_v to_o god_n alone_o by_o contemplation_n a_o soul_n that_o once_o have_v have_v a_o feel_n of_o god_n in_o she_o see_v a_o infinite_a difference_n between_o he_o and_o the_o holy_a creature_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o great_a interior_a solitude_n converse_v with_o god_n alone_o all_o these_o sort_n of_o purity_n appear_v to_o i_o in_o the_o interiour_n of_o jesus_n as_o in_o their_o source_n in_o my_o three_o prayer_n i_o come_v to_o know_v that_o the_o mystery_n or_o state_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o only_o the_o exemplar_n but_o also_o the_o efficient_a of_o our_o state_n so_o that_o we_o suffer_v not_o only_o to_o imitate_v jesus_n in_o his_o suffering_n but_o because_o jesus_n by_o his_o suffering_n imprint_n on_o we_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o give_v we_o the_o grace_n to_o suffer_v for_o he_o when_o we_o pray_v it_o be_v not_o only_a to_o imitate_v jesus_n in_o contemplation_n but_o because_o he_o infuse_v into_o our_o heart_n the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o if_o a_o soul_n arrive_v to_o that_o height_n as_o to_o possess_v jesus_n christ_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n he_o than_o do_v all_o in_o she_o and_o for_o she_o she_o be_v only_o pliable_a to_o his_o divine_a operation_n we_o can_v continue_v in_o this_o state_n without_o wonderful_a purity_n the_o least_o sally_n of_o immortified_a nature_n will_v much_o endamage_v it_o how_o often_o have_v god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v i_o experience_n of_o this_o when_o jesus_n unite_n himself_o unto_o i_o in_o the_o holy_a communion_n annihilate_v all_o my_o thought_n word_n and_o affection_n to_o become_v to_o i_o all_o thing_n in_o i_o he_o be_v my_o thankfulness_n my_o offer_n my_o humility_n my_o charity_n my_o prayer_n and_o i_o do_v nothing_o but_o remain_v unite_v to_o he_o who_o work_v all_o for_o my_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v annihilate_v in_o his_o presence_n word_n as_o well_o as_o thought_n fail_v we_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o word_n who_o plead_v to_o his_o father_n for_o those_o soul_n he_o possess_v in_o such_o a_o mysterious_a manner_n what_o marvel_n be_v there_o hide_v beyond_o expression_n in_o my_o four_o prayer_n i_o consider_v that_o be_v a_o christian_n i_o have_v a_o strict_a obligation_n to_o follow_v christ_n but_o beside_o that_o general_a tie_n i_o have_v a_o special_a vocation_n to_o imitate_v jesus_n in_o his_o humiliation_n to_o follow_v he_o in_o this_o way_n with_o purity_n i_o must_v forsake_v all_o grandeur_n and_o be_v content_a with_o poverty_n and_o objection_n and_o labour_v stout_o for_o a_o perfect_a abnegation_n of_o myself_o since_o god_n have_v give_v i_o a_o generous_a resolution_n to_o sacrifice_v myself_o whole_o to_o his_o service_n i_o will_v follow_v his_o call_n though_o i_o die_v for_o it_o methinks_v i_o be_o enable_v to_o do_v it_o with_o great_a peace_n and_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n what_o evil_a can_v happen_v to_o i_o if_o i_o die_v for_o god_n who_o die_v for_o i_o those_o who_o choose_v to_o be_v poor_a out_o of_o desire_n to_o follow_v jesus_n be_v peculiar_a object_n of_o god_n care_n and_o providence_n which_o extend_v itself_o to_o all_o man_n but_o especial_o to_o those_o who_o be_v the_o lively_a image_n of_o his_o son_n he_o be_v their_o father_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o set_v a_o watch_n about_o they_o more_o than_o other_o for_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v not_o give_v bread_n to_o they_o who_o leave_v all_o their_o temporal_n to_o serve_v he_o better_o and_o love_v he_o pure_a let_v we_o stifle_v all_o humane_a reason_n on_o this_o subject_n let_v we_o go_v whither_o grace_n call_v we_o and_o fear_v nothing_o if_o we_o die_v in_o the_o service_n it_o will_v be_v happy_a for_o we_o it_o be_v a_o great_a favour_n from_o god_n when_o we_o breathe_v out_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o flame_n of_o divine_a love_n five_o day_n jesus_n zelator_n of_o soul_n in_o my_o first_o prayer_n i_o apply_v myself_o to_o jesus_n as_o zelator_n of_o soul_n for_o who_o he_o give_v his_o most_o precious_a blood_n i_o behold_v what_o i_o can_v not_o comprehend_v that_o this_o zeal_n of_o jesus_n for_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n be_v infinite_a it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o my_o soul_n receive_v some_o small_a portion_n of_o this_o holy_a zeal_n and_o i_o be_v powerful_o incline_v to_o lay_v out_o myself_o for_o my_o neighbour_n good_a offer_v myself_o to_o god_n to_o do_v and_o suffer_v what_o he_o please_v but_o i_o perceive_v this_o zeal_n for_o soul_n must_v be_v infuse_v into_o we_o we_o must_v not_o run_v before_o we_o be_v send_v otherwise_o we_o shall_v neither_o do_v good_a for_o other_o nor_o ourselves_o but_o disturb_v our_o interiour_n and_o commit_v many_o disorder_n when_o this_o zeal_n be_v kindle_v in_o our_o soul_n by_o the_o breathe_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n it_o put_v nothing_o out_o of_o order_n but_o we_o go_v in_o perfection_n and_o advance_v in_o prayer_n however_o all_o must_v be_v regulate_v by_o prudence_n lest_o we_o outrun_v our_o call_n and_o hurt_v ourselves_o while_o we_o will_v do_v good_a to_o other_o for_o our_o care_n must_v be_v to_o procure_v the_o good_a of_o other_o according_a to_o the_o grace_n confer_v upon_o we_o some_o in_o a_o active_a life_n by_o preach_v and_o instruct_v some_o by_o work_n of_o corporal_a charity_n other_o by_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n their_o contemplative_a life_n their_o solitude_n their_o austerity_n their_o suffering_n their_o prayer_n there_o be_v many_o way_n to_o be_v instrumental_a for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o let_v every_o one_o employ_v his_o proper_a talon_n our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v near_o his_o passion_n leave_v we_o as_o a_o legacy_n this_o divine_a commandment_n love_v you_o one_o
and_o redeemer_n to_o lie_v out_o thyself_o upon_o the_o creature_n and_o not_o correspond_v to_o his_o inspiration_n who_o call_v thou_o to_o himself_o what_o a_o horrible_a infidelity_n will_v this_o be_v let_v we_o not_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o who_o we_o be_v seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n the_o subject_n of_o my_o three_o prayer_n be_v the_o admirable_a oeconomy_n of_o the_o incarnation_n in_o that_o by_o the_o excess_n of_o love_n and_o goodness_n god_n be_v make_v man_n and_o man_n become_v god_n i_o have_v profound_a veneration_n for_o the_o adorable_a humanity_n absorb_v in_o the_o divinity_n and_o with_o a_o amorous_a confidence_n behold_v the_o divinity_n as_o it_o be_v annihilate_v in_o the_o humanity_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o as_o a_o tabernacle_n of_o honour_n where_o god_n dwell_v with_o infinite_a delight_n this_o humanity_n also_o in_o a_o manner_n divinize_v take_v infinite_a delight_n in_o the_o divinity_n from_o whence_o it_o receive_v 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the_o highway_n to_o happiness_n be_v it_o possible_a to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o love_v he_o and_o to_o languish_v with_o desire_n to_o enjoy_v he_o to_o stand_v much_o in_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v a_o sign_n we_o have_v little_a desire_n to_o see_v the_o infinite_a beauty_n of_o god_n see_v death_n only_o open_v the_o gate_n of_o paradise_n o_o death_n thou_o be_v desirable_a come_v and_o put_v i_o in_o possession_n of_o the_o object_n of_o my_o love_n that_o i_o may_v live_v with_o jesus_n who_o be_v the_o source_n of_o life_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o the_o interim_n o_o my_o soul_n let_v we_o have_v neither_o love_n nor_o life_n nor_o operation_n but_o what_o be_v in_o he_o and_o for_o he_o our_o sovereign_a happiness_n vivit_fw-la in_o i_o christus_fw-la eight_o day_n jesus_n our_o light_n jesus_n be_v present_a to_o i_o in_o my_o first_o prayer_n as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n which_o discover_v to_o i_o such_o a_o beauty_n in_o the_o 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i_o come_v to_o know_v in_o my_o second_o prayer_n that_o when_o jesus_n be_v please_v to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o a_o soul_n he_o infuse_v a_o light_n into_o she_o which_o give_v she_o a_o marvellous_a facility_n to_o believe_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o word_n incarnate_a she_o have_v a_o certainty_n and_o as_o it_o be_v experience_n that_o his_o thought_n his_o word_n his_o action_n his_o proceed_n his_o doctrine_n his_o suffering_n be_v divine_a and_o bring_v a_o sovereign_a honour_n to_o the_o divinity_n o_o science_n of_o jesus_n how_o be_v thou_o sweet_a and_o admirable_a all_o other_o knowledge_n in_o respect_n of_o thou_o be_v but_o ignorance_n and_o vanity_n i_o have_v by_o the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n have_v some_o little_a experience_n to_o know_v jesus_n in_o this_o manner_n but_o i_o can_v express_v it_o the_o more_o this_o knowledge_n increase_v the_o less_o be_v it_o explicable_a the_o profound_a attention_n to_o jesus_n do_v so_o take_v up_o my_o spirit_n that_o it_o take_v away_o my_o speech_n it_o call_v i_o from_o all_o creature_n to_o converse_v with_o he_o alone_o and_o draw_v i_o out_o of_o myself_o to_o be_v ravish_v with_o he_o o_o world_n how_o blind_a be_v thou_o not_o to_o see_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o abject_a state_n of_o jesus_n his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o maxim_n be_v the_o only_a true_a light_n all_o that_o thou_o have_v o_o ignorant_a world_n seduce_v by_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n be_v but_o mere_a darkness_n thy_o opinion_n thy_o employment_n thy_o hope_n thy_o fear_n thy_o desire_n thy_o entertainment_n be_v but_o darkness_n and_o disorder_n thou_o stumble_v almost_o at_o every_o step_n because_o thou_o walk_v in_o darkness_n out_o of_o which_o thou_o can_v never_o get_v but_o by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o corporal_a light_n to_o the_o world_n so_o christ_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o spiritual_a light_n and_o who_o 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refuse_v the_o most_o charm_a and_o most_o tender_a embrace_n to_o the_o most_o unworthy_a and_o most_o perfidious_a of_o all_o his_o enemy_n judas_n who_o envy_n have_v already_o poison_v even_o to_o the_o heart_n who_o avarice_n have_v pervert_v and_o make_v a_o thief_n insensibleness_n have_v blind_v and_o make_v ungrateful_a who_o malice_n have_v corrupt_v and_o make_v a_o apostate_n a_o traitor_n a_o very_a devil_n yet_o this_o judas_n in_o this_o condition_n that_o he_o be_v and_o in_o which_o jesus_n see_v he_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o the_o eminent_a grandeurs_fw-fr of_o the_o love_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o feed_v this_o daemon_n with_o the_o manna_n of_o angel_n o_o love_n how_o thou_o be_v admirable_a o_o love_n how_o thou_o be_v invincible_a a_o abundance_n of_o water_n can_v extinguish_v thy_o flame_n and_o now_o my_o soul_n be_v it_o possible_a thou_o shall_v continue_v tepid_a and_o insensible_a while_o thou_o be_v near_o so_o great_a a_o fire_n have_v thou_o all_o the_o ardour_n of_o the_o seraphin_n thou_o will_v still_o be_v too_o little_a on_o fire_n to_o answer_v and_o reflect_v the_o fire_n of_o that_o incomparable_a love_n which_o inflame_v his_o heart_n when_o he_o come_v to_o give_v himself_o to_o thou_o a_o good_a religious_a capuchin_n call_v br._n bonaventure_n feel_v his_o soul_n so_o inflame_v with_o this_o sacred_a fire_n when_o he_o approach_v to_o the_o holy_a table_n that_o one_o day_n among_o other_o find_v himself_o more_o than_o ordinary_a replenish_v with_o a_o ardent_a desire_n to_o unite_v himself_o with_o god_n and_o see_v the_o most_o bless_a sacrament_n in_o the_o priest_n hand_n ready_a to_o communicate_v he_o his_o heart_n seem_v to_o make_v strong_a effort_n to_o leap_v out_o of_o his_o breast_n and_o meet_v the_o only_a object_n of_o its_o desire_n which_o also_o break_v forth_o into_o word_n for_o the_o abundance_n of_o his_o love_n force_v out_o their_o amorous_a aspiration_n my_o jesus_n my_o jesus_n my_o jesus_n but_o to_o let_v both_o he_o and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n in_o this_o unspeakable_a mystery_n surpass_v all_o we_o in_o a_o infinite_a measure_n the_o holy_a host_n quit_v the_o priest_n hand_n and_o as_o it_o be_v all_o on_o a_o flame_n and_o encircle_v with_o glorious_a ray_n of_o light_n of_o its_o own_o accord_n fly_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o this_o worthy_a servant_n of_o god_n chap._n iu._n interiour_n entertainment_n during_o communion_n some_o time_n when_o i_o be_v communicate_v it_o come_v into_o my_o mind_n to_o think_v that_o my_o heart_n be_v a_o altar_n and_o that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v to_o continue_v upon_o it_o the_o same_o operation_n that_o he_o have_v perform_v on_o that_o altar_n where_o the_o holy_a mass_n be_v celebrate_v wherefore_o my_o heart_n receive_v he_o love_o and_o simple_o unite_v itself_o to_o all_o his_o divine_a operation_n relate_v both_o to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n and_o to_o creature_n and_o my_o soul_n adhere_v to_o all_o his_o adoration_n all_o his_o sacrifice_n all_o his_o love_n that_o he_o bear_v his_o eternal_a father_n become_v whole_o passive_a like_o a_o altar_n upon_o which_o jesus_n do_v all_o that_o he_o please_v as_o well_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o divinity_n as_o in_o regard_n of_o man_n to_o who_o he_o distribute_v and_o dispense_v his_o mercy_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o apply_v himself_o to_o honour_v his_o divine_a father_n to_o annihilate_v himself_o before_o his_o greatness_n to_o love_v his_o goodness_n and_o other_o divine_a perfection_n and_o then_o he_o turn_v himself_o to_o succour_v my_o weakness_n and_o show_v his_o mercy_n upon_o i_o by_o give_v i_o a_o glimpse_n of_o what_o he_o be_v and_o a_o fight_n of_o the_o strict_a and_o close_a alliance_n whereby_o i_o ought_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o subsist_v a_o moment_n but_o by_o his_o life_n that_o his_o holy_a spirit_n ought_v to_o animate_v my_o soul_n and_o be_v the_o first_o spring_n of_o all_o its_o motion_n as_o my_o soul_n move_v my_o body_n and_o be_v the_o principal_a of_o all_o its_o operation_n that_o to_o live_v a_o life_n pure_o humane_a be_v a_o state_n wherein_o though_o a_o soul_n do_v not_o offend_v god_n yet_o she_o can_v please_v he_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n love_n can_v suffer_v nor_o will_v it_o endure_v that_o a_o soul_n wherein_o it_o reign_v shall_v cease_v any_o one_o moment_n from_o please_v she_o belove_v o_o jesus_n enter_v into_o so_o absolute_a a_o possession_n of_o my_o soul_n that_o she_o may_v be_v whole_o you_o and_o that_o she_o may_v never_o have_v any_o other_o motion_n than_o what_o your_o grace_n give_v she_o it_o be_v the_o great_a desire_n of_o my_o soul_n which_o will_v not_o live_v to_o you_o partly_o and_o partly_o to_o creature_n but_o that_o all_o the_o action_n of_o my_o life_n be_v consecrate_a to_o your_o love_n i_o have_v need_n of_o a_o powerful_a grace_n o_o jesus_n to_o continue_v thus_o elevate_v above_o myself_o in_o all_o sort_n of_o occasion_n but_o vouchsafe_v to_o magnify_v your_o omnipotence_n in_o my_o weakness_n your_o mercy_n in_o my_o misery_n another_o time_n after_o communion_n i_o have_v represent_v to_o i_o the_o manner_n how_o all_o the_o interiour_n faculty_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o mortal_a life_n do_v most_o worthy_o glorify_v his_o eternal_a father_n all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o holy_a soul_n be_v take_v up_o in_o this_o employment_n the_o intellectual_a power_n of_o the_o superior_a part_n the_o beatifical_a vision_n and_o fruition_n the_o inferior_a part_n and_o his_o body_n by_o a_o most_o perfect_a suffer_v i_o see_v the_o admirable_a connexion_n which_o be_v between_o these_o so_o different_a state_n and_o their_o joint_a accord_n to_o glorify_v the_o eternal_a father_n and_o the_o wonderful_a oeconomy_n of_o this_o sacred_a interiour_n charm_v my_o soul_n i_o continual_o 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importance_n yet_o scarce_o any_o body_n mind_v it_o for_o every_o one_o life_n in_o the_o darkness_n of_o imperfection_n and_o the_o blindness_n of_o sense_n o_o what_o a_o misery_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o happy_a be_v they_o who_o set_v no_o value_n but_o upon_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o consequent_o love_v those_o exercise_n which_o nourish_v and_o improve_v it_o as_o mortification_n prayer_n frequent_a communion_n o_o how_o clear_o do_v i_o see_v that_o i_o ought_v to_o disengage_v myself_o from_o temporal_a affair_n to_o apply_v myself_o more_o full_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o pure_a prayer_n i_o make_v another_o time_n my_o action_n of_o grace_n after_o this_o manner_n a_o attention_n to_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n before_o communion_n have_v raise_v in_o i_o a_o great_a and_o awful_a respect_n towards_o that_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n before_o who_o the_o high_a seraphin_n in_o heaven_n do_v tremble_v the_o like_a impression_n continue_v in_o i_o also_o after_o communion_n my_o soul_n be_v all_o adoration_n see_v the_o adorable_a jesus_n be_v become_v her_o guest_n his_o presence_n heighten_v my_o respect_n as_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o of_o all_o good_a disposition_n i_o see_v himself_o also_o sometime_o pay_v a_o profound_a respect_n to_o god_n the_o father_n and_o then_o i_o plunge_v myself_o deep_a and_o even_o lose_v myself_o in_o those_o divine_a respect_n unwilling_a to_o come_v out_o of_o they_o and_o fear_v lest_o some_o person_n shall_v come_v to_o visit_v i_o and_o interrupt_v my_o devotion_n i_o hide_v myself_o that_o i_o may_v remain_v thus_o whole_o plunge_v in_o this_o sentiment_n of_o reverence_n which_o perfume_a my_o soul_n chap._n v._o other_o interiour_n entertainment_n to_o give_v thanks_o after_o communion_n the_o disposition_n most_o frequent_a
obscurity_n of_o faith_n she_o must_v therefore_o keep_v herself_o in_o a_o indifferency_n rise_v and_o fall_v according_a to_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n always_o esteem_v herself_o unworthy_a of_o the_o least_o grace_n and_o never_o pretend_v by_o force_v her_o spirit_n to_o the_o extraordinary_a favour_n of_o high_a contemplation_n but_o when_o she_o have_v a_o call_n to_o such_o elevation_n in_o prayer_n the_o way_n to_o arrive_v thither_o be_v by_o a_o perfect_a death_n to_o all_o thing_n and_o a_o faithful_a imitation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o crucify_a state_n of_o abjection_n and_o poverty_n with_o a_o love_n of_o solitude_n as_o much_o as_o our_o condition_n will_v permit_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o that_o light_n and_o fervour_n which_o be_v impart_v to_o a_o soul_n in_o the_o elevation_n of_o passive_a prayer_n and_o that_o light_n which_o be_v procure_v by_o the_o ordinary_a grace_n of_o meditation_n that_o be_v more_o in_o time_n and_o pierce_a and_o full_a of_o heavenly_a benediction_n this_o however_o suffice_v to_o acquire_v virtue_n and_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o state_n of_o our_o vocation_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o attend_v to_o our_o present_a condition_n with_o peace_n and_o humility_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o let_v god_n alone_o to_o order_n as_o he_o please_v the_o time_n of_o his_o visit_n and_o our_o manner_n of_o prayer_n sometime_o this_o will_v be_v by_o simple_a thought_n sometime_o by_o discourse_n sometime_o by_o faith_n alone_o and_o sometime_o by_o passive_a illumination_n but_o whatever_o be_v give_v we_o we_o must_v receive_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n with_o great_a respect_n and_o thankfulness_n acknowledge_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o the_o least_o good_a thought_n that_o which_o a_o soul_n ought_v to_o do_v both_o in_o and_o out_o of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v very_o attentive_a to_o god_n holy_a inspiration_n and_o follow_v they_o with_o courage_n and_o fidelity_n if_o she_o find_v that_o god_n elevate_v she_o to_o extraordinary_a contemplation_n let_v she_o yield_v to_o those_o divine_a impression_n if_o she_o be_v keep_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n let_v she_o there_o abide_v if_o she_o be_v leave_v in_o aridity_n let_v she_o also_o sit_v down_o without_o complain_v the_o great_a secret_a of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n be_v for_o a_o soul_n to_o purify_v herself_o so_o as_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n who_o be_v our_o alpha_n and_o omega_n our_o origen_n and_o final_a end_n there_o be_v thing_n sufficient_o declare_v as_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o obedience_n charity_n or_o necessity_n there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o expect_v immediate_a light_n from_o god_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o only_o in_o such_o which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_a and_o in_o these_o great_a purity_n of_o soul_n be_v necessary_a to_o discern_v the_o motion_n of_o grace_n for_o fear_v we_o be_v deceive_v by_o our_o own_o imagination_n those_o saint_n who_o by_o the_o impulse_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n have_v write_v spiritual_a treatise_n to_o direct_v interiour_n christian_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n oftentimes_o affect_v we_o with_o their_o thought_n and_o sentiment_n because_o they_o pray_v in_o heaven_n for_o this_o blessing_n on_o their_o labour_n on_o earth_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v beneficial_a to_o read_v their_o book_n to_o advance_v our_o devotion_n but_o do_v what_o we_o can_v we_o shall_v never_o know_v what_o that_o prayer_n be_v by_o what_o those_o book_n write_v of_o it_o unless_o by_o the_o practice_n and_o light_n of_o the_o same_o prayer_n we_o know_v well_o enough_o in_o general_n that_o prayer_n be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o virtue_n in_o the_o soul_n who_o leave_v that_o off_o fall_v into_o lukewarmness_n and_o imperfection_n prayer_n be_v a_o holy_a fire_n that_o warm_v the_o heart_n and_o affection_n which_o without_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n grow_v cold_a in_o devotion_n in_o health_n or_o sickness_n joy_n or_o sorrow_n we_o must_v always_o pray_v except_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o fall_v from_o grace_n to_o our_o utter_a ruin_n chap._n iii_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v indifferent_a to_o what_o manner_n of_o prayer_n god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o we_o ought_v to_o shun_v two_o extreme_n equal_o vicious_a the_o one_o be_v to_o covet_v more_o grace_n and_o perfection_n than_o god_n intend_v we_o so_o as_o to_o be_v trouble_v and_o disgu_v to_o see_v other_o more_o elevate_v in_o gift_n of_o prayer_n than_o ourselves_o the_o other_o be_v not_o to_o cooperate_v faithful_o with_o the_o grace_n vouchsafe_v we_o either_o for_o want_v of_o courage_n in_o the_o difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n or_o of_o attention_n to_o observe_v the_o motion_n of_o grace_n or_o be_v observe_v by_o too_o easy_o divert_v ourselves_o to_o other_o matter_n and_o so_o neglect_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n when_o a_o soul_n be_v well_o purify_v and_o have_v experience_n of_o the_o impulse_n of_o grace_n in_o she_o and_o can_v distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o motion_n of_o nature_n she_o must_v give_v free_a ingress_n to_o the_o ray_n of_o this_o light_n from_o heaven_n that_o she_o may_v be_v thorough_o illuminate_v and_o warm_v in_o her_o devotion_n for_o to_o do_v otherwise_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o humility_n and_o fear_n of_o deception_n be_v not_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n spirit_n who_o inspire_v when_o and_o who_o he_o please_v it_o be_v then_o our_o duty_n to_o be_v entire_o passive_a that_o god_n may_v full_o work_v his_o will_n in_o we_o when_o these_o divine_a illumination_n be_v withdraw_v from_o a_o soul_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o her_o good_a and_o so_o leave_v in_o darkness_n or_o when_o her_o own_o imperfection_n have_v make_v she_o not_o so_o capable_a of_o supernatural_a light_n she_o must_v rest_v content_v with_o these_o privation_n till_o it_o please_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n to_o shine_v upon_o she_o a_o purify_a soul_n be_v satisfy_v and_o resign_v on_o such_o occasion_n because_o god_n only_o be_v her_o joy_n and_o not_o his_o gift_n which_o he_o by_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n communicate_v to_o she_o when_o he_o please_v and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o she_o love_v not_o her_o inward_a peace_n and_o joy_n when_o she_o be_v deprive_v of_o heavenly_a irradiation_n and_o gift_n in_o prayer_n he_o who_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o his_o prince_n for_o his_o sole_a interest_n and_o satisfaction_n without_o seek_v his_o own_o peculiar_a concern_v and_o contentment_n do_v not_o much_o matter_n what_o service_n he_o render_v and_o what_o reward_v he_o receive_v provide_v his_o prince_n be_v well_o please_v and_o satisfy_v if_o he_o keep_v he_o near_o his_o person_n to_o caress_n he_o he_o be_v content_a not_o that_o he_o be_v caress_v but_o because_o it_o be_v his_o prince_n pleasure_n if_o he_o employ_v he_o afar_o off_o in_o troublesome_a affair_n he_o be_v content_a not_o to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o his_o person_n and_o in_o a_o hazardous_a employment_n but_o because_o this_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o prince_n who_o content_a he_o only_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o in_o give_v himself_o up_o unto_o his_o service_n this_o be_v the_o true_a case_n of_o a_o soul_n that_o desire_v to_o serve_v god_n pure_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n if_o god_n caress_n she_o in_o prayer_n with_o visit_n full_a of_o sweetness_n she_o be_v content_a because_o this_o be_v his_o pleasure_n if_o he_o afford_v not_o his_o presence_n but_o leave_v she_o in_o darkness_n she_o be_v content_a because_o it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n if_o god_n call_v she_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n in_o a_o life_n more_o active_a and_o laborious_a than_o the_o contemplative_a she_o be_v content_a because_o this_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n she_o seek_v and_o desire_v in_o his_o service_n this_o indifferency_n dispose_v a_o soul_n to_o receive_v great_a grace_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v she_o sometime_o arrive_v to_o a_o total_a oblivion_n of_o herself_o and_o all_o creature_n without_o any_o reflection_n on_o her_o own_o interest_n temporal_a or_o eternal_a have_v nothing_o in_o her_o eye_n but_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o desire_v he_o alone_o insomuch_o that_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o self_n creep_v in_o at_o any_o time_n as_o soon_o as_o she_o discover_v it_o it_o be_v distasteful_a to_o she_o this_o be_v a_o state_n of_o great_a nakedness_n and_o entire_a mortification_n and_o a_o perfect_a disposition_n to_o most_o sublime_a prayer_n whether_o god_n elevate_v a_o soul_n who_o he_o see_v ready_a to_o submit_v
vi_o of_o the_o mean_n that_o facilitate_v the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n whosoever_o be_v resolve_v to_o undertake_v the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n must_v expect_v to_o suffer_v all_o sort_n of_o temptation_n from_o satan_n who_o above_o all_o other_o hate_v the_o pray_v nation_n and_o no_o less_o from_o nature_n which_o have_v strange_a repugnance_n to_o so_o crucify_a a_o life_n and_o such_o exercise_n as_o elevate_v she_o above_o all_o her_o natural_a inclination_n and_o also_o from_o the_o world_n which_o do_v not_o relish_v at_o all_o so_o much_o solitude_n and_o mortification_n but_o we_o can_v be_v true_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n crucify_a without_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n to_o follow_v he_o a_o poor_a abject_a despise_a suffer_v life_n content_v with_o pure_a necessity_n for_o food_n and_o clothing_n be_v a_o good_a disposition_n to_o prayer_n it_o will_v very_o much_o dispose_v we_o to_o this_o holy_a exercise_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o suffer_a life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o pure_a virtue_n on_o all_o occasion_n to_o esteem_v the_o sacred_a folly_n of_o the_o cross_a the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o correspond_v to_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n against_o all_o opposition_n whatsoever_o that_o thwart_a the_o design_n of_o god_n and_o hinder_v the_o operation_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o we_o it_o be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o prayer_n to_o make_v it_o our_o sole_a and_o only_a business_n and_o doubtless_o of_o high_a concern_v see_v it_o be_v to_o do_v that_o on_o earth_n which_o the_o saint_n do_v in_o heaven_n to_o contemplate_v and_o love_v the_o beauty_n of_o god_n however_o if_o we_o have_v other_o affair_n at_o least_o we_o must_v make_v this_o the_o principal_a to_o which_o the_o rest_n ought_v to_o give_v place_n and_o not_o as_o alas_o too_o many_o do_v regulate_v our_o devotion_n by_o our_o secular_a affair_n why_o shall_v we_o overcharge_v ourselves_o with_o employment_n by_o offer_v our_o service_n to_o other_o on_o the_o pretence_n of_o charity_n martha_n who_o be_v very_o busy_a about_o the_o corporal_a service_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v reprove_v for_o trouble_v herself_o with_o so_o many_o distract_n office_n and_o her_o sister_n commend_v for_o attend_v to_o the_o only_a thing_n necessary_a the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o contemplation_n it_o be_v a_o good_a help_n to_o prayer_n not_o to_o engage_v ourselves_o in_o worldly_a concern_v nor_o in_o give_v or_o receive_v visit_n without_o necessity_n such_o as_o the_o oblation_n of_o charity_n or_o of_o our_o place_n and_o condition_n require_v of_o we_o if_o we_o be_v free_a to_o shun_v all_o entertainment_n that_o be_v dangerous_a or_o unprofitable_a and_o choose_v to_o converse_v with_o such_o who_o common_o discourse_v about_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a which_o consist_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n but_o all_o this_o must_v be_v so_o do_v as_o our_o discretion_n may_v not_o be_v call_v in_o question_n nor_o charity_n wound_v it_o be_v a_o important_a help_n to_o prayer_n to_o stand_v always_o upon_o our_o guard_n in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n or_o indisposition_n of_o health_n so_o as_o not_o whole_o to_o leave_v off_o our_o usual_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n under_o pretence_n to_o cherish_v the_o body_n we_o common_o yield_v too_o much_o to_o nature_n and_o so_o sometime_o in_o a_o short_a sickness_n we_o lose_v long_a habit_n of_o mortification_n which_o cost_v we_o dear_a in_o their_o acquisition_n prayer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v aside_o at_o such_o a_o time_n but_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o keep_v up_o our_o union_n with_o god_n by_o interiour_n act_n of_o virtue_n which_o require_v no_o strength_n of_o body_n nor_o gust_n of_o devotion_n but_o agree_v well_o enough_o with_o a_o state_n of_o trouble_n and_o dereliction_n it_o be_v asleep_o very_o profitable_a help_n to_o prayer_n to_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o do_v nothing_o of_o concern_v without_o a_o motion_n from_o god_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v in_o we_o to_o conduct_v we_o and_o we_o may_v safe_o follow_v such_o a_o leader_n this_o keep_v the_o soul_n in_o great_a purity_n which_o know_v the_o inspiration_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o internal_a peace_n sweetness_n and_o liberty_n that_o always_o more_o or_o less_o attend_v they_o and_o if_o she_o quit_v they_o to_o follow_v nature_n the_o secret_a sting_n of_o conscience_n tell_v she_o she_o have_v be_v unfaithful_a to_o god_n grace_n and_o retard_v her_o progress_n towards_o perfection_n it_o be_v a_o very_a necessary_a help_n to_o prayer_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o get_v a_o habit_n of_o be_v so_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o live_v only_o to_o god_n and_o in_o god_n her_o only_a centre_n and_o true_a repose_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o if_o she_o deviate_v therefrom_o to_o take_v a_o complacency_n in_o herself_o or_o any_o creature_n she_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o design_n of_o god_n i_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o bring_v our_o mind_n off_o from_o think_v on_o vain_a and_o worldly_a matter_n and_o to_o habituate_v the_o soul_n to_o strive_v against_o imperfection_n and_o adorn_v herself_o with_o all_o christian_a virtue_n however_o she_o must_v then_o reflect_v on_o her_o imperfection_n her_o good_a and_o evil_a inclination_n as_o she_o find_v the_o motion_n of_o grace_n to_o dictate_v to_o she_o she_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o capable_a of_o a_o more_o elevate_a degree_n of_o prayer_n and_o so_o her_o thought_n be_v profitable_o employ_v in_o this_o low_a exercise_n but_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o enter_v into_o she_o as_o to_o make_v she_o enter_v into_o he_o by_o a_o more_o intimate_a union_n her_o thought_n then_o must_v be_v all_o upon_o god_n and_o for_o he_o see_v he_o be_v only_o her_o true_a rest_n and_o repose_v many_o spiritual_a person_n fail_v herein_o not_o well_o observe_v the_o method_n and_o way_n of_o god_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o soul_n they_o have_v not_o a_o eye_n severe_a enough_o on_o their_o interiour_n to_o discover_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o examine_v and_o search_v and_o find_v out_o the_o least_o root_n of_o their_o imperfection_n this_o must_v be_v do_v and_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a in_o its_o season_n but_o when_o god_n call_v we_o to_o high_a elevation_n in_o prayer_n we_o must_v follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n or_o we_o shall_v never_o advance_v in_o the_o way_n of_o perfection_n chap._n vii_o that_o we_o must_v not_o presume_v of_o ourselves_o to_o attempt_v any_o manner_n of_o prayer_n but_o what_o be_v ordinary_a in_o our_o spiritual_a exercise_n we_o must_v ordinary_o prepare_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o prayer_n and_o converse_n with_o god_n this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o holy_a person_n and_o to_o do_v otherwise_o be_v to_o fail_v in_o our_o respect_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n if_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o a_o king_n or_o any_o person_n of_o quality_n we_o think_v thereon_o aforehand_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o have_v consideration_n of_o what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n this_o prepare_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n must_v be_v do_v some_o little_a time_n before_o we_o set_v upon_o the_o duty_n then_o we_o must_v lift_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o desire_v he_o to_o put_v into_o our_o mind_n what_o may_v be_v most_o please_v to_o he_o in_o our_o recollection_n and_o what_o ever_o it_o be_v to_o entertain_v it_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o dwell_v upon_o it_o unless_o god_n inspire_v we_o with_o some_o other_o matter_n that_o call_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o attention_n and_o fidelity_n for_o to_o comply_v with_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o quit_v the_o subject_a we_o have_v prepare_v for_o our_o exercise_n let_v we_o not_o soar_v above_o our_o ability_n but_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o matter_n for_o prayer_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o our_o spiritual_a state_n and_o we_o find_v by_o our_o interiour_n to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n let_v we_o never_o begin_v our_o prayer_n without_o ask_v god_n pardon_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n for_o to_o put_v ourselves_o into_o his_o sacred_a presence_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o he_o without_o a_o detestation_n of_o these_o imperfection_n wherewith_o we_o have_v displease_v he_o be_v to_o make_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n it_o be_v of_o very_o great_a importance_n to_o know_v how_o god_n usual_o conduct_n soul_n to_o perfection_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comply_v with_o the_o design_n of_o his_o grace_n all_o be_v not_o call_v
to_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o prayer_n and_o without_o a_o special_a vocation_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o but_o to_o the_o more_o ordinary_a way_n of_o devotion_n whether_o we_o converse_v with_o god_n by_o discursive_a consideration_n to_o raise_v our_o affection_n take_v some_o book_n to_o our_o assistance_n or_o whether_o we_o call_v to_o mind_v some_o subject_n wherein_o we_o former_o have_v find_v some_o gust_n and_o spiritual_a advantage_n let_v this_o be_v do_v with_o humility_n dependence_n and_o fidelity_n for_o a_o soul_n have_v no_o call_n from_o god_n to_o a_o more_o elevate_a prayer_n if_o she_o cease_v she_o own_o operation_n she_o cease_v to_o pray_o and_o fall_v into_o distraction_n or_o be_v guilty_a of_o idleness_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o she_o when_o she_o be_v raise_v from_o meditation_n by_o the_o working_n of_o god_n in_o she_o to_o prayer_n of_o contemplation_n it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o soul_n have_v place_v herself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o think_v on_o the_o subject_a she_o have_v prepare_v aught_o to_o meditate_v thereon_o with_o great_a attention_n of_o spirit_n but_o if_o god_n please_v to_o take_v her_o thought_n up_o with_o something_o else_o she_o ought_v without_o any_o disturbance_n leave_v she_o own_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n for_o when_o god_n be_v thus_o please_v to_o possess_v a_o soul_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o grace_n she_o ought_v to_o put_v no_o obstacle_n thereto_o which_o we_o do_v too_o often_o by_o our_o industry_n which_o seem_v to_o we_o necessary_a and_o without_o which_o we_o believe_v we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o when_o as_o then_o we_o shall_v give_v way_n to_o those_o divine_a operation_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v become_v more_o efficacious_a otherwise_o we_o have_v less_o respect_n for_o god_n than_o we_o will_v have_v for_o some_o earthly_a prince_n to_o who_o we_o speak_v with_o much_o reverence_n as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o audience_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o think_v good_a to_o speak_v we_o present_o be_v silent_a and_o give_v ear_n to_o his_o word_n with_o much_o attention_n and_o respect_n not_o presume_v in_o the_o least_o sort_n to_o interrupt_v he_o our_o principal_a affair_n be_v to_o serve_v god_n the_o vnum_fw-la necessarium_fw-la recommend_v to_o we_o by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o not_o to_o distract_v ourselves_o with_o too_o many_o exterior_a employment_n though_o good_a and_o lawful_a because_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v bind_v with_o a_o chain_n of_o gold_n it_o be_v no_o more_o at_o liberty_n to_o converse_v with_o god_n than_o if_o it_o be_v fetter_v with_o link_n of_o iron_n wherefore_o whatever_o we_o can_v do_v for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n let_v we_o do_v it_o with_o willingness_n of_o heart_n according_a to_o our_o talent_n and_o ability_n but_o above_o all_o we_o must_v have_v a_o esteem_n of_o prayer_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o practice_v it_o be_v firm_o persuade_v there_o be_v nothing_o whereby_o we_o can_v better_o serve_v god_n or_o more_o profit_n ourselves_o in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n for_o my_o part_n i_o in_o some_o sort_n more_o value_n prayer_n though_o imperfect_a than_o the_o best_a action_n that_o carry_v more_o of_o outward_a splendour_n and_o and_o seem_v more_o glorious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n we_o must_v therefore_o never_o be_v disgu_v with_o prayer_n nor_o quit_v the_o frequent_a exercise_n thereof_o because_o we_o to_o our_o think_n make_v little_a advancement_n therein_o but_o persevere_v faithful_o to_o practice_v it_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n we_o can_v and_o expect_v with_o patience_n the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n if_o we_o do_v our_o endeavour_n we_o have_v discharge_v our_o duty_n and_o obligation_n the_o servant_n that_o have_v but_o one_o talon_n be_v blame_v by_o his_o lord_n because_o he_o do_v not_o improve_v it_o by_o his_o industry_n when_o my_o soul_n be_v not_o in_o a_o temper_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n i_o use_v short_a reflection_n to_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o be_v most_o distasteful_a to_o i_o and_o i_o make_v a_o resolution_n to_o do_v it_o or_o set_v upon_o it_o present_o if_o i_o can_v as_o to_o converse_v with_o one_o from_o who_o i_o have_v a_o aversion_n or_o make_v some_o visit_n where_o i_o know_v i_o shall_v be_v much_o mortify_v that_o i_o may_v conquer_v myself_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o raise_v a_o continual_a war_n within_o i_o i_o have_v oftentimes_o by_o this_o facilit_v the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n god_n be_v please_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o dispose_v our_o heart_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o we_o offer_v violence_n to_o ourselves_o to_o surmount_v all_o difficulty_n chap._n viii_o how_o to_o pass_v from_o ordinary_a prayer_n to_o contemplation_n a_o soul_n that_o do_v not_o nourish_v in_o herself_o any_o voluntary_a imperfection_n have_v efficacious_a desire_n to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n aught_o to_o be_v passive_a to_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o aspire_v after_o great_a simplicity_n by_o give_v a_o check_n to_o the_o discourse_n of_o her_o understanding_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o act_n in_o her_o will_n and_o affection_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o she_o ought_v to_o exercise_v herself_o in_o meditation_n and_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o prayer_n till_o god_n be_v please_v to_o raise_v she_o to_o contemplation_n but_o withal_o she_o must_v elevate_v herself_o as_o soon_o as_o she_o feel_v interior_a attract_v and_o shun_v a_o false_a humility_n which_o hinder_v we_o to_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n who_o communicate_v his_o grace_n to_o the_o perfect_a to_o augment_v their_o purity_n and_o to_o the_o imperfect_a to_o purify_v their_o soul_n from_o terrene_a desire_n in_o my_o judgement_n it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n to_o receive_v with_o humility_n the_o impression_n of_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o divine_a sun_n who_o ride_v in_o the_o interiour_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v he_o that_o can_v enlighten_v we_o without_o the_o succour_n of_o our_o discourse_n who_o inflame_v we_o with_o divine_a love_n without_o trouble_v our_o will_n with_o the_o production_n of_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o act_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n almost_o imperceptible_o make_v all_o virtue_n to_o grow_v ripe_a in_o we_o and_o arrive_v to_o perfection_n if_o a_o soul_n make_v it_o her_o work_n to_o mortify_v all_o her_o imperfection_n and_o desire_n to_o live_v a_o suffer_a life_n for_o prayer_n she_o need_v not_o much_o trouble_v herself_o god_n will_v do_v her_o work_n for_o she_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n above_o her_o hope_n and_o understanding_n god_n do_v not_o work_v this_o but_o in_o such_o a_o soul_n that_o free_o put_v herself_o into_o his_o hand_n with_o all_o submissive_a humility_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o he_o in_o this_o state_n of_o prayer_n the_o subject_n prepare_v for_o our_o exercise_n sometime_o may_v be_v useful_a sometime_o god_n suggest_v some_o other_o matter_n as_o he_o see_v best_o and_o the_o soul_n must_v peaceable_o comply_v with_o his_o communication_n we_o can_v give_v certain_a rule_n to_o such_o who_o be_v in_o this_o state_n of_o prayer_n god_n work_v in_o they_o as_o he_o please_v in_o different_a manner_n all_o the_o counsel_n can_v be_v give_v be_v to_o keep_v themselves_o in_o a_o entire_a indifferency_n to_o illustration_n or_o privation_n to_o sweetness_n or_o rigour_n nevertheless_o i_o believe_v we_o may_v profitable_o descend_v to_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o prayer_n when_o we_o have_v no_o overture_n to_o one_o more_o elevate_v but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v till_o we_o often_o knock_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o mercy_n with_o a_o holy_a importunity_n but_o if_o the_o bridegroom_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o please_v to_o vouchsafe_v we_o a_o kiss_n of_o his_o lip_n by_o contemplation_n let_v we_o keep_v ourselves_o at_o his_o foot_n by_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o meditation_n it_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o elevate_v a_o soul_n to_o a_o more_o perfect_a union_n with_o god_n to_o have_v in_o memory_n many_o universal_a verity_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o sacred_a humanity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 1._o as_o that_o god_n be_v omnipotent_a and_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n 2._o that_o his_o love_n to_o we_o be_v from_o eternity_n and_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o divine_a providence_n be_v watchful_a over_o we_o to_o conduct_v we_o to_o happiness_n 3._o that_o god_n be_v love_n require_v nothing_o of_o we_o but_o love_n and_o affection_n 4._o that_o god_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o can_v find_v no_o true_a repose_n but_o in_o he_o alone_o 5._o that_o grace_n and_o truth_n be_v
have_v to_o jesus_n the_o soul_n lose_v the_o sight_n thereof_o fall_v into_o distraction_n be_v carry_v insensible_o to_o a_o different_a matter_n but_o when_o she_o consider_v poverty_n as_o enshrine_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o jesus_n and_o practise_v by_o he_o she_o be_v take_v up_o with_o jesus_n which_o be_v much_o better_a and_o so_o this_o digression_n prove_v profitable_a and_o she_o gain_v by_o this_o loss_n it_o be_v the_o same_o when_o we_o meditate_v on_o any_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o fall_v from_o our_o first_o subject_n we_o be_v happy_o lose_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o divinity_n where_o we_o find_v no_o love_n but_o of_o god_n himself_o o_o happy_a loss_n there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n more_o necessary_a for_o we_o than_o of_o our_o misery_n and_o imperfection_n because_o that_o or_o nothing_o will_v well_o ground_v we_o in_o humility_n without_o which_o we_o can_v raise_v virtue_n to_o any_o height_n in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n we_o may_v get_v this_o knowledge_n two_o manner_n of_o way_n either_o direct_o by_o consider_v they_o in_o themselves_o vir_fw-la videns_fw-la paupertatem_fw-la meam_fw-la or_o by_o consider_v the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o the_o light_n whereof_o by_o reflection_n we_o discover_v our_o own_o misery_n and_o imperfection_n the_o first_o manner_n be_v somewhat_o like_o a_o winters-day_n wherein_o we_o feel_v nothing_o but_o cold_a and_o see_v nothing_o but_o sterility_n yet_o it_o afford_v light_a enough_o to_o work_v in_o we_o a_o low_a esteem_n of_o ourselves_o but_o this_o humility_n oftentimes_o cause_v in_o the_o soul_n disquiet_v dependency_n and_o discouragement_n the_o other_o manner_n resemble_v a_o fair_a summersday_n which_o be_v more_o warm_a and_o lightsome_a and_o full_a of_o refreshment_n the_o sight_n of_o our_o misery_n by_o this_o way_n be_v more_o advantageous_a and_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o more_o generous_a humility_n and_o full_a of_o confidence_n in_o god_n for_o the_o view_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o direct_a work_n of_o the_o soul_n raise_v in_o she_o a_o holy_a fire_n which_o inflame_v her_o affection_n towards_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o her_o misery_n behold_v now_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v a_o great_a secret_a in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n to_o behold_v all_o thing_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a light_n and_o never_o to_o forsake_v he_o because_o in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o we_o can_v best_o know_v and_o do_v our_o duty_n after_o that_o a_o soul_n be_v habituate_v to_o march_v through_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n and_o purity_n she_o get_v so_o great_a a_o facility_n to_o converse_v with_o god_n that_o it_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o she_o to_o descend_v to_o creature_n know_v by_o experience_n that_o he_o only_o be_v her_o centre_n where_o she_o find_v true_a repose_n and_o her_o only_a light_n to_o conduct_v she_o to_o happiness_n the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o grand_a exemplar_n do_v not_o only_o abide_v in_o god_n by_o apostatical_a union_n but_o all_o his_o thought_n and_o affection_n be_v absorb_v in_o the_o divinity_n which_o replenish_v this_o admirable_a creature_n with_o grace_n light_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o man._n he_o finish_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o mortal_a life_n but_o still_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o plunge_v in_o the_o divinity_n wherein_o he_o behold_v what_o he_o come_v to_o do_v upon_o earth_n let_v we_o follow_v his_o example_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v from_o god_n a_o light_n to_o conduct_v we_o which_o ordinary_o be_v communicate_v to_o we_o in_o prayer_n accedite_fw-la ad_fw-la eum_fw-la &_o illuminamini_fw-la draw_v near_o to_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v enlighten_v chap._n xii_o of_o passive_a prayer_n passive_a prayer_n be_v after_o this_o manner_n we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o god_n in_o his_o perfection_n or_o of_o jesus_n in_o his_o state_n or_o of_o some_o christian_a verity_n by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n abide_v in_o a_o perfect_a repose_n gentle_o receive_v the_o divine_a impression_n which_o enter_v with_o so_o much_o conviction_n that_o she_o be_v present_o warm_v and_o inflame_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o virtue_n and_o though_o she_o do_v not_o distinct_o practice_v their_o interior_a act_n yet_o she_o feel_v a_o delightful_a joy_n by_o the_o sweetness_n of_o those_o impression_n and_o find_v herself_o well_o aispose_v to_o be_v faithful_a to_o they_o on_o all_o occasion_n in_o meditation_n god_n work_v with_o we_o but_o we_o in_o a_o manner_n do_v all_o in_o passive_a prayer_n we_o cooperate_v with_o god_n but_o in_o a_o manner_n the_o whole_a work_n be_v he_o we_o must_v not_o easy_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o passive_a prayer_n to_o be_v dispose_v thereto_o require_v great_a purity_n and_o long_a practice_n of_o prayer_n with_o the_o advice_n of_o a_o good_a director_n and_o in_o the_o interim_n to_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o meditation_n a_o soul_n elevate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o passive_a prayer_n find_v herself_o unite_v to_o god_n without_o any_o labour_n of_o she_o own_o and_o receive_v from_o he_o many_o light_n and_o illustration_n desire_n and_o affection_n according_a to_o his_o various_a working_n in_o she_o then_o the_o soul_n pure_o adhere_v to_o grace_n hold_v close_o to_o the_o infusion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o follow_v the_o divine_a motion_n by_o the_o annihilation_n of_o her_o proper_a operation_n when_o she_o be_v thus_o passive_a and_o dead_a to_o herself_o her_o state_n change_v not_o although_o her_o ordinary_a disposition_n may_v alter_v for_o than_o she_o receive_v with_o equal_a contentment_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n darkness_n as_o light_n aridity_n as_o comfort_n poverty_n as_o abundance_n in_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o will_v nothing_o but_o what_o please_v god_n with_o a_o entire_a indifferency_n and_o a_o perfect_a death_n to_o her_o own_o operation_n it_o be_v observable_a in_o this_o passive_a state_n that_o the_o soul_n sometime_o remain_v in_o union_n with_o god_n and_o contemplation_n of_o his_o divine_a perfection_n keep_v herself_o in_o a_o profound_a repose_n as_o it_o be_v without_o action_n and_o at_o other_o time_n she_o act_v by_o she_o own_o faculty_n as_o it_o please_v god_n to_o excite_v she_o to_o these_o act_n her_o only_a business_n be_v to_o submit_v perfect_o to_o the_o motion_n of_o grace_n and_o she_o act_v as_o grace_n excite_v she_o do_v not_o leave_v her_o state_n of_o passivity_n see_v she_o only_o move_v herself_o according_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n a_o soul_n can_v arrive_v to_o this_o passive_a state_n unless_o she_o be_v dead_a to_o herself_o unless_o she_o be_v advance_v in_o virtue_n unless_o her_o interiour_n peace_n be_v great_a and_o stable_a unless_o her_o prayer_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n continual_a and_o unless_o she_o be_v purify_v from_o all_o voluntary_a defect_n for_o how_o can_v god_n in_o such_o a_o gracious_a manner_n visit_v a_o soul_n which_o be_v free_a from_o disquiet_n and_o ordinary_a imperfection_n how_o can_v she_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n among_o the_o noise_n of_o creature_n if_o they_o live_v in_o she_o with_o any_o affection_n to_o put_v ourselves_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o do_v with_o we_o what_o he_o please_v in_o our_o address_n to_o he_o we_o must_v be_v exact_o attentive_a to_o his_o order_n which_o he_o will_v interior_o make_v know_v to_o we_o either_o by_o illustration_n in_o our_o understanding_n or_o instinct_n and_o motion_n in_o our_o will._n perfect_a purity_n of_o heart_n require_v that_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o eye_n to_o her_o own_o interest_n but_o sole_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n her_o principal_a care_n must_v only_o be_v to_o regard_v he_o to_o love_v and_o serve_v he_o without_o curious_o examine_v his_o gift_n and_o grace_n she_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o in_o passive_a prayer_n there_o be_v many_o way_n to_o come_v to_o god_n and_o divers_a manner_n to_o sacrifice_v ourselves_o to_o divine_a love_n some_o spend_v themselves_o in_o do_v good_a to_o their_o neighbour_n other_o in_o suffer_v for_o their_o faith_n by_o the_o cruelty_n of_o tyrant_n some_o by_o mortification_n and_o penance_n other_o by_o ardour_n of_o love_n in_o prayer_n the_o soul_n must_v be_v indifferent_a to_o be_v sacrifice_v by_o love_n what_o way_n best_o please_v god_n the_o divine_a will_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o her_o choice_n and_o not_o the_o beauty_n or_o perfection_n of_o the_o state_n so_o that_o when_o she_o know_v it_o be_v god_n will_n a_o less_o elevate_a condition_n be_v please_v to_o she_o god_n be_v our_o father_n and_o directour_n operate_n in_o we_o in_o different_a manner_n sometime_o he_o infuse_v more_o
sin_n but_o even_o from_o passion_n and_o occasion_n thereof_o and_o whatever_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o evil_a in_o a_o word_n we_o detest_v sin_n above_o all_o thing_n detestable_a in_o ourselves_o and_o other_o also_o interior_o bewail_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o our_o mortal_a condition_n in_o which_o we_o so_o often_o offend_v god_n and_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o lose_v he_o i_o know_v a_o virtuous_a soul_n who_o god_n have_v make_v so_o sensible_a of_o the_o horror_n of_o sin_n because_o injurious_a to_o god_n that_o she_o perfect_o detest_v it_o with_o ardent_a desire_n never_o more_o to_o commit_v any_o she_o do_v with_o continual_a prayer_n and_o tear_n implore_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o preserve_v she_o from_o it_o offer_v her_o self_n to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n yea_o the_o pain_n of_o purgatory_n or_o hell_n it_o self_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a rather_o than_o commit_v a_o mortal_a sin_n to_o which_o no_o evil_a can_v be_v compare_v she_o understand_v that_o sin_n be_v a_o rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o injurious_a to_o he_o but_o that_o all_o the_o pain_n we_o can_v endure_v either_o in_o time_n or_o eternity_n be_v but_o evil_a to_o the_o creature_n and_o all_o creature_n be_v as_o nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o god_n all_o the_o evil_a of_o punishment_n they_o be_v capable_a to_o endure_v have_v less_o malignity_n in_o it_o than_o one_o only_a sin_n and_o see_v the_o divine_a justice_n have_v not_o ordain_v the_o pain_n of_o purgatory_n or_o hell_n but_o for_o the_o chastisement_n of_o sin_n commit_v she_o desire_v they_o may_v work_v in_o she_o this_o good_a effect_n as_o to_o serve_v she_o for_o a_o remedy_n against_o sin_n so_o as_o never_o to_o commit_v it_o say_v to_o god_n lord_n you_o just_o punish_v sinner_n because_o they_o have_v offend_v your_o infinite_a majesty_n punish_v i_o in_o mercy_n that_o i_o may_v not_o offend_v you_o in_o other_o the_o pain_n be_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n precede_v and_o the_o great_a be_v the_o sin_n the_o great_a be_v the_o punishment_n but_o dear_a god_n of_o your_o great_a goodness_n grant_v i_o this_o singular_a favour_n that_o the_o pain_n in_o i_o may_v prevent_v sin_n so_o that_o the_o chastisement_n which_o i_o shall_v have_v deserve_v for_o my_o offence_n if_o i_o have_v commit_v they_o i_o may_v suffer_v before_o hand_n not_o because_o i_o have_v commit_v they_o but_o to_o preserve_v i_o from_o offend_v your_o sacred_a majesty_n by_o this_o mean_n o_o my_o god_n your_o interest_n be_v secure_v you_o shall_v receive_v neither_o offence_n nor_o injury_n the_o creature_n only_o shall_v suffer_v something_o but_o what_o be_v all_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o creature_n in_o comparison_n of_o you_o if_o the_o pain_n be_v too_o few_o which_o such_o sin_n will_v have_v merit_v inflict_v on_o i_o what_o punishment_n you_o please_v provide_v you_o preserve_v i_o from_o fall_v into_o sin_n so_o injurious_a to_o you._n this_o so_o noble_a and_o generous_a a_o resolution_n can_v not_o proceed_v but_o from_o the_o pure_a love_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o both_o respect_n must_v needs_o be_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n well_o please_v to_o god_n and_o we_o may_v very_o well_o believe_v that_o god_n bestow_v on_o such_o a_o soul_n very_o wonderful_a grace_n chap._n ii_o to_o keep_v a_o even_a pace_n with_o grace_n neither_o out-running_a it_o nor_o follow_v too_o slow_o it_o be_v our_o unhappiness_n that_o either_o we_o do_v not_o act_v answerable_o to_o the_o full_a power_n of_o what_o grace_n we_o have_v receive_v by_o the_o repugnance_n of_o our_o sensuality_n or_o by_o our_o natural_a levity_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o mind_n or_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o the_o heart_n be_v heat_v with_o the_o fervour_n of_o devotion_n we_o will_v force_v grace_n beyond_o her_o strength_n by_o undertake_v extraordinary_a exercise_n and_o austerity_n prejudicial_a to_o we_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o shun_v both_o these_o extremity_n to_o correspond_v faithful_o to_o what_o the_o grace_n we_o have_v can_v do_v and_o also_o to_o be_v humble_v in_o consideration_n of_o that_o little_a we_o have_v receive_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n those_o motion_n of_o natural_a love_n which_o carry_v we_o to_o thing_n extraordinary_a above_o our_o ability_n not_o but_o that_o we_o ought_v daily_o to_o desire_v the_o increase_n of_o grace_n and_o divine_a love_n in_o we_o but_o it_o must_v be_v with_o humility_n and_o resignation_n without_o interiour_n disquiet_v well_o know_v that_o we_o can_v never_o advance_v in_o grace_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n what_o hinder_v we_o from_o full_o correspond_v to_o the_o motion_n of_o grace_n be_v some_o secret_a attache_n to_o creature_n our_o affection_n be_v not_o thorough_o purify_v for_o when_o grace_n act_v in_o a_o soul_n whole_o disengaged_n from_o the_o world_n she_o give_v up_o herself_o full_o to_o god_n conduct_n and_o move_v towards_o he_o as_o her_o centre_n with_o more_o violence_n than_o a_o stone_n hold_v in_o the_o air_n be_v let_v go_v will_v descend_v to_o the_o earth_n i_o say_v with_o more_o violence_n for_o god_n be_v a_o centre_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n have_v more_o powerful_a attraction_n than_o the_o finite_a centre_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o near_a any_o thing_n approach_v to_o its_o centre_n the_o fast_a it_o move_v so_o the_o soul_n hasten_v to_o the_o great_a union_n with_o god_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o she_o approach_v to_o he_o with_o inflame_a affection_n but_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_v not_o to_o advance_v too_o speedy_o to_o the_o elevate_a state_n of_o perfection_n whether_o as_o yet_o the_o grace_n we_o have_v do_v not_o invite_v we_o oftentimes_o we_o will_v rather_o regulate_v ourselves_o by_o the_o grace_n we_o see_v in_o other_o than_o our_o own_o for_o observe_v they_o do_v wonderful_o well_o in_o perfect_a themselves_o and_o profit_v other_o we_o will_v needs_o follow_v their_o example_n and_o this_o may_v soon_o proceed_v from_o a_o natural_a desire_n of_o our_o own_o excellence_n and_o esteem_n then_o from_o a_o motion_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o please_v god_n and_o so_o we_o put_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o way_n go_v rather_o back_o than_o advance_v we_o will_v be_v follow_v their_o way_n and_o not_o walk_v in_o that_o where_o grace_n have_v put_v we_o it_o concern_v we_o therefore_o every_o one_o to_o observe_v and_o follow_v faithful_o the_o attract_v of_o that_o gracethey_n have_v receive_v for_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o which_o make_v a_o glorious_a show_n and_o to_o which_o we_o have_v not_o a_o call_v from_o god_n the_o beauty_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o in_o the_o outside_o for_o the_o great_a saint_n seem_v sometime_o more_o despicable_a than_o other_o but_o interior_a grace_n omnis_fw-la gloria_fw-la filiae_fw-la regis_fw-la ab_fw-la intus_fw-la which_o work_v wonderful_o in_o they_o make_v they_o in_o love_n with_o contempt_n and_o poverty_n with_o pain_n and_o suffering_n whereby_o they_o become_v like_a to_o jesus_n poor_a despise_a suffer_v and_o forsake_a behold_v herein_o the_o essence_n life_n and_o heart_n of_o christianity_n for_o it_o be_v in_o his_o suffer_a saint_n that_o god_n work_v the_o most_o admirable_a effect_n of_o grace_n and_o he_o take_v the_o great_a delight_n in_o they_o because_o they_o be_v so_o many_o copy_n of_o his_o well-beloved_a son_n in_o small_a character_n but_o here_o lie_v the_o mystery_n that_o a_o soul_n suffer_v herself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o grace_n as_o soft_a wax_n pliable_a to_o her_o impression_n and_o faithful_a to_o follow_v her_o direction_n to_o be_v faithful_a i_o say_v to_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o grace_n be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n chap._n iii_o that_o a_o soul_n must_v whole_o give_v herself_o up_o to_o god_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o not_o confide_v in_o our_o own_o ability_n which_o may_v quite_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o we_o what_o can_v a_o poor_a creature_n do_v if_o the_o sovereign_a creator_n work_v not_o his_o will_n in_o we_o all_o the_o solicitude_n and_o contrivance_n on_o our_o part_n be_v not_o so_o prevalent_a as_o to_o abandon_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o god_n by_o who_o grace_n we_o be_v what_o we_o be_v and_o without_o which_o we_o be_v nothing_o but_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n it_o be_v best_a with_o we_o when_o we_o have_v in_o our_o prospect_n and_o affection_n god_n alone_o and_o his_o good_a pleasure_n be_v content_a with_o whatever_o he_o please_v to_o give_v either_o for_o soul_n or_o body_n in_o this_o state_n a_o soul_n go_v on_o very_a well_o in_o all_o affair_n for_o a_o indifferency_n to_o
the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_v her_o co-operation_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o act_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n or_o exterior_a employment_n god_n by_o this_o mean_n work_n in_o the_o soul_n a_o disposition_n to_o enjoy_v or_o suffer_v of_o action_n or_o contemplation_n of_o darkness_n or_o light_n as_o he_o please_v for_o than_o she_o desire_v to_o do_v nothing_o of_o herself_o but_o to_o follow_v entire_o the_o attract_v and_o motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n a_o soul_n that_o set_v herself_o a_o work_n without_o a_o eye_n to_o god_n and_o her_o interiour_n be_v imprudent_a for_o what_o she_o so_o undertake_v be_v of_o no_o value_n in_o that_o she_o do_v not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o withdraw_v herself_o from_o her_o necessary_a dependence_n endeavour_n as_o it_o be_v to_o conduct_v god_n when_o she_o ought_v only_o to_o be_v conduct_v by_o he_o if_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o misery_n herein_o we_o will_v be_v afraid_a of_o ourselves_o self-confidence_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o formidable_a and_o we_o shall_v discover_v a_o continual_a disorder_n in_o all_o proceed_n except_o in_o those_o wherein_o we_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o god_n and_o be_v industrious_a to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o his_o divine_a pleasure_n when_o a_o soul_n have_v full_o give_v up_o herself_o to_o god_n she_o receive_v interiour_n irradiation_n from_o heaven_n by_o which_o she_o discover_v what_o she_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o god_n require_v of_o she_o and_o so_o be_v not_o disquiet_v with_o solicitous_a thought_n but_o walk_v on_o secure_o in_o the_o way_n of_o perfection_n for_o this_o abandonment_n preserve_v this_o interiour_n light_n which_o daily_o direct_v she_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n to_o do_v her_o action_n with_o interiour_n purity_n as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n guide_v we_o in_o our_o way_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v take_v one_o thing_n for_o another_o so_o the_o ray_n of_o grace_n discover_v to_o we_o what_o god_n will_v have_v we_o do_v and_o if_o the_o soul_n shall_v not_o be_v thus_o enlighten_v she_o will_v wander_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o our_o poor_a life_n go_v on_o without_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n in_o mist_n of_o misery_n and_o infidelity_n the_o common_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v more_o guide_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n than_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n but_o those_o that_o live_v by_o faith_n be_v interiour_n christian_n chap._n iu._n we_o ought_v to_o make_v it_o our_o business_n to_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v if_o we_o will_v follow_v the_o way_n of_o virtue_n in_o this_o earthly_a pilgrimage_n we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o suffer_v continual_a mortification_n lead_v what_o life_n we_o will_v be_v it_o active_a or_o contemplative_a in_o the_o active_a life_n spend_v ourselves_o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o if_o we_o be_v not_o in_o a_o disposition_n to_o sacrifice_v our_o own_o will_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o resignation_n while_o we_o will_v profit_v other_o we_o shall_v endammage_n ourselves_o for_o we_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o cross_n and_o occasion_n of_o patience_n for_o which_o if_o we_o be_v not_o prepare_v we_o shall_v without_o doubt_n fall_v into_o many_o imperfection_n yea_o in_o the_o sweet_n of_o contemplation_n we_o shall_v find_v some_o thorn_n as_o well_o as_o rose_n to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o our_o suffer_a condition_n in_o a_o word_n the_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n crucisy_v be_v the_o perfect_a union_n we_o can_v attain_v in_o this_o life_n when_o jesus_n christ_n conduct_n his_o saint_n to_o mount_n tabor_n they_o in_o a_o manner_n be_v out_o of_o themselves_o be_v ravish_v with_o the_o glimmering_n of_o glory_n but_o upon_o mount_n calvary_n they_o receive_v the_o best_a impression_n of_o perfection_n it_o be_v requisite_a a_o soul_n shall_v have_v a_o view_n of_o the_o beauty_n of_o jesus_n before_o she_o see_v and_o feel_v the_o horror_n of_o the_o cross_n lest_o she_o shall_v be_v scandalize_v at_o this_o last_o state_n and_o her_o palate_n shall_v not_o relish_v the_o bitterness_n thereof_o spiritual_a infant_n stand_v in_o as_o much_o need_n of_o milk_n as_o corporal_n our_o heavenly_a father_n do_v not_o take_v his_o child_n from_o the_o breast_n till_o he_o see_v they_o strong_a enough_o and_o capable_a of_o more_o solid_a food_n he_o lay_v the_o first_o disposition_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n in_o the_o sweetness_n of_o enjoyment_n but_o he_o complete_v it_o in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o suffering_n that_o which_o make_v we_o profess_v christian_n be_v faith_n and_o baptism_n but_o the_o cross_n and_o suffering_n make_v we_o practical_a christian_n and_o the_o great_a they_o be_v be_v bear_v with_o the_o christian_a patience_n and_o resignation_n they_o advance_v we_o high_o in_o perfection_n we_o ought_v not_o then_o to_o fear_v cross_n and_o suffering_n but_o rather_o embrace_v they_o with_o peace_n and_o affection_n and_o we_o must_v hold_v this_o for_o a_o maxim_n that_o we_o advance_v in_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o mortification_n and_o self-denial_n which_o we_o can_v attain_v but_o by_o a_o suffer_a life_n let_v we_o therefore_o above_o all_o thing_n abandon_v ourselves_o to_o the_o divine_a providence_n desire_v nothing_o but_o by_o the_o pure_a will_n of_o god_n without_o trouble_v ourselves_o at_o what_o happen_v to_o we_o it_o be_v no_o just_a matter_n of_o astonishment_n to_o see_v in_o this_o world_n the_o way_n of_o the_o just_a beset_v with_o thorn_n and_o briar_n of_o affliction_n and_o the_o wicked_a to_o abound_v with_o worldly_a comfort_n in_o bed_n of_o rose_n those_o who_o will_v have_v no_o portion_n in_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n have_v refreshment_n in_o this_o world_n and_o find_v here_o their_o paradise_n to_o recompense_v that_o little_a good_a they_o have_v do_v among_o those_o many_o evil_n they_o have_v commit_v but_o such_o who_o be_v preserve_v from_o eternal_a pain_n have_v their_o soul_n purify_v in_o this_o life_n in_o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n from_o those_o stain_n they_o have_v contract_v which_o else_o will_v somewhat_o darken_v the_o beauty_n of_o their_o virtuous_a action_n thrice_o happy_a be_v they_o who_o by_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o momentany_a life_n have_v just_a cause_n to_o hope_n they_o shall_v never_o suffer_v everlasting_a burn_n chap._n v._o to_o renounce_v ourselves_o whole_o and_o strive_v against_o our_o proper_a inclination_n whosoever_o design_n to_o be_v whole_o for_o god_n must_v likewise_o endeavour_v to_o curb_v the_o motion_n of_o his_o interiour_n and_o exterior_a sense_n which_o have_v not_o their_o rise_n from_o grace_n but_o nature_n yea_o all_o such_o like_a thought_n and_o desire_n and_o the_o object_n of_o our_o own_o will_n which_o we_o in_o prayer_n mingle_v with_o those_o communication_n god_n be_v please_v to_o work_v in_o we_o by_o heavenly_a visit_n but_o above_o all_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n to_o desire_v nothing_o without_o a_o entire_a resignation_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o intention_n hence_o it_o proceed_v that_o we_o have_v no_o will_n to_o serve_v god_n but_o as_o he_o please_v according_a to_o the_o manner_n and_o design_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o when_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v we_o nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n we_o sit_v down_o content_a with_o peace_n and_o humility_n for_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o ourselves_o to_o be_v live_v only_o to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n which_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o soul_n our_o riches_n our_o grandeur_n our_o perfection_n and_o blessedness_n to_o renounce_v our_o own_o will_n and_o all_o mean_n which_o our_o own_o industry_n present_v as_o most_o excellent_a and_o give_v ourselves_o up_o pure_o to_o the_o divine_a guidance_n conduce_v very_o much_o to_o perfection_n to_o renounce_v our_o judgement_n and_o follow_v the_o sentiment_n of_o other_o as_o better_a in_o work_n of_o piety_n so_o as_o voluntary_o to_o act_v but_o with_o dependence_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o mortify_v by_o degree_n our_o own_o will_n and_o affection_n if_o we_o be_v content_a that_o our_o defect_n shall_v be_v make_v know_v we_o shall_v glorify_v god_n with_o the_o love_n of_o abjection_n we_o get_v no_o good_a but_o rather_o hurt_v by_o our_o defect_n conceal_v but_o we_o may_v draw_v much_o good_a by_o their_o manifestation_n if_o so_o be_v they_o work_v our_o great_a humiliation_n we_o ought_v to_o remain_v in_o a_o disposition_n of_o self-denial_n and_o humility_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o desire_v nothing_o but_o the_o pure_a ordination_n of_o his_o will_n who_o can_v make_v we_o poor_a or_o rich_a in_o grace_n as_o he_o please_v a_o soul_n that_o receive_v excellent_a
god_n to_o deal_v with_o she_o as_o seem_v best_a please_v to_o he_o for_o aught_o she_o know_v it_o be_v best_o for_o she_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o therefore_o she_o willing_o submit_v to_o god_n chastisement_n rejoice_v thereat_o and_o bless_v he_o for_o they_o yea_o if_o she_o may_v but_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n thereby_o she_o be_v content_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n in_o this_o state_n her_o love_n be_v whole_o centre_v in_o god_n and_o she_o give_v herself_o up_o to_o the_o rigour_n of_o justice_n that_o she_o may_v be_v entir_o sacrifice_v to_o god_n glory_n which_o be_v a_o intention_n pure_a from_o all_o self-interest_n a_o indifferency_n to_o any_o state_n do_v possess_v that_o soul_n which_o have_v a_o well_o purify_v intention_n with_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o remain_v content_a with_o her_o present_a condition_n be_v satisfy_v with_o whatsoever_o portion_n of_o grace_n she_o have_v receive_v with_o profound_a humility_n and_o mortification_n be_v thus_o dispose_v she_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o please_v god_n and_o do_v that_o faithful_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n obtain_v wonderful_a peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_z will_v nothing_o but_o what_o god_n will_v require_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o mortification_n and_o be_v dead_a to_o all_o greature_n for_o this_o be_v the_o highway_n to_o the_o purity_n of_o divine_a love_n what_o do_v the_o ancient_a hermit_n search_n for_o in_o the_o desert_n but_o by_o a_o perfect_a denudation_n of_o all_o creature_n to_o arrive_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o divine_a love_n let_v we_o fear_v and_o sigh_v to_o see_v ourselves_o so_o engage_v and_o beset_v with_o several_a temptation_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n but_o some_o or_o other_o may_v cease_v upon_o we_o and_o rob_v we_o of_o that_o perfect_a poverty_n of_o spirit_n which_o put_v we_o in_o full_a possession_n of_o god_n alone_o it_o be_v a_o special_a favour_n of_o god_n to_o have_v a_o vocation_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o abject_a state_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a grace_n when_o god_n conduct_n we_o to_o they_o by_o a_o happy_a necessity_n with_o little_a noise_n or_o stir_v to_o call_v the_o eye_n of_o other_o upon_o we_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o if_o the_o soul_n consent_v pure_o to_o the_o ordination_n and_o event_n of_o divine_a providence_n chap._n viii_o a_o conference_n clear_v many_o difficulty_n touch_v prayer_n qu_n in_o what_o consist_v precise_o good_a mental_a prayer_n i_o find_v many_o sort_n thereof_o in_o book_n the_o saint_n have_v practise_v it_o with_o much_o difference_n and_o yet_o all_o so_o good_a that_o i_o be_o take_v with_o they_o to_o which_o of_o they_o shall_v i_o betake_v myself_o ans_fw-fr the_o way_n of_o soul_n in_o mental_a prayer_n be_v so_o wonderful_a various_a that_o it_o be_v best_a for_o every_o one_o to_o hold_v to_o that_o which_o they_o find_v most_o proper_a for_o they_o or_o else_o they_o will_v loose_v their_o time_n in_o a_o wilderness_n of_o thought_n without_o spiritual_a profit_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o mystical_a author_n we_o seldom_o meet_v with_o what_o be_v proper_a for_o every_o soul_n and_o though_o we_o find_v very_o sublime_a and_o solid_a verity_n concern_v prayer_n in_o the_o write_n of_o st._n teresa_n bless_a john_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr croix_n and_o other_o yet_o they_o have_v but_o describe_v their_o own_o experience_n and_o not_o how_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o other_o soul_n unless_o a_o light_a discovery_n in_o some_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o their_o illumination_n such_o instruction_n be_v good_a to_o read_v but_o not_o exact_o to_o be_v follow_v so_o as_o to_o conform_v ourselves_o entire_o to_o their_o manner_n of_o prayer_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o such_o book_n matter_n very_o profitable_a and_o it_o be_v time_n well_o spend_v in_o spiritual_a lecture_n and_o not_o without_o delight_n to_o virtuous_a soul_n qu._n from_o whence_o proceed_v these_o different_a manner_n of_o prayer_n seeing_z there_o be_v but_o one_o sovereign_a and_o single_a verity_n in_o god_n to_o be_v know_v one_o sovereign_a good_a to_o be_v love_v and_o charity_n be_v of_o the_o selfsame_a nature_n in_o all_o soul_n one_o will_v think_v there_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o great_a conformity_n among_o all_o those_o who_o know_v and_o love_n god_n ans_fw-fr that_o which_o make_v so_o many_o different_a manner_n of_o prayer_n arise_v from_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o know_v god_n some_o converse_v with_o he_o by_o meditation_n and_o humane_a ratiocination_n other_o receive_v from_o god_n heavenly_a irradiation_n above_o the_o power_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o he_o manifest_v himself_o immediate_o to_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o sun_n by_o his_o beam_n other_o contemplate_n god_n by_o the_o obscure_a light_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o ineffable_a manner_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o see_v he_o without_o see_v he_o these_o different_a manner_n of_o treat_v with_o god_n make_v not_o only_o different_a manner_n of_o prayer_n but_o cause_n also_o much_o diversity_n in_o every_o manner_n for_o example_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n which_o seem_v more_o simple_a than_o the_o other_o there_o be_v many_o degree_n which_o represent_v to_o the_o soul_n different_a view_v of_o god_n and_o divine_a matter_n when_o faith_n be_v seat_v in_o a_o understanding_n well_o purify_v from_o image_n and_o alien_a representation_n she_o than_o discover_v god_n more_o sublime_o as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o though_o but_o in_o a_o manner_n negative_a general_a and_o confuse_a yet_o efficacious_a to_o work_v in_o the_o heart_n a_o great_a esteem_n of_o god_n and_o ardent_a charity_n all_o book_n and_o sermon_n and_o conference_n will_v not_o satisfy_v a_o soul_n advance_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o know_v god_n for_o those_o manner_n of_o speak_v and_o conceive_v god_n seem_v to_o she_o too_o full_a of_o imperfection_n i'faith_o whole_o purify_v content_v herself_o with_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n which_o discover_v god_n in_o his_o infinity_o although_o but_o obscure_o and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o faith_n be_v more_o or_o less_o pure_a and_o simple_a these_o discovery_n be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a qu._n be_v all_o sort_n of_o people_n capable_a of_o these_o sublime_a manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o if_o any_o one_o desire_n to_o attain_v they_o by_o what_o mean_n must_v he_o go_v about_o it_o ans_fw-fr the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o proper_a for_o all_o people_n yea_o some_o great_a saint_n have_v never_o have_v it_o as_o some_o good_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v become_v holy_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o active_a life_n which_o will_v not_o afford_v they_o much_o time_n for_o contemplation_n and_o accustom_a themselves_o to_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o meditation_n which_o be_v good_a and_o advantageous_a for_o such_o soul_n who_o god_n call_v not_o to_o a_o more_o sublime_a way_n those_o who_o god_n favour_v with_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n do_v possess_v a_o inestimable_a treasure_n and_o with_o this_o only_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o source_n of_o many_o more_o they_o be_v rich_a enough_o though_o never_o so_o poor_a in_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o see_v it_o be_v the_o mere_a gift_n of_o god_n i_o account_v it_o folly_n and_o rashness_n to_o think_v we_o can_v bring_v ourselves_o to_o the_o sublime_a state_n of_o contemplation_n unless_o god_n elevate_v we_o by_o his_o immediate_a work_n and_o special_a favour_n all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v therein_o be_v to_o dispose_v ourselves_o by_o correspond_v faithful_o to_o the_o motion_n of_o grace_n by_o die_v daily_o to_o our_o natural_a inclination_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o mortification_n and_o leave_v god_n to_o do_v the_o rest_n except_o god_n build_v the_o house_n they_o labour_v in_o vain_a who_o think_v to_o raise_v the_o edifice_n by_o their_o own_o ability_n qu._n a_o soul_n establish_v in_o a_o sublime_a manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o have_v a_o long_a time_n practise_v it_o can_v she_o easy_o fall_v from_o this_o state_n ans_fw-fr if_o such_o a_o soul_n give_v herself_o over_o to_o her_o sensual_a inclination_n and_o commit_v gross_a imperfection_n become_v faithless_a to_o god_n holy_a inspiration_n she_o may_v fall_v from_o it_o but_o it_o be_v very_o credible_a she_o will_v return_v to_o it_o for_o she_o can_v long_o endure_v the_o loss_n of_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n without_o force_v herself_o by_o her_o humiliation_n and_o penitence_n to_o recover_v her_o former_a state_n and_o as_o much_o as_o she_o die_v to_o all_o creature_n so_o much_o she_o advance_v to_o god_n but_o she_o can_v never_o attain_v it_o without_o practice_n a_o fidelity_n and_o therefore_o it_o high_o concern_v she_o to_o free_v herself_o from_o too_o many_o worldly_a affair_n and_o love_v retirement_n notwithstanding_o those_o which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o as_o belong_v to_o our_o duty_n will_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o arise_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o prayer_n as_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o we_o from_o all_o eternity_n qu._n the_o most_o elevate_a and_o perfect_a prayer_n be_v not_o without_o darkness_n and_o privation_n and_o sometime_o perplex_v with_o interiour_n cross_n and_o desolation_n but_o be_v there_o not_o a_o state_n of_o light_n and_o enjoyment_n to_o be_v attain_v here_o wherein_o the_o soul_n may_v possess_v god_n clear_o and_o peaceable_o without_o any_o disturbance_n ans_fw-fr no_o the_o permanent_a state_n of_o enjoyment_n be_v reserve_v for_o heaven_n in_o this_o life_n indeed_o we_o be_v visit_v without_o divine_a irradiation_n and_o glimmering_n of_o glory_n but_o they_o be_v only_o now_o and_o then_o and_o transient_a the_o term_n of_o this_o life_n be_v work_v time_n and_o not_o of_o rest_n for_o acquisition_n not_o possession_n where_o the_o soul_n may_v daily_o purchase_v new_a grace_n and_o advance_v herself_o in_o prayer_n according_a to_o her_o progress_n in_o virtue_n and_o purity_n by_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o call_v of_o god_n on_o all_o occasion_n god_n usual_a way_n be_v to_o make_v soul_n pass_v through_o darkness_n temptation_n dereliction_n desolation_n exterior_a and_o interiour_n suffering_n to_o come_v to_o a_o good_a stock_n of_o virtue_n and_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o purity_n which_o raise_v they_o to_o a_o more_o sublime_a state_n of_o prayer_n and_o be_v exercise_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o raise_v they_o near_o to_o heaven_n by_o spiritual_a ascension_n they_o at_o length_n leave_v time_n to_o meet_v with_o eternity_n neither_o must_v we_o wonder_v to_o see_v the_o way_n of_o the_o just_a thus_o beset_v with_o thorn_n and_o briar_n for_o this_o be_v expedient_a to_o advance_v they_o in_o perfection_n and_o divine_a love_n qu._n how_o much_o time_n must_v we_o employ_v daily_o in_o prayer_n if_o we_o mean_v to_o profit_v thereby_o so_o as_o to_o attain_v perfection_n ans_fw-fr we_o can_v much_o advance_v in_o prayer_n without_o a_o long_a and_o constant_a usuage_n of_o this_o divine_a exercise_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o do_v good_a work_n but_o we_o must_v spend_v some_o hour_n in_o our_o daily_a devotion_n it_o be_v by_o prayer_n we_o advance_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o not_o otherwise_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o employ_v much_o time_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o if_o god_n call_v we_o to_o it_o and_o not_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o active_a way_n let_v we_o not_o be_v too_o solicitous_a to_o discharge_v our_o other_o obligation_n for_o a_o soul_n in_o the_o state_n of_o continual_a prayer_n perform_v ready_o what_o she_o ought_v on_o all_o occasion_n when_o the_o time_n come_v for_o confession_n she_o be_v present_o all_o dolorous_a love_n &_o contrition_n when_o she_o communicate_v she_o be_v all_o humility_n all_o desire_n and_o flame_a affection_n when_o she_o be_v to_o correct_v she_o be_v all_o sweetness_n and_o charity_n when_o she_o be_v to_o help_v her_o neighbour_n she_o be_v all_o zeal_n and_o love_n when_o she_o must_v act_v for_o god_n she_o have_v a_o intention_n purify_v from_o all_o self-interest_n and_o all_o this_o she_o perform_v in_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v without_o distinct_a act_n but_o habitual_o and_o in_o a_o excellent_a sublime_a manner_n by_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o not_o by_o meditation_n or_o consideration_n which_o be_v mean_n only_o to_o find_v god_n a_o soul_n that_o thus_o once_o have_v lay_v hold_n on_o god_n do_v take_v her_o repose_n and_o rest_n in_o he_o make_v it_o her_o only_a business_n to_o love_n and_o worship_n he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n finis_fw-la
god_n a_o infinite_a fullness_n contain_v a_o infinity_o of_o perfection_n each_o of_o which_o have_v a_o infinity_o of_o excellency_n incomprehensible_a a_o fullness_n which_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o good_a in_o the_o creature_n we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o but_o a_o mere_a privation_n and_o pure_a nothing_o full_a of_o imperfection_n and_o liable_a to_o infinite_a misery_n alas_o o_o my_o god_n i_o now_o see_v more_o than_o ever_o that_o you_o be_v all_o good_a omne_fw-la bonum_fw-la you_o be_v the_o source_n of_o our_o be_v and_o existence_n and_o without_o your_o continual_a influx_n for_o our_o preservation_n we_o shall_v in_o a_o moment_n return_v to_o our_o first_o nothing_o the_o general_a idea_n of_o this_o truth_n be_v in_o every_o understanding_n but_o well_o to_o consider_v it_o and_o lodge_v it_o in_o our_o heart_n be_v very_o rare_a we_o believe_v this_o as_o many_o other_o point_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o without_o deep_a reflection_n or_o correspondent_a 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they_o whole_o on_o god_n our_o final_a happiness_n a_o true_a christian_a indeed_o will_v be_v so_o generous_a as_o to_o esteem_v all_o thing_n beside_o god_n not_o worth_a his_o labour_n it_o be_v true_a while_o the_o soul_n be_v imprison_v in_o the_o wall_n of_o flesh_n she_o can_v always_o soar_v up_o to_o heaven_n on_o the_o wing_n of_o contemplation_n but_o this_o she_o must_v sigh_v after_o and_o consider_v her_o present_a condition_n on_o all_o occasion_n exercise_v herself_o in_o work_n of_o humility_n in_o my_o four_o prayer_n god_n and_o his_o perfection_n do_v possess_v my_o soul_n rejoice_v in_o that_o he_o be_v perfect_a and_o happy_a i_o have_v a_o mind_n then_o to_o take_v up_o my_o thought_n whole_o with_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n without_o any_o reflection_n on_o my_o own_o interiour_n or_o request_v any_o thing_n to_o supply_v my_o want_n for_o it_o be_v not_o seasonable_a to_o do_v this_o when_o god_n call_v we_o to_o contemplate_v his_o adorable_a perfection_n 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