when_o we_o speak_v or_o think_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n we_o must_v believe_v they_o be_v ineffahle_fw-mi far_o above_o all_o that_o we_o can_v think_v or_o speak_v we_o must_v not_o make_v small_a account_n of_o what_o concern_v god_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v have_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o soul_n a_o great_a esteem_n and_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o god_n have_v do_v of_o all_o he_o have_v say_v and_o of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n in_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o little_a god_n be_v as_o adorable_a and_o estimable_a in_o the_o least_o as_o in_o the_o great_a final_o it_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o give_v itself_o to_o this_o exercise_n to_o draw_v from_o all_o thing_n and_o upon_o every_o subject_a a_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o to_o form_n in_o heart_n solid_a and_o serious_a thought_n thereof_o to_o assist_v we_o in_o this_o practice_n and_o to_o advance_v we_o in_o this_o virtue_n we_o ordinary_o make_v use_v of_o read_v prayer_n and_o meditation_n but_o it_o be_v good_a to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o be_v guide_v in_o this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n how_o we_o make_v use_v of_o the_o thought_n the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n we_o receive_v herein_o many_o seek_v only_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o do_v nothing_o but_o busy_a their_o own_o spirit_n they_o seek_v and_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o relish_v and_o resentment_n they_o leap_v from_o one_o subject_n to_o another_o they_o run_v from_o the_o first_o point_n to_o the_o second_o and_o apply_v themselves_o sometime_o to_o one_o affection_n sometime_o to_o another_o spend_v the_o whole_a time_n in_o a_o multiplicity_n and_o disturbance_n of_o thought_n to_o profit_v herein_o we_o must_v proceed_v otherwise_o for_o in_o these_o exercise_n and_o all_o other_o we_o must_v only_o seek_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o esteem_v it_o and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o worthy_a the_o grace_n necessary_a to_o accomplish_v his_o will_n and_o to_o please_v his_o divine_a majesty_n and_o have_v put_v ourselves_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v lay_v hold_v upon_o truth_n we_o must_v rest_v therein_o naked_o and_o simple_o we_o must_v adhere_v thereunto_o and_o keep_v ourselves_o firm_a in_o this_o first_o view_n with_o care_n quiet_o to_o leave_v our_o spirit_n to_o be_v replenish_v of_o god_n and_o bathe_v ourselves_o as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o thought_n we_o must_v unite_v ourselves_o to_o this_o knowledge_n imprint_v by_o degree_n in_o our_o heart_n the_o light_n strength_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o propose_a truth_n whether_o the_o knowledge_n be_v great_a or_o little_a we_o must_v always_o keep_v our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n open_a and_o free_a to_o receive_v the_o thought_n thereof_o these_o will_v put_v we_o into_o a_o esteem_n of_o god_n by_o this_o esteem_n we_o shall_v easy_o be_v carry_v to_o a_o humble_a respect_n and_o desire_v to_o serve_v and_o love_v so_o high_a a_o majesty_n and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o that_o many_o thing_n will_v be_v do_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o christ_n if_o she_o dispose_v herself_o thereto_o as_o she_o ought_v if_o she_o leave_v herself_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o abandon_v herself_o to_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o grace_n attend_v they_o with_o a_o humble_a patience_n but_o oh_o the_o misfortune_n of_o our_o self-love_n the_o soul_n seek_v herself_o and_o her_o own_o satisfaction_n withdraw_v and_o separate_v herself_o from_o god_n to_o follow_v she_o own_o inclination_n to_o content_v her_o sense_n and_o to_o employ_v herself_o in_o what_o she_o please_v make_v herself_o hereby_o unworthy_a to_o feel_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o bear_v the_o effect_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o deduce_v all_o into_o particular_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a but_o not_o to_o trouble_v myself_o with_o all_o the_o fail_n that_o happen_v in_o this_o exercise_n it_o suffice_v that_o i_o say_v that_o the_o first_o study_n of_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v to_o know_v god_n according_a to_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o faith_n to_o adhere_v strong_o to_o this_o knowledge_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o esteem_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o then_o to_o honour_v and_o adore_v he_o with_o a_o honour_n worthy_a of_o god_n these_o word_n express_v much_o and_o include_v the_o first_o duty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o show_v wherein_o she_o must_v employ_v herself_o with_o care_n before_o all_o thing_n hence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o their_o practice_n be_v not_o good_a who_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o enter_v into_o some_o knowledge_n and_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v some_o light_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o feel_v themselves_o move_v and_o as_o it_o be_v draw_v by_o a_o humble_a respect_n and_o inward_a reverence_n before_o god_n instead_o of_o stay_v and_o receive_v at_o leisure_n this_o little_a touch_n this_o sweet_a beam_n of_o heaven_n follow_v this_o little_a interior_a light_n and_o annihilate_v themselves_o before_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n of_o god_n they_o retire_v from_o it_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o false_a humility_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o other_o thought_n and_o fear_v evil_a on_o purpose_n to_o lose_v time_n and_o be_v deceive_v or_o to_o lose_v themselves_o in_o their_o estate_n they_o shut_v the_o ear_n to_o god_n and_o their_o eye_n to_o the_o light_n to_o entertain_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o conception_n and_o imagination_n and_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o themselves_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o this_o way_n be_v ill_a we_o may_v easy_o observe_v that_o such_o soul_n never_o advance_v or_o if_o there_o appear_v some_o advancement_n it_o be_v but_o in_o appearance_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v always_o in_o fear_n and_o in_o a_o spirit_n of_o self-love_n never_o in_o solid_a virtue_n the_o reason_n be_v manifest_a if_o prayer_n be_v a_o elevation_n and_o union_n of_o our_o heart_n a_o speak_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o we_o may_v advise_v to_o quit_v this_o application_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n to_o torment_v her_o imagination_n and_o cast_v she_o into_o the_o consideration_n of_o exterior_a thing_n into_o the_o examination_n of_o divers_a circumstance_n into_o a_o continual_a regard_n of_o what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o wherefore_o all_o this_o see_v it_o pertain_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n let_v we_o leave_v it_o to_o they_o who_o treat_v thereof_o and_o content_v ourselves_o to_o conclude_v with_o that_o which_o we_o will_v persuade_v that_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o he_o must_v practice_v who_o will_v live_v a_o perfect_a christian_n be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o this_o light_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o esteem_n of_o god_n which_o be_v support_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o of_o what_o he_o be_v what_o course_n we_o must_v take_v to_o obtain_v this_o knowledge_n we_o will_v proceed_v to_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o subject_n of_o humility_n the_o second_o disposition_n chap._n viii_o of_o humility_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n the_o picture_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a describe_v one_o after_o another_o not_o all_o the_o virtue_n but_o those_o only_o which_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o the_o base_n and_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n the_o mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o the_o rest_n faith_n lead_v the_o way_n humility_n follow_v for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v and_o esteem_v of_o god_n so_o far_o be_v we_o humble_a faith_n make_v we_o know_v god_n humility_n lead_v we_o to_o god_n faith_n dispose_v we_o and_o show_v we_o true_a virtue_n humility_n acquire_v they_o and_o be_v acquire_v conserves_n they_o this_o be_v she_o that_o open_v and_o make_v plain_a the_o way_n to_o charity_n and_o who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o mistress_n of_o god_n house_n she_o alone_o lay_v up_o and_o keep_v safe_a the_o divine_a gift_n st._n paul_n by_o way_n of_o excellency_n call_v she_o the_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o virtue_n appertain_v to_o he_o more_o than_o to_o any_o and_o that_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v ever_o accomplish_v in_o humility_n it_o be_v moreover_o his_o virtue_n in_o that_o he_o publish_v it_o and_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o will_n that_o his_o humility_n be_v the_o object_n and_o example_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n 11.29_o learn_v of_o i_o say_v he_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a
he_o and_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n demand_v of_o we_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o regeneration_n &_o baptism_n be_v consecrate_v to_o god_n by_o baptism_n after_o so_o divine_a a_o manner_n we_o be_v no_o more_o now_o our_o own_o but_o belong_v whole_o to_o he_o nor_o ought_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o ourselves_o but_o for_o he_o if_o any_o profane_a thing_n be_v offer_v to_o god_n consecrate_v by_o ceremony_n or_o dedicate_v to_o celebration_n of_o the_o divine_a office_n be_v by_o this_o mean_v abstract_v from_o common_a use_n and_o its_o particular_a end_n to_o be_v whole_o employ_v in_o sacred_a thing_n much_o more_o a_o christian_n consecrate_v to_o the_o holy_a trinity_n by_o baptism_n solemn_o dedicate_v to_o god_n service_n and_o refer_v to_o his_o glory_n aught_o to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o himself_o and_o such_o profane_a custom_n as_o of_o himself_o he_o may_v commit_v in_o his_o life_n and_o action_n to_o be_v refer_v in_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v to_o the_o service_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n from_o these_o propose_a truth_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n communicate_v by_o baptism_n whereto_o we_o have_v right_a by_o this_o sacrament_n do_v advance_v man_n above_o all_o creature_n and_o withdraw_v he_o from_o this_o world_n to_o associate_v with_o god_n and_o to_o become_v his_o temple_n and_o throne_n of_o rest_n that_o be_v separate_v from_o care_n and_o love_n of_o the_o creature_n he_o may_v cleave_v to_o god_n only_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o the_o woman_n in_o the_o apocalypse_n 12._o clothe_v with_o the_o sun_n and_o have_v the_o moon_n under_o her_o foot_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o soul_n be_v replenish_v with_o the_o true_a sun_n of_o righteousness_n aught_o to_o raise_v themselves_o above_o all_o creature_n and_o possess_v god_n contemn_v all_o that_o be_v not_o god_n of_o god_n or_o for_o god_n the_o learned_a origen_n say_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v as_o beyond_o and_o above_o the_o world_n all_o that_o be_v consecrate_v to_o god_n mean_v only_o those_o who_o by_o the_o ceremony_n and_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n resign_v themselves_o to_o god_n service_n if_o this_o be_v true_a in_o bare_a ceremony_n how_o much_o more_o be_v he_o who_o god_n himself_o consecrate_v in_o this_o sacrament_n beyond_o the_o world_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n of_o jesus_n christ_n when_o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o he_o have_v infuse_v into_o his_o apostle_n he_o say_v recommend_v they_o and_o with_o they_o all_o the_o elect_a unto_o his_o father_n 7.16_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n i_o likewise_o be_o not_o of_o the_o world_n where_o we_o see_v evident_o that_o according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o jesus_n christ_n a_o christian_a must_v be_v no_o long_o of_o this_o world_n nor_o pretend_v further_o to_o the_o creature_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v when_o he_o become_v man_n and_o live_v upon_o earth_n we_o learn_v further_o that_o by_o this_o consecration_n and_o the_o state_n whereunto_o we_o be_v advance_v by_o baptism_n god_n assume_v a_o second_o interest_n in_o we_o beside_o that_o of_o creation_n and_o in_o compliance_n with_o this_o new_a right_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o his_o and_o live_v only_o for_o he_o for_o he_o have_v right_a to_o make_v in_o we_o and_o of_o we_o all_o that_o he_o please_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o divine_a will_n i_o need_v give_v no_o other_o reason_n hereof_o then_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 20._o which_o be_v in_o you_o which_o you_o have_v of_o god_n and_o you_o be_v not_o your_o own_o for_o you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n therefore_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o body_n and_o in_o your_o spirit_n which_o be_v go_n consider_v deliberate_o this_o christian_a truth_n weigh_v all_o these_o word_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v how_o much_o you_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o aught_o to_o live_v for_o god_n reject_v not_o this_o as_o a_o matter_n new_a or_o too_o high_a it_o much_o import_v to_o your_o good_a if_o you_o can_v comprehend_v it_o at_o least_o admire_v it_o and_o since_o they_o be_v truth_n you_o ought_v to_o believe_v they_o by_o faith_n you_o shall_v enter_v into_o a_o estimate_n of_o your_o estate_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v so_o divine_a and_o eminent_a that_o you_o can_v comprehend_v it_o but_o can_v only_o say_v that_o he_o that_o be_v all_o power_n will_v effect_v great_a thing_n in_o you_o now_o if_o you_o will_v endeavour_v to_o profit_n by_o these_o propose_a verity_n first_o take_v heed_n you_o commit_v no_o sacrilege_n in_o serve_v any_o other_o but_o god_n since_o you_o be_v consecrate_v for_o his_o glory_n be_v careful_a to_o refer_v yourself_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o offer_v to_o he_o all_o your_o action_n be_v they_o never_o so_o little_a for_o they_o all_o belong_v unto_o he_o and_o he_o know_v how_o from_o the_o low_a mean_a thing_n to_o bring_v honour_n to_o himself_o second_o see_v god_n have_v separate_v you_o from_o the_o world_n consecrate_v you_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o that_o by_o baptism_n solemn_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n you_o have_v renounce_v all_o its_o greatness_n and_o variety_n take_v heed_n you_o deceive_v not_o god_n or_o rather_o yourselves_o adhere_v to_o the_o creature_n search_v after_o and_o follow_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o time_n but_o see_v that_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o promise_n you_o have_v make_v to_o god_n you_o do_v disentangle_v yourself_o all_o the_o day_n of_o your_o life_n as_o much_o as_o you_o can_v possible_a from_o these_o creature_n three_o take_v your_o affection_n off_o from_o they_o and_o if_o you_o will_v do_v well_o despise_v they_o all_o for_o god_n that_o your_o heart_n consecrate_v by_o a_o unction_n so_o holy_a may_v be_v only_o for_o god_n and_o love_v none_o but_o god_n the_o best_a foundation_n of_o piety_n be_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o great_a esteem_n of_o god_n and_o what_o you_o be_v unto_o he_o so_o to_o contemn_v the_o world_n and_o all_o therein_o four_o see_v you_o have_v no_o right_n to_o yourself_o be_v mark_v with_o the_o character_n of_o god_n substance_n so_o saint_n cyprian_n call_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o be_v whole_o he_o let_v he_o make_v use_n of_o what_o be_v he_o go_v out_o of_o yourself_o go_v out_o of_o your_o own_o interest_n to_o god_n aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o therein_o place_v your_o principal_a care_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o important_a in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a nothing_o more_o profitable_a or_o necessary_a then_o to_o leave_v whole_o himself_o to_o god_n and_o to_o search_v diligent_o after_o god_n only_o this_o it_o be_v that_o god_n require_v of_o you_o for_o this_o benefit_n whereunto_o you_o be_v oblige_v in_o the_o susception_n of_o baptism_n and_o by_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n the_o second_o prerogative_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o filial_a adoption_n of_o god_n whereto_o all_o christian_n be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n a_o work_n of_o love_n and_o the_o masterpiece_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o this_o they_o have_v their_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n from_o this_o they_o flow_v as_o from_o their_o source_n and_o principle_n this_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o and_o adore_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o happiness_n for_o in_o and_o by_o it_o we_o have_v all_o that_o we_o can-desire_n all_o the_o greatness_n all_o the_o privilege_n and_o abundance_n of_o grace_n communicate_v to_o we_o in_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n flow_v from_o this_o ineffable_a mystery_n as_o its_o spring_n it_o require_v a_o eternity_n to_o consider_v so_o worthy_a a_o object_n to_o look_v into_o the_o excellency_n and_o to_o contemplate_v the_o effect_n thereof_o let_v we_o here_o make_v a_o pause_n to_o consider_v this_o grace_n the_o most_o advantageous_a of_o all_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o this_o mystery_n which_o give_v we_o right_a and_o admission_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o grace_n of_o filiation_n which_o make_v we_o child_n of_o god_n by_o adoption_n a_o grace_n give_v to_o man_n when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n become_v man_n make_v man_n the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o this_o benefit_n we_o be_v no_o long_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n but_o of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v god_n call_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o everlasting_a father_n by_o this_o grace_n
loss_n call_v and_o associate_n he_o to_o his_o divine_a greatness_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o capable_a of_o the_o life_n of_o his_o own_o son_n and_o by_o consequence_n he_o will_v fill_v he_o with_o the_o spirit_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o eternal_a father_n 14.1_o sai_z that_o he_o have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o our_o heart_n assure_v we_o that_o by_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v son_n of_o god_n and_o he_o frequent_o call_v christian_n the_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 5.30_o this_o quality_n and_o motive_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o state_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n that_o show_v what_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v and_o how_o eminent_a and_o accomplish_v the_o perfection_n be_v whereto_o he_o must_v arrive_v saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o 1.18_o we_o be_v member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n the_o mystical_a body_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n whereof_o jesus_n be_v the_o head_n 6.15_o and_o christian_n the_o member_n you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o member_n of_o his_o member_n say_v the_o apostle_n know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n this_o text_n be_v clear_a which_o if_o we_o consider_v intentive_o it_o will_v furnish_v we_o with_o rich_a thought_n and_o lift_v we_o up_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian._n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o piety_n of_o the_o reader_n to_o insist_v upon_o this_o subject_n if_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o be_v member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o we_o whole_o belong_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v to_o he_o in_o truth_n and_o by_o grace_n that_o which_o by_o nature_n the_o member_n be_v to_o their_o head_n by_o the_o head_n the_o member_n be_v enliven_v the_o head_n have_v the_o care_n and_o guidance_n of_o they_o all_o so_o in_o jesus_n and_o by_o jesus_n we_o be_v enliven_v guide_v and_o advance_v of_o his_o fullness_n have_v we_o all_o receive_v 1.16_o say_v saint_n john_n he_o be_v our_o life_n the_o soul_n of_o our_o soul_n say_v saint_n austin_n and_o much_o more_o than_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o life_n of_o our_o body_n now_o if_o the_o head_n and_o soul_n enliven_v guide_n animate_v and_o make_v the_o body_n to_o subsist_v if_o the_o body_n have_v a_o continual_a dependence_n on_o the_o conduct_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v it_o not_o also_o agreeable_a that_o a_o christian_a be_v animate_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o he_o possess_v and_o whereof_o he_o be_v whole_o possess_v that_o he_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o care_n and_o conduct_v and_o motion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o who_o he_o be_v a_o member_n these_o be_v the_o two_o estate_n wherein_o a_o perfect_a christian_a must_v be_v he_o must_v possess_v god_n and_o be_v resign_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o have_v already_o show_v how_o much_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v god_n and_o to_o possess_v he_o if_o he_o will_v arrive_v to_o the_o perfection_n to_o which_o he_o be_v call_v it_o remain_v that_o we_o know_v how_o he_o must_v resign_v himself_o whole_o to_o god_n as_o member_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o be_v necessary_o and_o essential_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v leave_v to_o the_o love_n care_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o heavenly_a father_n which_o love_n be_v the_o same_o love_n which_o he_o have_v for_o his_o son_n the_o same_o conduct_n that_o he_o have_v over_o he_o for_o we_o be_v part_n of_o his_o son_n be_v his_o member_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v his_o fullness_n the_o church_n say_v he_o be_v the_o body_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o wherein_o we_o see_v the_o happy_a estate_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o pursuit_n of_o his_o state_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o same_o care_n the_o same_o conduct_n the_o same_o love_n that_o the_o eternal_a father_n have_v for_o his_o son_n be_v then_o arrive_v to_o this_o happiness_n what_o remain_v but_o to_o live_v with_o great_a vigilancy_n to_o put_v ourselves_o to_o leave_v our_o self_n and_o to_o maintain_v ourselves_o in_o this_o love_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n to_o abandon_v ourselves_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o divine_a conduct_n to_o remain_v in_o this_o union_n and_o unity_n with_o his_o son_n for_o he_o look_v on_o we_o in_o his_o son_n as_o member_n and_o part_n of_o his_o son_n and_o also_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o to_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o the_o member_n be_v to_o the_o head_n it_o be_v the_o request_n of_o jesus_n to_o his_o father_n the_o last_o day_n of_o his_o life_n the_o eve_n before_o his_o death_n for_o this_o he_o make_v that_o prayer_n full_a of_o love_n repeat_v at_o large_a by_o saint_n john_n wherein_o he_o beg_v of_o his_o father_n that_o he_o will_v have_v the_o same_o love_n for_o we_o that_o he_o have_v for_o he_o from_o eternity_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v by_o grace_n to_o we_o what_o he_o be_v to_o he_o by_o nature_n that_o the_o same_o unity_n of_o love_n that_o bind_v they_o together_o may_v be_v in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v not_o live_v but_o in_o this_o love_n in_o this_o vion_n and_o unity_n that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o love_n as_o he_o live_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o love_n of_o his_o father_n word_n of_o love_n and_o of_o truth_n word_n of_o efficacy_n word_n which_o clear_o show_v the_o design_n jesus_n have_v over_o we_o what_o he_o have_v merit_v for_o we_o and_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o in_o who_o consist_v the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n if_o we_o proceed_v a_o little_a further_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o new_a light_n which_o discover_v this_o truth_n the_o oeconomy_n and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o the_o church_n all_o the_o regency_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o government_n of_o all_o soul_n in_o general_a and_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a be_v leave_v to_o jesus_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n he_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n our_o fullness_n he_o be_v our_o all_o and_o that_o which_o raise_v the_o conduct_n of_o christ_n and_o render_v it_o admirable_a be_v that_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o wisdom_n power_n and_o infinite_a love_n for_o he_o employ_v his_o power_n whole_o to_o furnish_v we_o to_o assist_v we_o in_o all_o thing_n his_o wisdom_n lead_v we_o to_o god_n and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o state_n and_o perfection_n god_n require_v of_o we_o and_o he_o employ_v his_o love_n to_o enrich_v we_o with_o his_o treasure_n to_o enlighten_v we_o with_o his_o spirit_n to_o guide_v by_o his_o light_n and_o to_o communicate_v to_o we_o by_o the_o excess_n of_o his_o bounty_n his_o be_v his_o life_n and_o his_o greatness_n thus_o the_o quality_n whereto_o we_o be_v advance_v by_o christianity_n be_v make_v member_n of_o jesus_n render_v we_o worthy_a of_o the_o care_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o eternal_a father_n and_o bind_v we_o to_o jesus_n make_v we_o by_o grace_n one_o with_o he_o partaker_n of_o his_o greatness_n this_o express_v the_o perfection_n whereto_o god_n have_v call_v we_o these_o truth_n consider_v will_v cause_v we_o high_o to_o esteem_v the_o grace_n and_o state_n of_o christianity_n these_o motive_n be_v so_o powerful_a that_o they_o seem_v not_o only_o to_o invite_v but_o to_o constrain_v we_o by_o amorous_a allurement_n to_o resign_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o god_n let_v we_o add_v a_o common_a doctrine_n of_o saint_n bernard_n as_o the_o last_o draught_n of_o this_o admirable_a conduct_n the_o conduct_n say_v he_o of_o jesus_n in_o we_o be_v admirable_a in_o that_o he_o have_v as_o much_o care_n of_o one_o single_a soul_n as_o well_o as_o of_o all_o his_o wisdom_n be_v employ_v for_o one_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o for_o all_o and_o he_o love_v one_o soul_n with_o the_o same_o infinite_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v all_o yea_o he_o love_v his_o elect_a and_o christian_n with_o the_o same_o love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v himself_o here_o let_v we_o stop_v for_o more_o can_v be_v say_v let_v we_o adore_v
be_v deceive_v by_o this_o way_n our_o spirit_n be_v too_o feeble_a this_o way_n too_o eminent_a and_o that_o it_o occasion_n a_o perpetual_a combat_n in_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v troublesome_a to_o a_o man_n to_o walk_v in_o darkness_n so_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o the_o soul_n to_o go_v this_o way_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v obscure_a and_o hide_a but_o if_o we_o will_v learn_v it_o well_o we_o must_v say_v the_o contrary_a all_o other_o way_n be_v uncertain_a and_o deceitful_a virtue_n alone_o be_v infallible_a we_o shall_v never_o be_v deceive_v if_o we_o stick_v to_o it_o it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o mean_a esteem_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o faith_n god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o conduct_v we_o be_v capable_a of_o lose_v we_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n to_o guide_v our_o reason_n and_o that_o our_o reason_n must_v submit_v thereunto_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o faith_n be_v annihilate_v as_o saint_n paul_n say_v we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n meaning_n that_o to_o live_v christianly_o 5.7_o we_o must_v let_v our_o reason_n be_v guide_v by_o faith_n not_o faith_n by_o reason_n wherein_o we_o see_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o necessity_n of_o our_o walk_n by_o the_o light_n of_o this_o torch_n or_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a manner_n of_o speech_n see_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o will_v live_v a_o perfect_a christian_a to_o follow_v only_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o learn_v to_o make_v use_n of_o evangelicall_n truth_n if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o soul_n who_o take_v this_o way_n be_v deceive_v it_o be_v in_o that_o they_o go_v out_o of_o it_o and_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o devil_n or_o self-love_n or_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o humane_a spirit_n which_o esteem_v itself_o in_o every_o thing_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o conduct_n of_o faith_n to_o follow_v that_o of_o humane_a prudence_n choose_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o worldly_a vanity_n rather_o than_o by_o the_o maxim_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o heavenly_a truth_n thus_o indeed_o they_o find_v themselves_o deceive_v and_o fall_v into_o misfortune_n not_o for_o have_v take_v this_o way_n of_o faith_n but_o for_o have_v quit_v it_o and_o adhere_v to_o humane_a prudence_n and_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n which_o like_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la will_v lead_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n unless_o we_o be_v aid_v by_o a_o supernatural_a force_n and_o guide_v by_o a_o more_o sure_a light_n such_o as_o be_v this_o of_o faith_n but_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v faithful_a apply_v herself_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n and_o maxim_n of_o christianity_n that_o seek_v god_n with_o simplicity_n and_o humility_n there_o must_v necessary_o arrive_v great_a profit_n and_o advantage_n in_o christian_n perfection_n we_o must_v not_o therefore_o condemn_v this_o way_n and_o reject_v it_o as_o too_o high_a too_o difficult_a and_o too_o painful_a for_o it_o be_v the_o way_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n and_o command_v all_o his_o child_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v teach_v it_o every_o one_o accommodate_v ourselves_o to_o their_o several_a capacity_n and_o give_v they_o all_o the_o mean_n to_o pursue_v it_o without_o go_v out_o of_o it_o lest_o they_o be_v deceive_v if_o we_o find_v here_o any_o difficulty_n it_o be_v in_o ourselves_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o man_n which_o hinder_v his_o progress_n this_o way_n one_o be_v esteem_v of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o own_o spirit_n the_o other_o be_v the_o love_n that_o he_o bear_v himself_o and_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n to_o the_o creature_n to_o pursue_v this_o way_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o faith_n he_o must_v go_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o renounce_v his_o own_o spirit_n and_o raise_v himself_o above_o all_o creature_n to_o adhere_v to_o truth_n to_o believe_v and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o what_o he_o do_v believe_v he_o must_v renounce_v his_o judgement_n his_o reason_n and_o his_o sense_n and_o annihilate_v they_o if_o our_o reason_n sense_n and_o judgement_n repugn_v the_o truth_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n we_o must_v quit_v our_o reason_n and_o our_o sense_n to_o unite_v ourselves_o to_o the_o truth_n if_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v propose_v that_o the_o uncreated_a eternal_a word_n become_v man_n that_o god_n die_v reason_n and_o sense_n oppose_v this_o truth_n reason_n can_v comprehend_v that_o the_o eternal_a god_n shall_v make_v himself_o subject_a to_o time_n the_o immortal_a submit_v himself_o to_o death_n yet_o to_o believe_v this_o our_o will_n move_v by_o grace_n notwithstanding_o the_o opposition_n of_o reason_n and_o sense_n must_v say_v i_o will_v believe_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n propose_v the_o will_n adhere_v hereto_o command_v reason_n and_o judgement_n which_o obey_v she_o believe_v what_o she_o propose_v the_o understanding_n which_o use_v to_o command_v and_o be_v free_a render_v itself_o captive_a and_o obedient_a annihilate_v its_o own_o thought_n and_o reason_n that_o so_o it_o may_v adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n propose_v and_o form_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n thus_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o of_o saint_n paul_n 10.5_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n by_o faith_n the_o understanding_n which_o use_v to_o command_v be_v make_v captive_a and_o obedient_a to_o the_o will_n therefore_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n go_v out_o of_o herself_o and_o no_o more_o obey_v her_o judgement_n or_o sense_n she_o no_o more_o regard_v herself_o but_o the_o truth_n only_o which_o she_o embrace_v as_o her_o object_n adhere_v and_o unite_n herself_o thereto_o thus_o by_o faith_n the_o soul_n be_v elevate_v above_o herself_o to_o be_v tie_v and_o unite_v to_o the_o eternal_a and_o infallible_a truth_n reveal_v and_o propose_v to_o she_o this_o well_o consider_v will_v show_v we_o the_o excellency_n and_o dignity_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o knowledge_n we_o shall_v learn_v how_o much_o we_o be_v to_o esteem_v the_o state_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_a and_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_n in_o particular_a see_v that_o according_a to_o god_n design_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o christian_n as_o christian_n must_v live_v and_o be_v guide_v only_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o light_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a draw_v we_o out_o of_o ourselves_o to_o unite_v and_o tie_v we_o to_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n we_o shall_v moreover_o see_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o what_o we_o think_v it_o consist_v not_o in_o great_a learning_n in_o many_o reason_n and_o several_a argument_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v for_o the_o simple_a and_o for_o those_o who_o can_v go_v out_o of_o themselves_o who_o can_v annihilate_v themselves_o in_o their_o reason_n and_o quit_v the_o regard_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o creature_n adhere_v and_o follow_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v common_o that_o the_o learned_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v most_o prudence_n most_o reason_n the_o most_o solid_a judgement_n and_o capacity_n of_o spirit_n have_v likewise_o most_o opposition_n to_o faith_n for_o they_o be_v less_o able_a to_o go_v out_o of_o themselves_o to_o annihilate_v their_o own_o spirit_n and_o judgement_n thus_o jesus_n christ_n after_o he_o have_v sum_v up_o the_o truth_n of_o heaven_n and_o describe_v the_o contentment_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o just_a 11.25_o conclude_v with_o a_o enthusiasm_n of_o truth_n i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n say_v he_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n these_o truth_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o meek_a which_o show_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o god_n give_v it_o to_o the_o humble_a and_o little_a one_o that_o to_o adhere_v to_o it_o we_o must_v humble_v and_o abase_v ourselves_o in_o a_o word_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n conceive_v we_o must_v go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o out_o of_o esteem_n of_o ourselves_o let_v we_o practice_v this_o for_o it_o be_v our_o principal_a design_n to_o make_v use_n of_o faith_n and_o truth_n conceive_v we_o must_v first_o consider_v what_o faith_n propose_v but_o we_o must_v consider_v it_o bare_o and_o simple_o without_o any_o discourse_n upon_o it_o we_o
be_v accomplish_v in_o every_o point_n now_o our_o question_n be_v not_o only_o of_o a_o action_n good_a and_o just_a but_o which_o be_v more_o of_o a_o christian_a action_n suitable_a to_o the_o eminence_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n of_o a_o action_n worthy_a heaven_n and_o god_n if_o it_o be_v real_a it_o must_v have_v circumstance_n only_o pure_a and_o perfect_a and_o chief_o it_o be_v requisite_a they_o have_v a_o proportionate_a object_n for_o as_o action_n be_v specify_v by_o their_o object_n so_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o the_o do_v and_o denomination_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a action_n be_v to_o consider_v what_o be_v its_o object_n which_o must_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o dignity_n sanctity_n and_o purity_n of_o a_o action_n worthy_a god_n which_o be_v suppose_v this_o object_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v say_v that_o as_o all_o the_o action_n of_o christian_n must_v be_v conformable_a to_o their_o state_n all_o worthy_a of_o god_n so_o must_v they_o have_v god_n only_o for_o their_o object_n and_o consequent_o a_o christian_n to_o live_v christianly_o must_v have_v respect_n only_o to_o god_n in_o all_o his_o action_n and_o to_o do_v nothing_o but_o with_o intention_n to_o please_v he_o this_o be_v the_o wish_n of_o saint_n paul_n when_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o new_a christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v that_o you_o may_v walk_v say_v he_o 1.10_o worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n as_o unto_o all_o please_a this_o counsel_n ought_v to_o be_v engrave_v in_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n for_o either_o they_o think_v not_o of_o it_o or_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o yet_o be_v it_o altogether_o necessary_a let_v we_o then_o suppose_v this_o to_o our_o perfect_a christian_a that_o to_o do_v act_n true_o christian_n and_o worthy_a of_o god_n we_o must_v regard_v nothing_o but_o god_n and_o have_v no_o other_o intent_n then_o to_o please_v he_o the_o reason_n be_v from_o the_o commandment_n of_o love_n for_o by_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o love_n god_n in_o all_o and_o above_o all_o we_o be_v oblige_v also_o to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o and_o to_o seek_v only_o his_o honour_n glory_n and_o pleasure_n he_o that_o know_v how_o to_o love_v will_v easy_o comprehend_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o counsel_n for_o love_v if_o it_o be_v true_a make_v we_o quit_v our_o own_o interest_n and_o respect_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o interest_n and_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n belove_v again_o to_o love_v according_a to_o the_o angelical_a doctor_n be_v to_o wish_v well_o now_o what_o good_a what_o interest_n can_v god_n have_v in_o our_o action_n but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n god_n have_v no_o need_n of_o we_o for_o he_o be_v all-sufficient_a of_o himself_o as_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o can_v diminish_v his_o glory_n or_o pleasure_n so_o neither_o can_v we_o augment_v they_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o our_o action_n and_o that_o he_o make_v they_o meritorious_a &_o worthy_a the_o possession_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o receive_v they_o as_o acceptable_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o bounty_n not_o the_o power_n of_o necessity_n it_o be_v by_o dignify_n not_o by_o duty_n or_o obligation_n by_o love_n not_o by_o interest_n it_o be_v because_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o regard_v they_o and_o to_o be_v please_v with_o they_o it_o be_v only_o because_o we_o do_v in_o they_o what_o his_o will_n be_v we_o employ_v ourselves_o in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o accomplish_v his_o design_n this_o deduction_n and_o principle_n be_v consider_v we_o must_v say_v that_o see_v god_n receive_v nothing_o of_o we_o or_o of_o our_o action_n but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o divine_a will_n it_o follow_v that_o a_o christian_n who_o will_v love_v his_o god_n can_v express_v this_o love_n but_o in_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o employ_v himself_o in_o the_o duty_n that_o god_n propose_v to_o he_o 14.21_o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o will_v manifest_v myself_o to_o he_o which_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a consist_v in_o do_v the_o work_n which_o god_n propose_v and_o put_v into_o his_o hand_n according_a to_o his_o condition_n and_o estate_n to_o do_v it_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o with_o a_o intent_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o the_o christian_n show_v his_o love_n to_o god_n this_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o his_o action_n become_v worthy_a to_o possess_v god_n to_o comprehend_v this_o truth_n we_o must_v observe_v that_o all_o the_o creature_n be_v nothing_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v as_o but_o a_o drop_n of_o water_n draw_v up_o by_o the_o sun_n now_o if_o all_o creature_n be_v nothing_o man_n be_v yet_o less_o and_o man_n be_v so_o small_a a_o thing_n his_o action_n can_v be_v no_o more_o but_o if_o the_o creature_n if_o man_n and_o his_o action_n be_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n it_o be_v only_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o regard_v god_n and_o have_v relation_n to_o he_o for_o nothing_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v of_o god_n and_o for_o god_n heaven_n the_o world_n the_o earth_n be_v nothing_o 66.1_o yet_o be_v they_o esteem_v worthy_a of_o honour_n because_o heaven_n be_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n earth_n be_v his_o footstool_n we_o may_v say_v as_o much_o of_o man_n although_o he_o be_v nothing_o in_o himself_o or_o in_o his_o action_n yet_o they_o be_v most_o worthy_a by_o this_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o regard_n of_o god_n for_o as_o mean_v and_o profane_a thing_n be_v respect_v be_v consecrate_v and_o dedicate_v to_o god_n so_o our_o action_n though_o they_o be_v mean_a and_o unworthy_a of_o god_n yet_o be_v refer_v and_o dedicate_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o will_n they_o be_v raise_v up_o and_o become_v please_v to_o god_n whence_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o be_v nothing_o not_o our_o action_n if_o they_o regard_v not_o god_n in_o this_o purity_n and_o though_o they_o regard_v god_n yet_o they_o confer_v nothing_o to_o god_n they_o be_v only_o please_v to_o he_o because_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o regard_v they_o and_o to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o he_o advance_v and_o sanctify_v they_o by_o this_o relation_n such_o be_v his_o good_a pleasure_n herein_o appear_v the_o abuse_n of_o those_o who_o fill_v their_o heart_n and_o perplex_v their_o thought_n with_o several_a intention_n by_o this_o principle_n we_o see_v how_o much_o they_o separate_v themselves_o from_o their_o duty_n who_o in_o their_o action_n and_o devotion_n seek_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o to_o please_v god_n for_o all_o our_o action_n be_v only_o worthy_a of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v only_o please_v to_o he_o and_o nothing_o be_v worthy_a of_o he_o nor_o please_v to_o his_o divine_a eye_n but_o what_o be_v of_o he_o and_o for_o he_o therefore_o one_o of_o the_o great_a fault_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o piety_n which_o make_v we_o most_o unworthy_a of_o god_n be_v want_n of_o this_o regard_n of_o god_n many_o instead_o of_o refer_v all_o thing_n to_o god_n seek_v nothing_o but_o themselves_o labour_v only_o for_o themselves_o and_o in_o all_o that_o they_o do_v think_v only_o of_o themselves_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v examine_v themselves_o as_o they_o ought_v they_o will_v find_v that_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n and_o action_n be_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o go_v on_o in_o the_o labyrinth_n of_o these_o confusion_n they_o will_v find_v that_o seek_v to_o do_v their_o own_o will_n they_o do_v what_o god_n require_v not_o and_o fail_v to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o command_v by_o this_o abuse_n it_o appear_v that_o such_o soul_n design_v their_o own_o health_n and_o profit_n to_o be_v their_o end_n and_o the_o object_n of_o their_o action_n by_o so_o do_v god_n be_v no_o more_o their_o ultimate_a end_n nor_o the_o centre_n of_o their_o life_n and_o action_n but_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o profit_n take_v the_o place_n of_o god_n a_o error_n so_o manifest_a that_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v and_o necessary_a to_o condemn_v the_o same_o let_v we_o remember_v a_o principle_n very_o common_a that_o teach_v we_o if_o there_o be_v neither_o heaven_n nor_o hell_n to_o recompense_v or_o punish_v yet_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o devote_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o god_n to_o fulfil_v his_o design_n and_o to_o render_v he_o honour_n in_o
this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n or_o else_o if_o by_o humiliation_n and_o interior_a or_o exterior_a eversion_n god_n will_v annihilate_v we_o let_v we_o consent_v to_o this_o annihilation_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o thereto_o cooperate_v with_o the_o work_n of_o god_n with_o all_o the_o extent_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o so_o let_v we_o do_v in_o all_o and_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o object_n this_o advice_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o pure_a regard_n of_o god_n which_o we_o must_v have_v in_o all_o suffering_n for_o in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o in_o all_o that_o he_o permit_v we_o must_v consider_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n do_v it_o and_o the_o cause_n that_o move_v he_o either_o to_o permit_v it_o or_o do_v it_o the_o end_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v his_o honour_n and_o glory_n but_o the_o cause_n that_o move_v he_o in_o his_o operation_n and_o divine_a permission_n be_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o establishment_n and_o communication_n of_o his_o spirit_n his_o grace_n and_o his_o virtue_n we_o must_v here_o do_v as_o before_o we_o must_v suffer_v have_v no_o end_n but_o the_o pure_a regard_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o glory_n but_o because_o god_n require_v fidelity_n and_o will_v establish_v his_o kingdom_n and_o power_n in_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v also_o our_o duty_n to_o cooperate_v with_o his_o intention_n and_o to_o receive_v all_o thing_n not_o only_o because_o such_o be_v his_o good_a pleasure_n but_o also_o in_o the_o manner_n that_o he_o will_v and_o to_o make_v use_n thereof_o according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n the_o perfection_n therefore_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o sufferance_n consist_v not_o in_o receive_v all_o thing_n indifferent_o a_o soul_n be_v not_o perfect_a though_o it_o be_v insensible_a of_o all_o accident_n be_v they_o never_o so_o sad_a and_o miserable_a perfection_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o stoical_a apathy_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n and_o purity_n in_o suffering_n it_o be_v when_o we_o receive_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a &_o divine_a disposition_n of_o jesus_n and_o that_o we_o bear_v they_o after_o that_o manner_n that_o god_n will_v and_o according_a to_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n and_o herein_o consist_v the_o first_o and_o noble_a disposition_n which_o must_v accompany_v our_o suffering_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o chap._n xiii_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o suffer_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n 21._o if_o when_o you_o do_v well_o and_o suffer_v for_o it_o you_o take_v it_o patient_o it_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o hereunto_o be_v you_o call_v because_o christ_n also_o suffer_v for_o we_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v his_o step_n in_o these_o word_n full_a of_o efficacy_n and_o truth_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n propose_v the_o motive_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o suffer_v patient_o all_o adversity_n and_o affliction_n which_o occur_v in_o all_o condition_n of_o this_o life_n he_o say_v that_o we_o be_v call_v thereto_o and_o that_o by_o consequence_n the_o proper_a condition_n and_o quality_n of_o a_o christian_a bind_v we_o to_o the_o crosse._n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o allege_v proof_n of_o this_o see_v we_o have_v say_v enough_o already_o for_o the_o spirit_n grace_n and_o conduct_v of_o god_n whereby_o he_o use_v to_o save_v we_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o annihilation_n and_o humiliation_n and_o affliction_n god_n have_v try_v they_o and_o find_v they_o worthy_a of_o he_o the_o cross_n and_o suffering_n be_v then_o the_o lot_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v their_o portion_n and_o they_o must_v make_v such_o use_n of_o it_o as_o to_o bear_v it_o christianly_o but_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o to_o teach_v we_o patience_n be_v when_o he_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o must_v imitate_v he_o and_o follow_v his_o step_n after_o this_o we_o can_v in_o reason_n find_v any_o thing_n hard_o if_o jesus_n christ_n from_o his_o birth_n to_o his_o death_n have_v espouse_v the_o suffering_n and_o embrace_v the_o cross_n wherefore_o shall_v we_o refuse_v be_v his_o child_n to_o live_v and_o die_v as_o he_o do_v we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n to_o suffer_v the_o humiliation_n and_o pain_n due_a to_o sin_n and_o sinner_n and_o that_o he_o will_v by_o this_o low_a estate_n honour_v his_o father_n but_o withal_o he_o leave_v upon_o the_o earth_n the_o same_o spirit_n to_o honour_n god_n that_o as_o in_o heaven_n god_n be_v honour_v by_o exaltation_n he_o may_v be_v honour_v upon_o earth_n by_o humiliation_n in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o design_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o must_v as_o christian_n honour_n god_n by_o our_o lowness_n and_o annihilation_n on_o the_o other_o side_n see_v the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v for_o we_o we_o must_v die_v for_o he_o if_o he_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o life_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o must_v imitate_v he_o and_o if_o he_o be_v bear_v our_o head_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n we_o must_v as_o his_o member_n bear_v his_o spirit_n and_o follow_v his_o motion_n in_o a_o word_n if_o we_o reign_v with_o jesus_n christ_n we_o must_v suffer_v with_o he_o there_o remain_v then_o no_o more_o then_o to_o know_v the_o spirit_n and_o disposition_n where_o with_o we_o must_v receive_v and_o bear_v suffering_n we_o have_v say_v that_o the_o 2_o d._n disposition_n necessary_a to_o a_o perfect_a christian_a to_o live_v faithful_o in_o the_o adversity_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v to_o bear_v they_o in_o a_o christian_a way_n and_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n now_o we_o suffer_v in_o christian_n way_n when_o we_o suffer_v what_o befall_v we_o as_o a_o order_n of_o god_n and_o as_o a_o estate_n prepare_v for_o christian_n and_o by_o which_o god_n will_v conduct_v we_o to_o the_o heritage_n of_o christian_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o disposition_n we_o make_v no_o reflection_n at_o all_o on_o our_o suffering_n nor_o upon_o the_o estate_n and_o overturning_n wherein_o we_o be_v our_o spirit_n only_o remain_v settle_v and_o fasten_v upon_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o truth_n i_o be_o a_o christian_n and_o as_o such_o i_o belong_v to_o jesus_n christ_n who_o put_v i_o into_o what_o estate_n he_o please_v and_o because_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o do_v his_o good_a pleasure_n i_o will_v have_v no_o other_o thought_n then_o to_o resign_v myself_o to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o do_v with_o i_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n by_o adhere_v to_o this_o truth_n by_o this_o disposition_n and_o interior_a estate_n the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o member_n be_v to_o their_o head_n and_o she_o remain_v subject_a to_o his_o conduct_n without_o further_a care_n or_o thought_n then_o that_o she_o be_v god_n because_o god_n will_v it_o herein_o consist_v the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o perfect_a christian._n this_o disposition_n be_v pure_a and_o simple_a and_o produce_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o perfect_a peace_n calm_a and_o repose_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o that_o the_o suffering_n humiliation_n and_o contempt_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o christian_a soul_n as_o thing_n create_v have_v no_o repose_n but_o in_o their_o centre_n so_o the_o perfect_a christian_n can_v have_v the_o true_a repose_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o in_o suffering_n and_o in_o this_o disposition_n they_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o christianity_n because_o the_o eternal_a word_n be_v please_v to_o place_v his_o estate_n and_o whole_a life_n in_o humiliation_n he_o be_v bear_v in_o poverty_n he_o live_v in_o contempt_n he_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n all_o the_o passage_n of_o his_o way-faring_a life_n be_v in_o continual_a suffering_n and_o lowness_n and_o also_o when_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o divinity_n he_o entertain_v thought_n of_o the_o cross_n he_o consent_v to_o death_n and_o prepare_v himself_o for_o suffering_n when_o that_o from_o all_o eternity_n he_o resolve_v to_o be_v make_v man_n and_o to_o invest_v himself_o with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n so_o true_a be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v in_o suffering_n and_o lowness_n this_o also_o the_o centre_n repose_n and_o life_n of_o a_o perfect_a christian_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o estate_n and_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o estate_n be_v contain_v in_o adversity_n in_o lowness_n and_o in_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o cross_n it_o
a_o spiritual_a treasure_n contain_v our_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o the_o virtue_n necessary_a to_o a_o perfect_a christian._n author_n write_v in_o french_a by_o john_n quarre_n english_v by_o sir_n thomas_z stanley_z kt._n the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v by_o t._n r._n for_o thomas_n dring_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n near_o saint_n dunstan_n church_n 1664._o to_z the_o lady_z stanley_z madam_n what_o you_o here_o receive_v be_v due_a only_a to_o yourself_o it_o be_v the_o product_n of_o that_o contemplative_a retirement_n to_o which_o my_o dear_a father_n resign_v the_o two_o late_a year_n of_o his_o life_n the_o author_n be_v high_o esteem_v in_o his_o own_o country_n and_o have_v meet_v with_o so_o good_a reception_n in_o we_o also_o that_o he_o already_o see_v a_o second_o impression_n which_o in_o this_o age_n not_o a_o little_a commend_v a_o treatise_n of_o this_o nature_n upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o be_v solicit_v by_o the_o stationer_n to_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n by_o who_o it_o have_v be_v so_o kind_o entertain_v with_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o be_v indebt_v for_o the_o english_a edition_n and_o have_v herein_o satisfy_v the_o importunity_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o curiosity_n of_o the_o other_o it_o rest_v only_o i_o present_v it_o to_o your_o ladyship_n together_o with_o the_o humble_a duty_n of_o madam_n your_o ladyship_n obedient_a son_n thomas_z stanley_z preface_n under_o the_o name_n of_o sprirituall_a treasure_n behold_v the_o image_n of_o a_o perfect_a christian_a which_o i_o here_o present_v thou_o devout_a reader_n it_o have_v take_v the_o name_n of_o treasure_n because_o it_o contain_v as_o in_o a_o hide_a mine_n the_o high_a divine_a truth_n of_o christian_a piety_n it_o be_v a_o pourtract_n of_o perfection_n the_o image_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a or_o all_o which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n and_o those_o which_o i_o propose_v to_o you_o in_o this_o treasure_n represent_v a_o lively_a image_n of_o that_o perfection_n whereto_o we_o be_v call_v and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n conduct_v perhaps_o you_o may_v remember_v that_o this_o book_n have_v heretofore_o appear_v under_o the_o same_o name_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o another_o design_n for_o than_o it_o treat_v only_o of_o some_o particular_a virtue_n such_o only_a as_o serve_v to_o subject_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o guidance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n it_o have_v then_o no_o other_o object_n but_o the_o resignation_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o will_n and_o work_v of_o the_o creator_n now_o it_o be_v universal_a and_o withdraw_v from_o a_o limit_a subject_n speak_v in_o general_a explain_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o describe_v the_o principal_a virtue_n necessary_a for_o a_o perfect_a christian._n as_o for_o the_o stile_n it_o be_v concise_a confine_v itself_o to_o the_o truth_n which_o it_o expose_v the_o most_o plain_o that_o may_v be_v despise_v all_o ornament_n of_o word_n since_o truth_n have_v so_o much_o lustre_n of_o itself_o as_o she_o need_v not_o borrow_v of_o other_o the_o world_n perhaps_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o it_o or_o suffer_v it_o to_o speak_v will_v not_o understand_v it_o for_o its_o doctrine_n be_v too_o divine_a its_o principle_n too_o high_a that_o which_o it_o propose_v be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o world_n profess_v and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o many_o will_v dispute_v it_o consider_v that_o falsehood_n and_o malice_n have_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o great_a part_n as_o love_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n and_o unwilling_a to_o consent_v to_o truth_n we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n so_o corrupt_a that_o even_a christian_n many_o time_n fear_v to_o be_v good_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v persecute_v and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o appear_v virtuous_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v deride_v hardly_o can_v it_o promise_v itself_o a_o better_a reception_n among_o they_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o piety_n for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o seek_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o most_o holy_a thing_n self-love_n have_v such_o absolute_a power_n over_o soul_n that_o they_o flatter_v themselves_o in_o every_o thing_n believe_v all_o to_o be_v good_a which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n seem_a devotion_n have_v so_o much_o applause_n among_o man_n that_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o persuade_v the_o contrary_n so_o that_o our_o perfect_a christian_a who_o speak_v here_o pure_o of_o truth_n and_o true_o of_o piety_n can_v easy_o avoid_v the_o various_a censure_n of_o man_n for_o as_o he_o speak_v christianly_o for_o his_o stile_n be_v in_o the_o spirit_n so_o he_o condemn_v free_o all_o that_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o god_n in_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o may_v appear_v strange_a and_o those_o who_o confide_v too_o much_o in_o themselves_o esteem_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o action_n will_v soon_o condemn_v this_o manner_n of_o discourse_n but_o what_o remedy_n shall_v we_o therefore_o injure_v truth_n no_o she_o will_v appear_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o world_n and_o although_o she_o may_v meet_v with_o spirit_n little_a capable_a to_o receive_v she_o yet_o it_o be_v always_o good_a to_o expose_v the_o image_n to_o the_o view_n even_o of_o her_o great_a enemy_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o will_v be_v force_v see_v she_o to_o confess_v they_o have_v no_o virtue_n that_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o night_n of_o untruth_n and_o perhaps_o they_o will_v apprehend_v their_o own_o misery_n and_o be_v afraid_a to_o loose_v themselves_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o think_v themselves_o already_o arrive_v at_o the_o high_a point_n of_o perfection_n flatter_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o esteem_n when_o they_o shall_v here_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n the_o purity_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o admire_v the_o design_n of_o god_n upon_o soul_n and_o see_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o perfect_a christian_a they_o will_v open_v those_o eye_n which_o self-love_n have_v bewitch_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o their_o action_n come_v far_o short_a of_o their_o own_o esteem_n of_o they_o and_o then_o humble_v themselves_o even_o to_o the_o centre_n of_o their_o nothing_o they_o will_v resolve_v to_o seek_v god_n to_o serve_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n after_o a_o manner_n worthy_a of_o god_n however_o they_o who_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v this_o little_a work_n will_v see_v that_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o to_o their_o great_a mischief_n and_o will_v learn_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o small_a matter_n to_o gain_v heaven_n for_o to_o such_o only_o be_v paradise_n open_a and_o that_o there_o be_v require_v more_o purity_n and_o virtue_n than_o we_o ordinary_o propose_v for_o if_o the_o life_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a be_v a_o life_n of_o god_n in_o man_n if_o true_a perfection_n be_v a_o amorous_a possession_n of_o god_n what_o purity_n what_o virtue_n must_v there_o be_v in_o he_o who_o will_v possess_v so_o rich_a a_o treasure_n &_o pretend_v to_o a_o estate_n of_o divine_a this_o be_v a_o point_n you_o must_v consider_v of_o friendly_a reader_n as_o be_v that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o your_o action_n for_o if_o you_o will_v open_v your_o eye_n to_o see_v what_o god_n require_v of_o you_o if_o you_o will_v rest_v your_o thought_n upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n you_o will_v learn_v that_o your_o heart_n must_v be_v the_o throne_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n who_o will_v establish_v his_o kingdom_n therein_o your_o soul_n a_o heaven_n where_o god_n will_v glorify_v himself_o your_o life_n the_o life_n of_o god_n who_o live_v in_o you_o that_o you_o may_v reign_v with_o he_o to_o conclude_v you_o shall_v know_v that_o you_o be_v only_o in_o the_o world_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o do_v his_o will_n in_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o spirit_n always_o holy_a be_v not_o this_o a_o affair_n of_o great_a importance_n if_o for_o your_o satisfaction_n and_o profit_n you_o desire_v to_o comprehend_v what_o i_o say_v and_o to_o know_v the_o motive_n and_o obligation_n that_o you_o have_v to_o love_v and_o serve_v god_n perfect_o read_v the_o two_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n the_o three_o and_o four_o show_v you_o the_o way_n you_o must_v keep_v and_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o live_v a_o good_a christian_a the_o last_o give_v you_o a_o pattern_n of_o true_a piety_n read_v and_o you_o shall_v learn_v how_o to_o be_v a_o good_a christian._n a_o table_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n treat_v of_o in_o this_o book_n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a prerogative_n whereunto_o man_n be_v
true_a piety_n be_v oblige_v to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ._n 481_o chap._n xiii_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o have_v be_v propose_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 489_o chap._n fourteen_o of_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n happen_v in_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n 498_o chap._n xv._n in_o what_o disposition_n the_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v that_o he_o yield_v not_o to_o such_o temptation_n as_o occur_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n 507_o chap._n xvi_o of_o temptation_n and_o the_o advantage_n a_o christian_n ought_v to_o make_v of_o they_o 512_o chap._n xvii_o of_o resignation_n in_o temptation_n 519_o chap._n xviii_o divers_a uses_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o temptation_n 525_o the_o end_n spiritual_a treasure_n the_o first_o part._n of_o the_o divine_a prerogative_n whereunto_o man_n be_v raise_v by_o the_o state_n and_o grace_n of_o christianity_n the_o first_o prerogative_n chap._n i._n how_o by_o baptism_n man_n be_v appropriate_v to_o god_n and_o consecrate_v by_o the_o bless_a trinity_n be_v you_o perfect_a 5.48_o even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a these_o be_v holy_a word_n word_n of_o truth_n pronunce_v by_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n word_n that_o import_v the_o beginning_n and_o eminency_n of_o the_o estate_n which_o we_o be_v to_o attain_v word_n worthy_a to_o be_v engrave_v not_o upon_o the_o front_n of_o our_o house_n as_o a_o celebrious_a sentence_n of_o the_o ancient_n nor_o print_v in_o our_o forehead_n in_o great_a character_n like_o the_o law_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o in_o the_o centre_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o bottom_n of_o our_o spirit_n for_o in_o these_o divine_a word_n we_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o table_n bring_v from_o heaven_n what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v we_o see_v that_o we_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n by_o creation_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v his_o resemblance_n by_o sanctification_n our_o soul_n bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v capable_a of_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v a_o essence_n so_o noble_a and_o divine_a that_o nothing_o can_v satisfy_v nothing_o can_v fill_v she_o but_o a_o infinite_a essence_n beside_o we_o learn_v that_o our_o soul_n be_v call_v to_o the_o resemblance_n of_o god_n nothing_o can_v ennoble_v she_o nothing_o can_v perfect_v she_o but_o the_o greatness_n and_o very_a perfection_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o to_o this_o it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n invite_v we_o when_o he_o say_v be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a this_o only_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o little_a work_n i_o will_v to_o god_n that_o they_o who_o be_v transport_v with_o the_o wonder_n in_o nature_n who_o can_v admire_v her_o greatness_n rare_a variety_n and_o perfection_n who_o willing_o confine_v themselves_o to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o earth_n of_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o the_o admirable_a secret_a property_n of_o every_o thing_n will_v turn_v back_o their_o sight_n into_o themselves_o to_o take_v notice_n what_o they_o be_v and_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o contemplate_v the_o singular_a perfection_n enclose_v within_o their_o own_o soul_n the_o greatness_n whereto_o god_n will_v raise_v they_o and_o eminency_n of_o that_o state_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v if_o other_o creature_n be_v object_n able_a to_o ravish_v our_o spirit_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o contemplation_n and_o admiration_n with_o how_o much_o more_o reason_n ought_v we_o to_o employ_v ourselves_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v if_o virtue_n say_v plato_n be_v so_o beautiful_a as_o that_o her_o lustre_n be_v able_a to_o transform_v our_o heart_n and_o force_v we_o to_o love_v she_o what_o then_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o which_o virtue_n be_v but_o the_o ornament_n o_o soul_n say_v one_o of_o the_o father_n thou_o love_v the_o world_n yet_o thou_o thyself_o art_n of_o more_o value_n than_o all_o the_o world_n thou_o admire_v the_o sun_n and_o yet_o art_n more_o beautiful_a than_o all_o the_o star_n thou_o do_v contemplate_v heaven_n yet_o be_v exalt_v above_o the_o firmament_n thy_o god_n only_o be_v above_o thou_o all_o creature_n be_v under_o thy_o foot_n let_v we_o begin_v to_o prepare_v our_o heart_n to_o these_o thought_n let_v we_o call_v back_o our_o distract_a spirit_n from_o so_o many_o object_n let_v we_o withdraw_v our_o wander_a eye_n from_o so_o many_o curiosity_n and_o undeceive_v our_o heart_n charm_v by_o so_o many_o vanity_n that_o we_o may_v apply_v or_o self_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o this_o knowledge_n for_o in_o be_v ignorant_a of_o these_o truth_n man_n be_v estrange_v from_o god_n and_o himself_o serve_v the_o creature_n who_o be_v make_v to_o serve_v he_o make_v his_o vanity_n a_o ornament_n and_o advance_v above_o himself_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v under_o his_o foot_n and_o far_o lose_v himself_o in_o the_o curious_a pursuit_n of_o creature_n or_o pernicious_a affection_n to_o the_o world_n he_o no_o more_o think_v of_o himself_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o seem_v no_o long_a to_o know_v his_o god_n hence_o spring_v all_o evil_n which_o overflow_v the_o earth_n all_o vice_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n nor_o be_v it_o strange_a for_o how_o can_v a_o christian_n serve_v his_o god_n if_o he_o esteem_v not_o his_o greatness_n and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o divine_a adorable_a perfection_n and_o how_o shall_v he_o know_v they_o if_o he_o seldom_o or_o never_o consider_v they_o beside_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o render_v unto_o god_n what_o he_o ought_v and_o to_o live_v as_o god_n require_v if_o he_o take_v no_o time_n to_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o if_o he_o know_v not_o what_o he_o be_v whence_o he_o come_v whither_o he_o go_v how_o he_o live_v in_o this_o it_o be_v he_o ought_v to_o employ_v his_o thought_n and_o time_n the_o high_a employment_n of_o man_n say_v heraclitus_n be_v to_o seek_v himself_o and_o we_o say_v the_o most_o necessary_a yet_o we_o be_v not_o with_o democritus_n to_o put_v out_o our_o eye_n and_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o creature_n thereby_o with_o more_o ease_n and_o attention_n to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o this_o high_a philosophy_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o we_o need_v not_o go_v to_o such_o a_o extremity_n on_o the_o contrary_a let_v we_o preserve_v our_o eye_n and_o attention_n to_o contemplate_v at_o leisure_n the_o image_n which_o i_o be_o go_v to_o describe_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v the_o pourtracture_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a in_o which_o shall_v be_v draw_v in_o lively_a colour_n the_o christian_a virtue_n and_o represent_v the_o disposition_n action_n and_o piety_n wherein_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o live_v to_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n be_v proportionable_a to_o this_o subject_n he_o that_o will_v make_v a_o man_n to_o see_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v must_v draw_v his_o picture_n that_o he_o may_v see_v and_o contemplate_v himself_o therein_o the_o soul_n like_o the_o eye_n see_v all_o thing_n yet_o not_o itself_o unless_o by_o reflection_n to_o make_v she_o know_v herself_o a_o glass_n must_v be_v set_v before_o she_o wherein_o be_v represent_v the_o true_a beauty_n of_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n her_o obligation_n to_o perfection_n her_o capacity_n to_o possess_v god_n that_o consider_v all_o these_o she_o may_v see_v what_o she_o be_v and_o what_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o she_o god_n thus_o see_v herself_o she_o know_v herself_o know_v her_o helf_n she_o esteem_v according_o of_o she_o own_o be_v life_n and_o condition_n and_o by_o these_o degree_n arrive_v to_o this_o esteem_n she_o faithful_o endeavour_v to_o render_v god_n the_o honour_n love_n and_o service_n due_a to_o he_o careful_a to_o lead_v a_o life_n suitable_a to_o the_o condition_n and_o dignity_n whereto_o god_n have_v call_v she_o to_o represent_v to_o the_o life_n so_o great_a perfection_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v what_o the_o soul_n be_v before_o god_n to_o who_o she_o be_v call_v and_o may_v arrive_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o a_o supernatural_a power_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o essence_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o mystery_n wrought_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o what_o he_o have_v accomplish_v in_o heaven_n because_o they_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o source_n of_o all_o grace_n wherewith_o we_o be_v enrich_v they_o make_v we_o know_v what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o what_o he_o will_v operate_v in_o we_o and_o by_o we_o these_o than_o we_o must_v propose_v behold_v three_o which_o we_o
we_o with_o his_o gift_n that_o by_o all_o these_o endearment_n and_o singular_a favour_n he_o may_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o creature_n and_o reduce_v we_o to_o a_o divine_a society_n and_o communication_n with_o he_o let_v we_o consider_v these_o two_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o love_n mystery_n which_o give_v god_n to_o we_o and_o cause_v we_o to_o dwell_v with_o god_n the_o last_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n a_o mystery_n of_o love_n a_o eternal_a mystery_n for_o god_n shall_v be_v man_n and_o man_n god_n for_o ever_o a_o mystery_n cause_v god_n to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o man_n the_o life_n of_o god_n which_o between_o god_n and_o man_n effect_n a_o union_n and_o society_n so_o divine_a and_o intimate_v that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n more_o holy_a nor_o desire_v any_o more_o intimate_v since_o it_o be_v substantial_a and_o personal_a and_o shall_v subsist_v eternal_o enter_v further_o into_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o mystery_n we_o shall_v see_v evident_a sign_n of_o this_o holy_a communion_n god_n make_v here_o a_o new_a world_n as_o the_o scripture_n call_v it_o a_o world_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o holiness_n a_o world_n which_o he_o govern_v by_o a_o new_a conduct_n and_o providence_n for_o whereas_o before_o god_n confine_v himself_o within_o himself_o speak_v not_o to_o the_o world_n but_o by_o his_o prophet_n now_o by_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o mystery_n he_o come_v out_o of_o himself_o speak_v to_o we_o and_o instruct_v we_o by_o his_o son_n four_o thousand_o year_n he_o guide_v the_o world_n and_o his_o church_n only_o by_o his_o angel_n the_o interpreter_n and_o oracle_n of_o his_o divine_a will_n now_o jesus_n guide_v his_o church_n by_o himself_o he_o infuse_v holy_a motion_n into_o our_o soul_n by_o his_o spirit_n always_o holy_a he_o govern_v all_o be_v present_a with_o all_o and_o be_v find_v by_o all_o what_o presence_n or_o commerce_n with_o god_n will_v you_o desire_v great_a what_o great_a society_n then_o that_o of_o the_o word_n by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n to_o know_v it_o more_o particular_o consider_v these_o circumstance_n first_o in_o this_o mystery_n god_n live_v the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o man_n the_o life_n of_o god_n a_o life_n of_o society_n a_o life_n humane_o divine_a and_o divine_o humane_a for_o jesus_n be_v god_n and_o man_n in_o jesus_n we_o adore_v and_o acknowledge_v two_o life_n one_o of_o god_n in_o man_n another_o of_o man_n in_o god_n second_o by_o this_o ineffable_a union_n god_n communicate_v himself_o to_o man_n and_o by_o this_o communication_n appropriate_v to_o himself_o all_o that_o be_v of_o man_n with_o such_o wonderful_a wisdom_n that_o not_o dishonour_v his_o divine_a greatness_n he_o take_v upon_o he_o all_o the_o lowness_n of_o man_n and_o subject_n himself_o so_o real_o to_o our_o infirmity_n that_o we_o say_v god_n be_v dead_a god_n be_v bear_v etc._n etc._n and_o man_n by_o a_o happy_a exchange_n be_v lift_v up_o to_o all_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n enthrone_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n where_o he_o eternal_o enjoy_v the_o proper_a glory_n of_o god_n let_v every_o tongue_n confess_v that_o in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o that_o hypostatical_a union_n accomplish_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n man_n enjoy_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n his_o greatness_n light_n and_o life_n three_o as_o for_o the_o life_n and_o divine_a mystery_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o see_v he_o present_v it_o to_o we_o the_o space_n of_o thirty_o three_o year_n converse_v with_o we_o as_o one_o of_o we_o be_v a_o infant_n in_o his_o first_o appear_v labour_v in_o his_o youth_n do_v live_v and_o eat_v with_o sinner_n in_o his_o wayfaring_a life_n he_o disdain_v not_o to_o succour_v the_o infirm_a in_o his_o miraculous_a life_n in_o a_o word_n he_o resign_v himself_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o sinner_n a_o sacrifice_n and_o be_v offer_v a_o holy_a offering_n on_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n o_o wonderful_a he_o die_v between_o two_o thief_n in_o the_o company_n of_o man_n so_o much_o please_v with_o the_o society_n and_o commerce_n of_o man_n what_o religion_n ever_o have_v the_o presence_n of_o its_o god_n so_o visible_a what_o be_v be_v ever_o advance_v to_o so_o great_a a_o honour_n to_o none_o but_o the_o christian_a be_v this_o great_a favour_n grant_v a_o commerce_n so_o sacred_a that_o it_o make_v man_n god_n and_o god_n man_n by_o the_o ineffable_a mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n god_n unite_v the_o earth_n to_o heaven_n and_o heaven_n to_o earth_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n john_n 1.14_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o all_o nature_n rejoice_v at_o this_o happiness_n st._n john_n transport_v with_o love_n and_o joy_n represent_v to_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o benefit_n say_v 1.1_o it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n that_o we_o have_v hear_v that_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v on_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v so_o true_a be_v it_o that_o god_n by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n be_v with_o we_o and_o converse_v among_o we_o after_o a_o society_n whole_o divine_a and_o only_o proper_a to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian._n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o use_n christian_n ought_v to_o make_v of_o grace_n proceed_v from_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n in_o pursuit_n of_o these_o propose_a truth_n what_o may_v we_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o god_n but_o that_o his_o will_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v enter_v into_o a_o holy_a and_o divine_a society_n with_o he_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v separate_v ourselves_o from_o all_o that_o may_v hinder_v or_o profane_v this_o holy_a conversation_n with_o he_o since_o that_o jesus_n christ_n think_v of_o we_o converse_v with_o we_o by_o his_o divine_a mystery_n unite_v himself_o unto_o we_o and_o abase_v himself_o to_o be_v as_o one_o of_o we_o to_o be_v among_o we_o we_o ought_v likewise_o to_o think_v of_o none_o but_o he_o to_o love_v none_o but_o he_o to_o converse_v with_o none_o but_o he_o and_o like_o the_o apostle_n dwell_v upon_o earth_n to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n 3.20_o justin_n martyr_n show_v what_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v sai_z christian_n be_v in_o the_o body_n but_o they_o live_v not_o according_a to_o the_o body_n they_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n but_o their_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n this_o god_n require_v of_o we_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v the_o use_n we_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n flow_v from_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n but_o alas_o it_o be_v pity_n that_o jesus_n be_v now_o reveal_v unto_o we_o live_v with_o we_o and_o among_o we_o we_o apply_v thereto_o so_o little_a of_o ourselves_o of_o our_o thought_n and_o of_o our_o love_n and_o busy_v ourselves_o in_o thing_n so_o small_a profane_a and_o mean_a even_o such_o as_o be_v unworthy_a of_o man_n let_v we_o do_v like_o he_o love_n make_v he_o forget_v himself_o to_o converse_v with_o we_o let_v we_o come_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o forget_v all_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v raise_v ourselves_o to_o he_o that_o all_o our_o content_n may_v be_v in_o he_o moreover_o the_o state_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o this_o mystery_n oblige_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a see_v jesus_n christ_n with_o who_o we_o converse_v be_v holy_a the_o apostle_n say_v 1.15_o as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v you_o be_v holy_a be_v you_o also_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n speak_v walk_a work_a and_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v he_o that_o live_v after_o any_o other_o manner_n say_v st._n cyprian_n then_o holy_o dishonour_v the_o title_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o jesus_n christ._n let_v such_o as_o believe_v not_o sanctity_n necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o live_v include_v in_o cloister_n consider_v these_o word_n we_o see_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n enter_v into_o commerce_n and_o society_n with_o we_o dwell_v with_o we_o be_v clothe_v with_o our_o humanity_n god_n be_v make_v man_n that_o man_n may_v be_v make_v god_n 6._o not_o by_o simple_a denomination_n as_o god_n say_v to_o moses_n i_o have_v make_v thou_o a_o god_n to_o pharaoh_n and_o king_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v style_v god_n but_o real_o and_o by_o a_o be_v which_o deify_v they_o for_o as_o they_o be_v true_a child_n of_o god_n by_o grace_n and_o as_o true_o child_n by_o grace_n as_o christ_n be_v
of_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o the_o favour_n wherewith_o the_o powerful_a hand_n of_o the_o divinity_n have_v so_o liberal_o enrich_v he_o and_o degrade_v he_o of_o all_o honour_n and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o condition_n of_o meanness_n impotence_n and_o error_n this_o goodly_a spirit_n of_o man_n or_o rather_o this_o man_n all_o spirit_n be_v now_o nothing_o but_o flesh_n this_o beautiful_a soul_n which_o breathe_v for_o nothing_o but_o heaven_n entertain_v itself_o so_o delicious_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o infallible_a truth_n and_o be_v enrich_v with_o contemplation_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n as_o with_o divine_a dew_n and_o heavenly_a manna_n after_o so_o deplorable_a a_o fall_n obstinate_o link_n himself_o to_o the_o perishable_a good_n of_o this_o world_n believe_v in_o lie_n seek_v after_o vanity_n and_o can_v no_o more_o elevate_v himself_o to_o god_n so_o miserable_a and_o impotent_a have_v sin_n make_v he_o o_o unhappiness_n which_o can_v sufficient_o be_v bewail_v man_n who_o by_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o creation_n have_v eye_n to_o contemplate_v only_o his_o creator_n and_o convert_v himself_o whole_o to_o he_o have_v no_o heart_n but_o to_o love_v he_o no_o spirit_n but_o to_o adhere_v to_o he_o after_o so_o fatal_a a_o cast_n whole_o turn_v away_o from_o god_n regard_v nothing_o but_o himself_o be_v whole_o convert_v to_o the_o creature_n live_v as_o a_o beast_n only_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o like_o a_o beast_n without_o judgement_n the_o apostle_n go_v further_a for_o describe_v the_o estate_n whereto_o the_o sinner_n be_v reduce_v he_o declare_v he_o uncapable_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n say_v he_o receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v hence_o i_o doubt_v lest_o the_o way_n i_o intend_v to_o propose_v which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n appear_v too_o high_a or_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o our_o spirit_n i_o confess_v they_o be_v so_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n impotency_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o contrary_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o relieve_v man_n after_o his_o fall_n to_o restore_v he_o those_o gift_n with_o advantage_n which_o he_o lose_v to_o render_v he_o capable_a of_o god_n in_o brief_a he_o be_v make_v man_n to_o teach_v man_n the_o true_a way_n to_o love_n and_o serve_v god_n he_o give_v the_o power_n have_v settle_v in_o his_o church_n a_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o grace_n whence_o all_o soul_n may_v draw_v strength_n in_o their_o weakness_n succour_n in_o their_o necessity_n and_o ability_n in_o the_o very_a impotency_n of_o their_o nature_n here_o of_o jesus_n man_n and_o god_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v the_o way_n to_o love_v and_o adore_v and_o to_o serve_v god_n from_o he_o we_o must_v have_v the_o grace_n to_o do_v it_o we_o must_v in_o and_o by_o jesus_n operate_v above_o our_o strength_n above_o our_o be_v and_o natural_a power_n and_o nothing_o aught_o to_o seem_v difficult_a to_o we_o or_o impossible_a for_o he_o see_v he_o give_v we_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n in_o abundance_n to_o accomplish_v it_o to_o believe_v this_o we_o must_v look_v back_o upon_o the_o design_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o profusion_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o leisurely_o examine_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n what_o he_o will_v operate_v in_o we_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o divine_a communication_n at_o the_o first_o view_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o grace_n draw_v from_o we_o our_o impotency_n advance_v we_o above_o our_o nature_n give_v we_o a_o new_a be_v a_o new_a life_n a_o life_n entire_a and_o whole_o hide_v in_o god_n a_o life_n proper_a to_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n according_a to_o which_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o live_v the_o son_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o the_o samaritan_n and_o in_o she_o to_o all_o the_o faithful_a make_v a_o discourse_n hereof_o worthy_a to_o be_v consider_v express_v a_o intention_n to_o establish_v his_o church_n 4.23_o the_o hour_n shall_v come_v say_v he_o and_o now_o be_v wherein_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o the_o reason_n he_o add_v god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o 24._o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n what_o more_o powerful_a and_o clear_a testimony_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o try_v and_o elect_v soul_n that_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n if_o he_o himself_o do_v choose_v they_o and_o call_v they_o to_o this_o new_a life_n be_v it_o not_o necessary_a that_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o election_n he_o give_v they_o grace_v necessary_a to_o arrive_v at_o such_o a_o estate_n let_v we_o consider_v this_o passage_n and_o ponder_v all_o the_o word_n of_o it_o 1._o jesus_n christ_n show_v we_o that_o our_o life_n must_v be_v holy_a and_o sever_v from_o the_o creature_n see_v that_o we_o must_v serve_v god_n in_o truth_n without_o amuse_v ourselves_o with_o the_o vanity_n and_o thing_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o lie_v in_o truth_n that_o be_v to_o say_v conformable_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n and_o to_o that_o principle_n whence_o the_o soul_n take_v power_n to_o serve_v god_n the_o grace_n spirit_n and_o disposition_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n we_o learn_v further_o that_o if_o perfection_n of_o this_o life_n be_v inward_a pure_a holy_a and_o absolute_o divine_a see_v it_o be_v and_o subsist_v in_o the_o adoration_n of_o god_n who_o as_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n pure_a and_o holy_a will_v be_v serve_v and_o adore_v in_o spirit_n 2._o jesus_n christ_n teach_v that_o we_o must_v wait_v upon_o he_o for_o this_o grace_n necessary_a to_o accomplish_v his_o command_n who_o require_v of_o we_o a_o life_n so_o pure_a and_o perfect_a oblige_v himself_o to_o give_v we_o necessary_a grace_n to_o arrive_v unto_o it_o since_o that_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o that_o which_o he_o teach_v in_o brief_a we_o see_v how_o much_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o require_v this_o grace_n to_o search_v after_o it_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o unto_o it_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o become_v worthy_a of_o it_o we_o must_v not_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o important_a as_o this_o of_o our_o salvation_n demur_v in_o consideration_n of_o our_o impotency_n or_o experience_n of_o our_o own_o incapacity_n but_o raise_v ourselves_o above_o ourselves_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v hope_v in_o he_o who_o command_v nothing_o impossible_a who_o give_v grace_n abundant_o to_o accomplish_v what_o he_o demand_v these_o be_v the_o first_o disposition_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o which_o those_o soul_n that_o have_v any_o desire_n to_o live_v christianly_o ought_v first_o of_o all_o to_o learn_v but_o it_o happen_v quite_o contrary_a the_o understanding_n of_o man_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o they_o desire_v not_o these_o internal_a solid_a virtue_n nor_o require_v they_o of_o god_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o many_o think_v it_o unnecessary_a to_o possess_v they_o and_o that_o such_o a_o life_n as_o we_o call_v interior_a be_v for_o few_o person_n as_o if_o jesus_n christ_n speak_v to_o the_o samaritan_n have_v speak_v only_o to_o she_o and_o not_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n other_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o attain_v they_o as_o not_o believe_v the_o apostle_n who_o say_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n which_o strengthen_v i_o 4.13_o a_o manifest_a error_n wherein_o many_o lose_v themselves_o in_o not_o sufficient_o consider_v what_o they_o daily_o see_v by_o common_a experience_n set_v before_o their_o eye_n if_o weak_a woman_n virgin_n and_o child_n have_v have_v strength_n sufficient_a notwithstanding_o their_o young_a and_o tender_a body_n to_o embrace_v torture_n almost_o insupportable_a and_o have_v by_o grace_n be_v strengthen_v to_o overcome_v those_o difficulty_n why_o shall_v not_o we_o believe_v also_o that_o abandon_v ourselves_o to_o the_o power_n and_o conduct_v of_o grace_n and_o become_v faithful_a to_o the_o design_n of_o god_n we_o may_v have_v sufficient_a grace_n and_o capacity_n to_o acquire_v these_o virtue_n if_o by_o the_o help_n of_o grace_n they_o can_v attain_v strength_n of_o body_n to_o support_v the_o rigour_n of_o a_o penitent_a life_n wherefore_o by_o favour_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n may_v not_o we_o arrive_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o true_a virtue_n wherein_o a_o
to_o such_o a_o point_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v make_v man_n that_o god_n immortal_a shall_v be_v clothe_v with_o our_o mortality_n to_o purchase_v for_o we_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o death_n a_o power_n to_o serve_v he_o to_o merit_v for_o we_o by_o his_o life_n and_o suffering_n the_o grace_n necessary_a for_o we_o to_o produce_v good_a thought_n to_o obtain_v for_o we_o permission_n to_o present_v ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o before_o he_o to_o reinstate_v we_o with_o a_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o trust_v in_o his_o grace_n man_n as_o a_o sinner_n be_v so_o unprofitable_a and_o uncapable_a that_o without_o god_n particular_a grace_n without_o a_o effect_n of_o his_o divine_a mercy_n he_o can_v do_v no_o good_a work_n nor_o hope_v for_o any_o blessing_n or_o favour_n and_o if_o he_o receive_v any_o if_o he_o find_v himself_o replenish_v with_o love_n and_o hope_n or_o capable_a of_o any_o good_a it_o be_v only_o by_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n who_o though_o just_o provoke_v stay_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o justice_n that_o we_o may_v taste_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o inexhaustible_a goodness_n consider_v these_o motive_n and_o truth_n let_v we_o stand_v here_o before_o god_n as_o guilty_a of_o divinae_fw-la magistatis_fw-la laesae_fw-la let_v we_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o sinner_n and_o we_o shall_v clear_o see_v that_o by_o this_o estate_n we_o be_v leave_v to_o god_n justice_n that_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n leave_v ourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o divine_a will_n for_o if_o for_o civil_a crime_n man_n worthy_a of_o death_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o law_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o will_n of_o their_o prince_n who_o will_v dispose_v of_o their_o life_n and_o good_n as_o please_v he_o certain_o man_n as_o a_o sinner_n worthy_a of_o death_n aught_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o god_n to_o do_v with_o he_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o his_o justice_n or_o effect_n of_o his_o mercy_n this_o be_v the_o first_o practic_n to_o be_v learn_v from_o this_o motive_n for_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o truth_n aught_o to_o do_v that_o in_o love_n humility_z and_o choice_n which_o she_o can_v avoid_v upon_o constraint_n a_o christian_a as_o the_o child_n of_o adam_n and_o so_o a_o sinner_n must_v put_v himself_o before_o god_n resign_v himself_o whole_o to_o he_o and_o with_o a_o humble_a submission_n and_o contentment_n of_o spirit_n receive_v from_o his_o most_o wise_a hand_n all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o divine_a conduct_n and_o accept_v with_o a_o resignation_n good_a and_o evil_a privation_n and_o enjoyment_n all_o that_o may_v happen_v unto_o he_o above_o all_o he_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o continue_v in_o a_o profound_a humility_n before_o god_n expose_v himself_o to_o the_o ray_n of_o his_o divine_a mercy_n to_o move_v he_o to_o pardon_v from_o this_o principle_n we_o draw_v a_o second_o practice_n see_v the_o need_n we_o have_v of_o god_n for_o consider_v ourselves_o to_o be_v so_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a we_o be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v a_o remedy_n for_o our_o evil_n now_o as_o this_o can_v be_v find_v but_o in_o god_n the_o repairer_n of_o our_o fault_n the_o free_a of_o our_o soul_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o iniquity_n which_o oppress_v we_o we_o be_v drive_v to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o god_n even_o by_o the_o same_o exigence_n whereunto_o sin_n have_v reduce_v we_o and_o be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v out_o god_n every_o way_n that_o man_n consider_v himself_o he_o find_v himself_o in_o a_o want_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o oblige_v to_o seek_v god_n as_o the_o only_a happiness_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o only_a remedy_n of_o his_o evil_n the_o better_a to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o by_o sin_n man_n be_v equal_o miserable_a in_o two_o consideration_n the_o rigour_n and_o violence_n of_o sin_n which_o oppress_v he_o and_o the_o evil_n and_o disorder_n whereinto_o sin_n precipitate_v he_o from_o which_o two_o state_n he_o can_v get_v but_o by_o possess_v of_o god_n for_o the_o first_o faith_n teach_v we_o that_o man_n can_v get_v out_o of_o sin_n do_v whatsoever_o he_o can_v if_o god_n himself_o come_v not_o to_o relieve_v and_o deliver_v he_o man_n of_o himself_o may_v lose_v himself_o may_v plunge_v himself_o may_v sell_v himself_o may_v enslave_v himself_o but_o he_o can_v free_v himself_o nor_o bestow_v himself_o but_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o give_v we_o his_o son_n to_o re-establish_a all_o thing_n in_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v now_o this_o re-establishment_n be_v do_v only_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o we_o give_v to_o we_o from_o whence_o we_o see_v that_o he_o that_o will_v avoid_v his_o misery_n and_o shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o sin_n must_v necessary_o possess_v god_n who_o only_o can_v free_v he_o hence_o we_o may_v observe_v what_o a_o work_n the_o conversion_n of_o a_o soul_n to_o god_n be_v and_o the_o free_n of_o a_o sinner_n by_o what_o way_n soever_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o man_n to_o apprehend_v proper_o the_o importance_n of_o this_o work_n of_o grace_n we_o must_v say_v that_o he_o that_o will_v be_v convert_v and_o deliver_v from_o sin_n must_v not_o only_o go_v out_o of_o his_o sin_n but_o must_v also_o possess_v god_n and_o consequent_o by_o the_o same_o motive_n that_o he_o desire_v to_o go_v out_o of_o his_o sin_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o dispose_v himself_o to_o possess_v god_n and_o to_o become_v worthy_a of_o so_o holy_a a_o heritage_n for_o to_o confess_v his_o sin_n to_o turn_v to_o god_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o possess_v god_n be_v all_o one_o thing_n wherein_o appear_v the_o need_n we_o have_v to_o seek_v god_n and_o how_o serious_o a_o christian_n ought_v to_o labour_v in_o a_o affair_n wherein_o his_o eternal_a safety_n do_v consist_v the_o second_o state_n of_o our_o misery_n do_v no_o less_o oblige_v we_o to_o seek_v god_n then_o the_o former_a for_o by_o the_o effect_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o tyranny_n it_o exercise_n over_o we_o we_o be_v continual_o toss_v about_o disorder_v make_v vagabond_n and_o precipitate_v from_o imperfection_n to_o imperfection_n from_o sin_n to_o sin_n from_o trouble_n to_o trouble_v this_o evil_n have_v no_o remedy_n what_o resolution_n soever_o the_o soul_n take_v what_o diligence_n soever_o it_o use_v what_o habit_n soever_o it_o assume_v it_o will_v never_o find_v calm_a rest_n or_o deliverance_n till_o it_o have_v find_v and_o possess_v god_n and_o be_v possess_v of_o he_o never_o shall_v she_o be_v in_o true_a liberty_n christian_a liberty_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n until_o she_o possess_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o to_o acquire_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o true_a liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n use_v a_o thousand_o practice_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o exercise_n peace_n and_o true_a christian_a liberty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n many_o thing_n indeed_o that_o we_o speak_v and_o do_v serve_v to_o lessen_v our_o trouble_n and_o thraldom_n but_o not_o one_o can_v give_v true_a liberty_n or_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n the_o reason_n be_v demonstrative_a nothing_o can_v have_v peace_n liberty_n and_o repose_v but_o in_o its_o proper_a centre_n god_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o soul_n therefore_o in_o god_n alone_o be_v her_o peace_n liberty_n and_o repose_v and_o as_o long_o as_o she_o be_v with_o god_n and_o possess_v he_o she_o be_v in_o liberty_n and_o repose_n no_o long_o whence_o we_o evident_o conclude_v that_o while_o the_o soul_n be_v separate_v from_o god_n she_o be_v tyrannize_v over_o by_o the_o malice_n of_o sin_n continual_o draw_v into_o circumstance_n term_n and_o subversion_n and_o soul_n that_o make_v show_v to_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o live_v in_o the_o purity_n of_o christianity_n if_o they_o seek_v not_o god_n pure_o and_o serious_o if_o he_o dwell_v not_o in_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n shall_v never_o live_v but_o in_o disquiet_n and_o in_o trouble_n in_o scruple_n and_o in_o panic_n terror_n for_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a maxim_n that_o man_n can_v never_o rest_v but_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n the_o contre_fw-fr of_o his_o soul._n in_o this_o we_o see_v the_o strict_a obligation_n that_o we_o have_v to_o seek_v god_n and_o to_o study_v christian_a perfection_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o resentment_n the_o desire_n and_o demand_v of_o the_o
mean_n to_o possess_v all_o christian_a virtue_n that_o virtue_n which_o we_o call_v christian_n be_v a_o hide_a treasure_n hide_v in_o god_n the_o very_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n 13.46_o be_v such_o it_o be_v the_o pearl_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o who_o will_v obtain_v heaven_n must_v seek_v and_o buy_v he_o must_v seek_v it_o in_o god_n with_o all_o diligence_n and_o buy_v it_o at_o the_o price_n of_o all_o the_o world_n nothing_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o true_a virtue_n which_o alone_o render_v we_o like_a to_o god_n and_o worthy_a of_o paradise_n all_o thing_n else_o be_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n amuzement_n of_o spirit_n and_o unprofitable_a travel_n of_o know_v and_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o the_o possession_n of_o so_o rich_a a_o treasure_n there_o be_v one_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o which_o though_o little_o consider_v and_o perhaps_o little_o know_v be_v most_o important_a without_o which_o all_o other_o be_v ineffectual_a this_o be_v the_o adherence_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o jesus_n christ_n this_o put_v we_o into_o possession_n of_o virtue_n he_o who_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n be_v one_o spirit_n with_o he_o possess_v he_o and_o in_o he_o all_o virtue_n to_o comprehend_v this_o truth_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o we_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v our_o all_o whence_o it_o follow_v he_o be_v our_o humility_n our_o love_n our_o patience_n our_o virtue_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v possess_v he_o shall_v possess_v all_o in_o he_o he_o be_v the_o foundation_n the_o treasure_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o soul_n 1.30_o he_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o say_v saint_n paul_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o redemption_n who_o then_o will_v have_v wisdom_n righteousness_n and_o other_o virtue_n let_v he_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n he_o that_o will_v acquire_v and_o possess_v perfection_n 3._o let_v he_o possess_v jesus_n for_o in_o he_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n the_o apostle_n explain_v this_o further_a 8.32_o say_v the_o eternal_a father_n give_v we_o his_o son_n and_o with_o he_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n by_o which_o word_n he_o not_o only_o imply_v that_o by_o his_o merit_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o for_o his_o love_n we_o have_v all_o but_o moreover_o that_o with_o jesus_n christ_n note_n the_o energy_n of_o this_o word_n with_o jesus_n we_o have_v all_o possess_v he_o we_o possess_v all_o we_o must_v add_v that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o possess_v nor_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n we_o can_v have_v true_a christian_n virtue_n this_o truth_n be_v not_o hard_a to_o conceive_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o essence_n of_o christian_n virtue_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n or_o jesus_n himself_o live_v in_o we_o and_o work_v in_o we_o that_o which_o be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n 13.21_o say_v the_o apostle_n our_o ordinary_a manner_n of_o speak_v teach_v we_o as_o much_o for_o we_o say_v virtue_n and_o christian_n perfection_n have_v their_o beginning_n in_o grace_n from_o whence_o they_o spring_v and_o what_o go_v out_o of_o a_o just_a soul_n that_o we_o call_v grace_n now_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v in_o grace_n nor_o just_a but_o by_o the_o habitation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n live_v and_o act_v in_o she_o so_o the_o apostle_n the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 5.5_o which_o be_v give_v to_o we_o whence_o we_o infer_v that_o if_o to_o live_v in_o christian_n virtue_n we_o must_v be_v in_o grace_n and_o if_o grace_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o holy_a spirit_n live_v in_o we_o and_o there_o act_v see_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n it_o follow_v evident_o that_o to_o live_v christian_o we_o must_v possess_v true_a virtue_n and_o to_o possess_v they_o we_o must_v possess_v jesus_n and_o adhere_v to_o he_o for_o grace_n and_o righteousness_n consist_v in_o this_o possession_n let_v we_o rise_v high_o and_o come_v to_o the_o source_n hereof_o faith_n teach_v we_o that_o in_o adam_n we_o be_v devest_v of_o innocence_n fall_v from_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o perfection_n whereto_o we_o be_v destine_v by_o creation_n and_o by_o the_o first_o design_n of_o god_n by_o this_o fall_n we_o have_v lose_v for_o ever_o the_o virtue_n grace_n and_o supernatural_a gift_n wherewith_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n have_v enrich_v and_o clothe_v the_o first_o man_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o misfortune_n god_n be_v move_v only_o by_o his_o own_o goodness_n to_o be_v merciful_a to_o we_o will_v raise_v we_o from_o this_o fall_n and_o enrich_v we_o more_o than_o ever_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o heavenly_a favour_n where_o sin_n abound_v say_v the_o apostle_n 5.20_o grace_n do_v much_o more_o abound_v to_o raise_v we_o to_o this_o happiness_n he_o will_v give_v we_o a_o new_a beginning_n of_o life_n and_o grace_n his_o only_a son_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v make_v man_n by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n be_v establish_v father_n and_o principle_n of_o that_o be_v and_o life_n of_o grace_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o man_n as_o we_o participate_v in_o sin_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o adam_n and_o be_v with_o he_o despoil_a of_o all_o virtue_n and_o grace_n adhere_v to_o he_o as_o to_o our_o natural_a principle_n and_o have_v with_o he_o his_o be_v and_o his_o nature_n so_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o to_o our_o head_n our_o new_a principle_n we_o participate_v of_o his_o be_v of_o his_o spirit_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o of_o his_o virtue_n this_o witness_v the_o forerunner_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o say_v of_o his_o fullness_n we_o have_v all_o receive_v 1.16_o and_o grace_n for_o grace_n from_o this_o being_n deliberate_o consider_v we_o may_v derive_v worthy_a document_n to_o our_o subject_n first_o we_o see_v how_o much_o we_o ought_v to_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n if_o we_o will_v live_v his_o life_n and_o participate_v his_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o only_a christian_a virtue_n for_o in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o adhere_v to_o adam_n we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o thing_n but_o to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o sinner_n we_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n to_o practice_v or_o possess_v any_o chrstian_a virtue_n if_o we_o will_v live_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o obtain_v power_n to_o practice_v and_o possess_v virtue_n we_o must_v lay_v hold_v of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o receive_v it_o of_o he_o we_o must_v adhere_v to_o he_o for_o we_o can_v possess_v he_o but_o in_o adhere_v to_o he_o wherein_o appear_v also_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o adherence_n from_o this_o truth_n we_o draw_v a_o second_o document_n how_o much_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o speak_v mean_o and_o indifferent_o of_o true_a christians_n or_o of_o a_o thing_n proportion_v to_o our_o reason_n and_o be_v for_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o word_n of_o saint_n paul_n as_o christian_n we_o must_v put_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 13.14_o that_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n in_o such_o manner_n that_o we_o may_v be_v like_a unto_o he_o in_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o perfection_n that_o we_o may_v bear_v in_o we_o a_o expression_n and_o a_o lively_a image_n of_o the_o life_n and_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n christian_n virtue_n be_v not_o animitation_n of_o the_o life_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o perfect_a man_n not_o of_o adam_n consider_v in_o his_o innocency_n and_o original_a justice_n to_o have_v virtue_n after_o this_o manner_n be_v not_o much_o it_o be_v a_o lively_a image_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n man-god_n or_o to_o say_v better_o it_o be_v the_o life_n and_o virtue_n itself_o of_o jesus_n in_o man_n as_o man_n be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o habit_n so_o be_v true_a christian_n from_o other_o by_o these_o virtue_n and_o these_o virtue_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o if_o there_o be_v any_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n here_o then_o appear_v the_o divinity_n and_o perfection_n of_o christian_a virtue_n they_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n himself_o according_a to_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o be_v new_a creature_n as_o creature_n of_o jesus_n 5.17_o we_o must_v bear_v his_o image_n which_o be_v divine_a and_o celestial_a not_o that_o of_o adam_n which_o be_v humane_a and_o terrestrial_a that_o be_v our_o life_n and_o virtue_n must_v not_o be_v of_o a_o man_n but_o of_o god_n life_n and_o virtue_n as_o different_a according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o heaven_n be_v distant_a from_o the_o earth_n as_o unlike_a as_o jesus_n be_v
to_o sinful_a adam_n final_o by_o these_o principle_n we_o learn_v and_o it_o be_v that_o i_o will_v most_o persuade_v that_o the_o way_n to_o obtain_v christian_a virtue_n the_o most_o powerful_a mean_n to_o arrive_v to_o perfection_n be_v to_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n to_o prostrate_v ourselves_o frequent_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o greatness_n to_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o his_o sovereignty_n to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o virtue_n to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v replenish_v with_o his_o spirit_n to_o bear_v he_o in_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o as_o the_o centre_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o its_o circumference_n he_o may_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o heart_n as_o the_o centre_n of_o our_o be_v and_o our_o soul_n we_o must_v look_v upon_o this_o practice_n as_o very_o important_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n and_o possess_v he_o she_o shall_v possess_v all_o in_o he_o and_o easy_o obtain_v all_o from_o he_o a_o truth_n none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o do_v acquire_v virtue_n we_o must_v have_v they_o in_o jesus_n and_o of_o jesus_n their_o only_a principle_n object_n and_o prototype_n upon_o who_o we_o must_v mould_v our_o action_n and_o form_v our_o life_n by_o he_o the_o eternal_a father_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o he_o he_o teach_v we_o in_o a_o word_n by_o he_o he_o give_v we_o this_o life_n the_o life_n of_o grace_n the_o life_n of_o perfection_n the_o life_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o jesus_n live_v in_o we_o he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n 5.12_o have_v life_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o son_n have_v not_o life_n say_v the_o belove_a disciple_n what_o be_v there_o more_o clear_a there_o only_o remain_v to_o practice_v what_o we_o have_v say_v chap._n iu._n the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v arrive_v to_o the_o adherence_n of_o our_o soul_n with_o god_n and_o the_o obstacle_n which_o hinder_v it_o to_o know_v truth_n and_o not_o practice_v it_o avail_v little_a god_n in_o the_o gospel_n threaten_v many_o stripe_n to_o the_o servant_n that_o know_v the_o will_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n 12.47_o and_o do_v not_o according_a to_o it_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o love_v virtue_n and_o embrace_v vice_n to_o praise_v good_a and_o to_o follow_v evil_a be_v to_o be_v condemn_v out_o of_o our_o own_o mouth_n we_o say_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o love_v to_o esteem_v and_o to_o know_v christian_a virtue_n as_o other_o do_v but_o we_o must_v bear_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o god_n require_v we_o be_v therefore_o now_o to_o show_v how_o we_o must_v practice_v what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v to_o do_v a_o christian_a action_n require_v not_o only_o that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o do_v in_o grace_n but_o it_o must_v be_v do_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o he_o pour_v into_o we_o in_o such_o manner_n that_o all_o the_o virtue_n which_o be_v in_o we_o come_v from_o he_o with_o such_o dependence_n that_o as_o the_o member_n receive_v of_o the_o head_n so_o jesus_n be_v our_o head_n and_o we_o his_o member_n we_o can_v receive_v nothing_o but_o from_o he_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v so_o true_a and_o necessary_a that_o he_o himself_o say_v as_o the_o branch_n can_v bear_v fruit_n of_o itself_o 15.4_o except_o it_o abide_v in_o the_o vine_n no_o no_o more_o can_v you_o except_o you_o abide_v with_o i_o our_o soul_n be_v barren_a and_o without_o the_o fruit_n of_o grace_n if_o she_o dwell_v not_o in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o take_v not_o from_o he_o all_o her_o juice_n life_n and_o true_a virtue_n to_o adhere_v to_o this_o holy_a spirit_n a_o man_n must_v be_v devest_v of_o himself_o sever_v from_o the_o creature_n not_o only_o by_o will_n and_o good_a intention_n but_o by_o effect_n also_o he_o must_v have_v a_o continual_a recourse_n by_o grace_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o submission_n and_o dependency_n upon_o grace_n that_o it_o may_v have_v power_n to_o act_v free_o in_o he_o we_o must_v regard_v the_o virtue_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o imitate_v it_o especial_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v most_o eminent_a in_o his_o life_n the_o base_n and_o foundation_n of_o solid_a perfection_n as_o profound_a humility_n purity_n of_o heart_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o like_a solid_a virtue_n only_o appear_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o in_o the_o practice_n and_o exercise_v of_o virtue_n we_o seek_v they_o not_o so_o much_o because_o of_o their_o excellency_n nor_o to_o become_v thereby_o better_a or_o more_o perfect_a nor_o for_o our_o own_o interest_n but_o chief_o and_o above_o all_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n imitate_v he_o in_o our_o life_n and_o action_n that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o a_o manner_n please_v to_o he_o and_o since_o the_o end_n of_o our_o action_n must_v be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n it_o be_v convenient_a that_o we_o have_v no_o other_o design_n then_o to_o please_v and_o glorify_v he_o if_o you_o desire_v a_o more_o express_a practice_n i_o propose_v it_o thus_o when_o we_o have_v form_v some_o good_a resolution_n in_o prayer_n or_o that_o the_o do_v of_o some_o act_n of_o virtue_n be_v in_o question_n we_o must_v present_o give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v accomplish_v this_o act_n of_o virtue_n according_a as_o he_o desire_v and_o according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o his_o cross_n it_o not_o be_v necessary_a to_o form_v any_o particular_a intention_n or_o design_n as_o for_o example_n be_v to_o form_v a_o resolution_n to_o practice_v humility_n let_v we_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n i_o give_v myself_o to_o thou_o my_o jesus_n to_o enter_v into_o thy_o spirit_n of_o humility_n i_o will_v pass_v with_o thou_o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n in_o this_o holy_a virtue_n i_o invoke_v the_o power_n of_o thy_o spirit_n upon_o i_o that_o it_o may_v abase_v my_o pride_n and_o i_o will_v keep_v myself_o with_o thou_o in_o humility_n i_o offer_v thou_o the_o opportunity_n of_o humility_n which_o shall_v present_v themselves_o in_o my_o life_n bless_v they_o if_o it_o so_o please_v thou_o i_o renounce_v myself_o and_o all_o thing_n which_o may_v hinder_v i_o from_o have_v part_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o thy_o humility_n the_o like_a may_v be_v do_v in_o all_o other_o virtue_n or_o good_a intention_n which_o we_o offer_v to_o god_n in_o this_o manner_n they_o shall_v be_v found_v on_o jesus_n christ_n make_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n not_o in_o our_o own_o spirit_n make_v true_o christian_n let_v we_o not_o contemn_v this_o practice_n neither_o as_o too_o much_o elevate_v nor_o as_o superfluous_a it_o be_v easy_a and_o necessary_a we_o speak_v not_o of_o humane_a action_n but_o a_o christian_n action_n perfect_a and_o worthy_a of_o god_n suitable_a to_o our_o condition_n and_o dignity_n whereto_o we_o be_v elevate_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o st._n peter_n call_v we_o a_o choose_a generation_n 9_o a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n and_o to_o crown_v all_o this_o st._n paul_n say_v we_o be_v the_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o such_o 6._o we_o must_v live_v no_o other_o life_n than_o he_o not_o act_n but_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o in_o his_o intention_n upon_o this_o foundation_n may_v be_v build_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v or_o think_v of_o the_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n all_o be_v say_v when_o we_o say_v jesus_n be_v our_o head_n and_o we_o his_o member_n he_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o grace_n necessary_a for_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o must_v take_v all_o of_o he_o he_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n we_o must_v refer_v they_o all_o to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o honour_n in_o fine_a he_o be_v the_o prototype_n and_o the_o exemplary_a cause_n we_o must_v all_o regard_n and_o continual_o contemplate_v he_o not_o only_o to_o imitate_v he_o but_o to_o imprint_v his_o life_n and_o virtue_n in_o we_o this_o be_v the_o essence_n of_o christian_n perfection_n which_o st._n paul_n mean_v in_o those_o word_n full_a of_o love_n my_o little_a child_n 4.19_o of_o who_o i_o travel_v in_o birth_n again_o until_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o you_o he_o will_v have_v jesus_n christ_n form_v in_o we_o great_a word_n which_o represent_v to_o the_o life_n the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a virtue_n this_o it_o be_v which_o i_o demand_v of_o foul_n and_o will_v cause_v it_o to_o be_v understand_v if_o possible_a as_o be_v of_o importance_n to_o remedy_v many_o abuse_n and_o
unprofitable_a thing_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o practice_n and_o ordinary_a exercise_n of_o christian_n for_o want_v of_o take_v hold_v of_o thing_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o not_o enter_v into_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n for_o want_v whereof_o do_v we_o not_o see_v many_o soul_n who_o keep_v most_o holy_a constitution_n and_o very_o good_a rule_n other_o that_o do_v frequent_a action_n of_o virtue_n many_o who_o follow_v and_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o practice_n yet_o nevertheless_o advance_v not_o towards_o perfection_n nor_o have_v any_o solid_a virtue_n they_o always_o labour_v but_o never_o gain_v any_o they_o continual_o travail_v but_o never_o arrive_v at_o their_o journey_n end_n though_o all_o that_o they_o do_v seem_v to_o be_v do_v in_o grace_n and_o that_o as_o be_v believe_v they_o have_v not_o their_o conscience_n charge_v with_o any_o sin_n yet_o they_o profit_v not_o in_o any_o manner_n all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o such_o person_n be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_n whence_o come_v it_o that_o they_o profit_v nothing_o amid_o so_o much_o care_n and_o travel_v the_o evil_n come_v from_o this_o that_o such_o soul_n have_v not_o sufficient_a recourse_n nor_o submission_n to_o grace_n they_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o jesus_n christ_n they_o scarce_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o jesus_n christ_n they_o have_v no_o distrust_n of_o themselves_o they_o seek_v not_o god_n but_o their_o self-satisfaction_n and_o their_o particular_a interest_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o by_o a_o secret_a and_o dangerous_a consequence_n they_o rely_v upon_o their_o own_o courage_n upon_o their_o travel_n and_o exercise_n and_o promise_v to_o themselves_o too_o much_o of_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o tie_v themselves_o to_o divers_a practice_n whereof_o they_o make_v use_v they_o tie_v also_o their_o happiness_n thereto_o if_o you_o demand_v whence_o it_o come_v that_o they_o have_v not_o solid_a virtue_n it_o be_v easy_o perceive_v it_o be_v because_o they_o amuse_v themselves_o much_o in_o unprofitable_a thing_n trifle_n and_o exterior_a thing_n they_o enter_v not_o into_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a and_o solid_a virtue_n they_o esteem_v they_o not_o and_o hardly_o know_v they_o if_o they_o do_v practice_v they_o it_o be_v but_o superficial_o they_o have_v but_o the_o appearance_n of_o virtue_n all_o that_o they_o possess_v thereof_o be_v like_o the_o grass_n upon_o the_o house_n top_n which_o wither_v away_o of_o itself_o of_o which_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n and_o careful_o remedy_v it_o least_o pass_v our_o life_n so_o we_o travel_v in_o vain_a and_o run_v without_o arrive_v to_o our_o end_n and_o that_o under_o those_o fair_a appearance_n in_o the_o most_o part_n of_o our_o action_n 25.12_o we_o be_v not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n of_o they_o to_o who_o god_n say_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n i_o know_v you_o not_o for_o god_n tell_v we_o 7.21_o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o christian_n who_o will_v find_v themselves_o deceive_v when_o god_n shall_v make_v manifest_a the_o secret_n of_o heart_n 4.5_o and_o judge_v the_o justice_n of_o man_n because_o that_o believe_v themselves_o rich_a in_o good_a work_n and_o charge_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o christian_n penitence_n they_o shall_v find_v in_o their_o hand_n nothing_o but_o wind_n and_o shall_v see_v in_o their_o life_n nothing_o but_o appearance_n of_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o affair_n so_o important_a we_o must_v be_v vigilant_a to_o act_v christian_o and_o to_o do_v work_n worthy_a of_o god_n which_o shall_v gain_v we_o the_o eternal_a possession_n of_o god_n this_o subject_n be_v of_o high_a enterprise_n i_o will_v propose_v the_o disposition_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o necessary_a the_o first_o disposition_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a disposition_n which_o the_o soul_n that_o will_v live_v christianly_o must_v have_v be_v faith_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 11.6_o must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o this_o disposition_n be_v not_o only_o the_o first_o but_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o what_o the_o root_n be_v to_o the_o tree_n the_o foundation_n to_o the_o building_n the_o mother_n to_o the_o infant_n the_o same_o be_v faith_n to_o all_o virtue_n and_o to_o a_o christian_a life_n whence_o on_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n depend_v all_o the_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a soul_n or_o on_o the_o other_o side_n from_o littleness_n of_o faith_n spring_v all_o the_o evil_a all_o the_o abomination_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n the_o soul_n that_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n of_o faith_n know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o love_v and_o what_o to_o detest_v for_o faith_n be_v nothing_o but_o truth_n the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n be_v proper_o the_o spirit_n of_o eternal_a truth_n wherein_o be_v see_v the_o strength_n of_o faith_n he_o therefore_o that_o have_v faith_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o by_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n if_o he_o possess_v it_o and_o suffer_v it_o to_o guide_v he_o he_o easy_o discern_v good_a from_o bad_a true_a from_o false_a the_o flesh_n from_o the_o spirit_n this_o faith_n this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n show_v the_o soul_n what_o the_o god_n be_v that_o she_o adore_v from_o thence_o she_o be_v carry_v on_o to_o love_v he_o to_o fear_v he_o and_o to_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a respect_n of_o his_o divine_a presence_n i'faith_o say_v god_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o be_v the_o end_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o out_o of_o he_o all_o be_v but_o a_o dream_n that_o all_o creature_n be_v vain_a that_o god_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n 17.28_o that_o he_o give_v life_n and_o be_v to_o all_o that_o all_o thing_n depend_v on_o he_o this_o make_v the_o soul_n know_v that_o she_o ought_v to_o esteem_n god_n alone_o and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o god_n that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n and_o lie_n this_o light_n and_o spirit_n of_o faith_n teach_v that_o god_n be_v eternal_a truth_n his_o work_n be_v truth_n his_o word_n and_o promise_n true_a and_o infallible_a this_o cause_v the_o soul_n which_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n constant_o to_o adhere_v and_o strong_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o truth_n and_o maxim_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o work_n and_o the_o word_n of_o jesus_n god_n and_o man_n she_o believe_v firm_o that_o what_o he_o have_v say_v will_v come_v to_o pass_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v be_v certain_a the_o truth_n that_o the_o eternal_a father_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n be_v infallible_a and_o eternal_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n uncreated_a be_v a_o god_n which_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o lie_v hereupon_o the_o soul_n by_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n remain_v indissoluble_o tie_v to_o all_o that_o god_n have_v say_v and_o reveal_v by_o his_o son_n so_o as_o she_o can_v taste_v nor_o understand_v any_o humane_a reason_n or_o object_n she_o will_v not_o hearken_v nor_o adhere_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n she_o will_v only_o follow_v the_o maxim_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v leave_v we_o in_o his_o gospel_n and_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o his_o life_n &_o divine_a virtue_n the_o rest_n she_o despise_v as_o unworthy_a a_o christian_a soul_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o nor_o live_v but_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o certain_o so_o the_o christian_a must_v live_v all_o the_o world_n confess_v that_o god_n alone_o be_v truth_n that_o the_o only_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a spirit_n of_o truth_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o all_o that_o be_v not_o god_n and_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v but_o vanity_n and_o lie_n this_o grant_v how_o can_v they_o live_v who_o have_v any_o other_o object_n than_o god_n here_o let_v we_o make_v reflection_n on_o the_o point_n we_o shall_v show_v how_o much_o they_o be_v deceive_v who_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n separate_v themselves_o from_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o seek_v humane_a reason_n way_n of_o prudence_n maxim_n of_o wise_a man_n who_o measure_n perfection_n and_o christian_a virtue_n according_a to_o their_o proper_a sense_n according_a to_o their_o own_o spirit_n such_o soul_n can_v but_o fall_v into_o a_o abyss_n of_o error_n and_o doubt_n or_o at_o least_o such_o person_n
believe_v little_a doubt_v of_o all_o thing_n live_v a_o life_n more_o like_a philosopher_n than_o christian_n and_o make_v no_o great_a account_n of_o a_o thousand_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v useful_a in_o christianity_n to_o remedy_v this_o they_o must_v learn_v that_o faith_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v the_o only_a rule_n and_o guide_v of_o our_o action_n and_o life_n in_o such_o manner_n that_o to_o go_v out_o of_o this_o rule_n and_o conduct_v either_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o leave_v be_v always_o to_o err_v from_o the_o right_a way_n 2._o consider_v what_o we_o have_v now_o say_v of_o truth_n we_o clear_o see_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o take_v truth_n for_o our_o object_n and_o conduct_v all_o other_o spirit_n be_v deceitful_a and_o lie_a whence_o it_o follow_v that_o soul_n that_o will_v live_v in_o christian_a perfection_n must_v commence_v by_o this_o exercise_n and_o must_v necessary_o lay_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o virtue_n if_o they_o will_v obtain_v any_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o door_n whereby_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o be_v make_v child_n of_o the_o church_n so_o must_v she_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o the_o spirit_n wherewith_o he_o live_v and_o endeavour_n to_o acquire_v virtue_n where_o we_o must_v mark_v in_o the_o conduct_n of_o soul_n how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o accustom_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o first_o lesson_n we_o must_v propose_v to_o they_o in_o this_o point_n wherein_o we_o must_v keep_v and_o exercise_v they_o as_o that_o which_o be_v only_o profitable_a and_o without_o which_o nothing_o be_v stable_a or_o true_a not_o to_o entertain_v and_o amuse_v i_o dare_v not_o say_v to_o deceive_v they_o by_o so_o much_o prudence_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o so_o many_o humane_a reason_n and_o by_o the_o example_n and_o action_n of_o man_n a_o hard_a case_n that_o the_o devout_a of_o this_o age_n take_v so_o much_o care_n to_o recommend_v and_o obtain_v moral_a and_o civil_a virtue_n and_o mention_v not_o nor_o consider_v but_o superficial_o the_o divine_a and_o necessary_a let_v we_o learn_v and_o say_v with_o jesus_n christ_n that_o truth_n alone_o shall_v save_v we_o and_o that_o truth_n must_v be_v the_o foundation_n &_o establishment_n of_o our_o life_n if_o we_o will_v live_v true_a christian_n hence_o the_o soul_n that_o will_v arrive_v to_o christian_n perfection_n must_v shut_v her_o ear_n divert_v her_o thought_n from_o all_o that_o the_o humane_a spirit_n reason_n and_o self-love_n can_v inward_o represent_v and_o must_v not_o hearken_v to_o they_o who_o regard_v not_o god_n pure_o but_o measure_v the_o greatness_n of_o heaven_n with_o the_o eye_n of_o flesh_n by_o the_o smallness_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o speak_v of_o virtue_n and_o christian_n perfection_n according_a to_o their_o own_o sense_n more_o like_a philosopher_n than_o christian_n such_o person_n by_o their_o discourse_n and_o conference_n study_v to_o destroy_v the_o maxim_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o establish_v humane_a prudence_n and_o use_v their_o uttermost_a to_o abase_v virtue_n and_o make_v it_o humane_a in_o a_o word_n they_o only_o labour_v to_o make_v man_n reasonable_a not_o to_o make_v he_o a_o perfect_a christian_n upon_o such_o occasion_n the_o soul_n that_o seek_v true_a perfection_n and_o will_v follow_v jesus_n christ_n must_v stand_v upon_o her_o guard_n and_o avoid_v such_o person_n and_o with_o great_a care_n must_v prevent_v humane_a prudence_n from_o annihilate_v in_o her_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n if_o it_o happen_v that_o a_o soul_n see_v herself_o among_o such_o person_n and_o shall_v understand_v their_o discourse_n to_o be_v such_o it_o will_v be_v good_a at_o that_o instant_n by_o a_o sweet_a elevation_n of_o spirit_n to_o give_v herself_o to_o god_n and_o renew_v if_o she_o can_v her_o esteem_n of_o truth_n in_o a_o thought_n of_o god_n renounce_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o humane_a spirit_n and_o protest_v that_o she_o will_v receive_v no_o other_o conduct_n or_o light_v then_o that_o of_o faith_n nor_o other_o interior_a disposition_n than_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n that_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o soul_n remain_v in_o fear_n or_o trouble_v of_o spirit_n or_o feel_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n to_o diminish_v in_o she_o than_o she_o shall_v give_v herself_o more_o strong_o to_o god_n and_o recollect_v herself_o she_o shall_v with_o a_o humble_a spirit_n stir_v up_o in_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n a_o confidence_n in_o god_n alone_o and_o a_o diffidence_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o fine_a she_o shall_v divert_v herself_o from_o all_o thought_n which_o trouble_v the_o repose_n of_o her_o spirit_n and_o captivate_v her_o judgement_n her_o reason_n and_o humane_a essence_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n she_o shall_v undergo_v with_o a_o humble_a patience_n the_o pain_n which_o she_o feel_v content_v herself_o by_o a_o act_n of_o her_o will_n to_o subject_v her_o spirit_n to_o all_o that_o jesus_n have_v say_v without_o regard_v any_o other_o thing_n and_o in_o this_o manner_n she_o shall_v keep_v herself_o unite_v with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o a_o secret_a silence_n shall_v employ_v herself_o in_o he_o not_o about_o the_o business_n in_o question_n this_o act_n be_v heroic_a because_o his_o disposition_n be_v hard_a and_o strike_v our_o sense_n rude_o and_o sometime_o it_o be_v painful_a but_o it_o be_v withal_o certain_a and_o please_a to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o painful_a otherwise_o then_o as_o our_o reason_n our_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o our_o own_o interest_n be_v live_v in_o we_o if_o we_o will_v annihilate_v all_o that_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a for_o to_o overcome_v and_o to_o believe_v rather_o in_o jesus_n christ_n then_o in_o man_n and_o our_o own_o sense_n yet_o must_v we_o not_o whatsoever_o difficulty_n we_o meet_v with_o neglect_v this_o labour_n for_o as_o the_o soul_n have_v nothing_o more_o assure_v than_o faith_n nothing_o more_o profitable_a or_o more_o powerful_a than_o truth_n so_o the_o devil_n fail_v not_o also_o all_o the_o way_n that_o he_o can_v to_o draw_v we_o from_o the_o conduct_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o annihilate_v in_o we_o the_o light_n and_o to_o force_v we_o from_o the_o adherence_n to_o truth_n if_o not_o all_o at_o once_o yet_o at_o least_o by_o little_a and_o little_a the_o soul_n therefore_o must_v take_v heed_n she_o be_v not_o here_o deceive_v see_v all_o her_o happiness_n consist_v in_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o with_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o exercise_n be_v important_a let_v we_o see_v how_o we_o be_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o therein_o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o use_n of_o faith_n and_o how_o we_o may_v practice_v it_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v guide_v two_o way_n by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v weak_a and_o deceitful_a ever_o fallible_a and_o by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v infallible_a powerful_a certain_a proportion_v to_o that_o state_n of_o glory_n whereat_o we_o aim_v it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a light_n give_v by_o god_n to_o guide_v we_o to_o heaven_n the_o first_o be_v common_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o world_n by_o st._n paul_n 9.8_o style_v child_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o second_o proper_a to_o soul_n which_o live_v perfect_a christian_n who_o resign_v themselves_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o his_o conduct_n who_o trust_v only_o in_o god_n adhere_v to_o nothing_o but_o to_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o word_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o live_v and_o guide_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o faith_n light_v much_o above_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n to_o this_o end_n be_v he_o make_v a_o christian._n it_o be_v true_a the_o way_n of_o faith_n be_v hard_a because_o it_o captivate_v the_o judgement_n it_o be_v above_o our_o sense_n it_o combat_n humane_a reason_n it_o be_v hide_v and_o very_o spiritual_a yet_o must_v we_o nevertheless_o follow_v and_o embrace_v it_o because_o jesus_n christ_n give_v it_o because_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a because_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o way_n of_o god_n who_o lead_v man_n in_o this_o world_n through_o obscurity_n have_v reserve_v knowledge_n and_o light_n for_o heaven_n there_o be_v who_o will_v think_v that_o the_o soul_n may_v
must_v adhere_v thereto_o and_o have_v adhere_v to_o it_o we_o must_v act_v and_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o adherence_n let_v we_o propose_v a_o example_n in_o common_a thing_n to_o facilitate_v the_o practice_n i_o look_v upon_o god_n i_o consider_v his_o infinite_a essence_n i_o see_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n all_o creature_n be_v as_o nothing_o have_v take_v and_o imprint_v this_o thought_n in_o my_o spirit_n i_o believe_v and_o immediate_o adhere_v thereunto_o say_v it_o be_v true_a then_o make_v use_n of_o this_o truth_n which_o i_o believe_v i_o despise_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o god_n for_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n which_o i_o perform_v teach_v i_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v nothing_o all_o creature_n be_v nothing_o before_o god_n in_o like_a manner_n amid_o my_o action_n make_v use_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o i_o profess_v and_o believe_v sometime_o i_o despise_v one_o thing_n sometime_o another_o esteem_v god_n only_o but_o account_v all_o the_o rest_n as_o nothing_o thus_o i_o act_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o make_v use_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o give_v a_o example_n more_o common_a i_o will_v form_v in_o myself_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n hereupon_o i_o will_v rouse_v up_o in_o my_o spirit_n the_o thought_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o teach_v i_o god_n be_v present_a every_o where_o and_o thence_o infer_v that_o consequent_o he_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n with_o the_o same_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n that_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n amid_o the_o cherubim_n and_o saint_n for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n have_v conceive_v this_o truth_n i_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o say_v it_o be_v true_a then_o make_v use_n of_o it_o i_o find_v myself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n i_o hold_v myself_o before_o he_o in_o great_a reverence_n i_o walk_v with_o recollection_n of_o spirit_n and_o a_o sweet_a application_n of_o my_o soul_n to_o god_n who_o be_v present_a now_o i_o look_v on_o he_o with_o love_n next_o i_o adore_v he_o do_v all_o these_o action_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n this_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o truth_n the_o thing_n be_v not_o hard_o we_o must_v only_o apply_v ourselves_o hearty_o hereunto_o for_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o we_o advance_v and_o perfectionate_a ourselves_o in_o this_o exercise_n shall_v our_o action_n be_v perfect_a and_o perform_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o much_o importance_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v persuade_v all_o christian_n to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o cause_n root_n and_o source_n of_o all_o good_a action_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o effect_n that_o faith_n produce_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n 11.1_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o he_o will_v compare_v faith_n to_o substance_n and_o say_v that_o as_o substance_n be_v the_o support_n of_o all_o accident_n so_o faith_n be_v the_o support_n and_o basis_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o grace_n faith_n be_v the_o first_o gift_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o elder_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n she_o contain_v and_o substain_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o the_o use_n we_o make_v thereof_o be_v we_o virtuous_a and_o advance_v in_o christian_a perfection_n as_o this_o be_v the_o first_o of_o god_n gift_n so_o the_o first_o care_n of_o a_o christian_a must_v be_v to_o compass_v so_o fruitful_a and_o profitable_a a_o grace_n this_o be_v a_o talon_n whereof_o god_n will_v demand_v a_o most_o exact_a account_n when_o we_o shall_v appear_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o his_o divine_a justice_n god_n give_v we_o not_o so_o great_a a_o grace_n but_o to_o profit_v thereby_o and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o it_o belong_v to_o god_n alone_o to_o give_v faith_n to_o move_v our_o will_n to_o illuminate_v our_o understanding_n but_o it_o be_v in_o man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o to_o show_v by_o his_o work_n the_o faith_n he_o have_v receive_v of_o god_n in_o fine_a what_o advantage_n be_v it_o to_o possess_v faith_n which_o be_v a_o infuse_a habit_n and_o to_o let_v it_o sleep_v in_o we_o to_o possess_v truth_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o under_o restraint_n i'faith_o we_o say_v be_v a_o supernatural_a habit_n a_o light_n of_o grace_n we_o must_v therefore_o put_v it_o in_o action_n and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o light_n to_o walk_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o path_n of_o virtue_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n evident_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n the_o eternal_a father_n send_v and_o give_v we_o his_o son_n the_o uncreated_a and_o essential_a truth_n to_o speak_v to_o we_o &_o conduct_v we_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o son_n converse_v among_o man_n to_o bear_v witness_n 18.37_o as_o he_o himself_o say_v unto_o the_o truth_n the_o same_o son_n of_o god_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n send_v to_o we_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o enlighten_v we_o and_o teach_v we_o the_o truth_n and_o why_o have_v god_n so_o great_a a_o care_n that_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n but_o because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o may_v save_v we_o and_o make_v we_o free_a that_o be_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n may_v draw_v we_o from_o vice_n and_o sin_n to_o lead_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o acquisition_n and_o possession_n of_o virtue_n look_v upon_o a_o soul_n guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n you_o shall_v see_v that_o immediate_o she_o detest_v ill_a and_o embrace_v good_a it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o it_o to_o engender_v and_o form_v act_n of_o virtue_n if_o the_o soul_n know_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n make_v use_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o truth_n she_o will_v present_o be_v carry_v to_o a_o great_a esteem_n of_o god_n from_o this_o esteem_n spring_v reverence_n reverence_n operate_v love_n love_n bring_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n the_o soul_n so_o unite_v by_o love_n fear_v to_o displease_v he_o this_o fear_n which_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o love_n bring_v into_o the_o soul_n a_o vigilancy_n not_o to_o offend_v he_o she_o love_v but_o it_o be_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n this_o vigilancy_n form_v a_o purity_n in_o the_o soul_n this_o purity_n render_v we_o worthy_a to_o possess_v god_n thus_o faith_n summon_v all_o the_o virtue_n 10.38_o embrace_v they_o and_o bind_v they_o all_o together_o and_o as_o she_o be_v mother_n so_o be_v she_o also_o nurse_v of_o they_o in_o brief_a she_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n the_o nourishment_n of_o all_o good_a action_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o saint_n paul_n who_o say_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a faith_n be_v a_o light_n of_o truth_n he_o than_o that_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n walk_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o truth_n be_v to_o hate_v sin_n which_o be_v a_o liar_n this_o be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n and_o possession_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o in_o the_o term_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o live_v in_o jesus_n 14.6_o who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n it_o therefore_o great_o import_v soul_n which_o will_v live_v good_a christian_n and_o obtain_v true_a virtue_n to_o establish_v themselves_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o use_v of_o faith_n to_o demand_v it_o of_o god_n and_o to_o refer_v all_o their_o good_a exercise_n thereunto_o which_o be_v true_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o principle_n the_o entertainer_n and_o supporter_n of_o christian_a perfection_n this_o exercise_n be_v very_o large_a faith_n and_o truth_n have_v effect_n almost_o innumerable_a he_o who_o apply_v himself_o thereto_o shall_v taste_v the_o fruit_n more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o his_o care_n therein_o but_o if_o we_o will_v know_v the_o most_o important_a where_o we_o must_v begin_v i_o answer_v it_o be_v the_o esteem_n of_o god_n wherein_o the_o soul_n must_v entertain_v itself_o much_o and_o lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n to_o arrive_v at_o this_o esteem_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o high_a and_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o frequent_a love_a and_o affectionate_a consideration_n of_o god_n we_o must_v never_o speak_v of_o god_n or_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o concern_v he_o but_o in_o word_n worthy_a of_o the_o subject_n with_o a_o sense_n full_a of_o respect_n and_o reverence_n
of_o heart_n it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v thunder_v and_o pronounce_v this_o sentence_n 23.12_o whosoever_o shall_v exalt_v himself_o shall_v be_v abase_v and_o he_o that_o shall_v humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v natural_a and_o powerful_a word_n pronounce_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o truth_n why_o shall_v we_o seek_v further_a evidence_n how_o acceptable_a this_o be_v to_o god_n and_o how_o he_o reward_v this_o truth_n and_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v a_o perfect_a christian_a let_v we_o no_o further_o demur_v upon_o this_o subject_n but_o examine_v wherein_o it_o consist_v let_v we_o learn_v what_o humility_n be_v that_o be_v it_o we_o be_v most_o ignorant_a of_o humility_n be_v truth_n to_o be_v humble_a be_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n i_o say_v humility_n be_v truth_n because_o true_a humility_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o god_n by_o his_o infinite_a bounty_n by_o his_o operation_n of_o love_n and_o grace_n infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n a_o light_n which_o make_v it_o see_v the_o truth_n in_o all_o thing_n more_a or_o less_o as_o it_o please_v god_n this_o light_n which_o bring_v with_o it_o knowledge_n abase_v &_o annihilate_v the_o soul_n in_o herself_o and_o cause_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n she_o annihilate_v herself_o because_o this_o truth_n teach_v she_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o the_o creature_n be_v so_o that_o this_o grace_n which_o i_o call_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n give_v not_o only_a knowledge_n but_o also_o actual_o annihilate_v the_o soul_n and_o detain_v she_o in_o her_o lowness_n in_o she_o nothing_o and_o be_v in_o she_o nothing_o she_o be_v true_o where_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o hereby_o she_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o act_v in_o this_o state_n she_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o act_v with_o humility_n many_o will_v wonder_v hereat_o who_o think_v they_o have_v humility_n have_v it_o not_o who_o think_v to_o attain_v it_o by_o certain_a exercise_n of_o humiliation_n do_v but_o deceive_v themselves_o not_o but_o that_o their_o exercise_n be_v good_a and_o conduce_v to_o humility_n but_o if_o we_o pass_v no_o further_o if_o we_o possess_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n act_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o simplicity_n we_o may_v make_v many_o act_n of_o humility_n but_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v humility_n for_o humility_n in_o its_o formality_n and_o essence_n consist_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n be_v god_n to_o be_v humble_a then_o we_o must_v act_v in_o this_o spirit_n i_o will_v explicate_v and_o make_v this_o more_o intelligible_a humility_n be_v a_o supernatural_a light_n which_o i_o call_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n because_o it_o make_v we_o know_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v on_o one_o side_n it_o draw_v and_o advance_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o other_o his_o divine_a perfection_n and_o by_o this_o knowledge_n form_n in_o we_o a_o esteem_n of_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o same_o light_a cause_n we_o to_o see_v what_o we_o be_v our_o own_o meanness_n unworthiness_n impotency_n indigence_n the_o truth_n of_o our_o nothing_o and_o by_o consequence_n before_o god_n she_o make_v we_o see_v the_o truth_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o this_o truth_n so_o conceive_v possess_v our_o spirit_n and_o and_o act_n in_o our_o soul_n annihilate_v and_o debase_v we_o in_o all_o thing_n in_o all_o our_o action_n with_o so_o much_o facility_n that_o the_o soul_n can_v do_v no_o otherwise_o for_o she_o can_v but_o act_v according_a to_o her_o knowledge_n so_o that_o act_v whole_o according_a to_o this_o light_n and_o take_v all_o thing_n as_o she_o conceive_v they_o she_o walk_v in_o humility_n and_o as_o we_o say_v humble_v herself_o and_o in_o effect_n she_o do_v humble_a herself_o not_o know_v it_o for_o she_o have_v no_o eye_n but_o to_o see_v the_o truth_n no_o power_n but_o to_o act_v according_a to_o truth_n i_o call_v here_o humility_n a_o light_n and_o a_o light_n of_o truth_n for_o so_o in_o effect_n she_o be_v whence_o it_o follow_v that_o by_o humility_n we_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n as_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n we_o see_v the_o sun_n so_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n wherein_o consist_v humility_n we_o see_v truth_n thus_o we_o understand_v it_o when_o we_o say_v that_o god_n reveal_v his_o divine_a secret_n and_o greatness_n and_o teach_v the_o truth_n to_o humble_a soul_n 11.25_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n that_o be_v to_o the_o humble_a say_v jesus_n christ_n to_o his_o father_n whence_o we_o infer_v that_o to_o understand_v the_o catholic_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n and_o to_o possess_v they_o we_o must_v go_v to_o they_o with_o humility_n not_o sufficiency_n nor_o capacity_n much_o less_o curiosity_n god_n be_v please_v with_o little_a one_o so_o much_o read_v so_o much_o curiosity_n so_o many_o question_n so_o many_o reason_n wherein_o man_n take_v pain_n be_v unprofitable_a labour_n and_o rather_o separate_v we_o from_o christian_a truth_n then_o bring_v we_o near_o to_o it_o 57.15_o for_o god_n dwell_v with_o the_o humble_a spirit_n say_v the_o oracle_n of_o heaven_n so_o that_o retire_v ourselves_o from_o the_o truth_n be_v to_o make_v we_o uncapable_a of_o humility_n and_o without_o humility_n we_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n whence_o we_o may_v imagine_v what_o danger_n the_o spirit_n of_o this_o age_n run_v into_o further_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o they_o who_o will_v acquire_v christian_a humility_n must_v not_o stop_v at_o exterior_a action_n of_o meanness_n and_o humiliation_n nor_o at_o word_n of_o confusion_n and_o abasement_n nor_o at_o some_o submission_n and_o accommodation_n although_o they_o be_v frequent_a and_o profitable_a but_o we_o must_v pass_v further_o and_o penetrate_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o to_o establish_v the_o throne_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o make_v our_o heart_n the_o treasury_n of_o the_o light_n of_o god_n to_o be_v humble_a we_o must_v endavour_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n we_o must_v possess_v it_o we_o must_v act_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v do_v it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o come_v to_o the_o exterior_a and_o to_o produce_v infinite_a act_n of_o humility_n and_o annihilation_n for_o we_o can_v have_v humility_n without_o do_v all_o these_o action_n but_o a_o man_n may_v do_v all_o these_o action_n without_o have_v humility_n but_o we_o must_v now_o know_v how_o we_o may_v acquire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n consist_v in_o know_v god_n and_o ourselves_o a_o man_n may_v arrive_v at_o this_o knowledge_n two_o way_n by_o infusion_n by_o acquisition_n the_o first_o come_v from_o god_n alone_o who_o communicate_v and_o infuse_v into_o our_o soul_n a_o light_n spring_v from_o truth_n which_o we_o call_v the_o spirit_n and_o light_n of_o faith_n this_o light_n bring_v and_o give_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o and_o this_o knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o the_o light_n be_v a_o operation_n of_o god_n who_o by_o this_o divine_a light_n which_o he_o spread_v in_o we_o annihilate_v our_o soul_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n detain_v it_o whole_o in_o this_o annihilation_n wherein_o consist_v humility_n thus_o be_v humility_n a_o grace_n infuse_v and_o a_o pure_a operation_n of_o god_n alone_o this_o operation_n be_v great_a or_o lesser_a according_a as_o god_n please_v who_o by_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o divine_a light_n consummate_v and_o annihilate_v the_o soul_n more_o or_o less_o as_o he_o please_v for_o his_o glory_n this_o first_o manner_n be_v for_o few_o person_n because_o few_o be_v advance_v to_o this_o way_n few_o render_v themselves_o worthy_a of_o such_o grace_n the_o second_o and_o more_o ordinary_a be_v acquire_v we_o propose_v divers_a mean_n to_o acquire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o the_o most_o common_a and_o easy_a whereof_o be_v consideration_n and_o application_n assist_v by_o grace_n without_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v we_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n not_o by_o sublime_a penetration_n of_o the_o attribute_n of_o divinity_n that_o be_v not_o necessary_a and_o few_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o but_o by_o faith_n when_o the_o soul_n consider_v god_n as_o he_o be_v simple_a propose_v in_o the_o creed_n to_o we_o according_a to_o the_o bare_a and_o simple_a signification_n of_o
the_o word_n as_o all_o good_a all_o wise_a all_o mighty_a this_o manner_n be_v sufficient_a therefore_o we_o must_v accustom_v ourselves_o to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o which_o faith_n propose_v and_o after_o excite_v in_o ourselves_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o entertain_v ourselves_o therein_o not_o by_o speculation_n but_o by_o obedience_n and_o affection_n which_o be_v that_o we_o call_v a_o affective_a thought_n of_o god_n as_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v in_o our_o heart_n yea_o my_o god_n thou_o be_v whole_o wise_a and_o whole_o good_a i_o will_v leave_v myself_o to_o thy_o conduct_n i_o will_v submit_v myself_o to_o thy_o divine_a will_n by_o these_o frequent_a thought_n of_o god_n the_o soul_n unite_v itself_o to_o god_n adhere_v to_o his_o truth_n and_o by_o little_a and_o little_a ascend_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n this_o manner_n be_v not_o hard_o neither_o require_v it_o any_o rule_n we_o must_v only_o be_v vigilant_a often_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o thereto_o when_o any_o thing_n give_v occasion_n thereof_o to_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o it_o suffice_v not_o to_o consider_v our_o own_o impotency_n our_o feebleness_n and_o our_o imperfection_n we_o see_v they_o and_o know_v they_o but_o too_o much_o we_o make_v a_o custom_n of_o it_o and_o this_o truth_n will_v never_o lead_v we_o to_o humility_n but_o we_o must_v elevate_v our_o thought_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o soul_n must_v present_v itself_o before_o god_n and_o have_v conceive_v as_o well_o as_o she_o can_v the_o infinite_a be_v and_o sovereign_a majesty_n of_o the_o divinity_n before_o which_o she_o be_v she_o regard_v he_o she_o adore_v he_o then_o she_o begin_v to_o compare_v she_o be_v with_o that_o of_o god_n she_o entertain_v herself_o in_o this_o thought_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n and_o present_o acknowledge_v the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n above_o her_o own_o she_o account_v herself_o as_o if_o she_o be_v not_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infinite_a distance_n she_o see_v betwixt_o god_n and_o she_o and_o in_o this_o view_n she_o regard_v herself_o rather_o in_o a_o not_o be_v and_o a_o nothing_o then_o in_o a_o be_v the_o soul_n fill_v herself_o with_o this_o thought_n and_o possess_v with_o this_o truth_n humble_v herself_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o she_o nothing_o and_o abase_v herself_o as_o much_o as_o she_o can_v for_o have_v conceive_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n throughout_o she_o see_v that_o she_o be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o this_o truth_n annihilate_v all_o creature_n yea_o the_o most_o perfect_a upon_o earth_n and_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n force_v by_o this_o principle_n humble_v themselves_o and_o make_v themselves_o as_o nothing_o before_o the_o supreme_a and_o incomprehensible_a majesty_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o who_o all_o creature_n together_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o grain_n of_o sand._n the_o soul_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o truth_n must_v say_v in_o herself_o if_o all_o creature_n be_v nothing_o before_o god_n 15._o what_o be_o i_o who_o be_o the_o least_o and_o if_o i_o be_o nothing_o before_o god_n can_v i_o make_v myself_o any_o thing_n if_o before_o the_o creator_n i_o find_v not_o myself_o by_o reason_n i_o be_o so_o much_o plunge_v into_o nothing_o will_v i_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o truth_n appear_v to_o be_v something_o before_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o truth_n the_o spirit_n be_v vanquish_v the_o soul_n know_v what_o she_o be_v and_o be_v constrain_v to_o humble_v herself_o we_o must_v pass_v far_o and_o enter_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o total_a and_o absolute_a dependence_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o god_n a_o dependence_n so_o great_a that_o she_o hold_v only_o of_o god_n she_o subsist_v not_o nor_o move_v but_o in_o god_n with_o so_o much_o necessity_n that_o the_o beam_n subsist_v not_o by_o nor_o depend_v more_o on_o the_o sun_n than_o the_o soul_n do_v on_o her_o god_n o_o happy_a dependence_n which_o give_v we_o god_n and_o bind_v we_o to_o god_n in_o consider_v this_o truth_n the_o soul_n find_v that_o she_o be_v nothing_o and_o that_o she_o have_v nothing_o either_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o essence_n create_v or_o in_o the_o order_n of_o grace_n for_o all_o be_v in_o god_n and_o depend_v on_o god_n in_o such_o manner_n that_o if_o god_n shall_v whole_o withdraw_v himself_o she_o shall_v leave_v to_o be_v that_o which_o she_o be_v and_o shall_v find_v herself_o in_o she_o nothing_o so_o that_o if_o she_o have_v any_o thing_n she_o see_v that_o it_o be_v in_o god_n not_o in_o herself_o in_o he_o say_v st._n paul_n we_o live_v and_o move_v 17.28_o and_o have_v our_o be_v reflect_v hereupon_o she_o say_v in_o her_o heart_n if_o all_o that_o i_o have_v belong_v not_o to_o i_o nor_o be_v of_o i_o but_o of_o god_n and_o belong_v to_o god_n then_o be_o i_o nothing_o nor_o have_v any_o thing_n wherefore_o do_v i_o flatter_v myself_o and_o believe_v myself_o to_o be_v something_o when_o in_o truth_n i_o be_o nothing_o why_o do_v i_o glorify_v myself_o and_o please_v myself_o in_o that_o which_o belong_v not_o to_o i_o wherefore_o shall_v i_o attribute_v to_o myself_o the_o honour_n contentment_n and_o glory_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o my_o lord_n no_o no_o i_o will_v keep_v in_o my_o meanness_n i_o will_v hide_v myself_o in_o the_o abyss_n of_o my_o nothing_o and_o if_o god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o and_o out_o of_o his_o bounty_n give_v i_o something_o i_o will_v hold_v it_o of_o he_o i_o will_v only_o keep_v it_o for_o he_o and_o i_o resolve_v from_o this_o time_n and_o to_o all_o eternity_n i_o will_v live_v in_o the_o dependence_n that_o i_o owe_v to_o the_o regard_n of_o my_o lord_n and_o god_n let_v we_o not_o stay_v here_o but_o advance_v forward_o to_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o let_v we_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o need_n we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v what_o we_o be_v and_o that_o we_o be_v nothing_o nor_o have_v nothing_o as_o have_v receive_v all_o of_o god_n and_o we_o possess_v nothing_o either_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a in_o nature_n or_o in_o grace_n but_o only_o that_o which_o god_n reserve_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o withdraw_v his_o gift_n or_o cease_v to_o preserve_v they_o we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o like_o adam_n naked_a and_o poor_a and_o shall_v return_v to_o our_o nothing_o let_v we_o behold_v ourselves_o then_o so_o naked_a and_o devest_v and_o let_v we_o pause_v upon_o this_o thought_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v whether_o we_o will_v or_o not_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o but_o with_o a_o humility_n full_a of_o love_n and_o confidence_n which_o shall_v make_v we_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n to_o heaven_n to_o behold_v he_o on_o who_o we_o so_o absolute_o depend_v from_o who_o hand_n we_o have_v receive_v all_o and_o must_v yet_o every_o moment_n receive_v influence_n conduct_n grace_n and_o stability_n and_o that_o so_o necessary_o that_o if_o we_o happen_v to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o he_o and_o if_o he_o but_o stop_v his_o assistance_n and_o his_o concourse_n leave_v we_o to_o ourselves_o we_o assure_o shall_v fall_v and_o in_o a_o instant_n lose_v all_o in_o what_o state_n soever_o we_o be_v of_o sanctity_n and_o grace_n o_o most_o powerful_a truth_n to_o humble_v we_o if_o consider_v a_o truth_n that_o humble_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o just_a upon_o earth_n and_o which_o annihilate_v the_o angel_n and_o seraphim_n in_o heaven_n a_o truth_n which_o make_v the_o glorious_a spirit_n angel_n and_o saint_n who_o enjoy_v god_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o but_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o stability_n but_o in_o god_n a_o acknowledgement_n so_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o pluck_v they_o and_o unite_v they_o to_o he_o indissoluble_o if_o otherwise_o they_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o he_o by_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n this_o be_v the_o very_a state_n of_o a_o soul_n of_o jesus_n who_o know_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n and_o see_v himself_o his_o creature_n penetrate_v those_o truth_n by_o a_o light_n spring_v from_o the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o word_n a_o light_a worthy_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n humble_v itself_o but_o with_o a_o humility_n that_o shall_v be_v eternal_a a_o humility_n more_o profound_a than_o that_o of_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n a_o humility_n which_o alone_o be_v worthy_a to_o honour_n and_o adore_v the_o infinite_a essence_n and_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n of_o god_n so_o that_o
as_o in_o the_o church_n he_o be_v feed_v with_o the_o body_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n among_o the_o true_a vertus_fw-fr which_o we_o must_v possess_v that_o which_o be_v as_o the_o gold_n and_o enamel_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v purity_n a_o virtue_n altogether_o necessary_a yet_o either_o despise_v or_o little_o know_v if_o we_o will_v see_v the_o necessity_n thereof_o let_v we_o only_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o wherein_o consist_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n the_o perfect_a christian_a must_v live_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o must_v carry_v god_n he_o must_v possess_v god_n 14.23_o if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o say_v christ_n he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v into_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o which_o we_o must_v not_o only_o understand_v of_o justify_v and_o inherent_a grace_n a_o gift_n create_v and_o give_v of_o god_n but_o of_o the_o real_a true_a habitation_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n the_o soul_n of_o the_o just_a say_v the_o wise_a man_n be_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v often_o that_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v temple_n of_o god_n 6.19_o know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reflect_v on_o this_o so_o manifest_a a_o truth_n we_o must_v say_v that_o to_o receive_v and_o possess_v god_n in_o our_o soul_n we_o must_v have_v the_o purity_n of_o god_n and_o in_o a_o word_n without_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n and_o disguize_v or_o cover_v the_o truth_n let_v we_o consider_v a_o little_a serious_o what_o the_o place_n ought_v to_o be_v where_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o god_n will_v dwell_v for_o ever_o what_o ought_v his_o dwelling_n to_o be_v of_o who_o david_n say_v thou_o dwell_v in_o the_o sanctuary_n 22.4_o and_o in_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n what_o ought_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n to_o be_v where_o god_n have_v make_v himself_o a_o seat_n which_o he_o have_v choose_v and_o consecrate_v to_o be_v the_o throne_n of_o his_o love_n we_o must_v believe_v god_n will_v require_v in_o we_o a_o purity_n worthy_a of_o god_n see_v he_o who_o be_v purity_n itself_o will_v dwell_v eternal_o in_o we_o this_o purity_n that_o god_n demand_n and_o whereof_o he_o be_v worthy_a be_v so_o divine_a that_o our_o strength_n can_v arrive_v unto_o it_o he_o must_v give_v it_o he_o must_v assist_v our_o importance_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o fire_n of_o his_o love_n the_o lightning_n of_o his_o light_n the_o force_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o can_v purge_v expiate_v and_o consume_v all_o in_o we_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o purity_n in_o brief_a it_o belong_v to_o god_n alone_o to_o place_v we_o in_o the_o purity_n that_o he_o require_v of_o we_o this_o show_v how_o much_o those_o soul_n be_v deceive_v who_o think_v to_o possess_v god_n and_o be_v well_o with_o he_o yet_o be_v more_o remote_a from_o he_o then_o heaven_n be_v from_o earth_n we_o need_v not_o but_o to_o behold_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o effect_n what_o its_o cause_n be_v now_o as_o this_o purity_n be_v altogether_o necessary_a to_o possess_v god_n so_o it_o be_v our_o part_n to_o desire_v and_o to_o demand_v it_o of_o he_o and_o our_o principal_a care_n must_v be_v to_o purify_v our_o heart_n to_o make_v it_o to_o bear_v god_n we_o must_v offer_v it_o to_o he_o that_o we_o may_v bring_v to_o ourselves_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o say_n of_o god_n to_o his_o spouse_n and_o to_o all_o other_o my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n we_o must_v give_v and_o resign_v it_o to_o he_o alone_o 23.26_o it_o be_v his_o desire_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o our_o happiness_n if_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o accept_v it_o it_o will_v be_v his_o when_o he_o please_v to_o make_v it_o such_o as_o he_o require_v it_o this_o be_v not_o all_o we_o must_v cooperate_v herein_o and_o labour_n with_o care_n and_o vigilancy_n that_o we_o may_v employ_v ourselves_o herein_o with_o courage_n and_o labour_n with_o profit_n let_v we_o therefore_o see_v wherein_o this_o purity_n consist_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v understand_v two_o way_n one_o that_o we_o must_v purify_v our_o heart_n from_o all_o sort_n of_o sin_n and_o voluntary_a imperfection_n god_n enter_v not_o into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n nor_o inhabit_v in_o a_o body_n enslave_v to_o sin_n we_o mean_v not_o only_o gross_a sin_n but_o ordinary_a fail_n even_o all_o fault_n be_v they_o never_o so_o little_a for_o god_n be_v purity_n itself_o can_v inhabit_v in_o a_o heart_n if_o he_o find_v not_o or_o put_v not_o therein_o this_o purity_n and_o be_v infinite_o good_a he_o infinite_o hate_v evil_a whatsoever_o it_o be_v and_o though_o the_o least_o fault_n drive_v not_o god_n out_o of_o our_o soul_n yet_o they_o make_v a_o division_n and_o unsettle_v the_o soul_n from_o god_n they_o make_v great_a spoil_n in_o the_o heart_n they_o undermine_v it_o they_o brand_v it_o they_o indispose_v it_o and_o be_v so_o it_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o god_n and_o become_v the_o object_n of_o his_o justice._n the_o soul_n that_o know_v how_o to_o esteem_v of_o god_n and_o bear_v any_o impression_n of_o his_o purity_n will_v think_v more_o than_o i_o say_v and_o never_o consent_v to_o the_o least_o imperfection_n all_o be_v insupportable_a to_o she_o that_o she_o know_v to_o be_v disacceptable_a to_o god_n she_o have_v no_o consideration_n of_o estate_n honour_n her_o own_o good_a or_o of_o man_n where_o she_o see_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n capable_a to_o offend_v the_o eye_n and_o heart_n of_o her_o god_n all_o her_o care_n be_v to_o detest_v and_o extirpate_v not_o only_o the_o least_o fault_n but_o to_o quit_v renounce_v and_o separate_v herself_o from_o whatsoever_o she_o know_v to_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n it_o be_v the_o chief_a advice_n of_o st._n augustine_n before_o any_o work_n say_v he_o be_v sure_a to_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o take_v from_o it_o all_o that_o you_o observe_v displease_v to_o god_n when_o he_o will_v have_v we_o take_v from_o our_o heart_n all_o that_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n he_o discover_v a_o great_a secret_a he_o will_v have_v we_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o take_v out_o of_o we_o all_o that_o be_v of_o adam_n he_o will_v have_v we_o annihilate_v our_o inclination_n because_o whatsoever_o be_v of_o adam_n be_v impure_a and_o opposite_a to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o ever_o contrary_a to_o he_o whence_o we_o conclude_v that_o he_o who_o will_v possess_v jesus_n must_v do_v all_o he_o can_v possible_a to_o dispossess_v himself_o of_o and_o to_o drive_v away_o adam_n this_o spirit_n of_o adam_n and_o his_o inclination_n can_v no_o more_o subsist_v in_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o the_o idol_n dagon_n can_v stand_v before_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n all_o that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o be_v not_o of_o god_n be_v impure_a and_o unworthy_a of_o god_n and_o all_o that_o be_v out_o of_o god_n can_v produce_v no_o good_a nor_o any_o thing_n worthy_a of_o god_n these_o be_v great_a truth_n such_o as_o may_v transport_v our_o spirit_n yet_o let_v we_o not_o be_v astonish_v at_o this_o proposition_n as_o too_o high_a and_o impossible_a and_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o therein_o be_v nothing_o too_o much_o but_o rather_o far_o less_o than_o so_o worthy_a a_o subject_a merit_n if_o we_o consider_v how_o pure_a that_o soul_n must_v be_v that_o will_v please_v god_n be_v in_o god_n and_o possess_v god_n and_o what_o purity_n it_o must_v have_v to_o be_v one_o with_o god_n for_o thereon_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a happy_o terminate_v o_o great_a god_n how_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o o_o god_n of_o adorable_a purity_n how_o few_o be_v fit_a to_o possess_v thou_o by_o the_o light_n of_o these_o truth_n we_o may_v discover_v the_o abuse_n and_o deceit_n in_o christian_n devotion_n some_o think_v that_o they_o hold_v god_n by_o the_o hand_n already_o and_o believe_v themselves_o well_o advance_v in_o perfection_n in_o that_o they_o communicate_v in_o that_o they_o fast_o and_o pray_v every_o day_n and_o a_o thousand_o such_o like_a thing_n wherein_o they_o exercise_v themselves_o they_o have_v the_o taste_n and_o sense_n of_o devotion_n they_o speak_v well_o of_o god_n and_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v they_o they_o say_v they_o be_v ravish_v in_o god_n but_o consider_v they_o well_o you_o shall_v find_v they_o live_v whole_o according_a to_o their_o own_o inclination_n they_o mind_v only_o their_o own_o
interest_n they_o care_v only_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v but_o themselves_o and_o full_a of_o self-love_n you_o shall_v know_v these_o tree_n by_o their_o fruit_n and_o the_o end_n will_v let_v you_o see_v that_o do_v but_o touch_v these_o mountain_n and_o nothing_o will_v come_v out_o but_o smoke_n god_n dwell_v not_o with_o baal_n let_v we_o not_o go_v two_o way_n the_o soul_n who_o will_v possess_v god_n who_o be_v purity_n must_v be_v pure_a must_v purge_v and_o take_v from_o itself_o all_o that_o displease_v god_n for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n possess_v not_o god_n there_o be_v another_o deceit_n whereto_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n which_o be_v of_o those_o that_o believe_v they_o do_v much_o and_o think_v that_o god_n be_v indebt_v to_o they_o when_o their_o conscience_n trouble_v they_o not_o with_o any_o deadly_a sin_n that_o be_v when_o they_o themselves_o say_v they_o avoid_v they_o all_o for_o that_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n simple_o take_v it_o be_v certain_a he_o who_o die_v without_o mortal_a sin_n shall_v be_v a_o saint_n but_o lay_v aside_o many_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v say_v against_o this_o abuse_n i_o will_v only_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o support_v themselves_o upon_o a_o reed_n for_o i_o advise_v all_o those_o soul_n that_o speak_v so_o to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o their_o own_o state_n because_o that_o to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o our_o fault_n as_o they_o be_v we_o must_v know_v what_o they_o be_v before_o god_n and_o by_o the_o light_n of_o god_n we_o can_v have_v this_o knowledge_n but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o we_o esteem_v god_n and_o his_o greatness_n but_o if_o we_o do_v esteem_v god_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o greatness_n and_o if_o we_o do_v live_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o will_v never_o speak_v thus_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v not_o only_o shun_v mortal_a sin_n but_o even_o the_o least_o fault_n for_o know_v god_n and_o esteem_v his_o greatness_n we_o love_v he_o love_v he_o we_o fear_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v displease_v he_o be_v it_o never_o so_o trivial_a and_o they_o therefore_o who_o only_a regard_n and_o fear_v the_o gross_a sin_n and_o care_v not_o for_o the_o rest_n assure_o neither_o know_v nor_o esteem_v god_n they_o know_v he_o not_o for_o they_o can_v know_v the_o state_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o consequent_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o when_o they_o ground_n their_o assurance_n on_o a_o pretence_n that_o they_o be_v not_o trouble_v with_o mortal_a sin_n and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o more_o in_o that_o they_o care_v not_o for_o all_o the_o rest_n believe_v they_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n alas_o who_o be_v he_o that_o can_v be_v assure_v he_o be_v worthy_a of_o love_n or_o hate_v what_o presumption_n be_v it_o in_o man_n of_o this_o age_n to_o assure_v themselves_o amid_o so_o many_o danger_n saint_n paul_n the_o mirror_n of_o sanctity_n say_v of_o himself_o i_o know_v nothing_o by_o myself_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o hereby_o justify_v and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v 4.4_o that_o he_o run_v and_o labour_n always_o because_o he_o be_v not_o arrive_v to_o that_o perfection_n god_n require_v of_o he_o 3.12_o we_o must_v say_v the_o same_o in_o what_o state_n soever_o we_o be_v whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o to_o live_v in_o the_o purity_n that_o god_n require_v of_o a_o christian_a he_o must_v not_o only_o shun_v all_o sin_n but_o further_o have_v a_o general_a care_n and_o particular_a vigilance_n to_o do_v nothing_o which_o may_v displease_v god_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v and_o must_v neglect_v nothing_o conduce_v thereto_o and_o herein_o consist_v purity_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n purity_n take_v in_o the_o second_o manner_n imply_v no_o other_o thing_n then_o a_o pure_a regard_n of_o man_n to_o god_n be_v it_o for_o the_o soul_n or_o for_o the_o body_n this_o purity_n be_v great_o important_a and_o altogether_o necessary_a to_o those_o who_o will_v live_v as_o perfect_a christian_n by_o this_o purity_n the_o soul_n regard_v only_a god_n she_o do_v nothing_o but_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n she_o seek_v nothing_o but_o his_o will_n if_o she_o love_v it_o be_v only_a god_n if_o she_o affect_v any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v only_o for_o god_n and_o according_a to_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n she_o seek_v his_o glory_n and_o satisfaction_n all_o creature_n be_v before_o she_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o this_o consist_v the_o essence_n of_o this_o virtue_n perhaps_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o better_o know_v by_o propose_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v arrive_v to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o virtue_n the_o first_o i_o place_n in_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o intention_n when_o the_o soul_n in_o all_o that_o she_o do_v annihilate_v all_o her_o intention_n her_o desire_n her_o motion_n her_o thought_n and_o admit_v none_o but_o the_o pure_a desire_n of_o comply_v with_o god_n i_o call_v this_o intention_n simple_a because_o it_o must_v be_v clear_a and_o naked_a without_o consult_v reason_n in_o any_o thing_n this_o intention_n be_v simple_a because_o it_o be_v one_o whole_o and_o always_o equal_a in_o all_o thing_n it_o regard_v god_n only_o and_o he_o continual_o in_o brief_a this_o intention_n and_o regard_n be_v simple_a because_o it_o only_o rest_v upon_o god_n the_o soul_n that_o seek_v this_o virtue_n seek_v only_o god_n o_o how_o desirable_a be_v this_o virtue_n how_o happy_a be_v this_o manner_n of_o life_n this_o be_v that_o which_o unite_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n that_o which_o please_v god_n and_o be_v fit_a to_o bear_v god_n the_o second_o mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o virtue_n be_v by_o deny_v ourselves_o when_o we_o renounce_v ourselves_o and_o admit_v no_o resentment_n that_o bear_v impurity_n and_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o or_o the_o creature_n as_o the_o esteem_n of_o our_o own_o merit_n of_o our_o capacity_n of_o our_o vocation_n the_o content_a of_o a_o neighbour_n the_o profit_n of_o friend_n the_o acquisition_n of_o virtue_n and_o such_o other_o thing_n that_o cause_v we_o to_o stray_v from_o god_n we_o must_v annihilate_v all_o these_o resentment_n and_o thought_n to_o persist_v in_o the_o unity_n and_o bare_a simplicity_n of_o the_o pure_a regard_n of_o god_n the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n his_o glory_n and_o his_o content_n be_v a_o thing_n more_o important_a and_o infinite_o of_o more_o worth_n than_o can_v be_v imagine_v yea_o than_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n the_o soul_n therefore_o that_o seek_v god_n and_o perfection_n for_o that_o be_v all_o one_o must_v careful_o take_v heed_n to_o this_o manner_n of_o purity_n for_o to_o regard_v any_o thing_n but_o god_n and_o to_o love_v out_o of_o god_n be_v to_o love_v unworthy_o and_o to_o love_v any_o other_o thing_n with_o god_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v to_o think_v thereon_o to_o seek_v it_o and_o to_o care_n for_o it_o be_v to_o make_v too_o little_a account_n of_o god_n it_o be_v to_o esteem_v his_o love_n too_o mean_o man_n addict_v to_o this_o world_n will_v pass_v over_o this_o light_o and_o perhaps_o with_o contempt_n but_o i_o wish_v all_o that_o hearty_o seek_v god_n and_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o god_n hold_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o regard_v to_o all_o eternity_n with_o a_o regard_n of_o love_n and_o good_a will_n that_o they_o think_v of_o what_o worth_n this_o eternal_a regard_n of_o god_n be_v who_o regard_v we_o without_o cease_v that_o they_o consider_v what_o god_n deserve_v and_o demand_v of_o god_n that_o which_o he_o please_v for_o this_o regard_n of_o his_o love_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o these_o thought_n will_v lead_v they_o to_o true_a piety_n the_o three_o mean_n to_o attain_v this_o virtue_n be_v vigilancy_n whereby_o we_o take_v heed_n to_o that_o which_o god_n do_v in_o we_o to_o correspond_v faithful_o with_o the_o design_n he_o have_v to_o purify_v we_o for_o by_o this_o virtue_n he_o be_v infuse_v and_o god_n by_o his_o operation_n incessant_o purify_v we_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o watch_v the_o occasion_n that_o god_n give_v she_o i_o say_v to_o watch_v for_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o be_v very_o cunning_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o god_n and_o to_o apply_v we_o to_o our_o sense_n under_o pretence_n of_o virtue_n and_o necessity_n the_o devout_a soul_n must_v serious_o take_v heed_n lest_o she_o destroy_v in_o herself_o the_o work_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o satan_n they_o be_v his_o ordinary_a subtlety_n that_o deceive_v the_o most_o fervent_a by_o this_o mean_n destroy_v
the_o whole_a life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o the_o cross_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o propagation_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o conquest_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v only_o effect_v by_o the_o debasement_n of_o the_o word_n into_o our_o humanity_n by_o annihilate_v of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n which_o bring_v nothing_o but_o debasement_n as_o shall_v be_v say_v elsewhere_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o all_o christian_n who_o will_v participate_v of_o this_o grace_n who_o subsist_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o desire_v to_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n must_v resolve_v to_o enter_v into_o this_o way_n of_o abnegation_n and_o annihilation_n in_o regard_n that_o all_o the_o life_n and_o all_o the_o grace_n they_o can_v hope_v be_v in_o the_o life_n and_o grace_n flow_v from_o jesus_n christ_n of_o who_o fullness_n we_o have_v all_o receive_v if_o this_o life_n and_o grace_n flow_v from_o jesus_n christ_n it_o must_v be_v consonant_a to_o his_o life_n it_o must_v bear_v his_o quality_n and_o property_n as_o the_o river_n have_v no_o water_n but_o that_o of_o the_o source_n leave_v the_o taste_n and_o quality_n thereof_o so_o all_o our_o grace_n be_v of_o jesus_n as_o their_o fountain_n and_o principle_n they_o must_v necessary_o be_v all_o conformable_a and_o like_v to_o he_o now_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v in_o lowness_n and_o annihilation_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o word_n the_o foundation_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o christian_n grace_n be_v operate_v in_o style_v by_o saint_n paul_n the_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n exinanition_n 2.8_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o silence_n of_o infancy_n his_o strength_n in_o feebleness_n the_o throne_n of_o his_o greatness_n support_v on_o lowness_n in_o brief_a what_o great_a annihilation_n then_o that_o of_o the_o cross_n all_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o consequence_n all_o his_o grace_n be_v in_o annihilation_n thence_o we_o derive_v all_o those_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v assist_v and_o sanctify_v what_o then_o may_v this_o operate_v in_o we_o what_o can_v it_o require_v of_o we_o but_o that_o which_o itself_o be_v in_o its_o source_n and_o principle_n annihilation_n divest_v and_o abnegation_n in_o a_o word_n it_o can_v operate_v nothing_o else_o for_o he_o that_o have_v grace_n and_o its_o effect_n must_v be_v in_o abnegation_n and_o annihilation_n all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v by_o annihilation_n little_a or_o much_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o receive_v it_o let_v we_o ascend_v to_o the_o source_n of_o this_o truth_n consider_v that_o as_o god_n have_v create_v so_o many_o and_o so_o different_a creature_n for_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o material_a world_n so_o in_o the_o order_n of_o grace_n he_o have_v make_v different_a way_n to_o come_v to_o he_o one_o grace_n for_o angel_n another_o for_o man_n another_o for_o his_o son_n who_o by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n become_v capable_a of_o grace_n but_o of_o a_o grace_n proportion_v to_o the_o order_n and_o state_n of_o his_o incarnation_n that_o of_o the_o angel_n be_v not_o for_o we_o that_o of_o man_n be_v lose_v in_o adam_n there_o rest_v no_o other_o for_o we_o then_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n whereby_o he_o repair_v and_o sanctify_v we_o now_o as_o this_o grace_n be_v superior_a and_o near_o to_o god_n because_o make_v for_o jesus_n christ_n god_n and_o man_n not_o for_o man_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o who_o will_v participate_v of_o it_o must_v be_v elevate_v above_o their_o first_o capacity_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v by_o he_o unite_v to_o god_n thus_o the_o grace_n that_o sanctify_v we_o be_v by_o a_o holy_a jesus_n worthy_a and_o proportion_v to_o the_o greatness_n of_o jesus_n infinite_o elevate_v above_o our_o be_v and_o capacity_n if_o then_o we_o will_v participate_v of_o this_o grace_n we_o must_v necessary_o be_v elevate_v to_o a_o union_n with_o jesus_n force_v above_o our_o own_o capacity_n to_o be_v make_v capable_a to_o receive_v and_o bear_v this_o grace_n if_o i_o will_v arrive_v to_o this_o union_n and_o capacity_n i_o must_v go_v out_o of_o myself_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n i_o must_v die_v to_o myself_o to_o live_v in_o jesus_n this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o self-denial_n and_o annihilation_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o grace_n for_o one_o be_v not_o without_o the_o other_o no_o more_o than_o the_o effect_n can_v be_v without_o the_o cause_n this_o be_v the_o point_n st._n paul_n speak_v of_o when_o he_o call_v christian_n sacrifice_n to_o show_v that_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n 12.1_o bring_v death_n and_o self-deniall_n and_o that_o the_o christian_n must_v be_v continual_o before_o god_n as_o a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o so_o he_o speak_v all_o along_o you_o be_v dead_a 3.3_o and_o your_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n and_o elsewhere_o that_o christian_n be_v dead_a and_o bury_v with_o jesus_n christ_n live_v in_o he_o and_o with_o he_o 6.4_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o by_o baptism_n in_o who_o also_o we_o be_v raise_v up_o again_o in_o brief_a this_o oracle_n of_o truth_n every_o where_o show_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o death_n of_o self-denial_n and_o annihilation_n whence_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o he_o who_o will_v live_v according_a to_o christian_n grace_n and_o acquit_v himself_o of_o the_o protestation_n and_o promise_n he_o make_v in_o baptism_n must_v be_v in_o self-denial_n and_o annihilation_n chap._n xiii_o what_o abnegation_n be_v and_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n show_v the_o necessity_n of_o abnegation_n if_o we_o will_v be_v perfect_a that_o it_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o christianity_n it_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o will_v embrace_v true_a virtue_n and_o solid_a piety_n and_o participate_v of_o christian_n grace_n must_v first_o exercise_v himself_o in_o this_o virtue_n and_o practice_v it_o without_o so_o much_o busy_v himself_o in_o other_o exercise_n less_o profitable_a it_o be_v hard_o to_o teach_v and_o to_o persuade_v many_o soul_n to_o this_o virtue_n who_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v traffic_n with_o piety_n and_o seek_v only_o themselves_o in_o all_o they_o do_v 2.25_o but_o more_o hard_a to_o convince_v those_o that_o be_v drown_v in_o worldly_a affair_n or_o bury_v in_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o perhaps_o what_o be_v say_v of_o this_o virtue_n though_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o god_n merit_v and_o require_v of_o we_o appear_v too_o high_a and_o speculative_a to_o those_o who_o already_o seem_v to_o boast_v of_o perfection_n and_o believe_v the_o way_n of_o heaven_n more_o easy_a than_o it_o be_v to_o all_o this_o nothing_o can_v be_v better_o oppose_v than_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n be_v perfect_a now_o if_o your_o perfection_n take_v its_o aim_n so_o high_a it_o be_v not_o so_o mean_a and_o common_a as_o some_o think_v it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o we_o find_v this_o annihilation_n new_a and_o think_v it_o too_o difficult_a let_v we_o consider_v the_o word_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n pronounce_v with_o much_o energy_n and_o efficacy_n 18.3_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o you_o be_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n you_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n what_o more_o clear_a and_o great_a annihilation_n can_v god_n require_v then_o to_o command_v the_o great_a and_o mighty_a to_o become_v as_o child_n st._n paul_n wish_v those_o that_o think_v themselves_o wise_a 19_o to_o become_v fool_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n he_o that_o believe_v must_v captivate_v his_o judgement_n and_o according_a to_o the_o common_a say_n annihilate_v his_o reason_n whereby_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o annihilation_n and_o self-deniall_n be_v a_o virtue_n recommend_v and_o necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n to_o all_o that_o will_v be_v save_v not_o a_o indifferent_a annihilation_n but_o proportion_v to_o the_o grace_n and_o glory_n that_o a_o man_n will_v possess_v this_o suppose_a let_v we_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v and_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o the_o first_o be_v a_o efficacious_a desire_n of_o this_o virtue_n we_o must_v desire_v it_o and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o necessary_a for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v in_o grace_n proper_a and_o convenient_a for_o a_o christian._n we_o must_v often_o excite_v this_o desire_n in_o
the_o care_n a_fw-fr christian_n ought_v to_o have_v to_o do_v all_o his_o action_n according_a to_o his_o vocation_n and_o to_o maintain_v himself_o in_o the_o order_n and_o conduct_v of_o god_n next_o interior_a disposition_n necessary_a to_o christian_a perfection_n it_o be_v convenient_a to_o speak_v of_o the_o exterior_a to_o make_v our_o perfect_a christian_a see_v how_o he_o must_v comport_v himself_o to_o be_v perfect_a in_o all_o thing_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v of_o the_o care_n we_o must_v have_v to_o appear_v virtuous_a and_o exemplary_a and_o to_o walk_v upright_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n next_o we_o have_v show_v how_o all_o his_o action_n must_v be_v square_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 2.14_o subject_a to_o his_o conduct_n which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o his_o divine_a inspiration_n last_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o to_o do_v action_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o conformable_a to_o his_o sanctity_n and_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n they_o must_v regard_v god_n and_o have_v no_o intention_n but_o to_o please_v he_o it_o remain_v that_o we_o show_v what_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o perfection_n the_o most_o considerable_a in_o christian_a piety_n that_o be_v how_o all_o our_o action_n shall_v be_v do_v according_a to_o our_o vocation_n the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v a_o circle_n that_o come_v forth_o from_o god_n and_o must_v return_v to_o god_n god_n alone_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o be_v of_o our_o life_n and_o of_o our_o action_n &_o as_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o they_o so_o be_v he_o the_o end_n thereof_o he_o be_v the_o principle_n do_v all_o in_o we_o he_o be_v our_o end_n and_o recall_v we_o unto_o himself_o so_o that_o we_o have_v all_o of_o god_n and_o be_v recall_v back_o to_o god_n for_o the_o creature_n bear_v a_o right_a capacity_n and_o inclination_n which_o can_v never_o be_v annihilate_v which_o cause_v it_o to_o subsist_v call_v it_o back_o to_o it_o be_v god_n there_o to_o adhere_v as_o to_o its_o repose_n and_o ultimate_a perfection_n herein_o we_o find_v two_o thing_n remarkable_a which_o belong_v to_o our_o subject_n one_o that_o god_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o our_o action_n the_o other_o that_o he_o be_v the_o end_n he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o our_o action_n because_o there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o we_o which_o god_n do_v not_o of_o he_o we_o have_v the_o motion_n thought_n and_o will_v to_o do_v well_o he_o give_v we_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o not_o only_o give_v we_o the_o power_n to_o do_v it_o but_o himself_o do_v it_o in_o we_o so_o true_o that_o he_o be_v more_o the_o author_n of_o a_o good_a work_n than_o we_o ourselves_o and_o according_a to_o the_o prophet_n we_o shall_v say_v to_o god_n lord_n thou_o have_v wrought_v all_o our_o work_n in_o we_o it_o be_v god_n say_v saint_n paul_n that_o work_v in_o we_o 26.12_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n imply_v not_o only_o that_o god_n give_v we_o his_o grace_n and_o good_a motion_n 2.13_o which_o join_v with_o our_o consent_n effect_v the_o work_n but_o that_o by_o grace_n god_n be_v in_o we_o after_o a_o new_a and_o special_a manner_n unite_v to_o our_o soul_n which_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o by_o this_o union_n and_o adherence_n god_n fill_v the_o capacity_n which_o the_o soul_n have_v to_o good_a and_o to_o virtue_n and_o operate_v in_o she_o and_o by_o she_o the_o action_n of_o virtue_n but_o so_o that_o it_o be_v he_o who_o operate_v more_o than_o we_o we_o operate_v say_v saint_n augustine_n but_o it_o be_v god_n who_o operate_v in_o we_o this_o operation_n thus_o be_v god_n the_o author_n of_o our_o action_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o they_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o be_v also_o the_o end_n of_o our_o be_v and_o operation_n the_o end_n of_o our_o be_v because_o he_o be_v the_o creator_n thereof_o for_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n that_o which_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v also_o the_o end_n thereof_o and_o by_o the_o order_n that_o god_n hold_v in_o his_o love_a operation_n he_o can_v act_v but_o he_o must_v be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o action_n and_o as_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o be_v action_n and_o perfection_n of_o man_n so_o be_v he_o the_o end_n thereof_o this_o principle_n teach_v we_o that_o as_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o end_n of_o man_n so_o he_o alone_o give_v the_o mean_n and_o prescribe_v the_o order_n that_o he_o must_v keep_v to_o come_v to_o god_n his_o end_n for_o as_o the_o creature_n have_v not_o power_n to_o draw_v itself_o from_o nothing_o so_o have_v it_o not_o the_o right_a to_o propose_v a_o end_n to_o itself_o nor_o to_o prescribe_v to_o itself_o the_o order_n way_n and_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o this_o end_n that_o appertain_v to_o god_n who_o alone_o can_v give_v the_o be_v propose_v the_o end_n and_o prescribe_v the_o mean_n and_o when_o god_n have_v prescribe_v the_o end_n and_o ordain_v the_o mean_n thereto_o yet_o can_v we_o follow_v the_o way_n nor_o keep_v this_o order_n if_o god_n himself_o do_v not_o act_n in_o we_o conduct_v we_o and_o work_v in_o we_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o attain_v our_o end_n for_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o all_o our_o action_n he_o perform_v both_o the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n say_v st._n paul_n speak_v of_o god_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v 2.10_o that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o hereby_o the_o apostle_n show_v that_o god_n have_v regulate_v the_o life_n of_o man_n ordain_v all_o his_o action_n prepare_v all_o the_o good_a work_n wherein_o he_o will_v that_o he_o shall_v employ_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o do_v all_o in_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n so_o all_o our_o safety_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o god_n be_v our_o end_n god_n alone_o have_v ordain_v the_o mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o our_o end_n god_n alone_o must_v conduct_v and_o operate_v in_o we_o work_v necessary_a to_o that_o end_n whereto_o we_o be_v call_v herein_o consist_v all_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o christian_a all_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o soul_n whence_o all_o the_o piety_n all_o the_o care_n we_o must_v have_v consist_v in_o these_o three_o point_n which_o contain_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o tend_v towards_o god_n continual_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o order_n and_o conduct_v of_o god_n and_o to_o entertain_v all_o the_o divine_a operation_n to_o let_v god_n act_v who_o conduct_n we_o in_o that_o order_n he_o have_v establish_v over_o we_o and_o operate_v in_o we_o incessant_o the_o work_n which_o he_o prepare_v from_o all_o eternity_n in_o these_o three_o point_n consist_v all_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o christianity_n therefore_o we_o must_v take_v great_a care_n herein_o though_o they_o be_v unknown_a to_o we_o and_o their_o use_n appear_v difficult_a yet_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o know_v they_o and_o demand_v of_o god_n light_n and_o grace_n we_o must_v follow_v they_o with_o fidelity_n and_o embrace_v they_o with_o vigilancy_n in_o all_o thing_n even_o in_o the_o very_a lest_o for_o in_o what_o concern_v god_n his_o glory_n and_o will_n nothing_o be_v little_a all_o be_v great_a and_o inestimable_a here_o we_o must_v consider_v how_o we_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o a_o subject_n so_o important_a that_o we_o may_v avoid_v the_o snare_n prepare_v for_o we_o on_o all_o side_n all_o the_o evil_a that_o can_v befall_v we_o herein_o come_v either_o from_o the_o devil_n or_o from_o ourselves_o and_o more_o from_o ourselves_o then_o from_o the_o other_o for_o we_o be_v the_o principal_a instrument_n of_o our_o own_o ruin_n the_o devil_n incite_v by_o his_o ordinary_a malice_n be_v crafty_a and_o have_v a_o thousand_o subtle_a way_n to_o annoy_v we_o continual_o consider_v the_o way_n of_o god_n over_o our_o soul_n and_o by_o the_o little_a knowledge_n he_o have_v thereof_o can_v easy_o represent_v something_o of_o god_n ordinance_n over_o we_o of_o his_o design_n and_o way_n to_o save_v we_o have_v consider_v these_o he_o go_v about_o he_o make_v it_o his_o perpetual_a business_n to_o persecute_v we_o and_o precipitate_v we_o the_o first_o effect_n of_o his_o malice_n be_v to_o ruin_v in_o we_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o to_o shut_v our_o heart_n against_o the_o motion_n of_o grace_n he_o particular_o labour_v to_o divert_v we_o from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v we_o go_v out_o of_o the_o order_n and_o conduct_v which_o he_o know_v god_n have_v establish_v over_o we_o he_o employ_v a_o thousand_o surprise_v
pleasure_n and_o glory_n he_o that_o will_v examine_v the_o precept_n of_o love_n will_v ingenious_o confess_v that_o which_o we_o say_v for_o we_o can_v love_v god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o withal_o our_o strength_n but_o in_o seek_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n even_o the_o least_o much_o more_o in_o those_o which_o we_o call_v indifferent_a though_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v not_o so_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o second_o the_o christian_a must_v avoid_v in_o his_o action_n the_o multiplicity_n and_o confusion_n which_o occur_v ordinary_o in_o affair_n even_o in_o those_o which_o be_v good_a and_o appear_v charitable_a and_o above_o all_o he_o must_v exempt_v himself_o from_o that_o which_o concern_v he_o not_o and_o be_v not_o of_o his_o office_n nor_o suitable_a to_o his_o profession_n and_o vocation_n and_o especial_o those_o which_o be_v above_o his_o capacity_n and_o power_n this_o advice_n be_v to_o be_v weigh_v and_o clear_v for_o the_o most_o serious_a may_v be_v deceive_v and_o the_o most_o zealous_a may_v lose_v themselves_o in_o their_o occupation_n by_o this_o way_n the_o devil_n withdraw_v away_o many_o soul_n from_o virtue_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o vocation_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o we_o to_o be_v lose_v in_o this_o snare_n if_o we_o have_v not_o a_o pure_a regard_n of_o god_n and_o a_o continual_a vigilancy_n we_o fall_v ordinary_o into_o this_o evil_a sometime_o a_o false_a zeal_n of_o charity_n transport_v we_o sometime_o we_o be_v seduce_v by_o complacency_n sometime_o by_o curiosity_n and_o our_o own_o inclination_n which_o be_v much_o give_v to_o change_v and_o variety_n and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o all_o that_o it_o employ_v itself_o in_o busy_v itself_o therein_o with_o much_o content_n fasten_v itself_o thereto_o insomuch_o that_o the_o soul_n become_v at_o last_o so_o disorder_v that_o she_o find_v no_o more_o repose_n in_o her_o spirit_n no_o more_o attention_n in_o her_o self_n but_o feel_v her_o self_n whole_o estrange_v from_o god_n even_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a exercise_n of_o her_o vocation_n be_v in_o this_o condition_n she_o be_v disquiet_v and_o this_o disquiet_n cause_v a_o distaste_n and_o alienation_n from_o virtue_n whereupon_o lose_v the_o reins_o she_o more_o and_o more_o abandon_v herself_o to_o exterior_a thing_n and_o infallible_o lose_v herself_o if_o she_o have_v not_o a_o care_n to_o withdraw_v herself_o in_o good_a time_n and_o if_o god_n preserve_v she_o not_o and_o behold_v she_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o mercy_n the_o soul_n therefore_o that_o seek_v perfection_n and_o the_o inward_a peace_n of_o the_o heart_n must_v be_v vigilant_a herein_o and_o not_o suffer_v herself_o to_o be_v inconsiderate_o transport_v under_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o for_o it_o concern_v her_o salvation_n the_o state_n of_o true_a love_n and_o grace_n always_o withdraw_v the_o soul_n from_o all_o multiplicity_n and_o separate_v she_o from_o all_o thing_n for_o so_o much_o as_o she_o have_v of_o love_n and_o grace_n so_o far_o be_v she_o separate_v and_o estrange_v from_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o more_o she_o be_v to_o god_n the_o more_o she_o fly_v and_o detest_v all_o thing_n else_o the_o more_o grace_n reign_v in_o she_o the_o more_o it_o separate_v she_o from_o her_o self_n and_o the_o world_n self-love_n draw_v we_o to_o the_o creature_n and_o involve_v we_o in_o a_o multiplicity_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o love_n of_o god_n separate_v we_o from_o the_o creature_n and_o put_v we_o into_o unity_n this_o most_o true_a principle_n may_v serve_v we_o as_o a_o plummet_n to_o sound_v the_o depth_n and_o interior_a of_o the_o soul_n he_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o grace_n and_o have_v but_o any_o pure_a love_n need_v not_o to_o be_v persuade_v to_o this_o because_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o grace_n make_v he_o hate_v fly_v and_o detest_v both_o the_o world_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o and_o assure_o he_o will_v show_v it_o by_o the_o effect_n for_o he_o can_v do_v otherwise_o whence_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o approve_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o will_v be_v true_o devout_a and_o persuade_v themselves_o they_o have_v true_a christian_a piety_n yet_o charge_v themselves_o with_o care_n with_o affair_n and_o trouble_n perplex_v themselves_o in_o thought_n desire_n and_o bring_v about_o divers_a design_n to_o convince_v and_o enlighten_v they_o if_o they_o be_v capable_a we_o must_v resume_v our_o principle_n and_o only_o say_v to_o they_o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n speak_v unity_n and_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o multiplicity_n three_o there_o be_v many_o action_n necessary_a in_o many_o affair_n wherewith_o we_o can_v dispense_v for_o that_o they_o be_v necessary_a and_o wherein_o our_o nature_n and_o spirit_n may_v be_v satisfy_v and_o content_a but_o we_o must_v renounce_v this_o pleasure_n and_o content_n for_o god_n must_v have_v all_o our_o action_n and_o to_o do_v christianly_o and_o pure_o we_o must_v do_v it_o only_o for_o his_o good_a pleasure_n so_o that_o if_o we_o mingle_v with_o it_o other_o pretence_n or_o contentment_n it_o be_v not_o pure_o for_o god_n but_o we_o share_v with_o god_n and_o we_o rob_v he_o of_o all_o that_o part_n that_o we_o take_v therein_o but_o if_o the_o action_n we_o do_v be_v natural_a as_o to_o eat_v sleep_n and_o the_o like_a we_o must_v not_o fulfil_v they_o by_o the_o instinct_n and_o appetite_n of_o nature_n which_o force_v we_o to_o satisfy_v both_o her_o necessity_n and_o pleasure_n but_o we_o must_v perform_v they_o out_o of_o a_o pure_a desire_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o this_o necessity_n this_o desire_n must_v be_v exclusive_a as_o to_o any_o other_o instinct_n and_o will_n for_o in_o action_n natural_a and_o necessary_a there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o the_o rule_n and_o end_n of_o the_o action_n the_o rule_n be_v humane_a and_o natural_a the_o end_n must_v always_o be_v supernatural_a as_o for_o example_n we_o do_v some_o necessary_a act_n as_o to_o eat_v sleep_n or_o the_o like_a the_o necessity_n be_v the_o rule_n but_o god_n must_v be_v the_o end_n of_o this_o action_n for_o he_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n both_o free_a and_o necessary_a and_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o their_o supernatural_a end_n it_o be_v the_o advice_n of_o st._n paul_n 10.31_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v let_v all_o be_v do_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o truth_n be_v most_o evident_a for_o if_o god_n be_v not_o the_o end_n of_o such_o action_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v that_o man_n himself_o be_v the_o end_n thereof_o which_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n and_o error_n to_o affirm_v we_o must_v then_o conclude_v and_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n whatsoever_o you_o do_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n 3.17_o do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o in_o all_o lawful_a action_n therefore_o we_o must_v regard_v the_o rule_n and_o the_o end_n of_o necessity_n which_o must_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o good_a pleasure_n and_o pure_a will_n of_o god_n but_o if_o in_o these_o action_n there_o shall_v happen_v some_o displeasure_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o our_o honour_n or_o if_o they_o be_v full_a of_o bitterness_n than_o we_o must_v courageous_o embrace_v they_o and_o with_o a_o affection_n and_o love_v ready_a for_o the_o displeasure_n which_o may_v happen_v offer_v ourselves_o to_o god_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o bitterness_n as_o often_o and_o as_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v please_v his_o divine_a majesty_n so_o in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n wherein_o he_o may_v take_v pleasure_n or_o displeasure_n in_o what_o manner_n soever_o they_o be_v we_o may_v frame_v three_o act_n the_o first_o be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n make_v such_o a_o action_n very_o natural_a and_o necessary_a by_o submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o pure_a will_n of_o god_n who_o have_v ordain_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o best_a manner_n that_o best_o please_v he_o the_o second_o be_v of_o abnegation_n renounce_v the_o pleasure_n or_o accept_v the_o displeasure_n which_o may_v be_v therein_o the_o three_o of_o resignation_n give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a suffering_n of_o displeasure_n if_o it_o shall_v so_o happen_v and_o that_o for_o as_o long_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o shall_v please_v god_n for_o the_o soul_n must_v have_v no_o will_n but_o to_o accept_v the_o will_n of_o god_n four_o we_o may_v fail_v yet_o in_o the_o use_n and_o research_v of_o thing_n not_o only_o lawful_a but_o also_o virtuous_a by_o adherence_n and_o
where_o sin_n have_v abound_v that_o love_n may_v triumph_v over_o we_o let_v we_o then_o descend_v to_o the_o particularity_n of_o grace_n and_o examine_v the_o property_n and_o effect_n thereof_o the_o grace_n which_o we_o receive_v and_o sanctify_v we_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o flow_v from_o his_o fullness_n and_o communicate_v to_o our_o soul_n grace_n which_o be_v not_o only_o supernatural_a but_o be_v make_v for_o jesus_n and_o be_v proportion_v to_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o infinite_a dignity_n whence_o we_o be_v call_v christian_n it_o have_v all_o its_o be_v dignity_n and_o residence_n in_o jesus_n it_o be_v above_o our_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o rank_n of_o supernatural_a thing_n in_o a_o order_n sovereign_a and_o particular_a worthy_a of_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o jesus_n and_o proportion_v to_o his_o filiation_n order_n and_o grace_n very_o different_a from_o the_o original_a justice_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o first_o man_n for_o though_o the_o grace_n of_o adam_n be_v supernatural_a yet_o be_v it_o a_o order_n very_o inferior_a to_o christian_a grace_n be_v proportion_v to_o his_o nature_n and_o inclination_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n all_o man_n as_o well_o as_o adam_n have_v be_v sanctify_v in_o the_o order_n and_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o natural_a use_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o christian_a grace_n for_o that_o be_v not_o proportion_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n but_o above_o it_o whole_o in_o jesus_n whole_o for_o he_o it_o issue_v out_o of_o he_o and_o by_o a_o effect_n proper_a and_o particular_a to_o it_o draw_v we_o from_o ourselves_o to_o unite_v we_o to_o he_o as_o member_n to_o the_o head_n and_o be_v unite_v sanctify_v we_o in_o he_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o we_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o man_n and_o child_n of_o adam_n but_o as_o child_n of_o god_n and_o member_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o by_o a_o grace_n proper_a to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n of_o who_o fullness_n we_o have_v all_o receive_v whence_o we_o infer_v that_o he_o who_o will_v be_v sanctify_v and_o partake_v of_o christian_a grace_n must_v be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o branch_n to_o the_o tree_n the_o graft_n to_o the_o stock_n the_o member_n to_o the_o head_n and_o if_o unite_a must_v also_o be_v one_o with_o he_o as_o the_o head_n and_o member_n make_v up_o but_o one_o body_n and_o consequent_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o unity_n must_v not_o only_o partake_v of_o his_o grace_n but_o also_o his_o spirit_n and_o life_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o we_o say_v the_o member_n move_v not_o themselves_o nor_o live_v but_o by_o the_o life_n of_o their_o head_n this_o be_v consider_v we_o see_v that_o to_o live_v christianly_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o we_o must_v be_v in_o grace_n but_o we_o must_v live_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n of_o jesus_n for_o grace_n produce_v this_o effect_n for_o as_o much_o as_o by_o the_o same_o principle_n whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n as_o member_n to_o their_o head_n we_o must_v live_v his_o life_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o christian_a grace_n to_o unite_v we_o to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o be_v it_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n to_o rule_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o to_o make_v we_o live_v his_o life_n wherein_o appear_v how_o perfect_a the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o grace_n shall_v be_v how_o exemplary_a and_o holy_a his_o action_n must_v be_v how_o regular_a his_o motion_n and_o how_o pure_a his_o intention_n see_v it_o be_v a_o life_n of_o grace_n which_o unite_v we_o to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o make_v we_o one_o with_o he_o cause_v we_o to_o live_v in_o his_o spirit_n and_o life_n let_v we_o enter_v further_o into_o the_o consideration_n of_o grace_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n grace_n be_v a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 1.4_o these_o word_n contain_v the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n and_o describe_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o grace_n the_o apostle_n imply_v that_o we_o be_v accidental_o what_o god_n be_v substantial_o and_o that_o which_o agree_v with_o god_n and_o be_v proper_a to_o he_o according_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v appropriate_v to_o we_o and_o may_v be_v convenient_a for_o we_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o by_o grace_n we_o be_v elevate_v from_o our_o own_o baseness_n to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o we_o be_v put_v out_o of_o ourselves_o to_o receive_v a_o new_a be_v in_o god_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v say_v more_o admirable_a or_o great_a if_o we_o reflect_v on_o this_o truth_n we_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o to_o live_v according_a to_o christian_a grace_n and_o bear_v its_o effect_n in_o our_o soul_n we_o must_v go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o be_v no_o more_o our_o own_o nor_o in_o ourselves_o when_o we_o say_v we_o must_v go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o we_o will_v intimate_v that_o the_o christian_n to_o live_v like_o a_o perfect_a christian_a must_v regard_v nothing_o but_o god_n mind_n no_o interest_n but_o that_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n please_v none_o but_o god_n have_v no_o desire_n but_o to_o accomplish_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o brief_a he_o must_v renounce_v himself_o and_o the_o love_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o love_v none_o but_o god_n to_o live_v so_o as_o to_o go_v out_o of_o one_o self_n be_v in_o two_o word_n all_o that_o we_o have_v propose_v in_o the_o four_o part._n this_o be_v a_o point_n may_v be_v think_v hard_o and_o too_o high_a yet_o the_o practice_n thereof_o be_v necessary_a according_a to_o those_o word_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o that_o will_v follow_v i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o 23._o where_o we_o see_v how_o much_o a_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o renounce_v all_o and_o to_o go_v out_o of_o himself_o after_o the_o manner_n we_o have_v declare_v which_o will_v appear_v more_o clear_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o essence_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o love_n for_o the_o love_n of_o christianity_n be_v a_o love_n say_v dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n extatick_a that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o raise_v we_o to_o a_o contempt_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o thing_n to_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n who_o be_v essential_o love_n and_o charity_n so_o that_o by_o the_o perfection_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n we_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o creature_n to_o be_v only_a god_n and_o not_o to_o enjoy_v ourselves_o in_o any_o thing_n but_o in_o god_n thus_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o consider_v christianity_n we_o find_v that_o both_o love_n and_o christian_a grace_n cause_v we_o to_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o to_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n the_o sequel_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n last_o explain_v we_o learn_v the_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n in_o adam_n and_o the_o christian_a righteousness_n in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o adam_n have_v a_o power_n over_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v permit_v he_o to_o enjoy_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o to_o rejoice_v therein_o original_a righteousness_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o first_o man_n be_v in_o that_o and_o in_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o christian_a grace_n be_v quite_o contrary_a for_o god_n will_v not_o any_o more_o that_o man_n rejoice_v and_o content_v himself_o in_o any_o thing_n but_o in_o he_o that_o he_o live_v not_o but_o for_o he_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v his_o possession_n and_o heritage_n beside_o the_o state_n of_o adam_n be_v in_o exaltation_n in_o the_o possession_n in_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n that_o he_o may_v lawful_o take_v in_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v subject_v to_o he_o during_o the_o time_n that_o he_o remain_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n but_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n be_v whole_o opposite_a it_o consist_v altogether_o in_o privation_n in_o humiliation_n in_o dejection_n and_o in_o sum_n it_o deve_v man_n of_o all_o power_n even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v be_v whole_o jesus_n christ_n that_o separate_n himself_o from_o the_o creature_n and_o from_o himself_o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v his_o all_o and_o his_o fullness_n that_o by_o christian_a grace_n he_o may_v enter_v into_o society_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o he_o with_o his_o father_n according_a to_o what_o the_o belove_a apostle_n promise_v we_o when_o he_o say_v 1.3_o that_o your_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n
true_o all_o virtue_n be_v good_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o perfect_a christian_a the_o practice_n thereof_o profitable_a the_o acquisition_n useful_a and_o necessary_a but_o his_o chief_a care_n and_o exercise_n must_v be_v piety_n 8._o for_o he_o add_v godliness_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v the_o advice_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v his_o disciple_n we_o must_v here_o propose_v to_o our_o perfect_a christian_a have_v already_o speak_v of_o virtue_n the_o most_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n there_o remain_v then_o no_o more_o to_o commend_v unto_o he_o but_o a_o true_a and_o solid_a christian_a piety_n for_o this_o piety_n be_v the_o ornament_n or_o mistress_n of_o all_o other_o virtue_n i_o mean_v the_o christian_a virtue_n dispose_v we_o assist_v we_o and_o put_v we_o into_o a_o capacity_n agreeable_a to_o god_n and_o to_o honour_v he_o they_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o make_v we_o worthy_a of_o god_n they_o show_v we_o the_o way_n to_o god_n but_o piety_n lead_v we_o to_o god_n and_o make_v use_v of_o all_o virtue_n to_o conduct_v we_o thither_o and_o have_v no_o object_n but_o god_n teach_v we_o the_o worship_n and_o honour_n that_o we_o must_v render_v to_o he_o and_o like_o a_o good_a mistress_n put_v we_o into_o a_o ready_a and_o easy_a practice_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o entertain_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o action_n that_o honour_n god_n and_o be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o in_o brief_a she_o enable_v we_o to_o pay_v god_n what_o we_o owe_v he_o this_o piety_n be_v the_o first_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o a_o soul_n as_o the_o first_o motion_n the_o first_o instinct_n the_o first_o light_n we_o have_v from_o nature_n to_o know_v god_n so_o the_o first_o exercise_n she_o inspire_v we_o with_o be_v to_o honour_v the_o same_o god_n to_o render_v he_o that_o worship_n and_o service_n which_o the_o creature_n owe_v its_o creator_n this_o piety_n teach_v to_o this_o she_o incite_v we_o this_o she_o produce_v in_o we_o whence_o we_o may_v apprehend_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o know_v wherein_o this_o true_a piety_n consist_v and_o to_o establish_v our_o self_n therein_o for_o above_o all_o that_o we_o have_v say_v already_o which_o be_v very_o considerable_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o true_a piety_n be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a foundation_n whereby_o christian_n perfection_n be_v support_v in_o the_o conduct_n of_o man_n all_o action_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o life_n be_v rule_v according_a to_o piety_n and_o as_o we_o common_o say_v according_a to_o the_o devotion_n they_o have_v if_o then_o their_o piety_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o a_o solid_a foundation_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n will_v be_v unconstant_a and_o its_o exercise_n very_o uncertain_a superficial_a and_o perhaps_o whole_o unprofitable_a 3.5_o as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o devotion_n of_o many_o which_o be_v only_o in_o the_o exterior_a who_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v have_v the_o form_n of_o godliness_n despise_v the_o power_n thereof_o in_o such_o soul_n we_o see_v nothing_o solid_a nothing_o but_o inconstancy_n in_o their_o life_n imperfection_n in_o their_o action_n disquiet_a disturbance_n and_o adherence_n to_o several_a creature_n in_o their_o spirit_n a_o small_a blast_n of_o adversity_n overturn_v they_o if_o we_o consider_v all_o their_o life_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o appearance_n and_o shadow_n of_o piety_n counterfeit_a pearl_n that_o make_v a_o fair_a glitter_a show_n but_o be_v full_o only_a of_o wind_n some_o fall_n into_o this_o evil_a by_o ignorance_n other_o by_o default_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o direct_v both_o into_o the_o truth_n it_o concern_v we_o therefore_o to_o examine_v wherein_o piety_n and_o true_a christian_a devotion_n consist_v several_a person_n speak_v of_o it_o several_o every_o one_o add_v to_o it_o and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o his_o own_o inclination_n humour_n and_o particular_a affection_n but_o according_a to_o catholic_n truth_n the_o foundation_n of_o solid_a and_o true_a christian_a piety_n consist_v in_o the_o soul_n being_n jesus_n christ_n and_o belong_v to_o he_o by_o a_o relation_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n true_a piety_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n esteem_n adherence_n and_o subjection_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o jesus_n chr_v from_o which_o esteem_n adherence_n and_o subjection_n all_o our_o exercise_n action_n of_o devotion_n and_o piety_n must_v proceed_v as_o heat_v from_o the_o fire_n the_o effect_n from_o the_o cause_n this_o description_n of_o piety_n may_v seem_v new_a but_o it_o will_v appear_v manifest_a if_o we_o weigh_v with_o patience_n the_o deduction_n thereof_o and_o consider_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v our_o saviour_n our_o mediator_n by_o who_o we_o have_v access_n to_o god_n by_o who_o we_o honour_v god_n render_v our_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o most_o high_a and_o most_o adorable_a trinity_n and_o refer_v our_o life_n action_n and_o our_o self_n thereto_o herein_o consist_v true_a piety_n for_o by_o jesus_n christ_n we_o be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o by_o he_o god_n who_o be_v all_o sufficient_a in_o himself_o vouchsafe_v to_o accept_v our_o will_n to_o sanctify_v our_o action_n and_o recompense_v our_o good_a work_n st._n paul_n teach_v this_o when_o he_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v all_o our_o glory_n 8._o it_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o he_o that_o we_o live_v in_o he_o we_o merit_v and_o satisfy_v by_o fruit_n worthy_a repentance_n it_o be_v in_o he_o that_o they_o be_v meritorious_a it_o be_v he_o that_o offer_v they_o to_o his_o father_n consider_v these_o word_n and_o his_o father_n accept_v they_o and_o they_o be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o for_o his_o sake_n what_o more_o clear_a or_o more_o to_o our_o purpose_n hence_o we_o conclude_v that_o devotion_n and_o christian_a piety_n can_v be_v in_o a_o soul_n if_o that_o soul_n be_v not_o jesus_n christ_n if_o it_o adhere_v not_o to_o he_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o spirit_n for_o if_o we_o live_v not_o if_o we_o merit_v not_o nor_o can_v satisfy_v god_n but_o by_o jesus_n christ_n it_o necessary_o follow_v we_o can_v live_v if_o we_o be_v not_o jesus_n christ_n he_o therefore_o say_v saint_n john_n 5.12_o who_o have_v not_o the_o son_n have_v not_o life_n imply_v he_o have_v nothing_o and_o consequent_o he_o have_v no_o capacity_n to_o honour_n and_o serve_v god_n wherein_o consist_v true_a piety_n whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o to_o acquire_v true_a devotion_n we_o must_v begin_v with_o this_o esteem_n of_o jesus_n and_o by_o a_o adherence_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o spirit_n and_o conduct_v let_v we_o more_o particular_o explain_v wherein_o this_o true_a piety_n consist_v to_o know_v it_o we_o must_v not_o stop_v at_o exterior_a thing_n or_o at_o action_n which_o have_v nothing_o but_o appearance_n but_o we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o regard_v true_a devotion_n only_o in_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o proper_a office_n and_o principal_a duty_n of_o true_a piety_n be_v to_o cause_v we_o to_o regard_n god_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o render_v to_o god_n what_o we_o owe_v he_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n not_o by_o speculation_n or_o sublime_a knowledge_n but_o by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n this_o knowledge_n lead_v we_o to_o esteem_v god_n by_o this_o esteem_n we_o enter_v into_o a_o propriety_n and_o a_o true_a and_o absolute_a subjection_n to_o his_o greatness_n and_o will_n all_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o true_a devotion_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v render_v to_o god_n the_o honour_n love_n and_o service_n we_o owe_v he_o but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o esteem_v he_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o see_v then_o piety_n consist_v in_o render_v to_o god_n the_o honour_n love_n and_o service_n we_o owe_v he_o and_o that_o we_o can_v otherwise_o honour_v or_o serve_v he_o then_o as_o we_o esteem_v he_o and_o depend_v of_o he_o and_o his_o divine_a will_n it_o follow_v that_o to_o be_v true_o devout_a we_o must_v act_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n and_o follow_v this_o supernatural_a light_n we_o must_v conceive_v a_o great_a esteem_n of_o god_n and_o live_v in_o great_a subjection_n to_o his_o law_n and_o divine_a conduct_n and_o so_o to_o live_v be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o piety_n and_o to_o be_v true_o devout_a but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o we_o must_v proceed_v further_o the_o christian_a be_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o heart_n dispose_v after_o the_o manner_n we_o mention_v feel_v a_o spiritual_a vivacity_n a_o
easiness_n and_o promptitude_n which_o drive_v he_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o incite_v he_o to_o show_v outward_o in_o all_o sort_n of_o action_n the_o worship_n reverence_n and_o love_v interior_a which_o he_o bear_v his_o god_n this_o motion_n be_v so_o powerful_a this_o vivacity_n so_o efficacious_a that_o he_o can_v but_o outward_o express_v what_o he_o carry_v in_o the_o centre_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n as_o fire_n that_o can_v be_v hide_v but_o will_v break_v forth_o in_o flame_n this_o inward_a true_a piety_n can_v be_v conceal_v but_o will_v appear_v by_o its_o effect_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n and_o by_o several_a action_n of_o virtue_n according_a as_o occasion_n and_o time_n permit_v we_o must_v observe_v that_o these_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n be_v the_o more_o pure_a sincere_a and_o perfect_a the_o more_o the_o soul_n esteem_v god_n her_o virtue_n be_v the_o more_o solid_a and_o christian_n the_o more_o she_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n and_o submit_v herself_o to_o his_o divine_a will_n as_o much_o as_o she_o increase_v in_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o esteem_v of_o her_o god_n and_o establish_v herself_o in_o this_o submission_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o much_o do_v she_o receive_v capacity_n motion_n and_o facility_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n the_o more_o this_o inward_a estate_n be_v augment_v and_o perfect_v in_o she_o the_o more_o her_o inward_a and_o outward_a action_n be_v pure_a holy_a and_o perfect_a not_o that_o she_o believe_v devotion_n to_o be_v in_o outward_a thing_n on_o the_o contrary_a she_o esteem_v they_o nothing_o but_o feel_v herself_o drive_v to_o these_o exercise_n and_o believe_v that_o she_o owe_v all_o that_o to_o god_n to_o render_v he_o the_o honour_n and_o service_n whereto_o she_o be_v oblige_v she_o regard_v not_o what_o she_o do_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o she_o to_o consider_v or_o esteem_v of_o it_o she_o only_o regard_v god_n who_o she_o ought_v to_o honour_n and_o love_n with_o all_o her_o strength_n and_o serve_v as_o much_o as_o she_o can_v with_o purity_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n this_o advice_n be_v much_o to_o be_v consider_v for_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n that_o we_o can_v easy_o discover_v by_o what_o spirit_n the_o soul_n be_v guide_v in_o her_o devotion_n by_o this_o a_o man_n may_v true_o judge_v of_o his_o state_n and_o of_o the_o progress_n he_o make_v in_o christian_a perfection_n to_o sum_n what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o see_v that_o in_o true_a piety_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v one_o the_o interior_a and_o bottom_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o other_o the_o exterior_a which_o consist_v in_o its_o action_n the_o interior_a we_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o principalll_v root_v and_o cause_n of_o true_a piety_n the_o exterior_a be_v but_o as_o the_o blossom_n and_o fruit_n as_o the_o action_n of_o devotion_n which_o appear_v to_o man_n be_v but_o the_o mark_n of_o piety_n and_o make_v show_v of_o it_o but_o true_a piety_n consist_v in_o the_o interior_a as_o we_o have_v say_v they_o therefore_o who_o study_v only_o the_o exterior_a and_o have_v no_o care_n but_o to_o produce_v action_n fair_a in_o appearance_n have_v the_o image_n and_o shadow_n of_o piety_n and_o be_v able_a to_o deceive_v our_o eye_n and_o to_o delude_v the_o judgement_n of_o man_n who_o see_v but_o the_o outside_n and_o perhaps_o before_o the_o eye_n of_o that_o divine_a spirit_n which_o penetrate_v the_o centre_n of_o our_o soul_n they_o be_v neither_o devout_a nor_o acceptable_a to_o he_o for_o all_o their_o great_a performance_n unless_o these_o action_n of_o piety_n which_o appear_v outward_o proceed_v from_o the_o very_a bottom_n from_o a_o good_a foundation_n from_o a_o interior_a such_o as_o we_o have_v describe_v a_o christian_n who_o will_v be_v devout_a to_o acquire_v a_o solid_a and_o christian_a piety_n must_v before_o all_o thing_n bear_v a_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o if_o he_o true_o esteem_v god_n he_o will_v make_v account_n of_o all_o that_o be_v of_o god_n he_o will_v honour_v all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o in_o any_o condition_n or_o estate_n will_v accept_v all_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o providence_n and_o conduct_n of_o god_n he_o will_v resign_v himself_o to_o his_o divine_a will_n and_o above_o all_o endeavour_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o indissoluble_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o have_v obtain_v this_o interior_a he_o easy_o practise_v virtue_n and_o feel_v a_o promptitude_n to_o embrace_v all_o sort_n of_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n by_o this_o we_o know_v true_a piety_n when_o all_o these_o qualification_n we_o have_v mention_v do_v not_o meet_v in_o the_o soul_n she_o be_v then_o far_o from_o devotion_n for_o what_o piety_n can_v there_o be_v in_o a_o soul_n which_o be_v not_o god_n what_o resentment_n of_o devotion_n can_v be_v find_v in_o a_o christian_n who_o live_v in_o a_o state_n unworthy_a of_o god_n and_o displease_v to_o his_o goodness_n shall_v we_o call_v they_o devout_a who_o flatter_v haply_o glorify_v themselves_o in_o their_o fair_a appearance_n and_o only_o study_v the_o exterior_a despise_v all_o the_o rest_n who_o honour_n god_n with_o their_o hand_n in_o some_o exercise_n whereto_o they_o oblige_v themselves_o praise_v he_o with_o the_o mouth_n by_o select_a prayer_n and_o often_o affect_v and_o yet_o dishonour_v he_o in_o their_o life_n and_o blaspheme_v he_o in_o their_o heart_n god_n may_v say_v of_o most_o christian_n 29.13_o and_o of_o his_o israel_n what_o he_o once_o say_v of_o the_o jew_n this_o people_n draw_v nigh_o unto_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o honour_v i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o i_o for_o which_o reason_n we_o must_v fear_v what_o christ_n immediate_o add_v say_v but_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o 7.7_o for_o god_n vouchsafe_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o these_o devotion_n and_o can_v but_o detest_v these_o christian_n who_o like_o the_o samaritan_n will_n on_o the_o one_o side_n adore_v vanity_n and_o idolatrise_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n profess_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n 23.27_o who_o appear_v like_o sepulcher_n paint_v without_o but_o have_v nothing_o within_o but_o ash_n and_o rottenness_n these_o christ_n severe_o reprehend_v these_o we_o advise_v by_o this_o discourse_n out_o of_o a_o desire_n to_o propose_v the_o remedy_n and_o show_v they_o the_o truth_n chap._n ii_o the_o necessity_n we_o have_v to_o be_v jesus_n christ_n if_o we_o will_v attain_v true_a devotion_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n say_v jesus_n christ_n but_o by_o i_o to_o show_v we_o that_o no_o man_n have_v access_n to_o god_n 14.6_o but_o by_o his_o inttercession_n by_o these_o word_n he_o show_v we_o the_o need_n we_o have_v of_o he_o and_o the_o impotence_n wherein_o we_o all_o be_v the_o impotence_n appear_v in_o that_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o without_o he_o and_o can_v return_v to_o god_n but_o by_o he_o for_o sin_n have_v not_o only_o separate_v we_o from_o god_n but_o also_o take_v from_o we_o the_o power_n and_o right_a to_o return_v to_o god_n and_o in_o effect_n we_o will_v never_o have_v access_n to_o his_o majesty_n just_o provoke_v by_o our_o sin_n if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o divine_a mercy_n do_v not_o conduct_v and_o bring_v we_o to_o receive_v grace_n and_o favour_n the_o eternal_a father_n receive_v we_o not_o accept_v not_o of_o our_o action_n be_v not_o please_v with_o our_o devotion_n and_o homage_n otherwise_o then_o by_o his_o son_n in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o god_n triumph_v over_o we_o by_o he_o we_o speak_v to_o god_n by_o he_o we_o see_v god_n by_o he_o we_o offer_v ourselves_o to_o god_n so_o true_a be_v it_o that_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o we_o can_v have_v access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o divine_a mercy_n nor_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o by_o he_o hence_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o christian_n who_o will_v acquire_v true_a virtue_n and_o desire_v to_o live_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o estate_n as_o he_o be_v oblige_v must_v necessary_o be_v jesus_n christ_n he_o must_v adhere_v to_o he_o appertain_v to_o he_o be_v subject_v to_o his_o spirit_n and_o conduct_v and_o much_o more_o particular_o if_o he_o will_v have_v true_a devotion_n for_o see_v true_a piety_n consist_v principal_o in_o be_v god_n and_o render_v to_o his_o most_o sacred_a and_o sovereign_a majesty_n the_o worship_n honour_n and_o service_n due_a to_o he_o and_o that_o otherwise_o we_o be_v unworthy_a and_o uncapable_a to_o do_v all_o that_o without_o jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o as_o we_o
be_v only_o expect_v that_o christian_n dispose_v themselves_o to_o participate_v of_o this_o happiness_n and_o be_v call_v thereto_o endeavour_v to_o correspond_v faithful_o therewith_o god_n do_v the_o same_o in_o the_o regency_n of_o his_o church_n the_o son_n of_o god_n make_v use_n of_o his_o power_n have_v establish_v therein_o several_a estate_n order_n and_o society_n separate_v from_o the_o common_a and_o from_o one_o another_o which_o he_o consecrate_v and_o appropriate_v to_o the_o several_a estate_n and_o mystery_n of_o his_o life_n some_o honour_n his_o solitude_n and_o hide_a life_n other_o his_o penance_n other_o his_o poverty_n other_o his_o obedience_n all_o adorn_v and_o beautify_v the_o body_n of_o his_o church_n and_o in_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o function_n and_o estate_n honour_n adore_v and_o imitate_v the_o several_a operation_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o distribute_v his_o spirit_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o mystery_n to_o all_o according_a to_o what_o manner_n he_o please_v he_o do_v the_o same_o in_o the_o particular_a government_n of_o soul_n he_o cause_v and_o call_v they_o to_o elevate_v and_o establish_v they_o in_o such_o estate_n as_o please_v he_o sometime_o by_o suffering_n sometime_o by_o privation_n one_o while_o by_o love_n another_o by_z simplicity_n and_o infancy_n in_o a_o word_n he_o estate_n they_o as_o he_o please_v 12.11_o to_o be_v honour_v by_o they_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n work_v all_o thing_n divide_v to_o every_o one_o several_o as_o it_o please_v he_o the_o same_o apostle_n represent_v this_o truth_n etc._n under_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o humane_a body_n all_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n animate_v enliven_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v all_o their_o several_a office_n and_o function_n particular_a and_o different_a the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o say_v this_o holy_a apostle_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n whereof_o all_o christian_n be_v member_n though_o all_o make_v up_o but_o one_o body_n and_o be_v the_o animate_v only_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n yet_o be_v they_o call_v and_o employ_v to_o particular_a estate_n and_o in_o all_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n but_o it_o be_v but_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o god_n who_o do_v all_o in_o all_o they_o be_v different_a effect_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o principal_a cause_n it_o be_v the_o same_o jesus_n who_o choose_v the_o soul_n to_o communicate_v to_o they_o the_o grace_n and_o divers_a estate_n of_o his_o life_n how_o happy_a be_v that_o christian_n who_o be_v call_v to_o this_o happiness_n herein_o consist_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o in_o thing_n natural_a we_o say_v that_o the_o creature_n be_v most_o perfect_a when_o it_o most_o participate_v of_o the_o be_v life_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n that_o soul_n be_v most_o perfect_a which_o participate_v most_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o divers_a estate_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o grace_n and_o favour_n be_v not_o for_o every_o one_o and_o far_o above_o the_o ordinary_a the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o call_v all_o soul_n to_o a_o participation_n of_o his_o life_n nor_o always_o communicate_v to_o they_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o mystery_n yet_o the_o christian_n who_o will_v live_v in_o a_o solid_a piety_n and_o adherence_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o will_v feel_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o divine_a communication_n must_v desire_v this_o favour_n and_o earnest_o demand_v it_o he_o must_v often_o reverence_v and_o adore_v the_o life_n thought_n design_n mystery_n and_o estate_n of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n he_o must_v offer_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o power_n spirit_n and_o grace_n enclose_v in_o those_o divine_a mystery_n in_o a_o word_n he_o must_v careful_o remove_v from_o his_o soul_n all_o hindrance_n and_o inclination_n opposite_a to_o the_o design_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o above_o all_o he_o must_v continue_v constant_a in_o subject_v his_o soul_n to_o the_o power_n and_o will_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o that_o will_v practice_v all_o this_o must_v make_v these_o use_n follow_v the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n always_o resign_v herself_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o he_o may_v make_v in_o she_o and_o by_o she_o all_o that_o he_o will_v for_o his_o glory_n this_o resignation_n to_o be_v perfect_a must_v be_v ground_v upon_o a_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n a_o freedom_n which_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o consist_v in_o a_o estate_n of_o indifferency_n and_o independency_n as_o to_o all_o thing_n as_o well_o in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n as_o of_o grace_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o god_n only_o by_o this_o freedom_n all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v indifferent_a the_o soul_n remain_v in_o a_o pure_a capacity_n of_o submit_v to_o whatsoever_o the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v operate_v in_o she_o and_o by_o she_o give_v herself_o up_o whole_o to_o his_o divine_a power_n this_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n be_v the_o principal_a estate_n and_o first_o ground_n of_o christianity_n for_o all_o christian_n belong_v to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v leave_v to_o his_o power_n one_o die_v for_o all_o say_v saint_n paul_n that_o they_o who_o live_v shall_v not_o henceforth_o live_v unto_o themselves_o 5.15_o but_o unto_o he_o who_o die_v for_o they_o teach_v we_o that_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n give_v his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o by_o his_o excessive_a charity_n deliver_v himself_o to_o the_o ignominious_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n so_o he_o have_v right_a and_o power_n to_o choose_v and_o consecrate_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n &_o to_o offer_v we_o a_o holocaust_n of_o sweetness_n and_o honour_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n that_o as_o he_o have_v be_v the_o victim_n of_o our_o sin_n we_o may_v be_v the_o victim_n of_o his_o love_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v power_n and_o right_a to_o put_v our_o soul_n into_o what_o estate_n it_o shall_v please_v he_o for_o his_o glory_n be_v it_o a_o estate_n of_o life_n or_o death_n of_o privation_n or_o abundance_n of_o confusion_n or_o honour_n and_o may_v choose_v out_o soul_n and_o advance_v they_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o life_n to_o render_v to_o he_o particular_a homage_n and_o service_n we_o must_v then_o resign_v ourselves_o whole_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o jesus_n christ._n to_o establish_v we_o in_o this_o disposition_n the_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n whereof_o we_o speak_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o when_o it_o have_v separate_v we_o from_o all_o thing_n nay_o even_o from_o our_o self_n it_o put_v we_o into_o a_o amplitude_n and_o capacity_n to_o be_v all_o that_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v and_o to_o bear_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o power_n and_o therefore_o the_o christian_n who_o seek_v to_o establish_v himself_o in_o true_a piety_n and_o live_v with_o fidelity_n must_v endeavour_v to_o conform_v himself_o in_o this_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n for_o it_o be_v difficult_a nay_o impossible_a to_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o depend_v on_o he_o and_o faithful_o to_o receive_v the_o operation_n of_o his_o grace_n if_o we_o be_v not_o in_o this_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v a_o independency_n as_o to_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o spirit_n and_o disposition_n that_o god_n require_v in_o a_o christian_a according_a to_o the_o apostle_n 8.15_o that_o the_o spirit_n we_o have_v receive_v be_v not_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n but_o of_o liberty_n and_o adoption_n this_o first_o disposition_n lead_v we_o far_o and_o advance_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n and_o put_v we_o into_o a_o second_o disposition_n by_o which_o we_o accept_v with_o humility_n and_o submission_n all_o the_o estate_n and_o effect_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v operate_v in_o we_o and_o bear_v with_o patience_n and_o obedience_n whatsoever_o rigour_n and_o difficulty_n we_o meet_v with_o have_v so_o receive_v they_o we_o be_v also_o bind_v by_o this_o disposition_n to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o extent_n of_o grace_n communicate_v to_o we_o and_o to_o live_v conformable_o to_o the_o estate_n whereinto_o the_o son_n of_o god_n put_v we_o we_o must_v remain_v firm_a in_o that_o subjection_n and_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n we_o speak_v of_o in_o this_o use_n consist_v the_o peace_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o
saint_n paul_n explain_v where_o he_o say_v that_o god_n speak_v to_o the_o world_n four_o thousand_o year_n 2_o and_o conduct_v and_o teach_v man_n after_o divers_a manner_n and_o send_v angel_n he_o give_v a_o law_n write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o prescribe_v many_o ceremony_n and_o in_o all_o age_n cause_v prophet_n to_o speak_v but_o in_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n he_o speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o teach_v we_o supernatural_a truth_n till_o then_o unknown_a to_o the_o world_n and_o reserve_v for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n the_o angel_n now_o guide_v we_o no_o more_o but_o attend_v we_o the_o write_a law_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o the_o ceremony_n be_v now_o limit_v and_o the_o prophet_n speak_v no_o long_o it_o be_v jesus_n the_o word_n and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n who_o become_v man_n and_o converse_v among_o man_n speak_v to_o we_o and_o teach_v we_o he_o be_v our_o angel_n to_o enlighten_v we_o our_o law_n to_o direct_v we_o our_o prophet_n to_o speak_v to_o we_o and_o our_o master_n to_o teach_v we_o he_o be_v the_o abridge_v word_n and_o by_o the_o condition_n that_o he_o have_v make_v with_o his_o father_n he_o conduct_n we_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o illuminate_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n he_o direct_v we_o by_o his_o providence_n and_o he_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o father_n so_o he_o teach_v we_o not_o only_o by_o his_o word_n but_o also_o by_o the_o holy_a and_o adorable_a action_n of_o his_o life_n the_o rule_n the_o law_n and_o model_n of_o our_o life_n now_o if_o jesus_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o our_o life_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v he_o if_o we_o will_v live_v christianly_o and_o if_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o solid_a piety_n we_o desire_v to_o attain_v a_o perfection_n suitable_a to_o the_o vocation_n and_o estate_n we_o profess_v we_o must_v choose_v none_o but_o those_o which_o imitate_v the_o son_n of_o god_n hold_v it_o a_o maxim_n in_o all_o kind_n of_o exercise_n that_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o devout_a and_o perfect_a the_o more_o conformable_a his_o life_n and_o action_n be_v to_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o he_o be_v neither_o devout_a nor_o perfect_a but_o as_o far_o as_o he_o imitate_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o true_a piety_n and_o christian_a perfection_n if_o right_o understand_v consist_v only_o in_o this_o point_n this_o principle_n and_o precept_n we_o have_v also_o from_o jesus_n christ_n where_o he_o say_v if_o any_o man_n serve_v i_o 12.26_o let_v he_o follow_v i_o and_o where_o i_o be_o there_o my_o servant_n shall_v be_v also_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n must_v imitate_v jesus_n christ._n to_o serve_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o follow_v to_o follow_v according_a to_o st._n austin_n be_v to_o imitate_v so_o that_o the_o devotion_n whereby_o we_o shall_v serve_v god_n be_v not_o devotion_n but_o illusion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o exercise_n which_o cause_v we_o to_o follow_v and_o imitate_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ._n here_o we_o may_v see_v how_o much_o they_o be_v deceive_v who_o dare_v call_v he_o rash_a and_o accuse_v he_o of_o presumption_n that_o will_v imitate_v jesus_n christ_n who_o say_v it_o be_v to_o soar_v too_o high_a and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a man_n shall_v imitate_v his_o god_n and_o blind_v with_o this_o ignorance_n be_v content_a to_o employ_v themselves_o in_o some_o good_a moral_a exercise_n the_o apostle_n condemn_v this_o error_n say_v jesus_n christ_n suffer_v for_o we_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v his_o step_n 2.21_o st._n paul_n confess_v that_o his_o study_n and_o principal_a care_n be_v to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ_n to_o which_o end_n 11.1_o he_o write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o as_o i_o be_o of_o jesus_n christ._n in_o a_o word_n we_o be_v not_o make_v christian_n nor_o participate_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o to_o be_v put_v into_o a_o capacity_n and_o obligation_n to_o imitate_v he_o this_o be_v his_o intention_n when_o he_o say_v 10.38_o who_o do_v not_o follow_v he_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o to_o say_v the_o contrary_a be_v to_o oppose_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n a_o truth_n more_o manifest_a than_o day_n by_o these_o principle_n we_o discover_v another_o blindness_n great_a than_o the_o other_o a_o deceit_n more_o dangerous_a in_o many_o christian_n who_o only_o study_v to_o perfect_v their_o reason_n and_o think_v they_o do_v much_o to_o follow_v that_o in_o every_o point_n wherein_o they_o be_v much_o deceive_v for_o they_o believe_v it_o sufficient_a to_o live_v reasonable_o and_o christianly_o and_o in_o this_o belief_n forget_v or_o neglect_v the_o rest_n think_v they_o be_v arrive_v to_o a_o estate_n perfect_a enough_o but_o be_v quite_o contrary_a for_o by_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n only_o we_o live_v as_o perfect_a man_n or_o at_o most_o but_o as_o good_a philosopher_n but_o if_o we_o will_v live_v and_o operate_v as_o good_a christian_n and_o child_n of_o god_n we_o must_v advance_v ourselves_o above_o reason_n to_o live_v not_o a_o humane_a but_o a_o divine_a life_n that_o be_v the_o life_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n live_v upon_o earth_n and_o communicate_v to_o true_a christian_n the_o life_n of_o the_o new_a man_n to_o live_v this_o life_n we_o make_v use_v not_o of_o reason_n but_o of_o grace_n which_o be_v far_o above_o reason_n and_o must_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o christian_a action_n for_o only_a grace_n can_v bring_v we_o to_o god_n and_o render_v we_o worthy_a of_o god_n that_o be_v of_o god_n consider_v as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o religion_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o a_o humane_a spirit_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o our_o conduct_n nor_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n as_o christian_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n law_n and_o principle_n thereof_o wherefore_o in_o our_o exercise_n of_o piety_n we_o must_v have_v this_o continual_o before_o our_o eye_n if_o we_o will_v be_v devout_a viz._n we_o must_v follow_v he_o if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v and_o we_o must_v imitate_v he_o if_o we_o will_v follow_v he_o which_o we_o be_v now_o to_o consider_v how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v chap._n xiii_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o have_v be_v propose_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n when_o we_o speak_v of_o imitate_v the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o mean_v not_o do_v of_o miracle_n as_o he_o do_v we_o be_v not_o command_v to_o walk_v upon_o the_o sea_n to_o raise_v up_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n and_o to_o give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a we_o mean_v not_o the_o be_v elevate_v to_o a_o intuitive_a knowledge_n of_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o divinity_n this_o be_v only_o for_o jesus_n these_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n and_o the_o mark_n of_o his_o mission_n we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o come_v into_o competition_n with_o he_o but_z as_o he_o be_v humble_v to_o our_o meanness_n and_o be_v clothe_v with_o our_o nature_n become_v man_n and_o take_v a_o new_a be_v and_o estate_n so_o he_o take_v also_o a_o new_a manner_n of_o life_n conformable_a to_o we_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v after_o which_o we_o be_v to_o form_v the_o interior_a of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o procedure_v of_o our_o action_n he_o annihilate_v himself_o in_o the_o incarnation_n say_v the_o apostle_n he_o humble_v himself_o in_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o life_n 2.8_o he_o make_v himself_o poor_a in_o all_o his_o estate_n he_o be_v obedient_a even_o to_o the_o cross_n he_o suffer_v even_o to_o death_n he_o have_v show_v his_o love_n in_o all_o his_o work_n in_o a_o word_n he_o practise_v all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o progress_n of_o his_o life_n let_v we_o do_v the_o like_a he_o be_v bear_v for_o our_o sake_n and_o all_o that_o he_o do_v be_v only_a that_o he_o may_v imitate_v he_o as_o the_o model_n of_o our_o life_n for_o this_o reason_n he_o choose_v a_o kind_n of_o life_n full_a of_o various_a estate_n and_o practise_v several_a action_n that_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o estate_n shall_v find_v in_o he_o the_o idea_n of_o their_o action_n and_o the_o prototype_n of_o their_o life_n thus_o to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o obligation_n belong_v to_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n when_o we_o receive_v baptism_n we_o be_v incorporate_v into_o he_o as_o member_n this_o incorporation_n do_v not_o only_o bind_v we_o to_o adhere_v to_o he_o as_o member_n to_o their_o head_n but_o to_o be_v like_o
he_o and_o to_o have_v as_o much_o conformity_n in_o our_o action_n to_o those_o of_o jesus_n as_o there_o be_v between_o the_o head_n and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n so_o that_o this_o imitation_n must_v not_o be_v indifferent_a but_o most_o holy_a and_o perfect_a all_o as_o many_o of_o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n as_o be_v baptize_v into_o je._n christ_n 3.27_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n that_o be_v you_o bear_v his_o livery_n and_o as_o the_o doctor_n interpret_v it_o you_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o he_o you_o imitate_v his_o virtue_n and_o be_v follower_n of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n for_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n that_o where_o the_o head_n be_v there_o the_o member_n shall_v also_o be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o resemblance_n and_o conformity_n of_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o to_o imitate_v then_o the_o son_n of_o god_n imply_v two_o thing_n the_o one_o be_v that_o we_o do_v what_o he_o have_v do_v the_o other_o that_o we_o do_v it_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o disposition_n wherewith_o he_o do_v it_o he_o be_v humble_v for_o we_o he_o show_v his_o love_n and_o clemency_n towards_o we_o let_v we_o also_o learn_v of_o he_o to_o be_v gentle_a and_o humble_a of_o heart_n he_o be_v obedient_a even_o to_o death_n the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n let_v we_o imitate_v his_o obedience_n prefer_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o divine_a ordinance_n and_o holy_a will_n before_o all_o thing_n even_o our_o own_o life_n he_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o stable_n lay_v in_o a_o manger_n he_o take_v poverty_n for_o the_o companion_n of_o his_o life_n he_o condemn_v the_o world_n and_o despise_v its_o pride_n show_v we_o that_o all_o be_v vanity_n and_o a_o mere_a nothing_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n let_v we_o do_v the_o same_o and_o though_o we_o be_v in_o the_o world_n condemn_v its_o vanity_n in_o a_o word_n so_o use_v it_o that_o all_o our_o life_n interior_a and_o exterior_a may_v be_v a_o continual_a imitation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n this_o be_v the_o true_a piety_n that_o a_o christian_n must_v exercise_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o be_v perfect_a in_o this_o imitation_n and_o resemblance_n consist_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n as_o of_o glory_n we_o know_v that_o when_o we_o appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v say_v saint_n john_n if_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o in_o glory_n we_o must_v also_o be_v like_o he_o in_o grace_n for_o glory_n be_v nothing_o but_o grace_v consummate_v grace_n glory_n commence_v but_o we_o must_v not_o rest_v here_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o do_v bare_o what_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v do_v we_o may_v deceive_v ourselves_o herein_o believe_v we_o do_v much_o when_o we_o do_v nothing_o of_o value_n because_o jesus_n christ_n be_v man_n as_o we_o be_v and_o converse_v among_o we_o no_o doubt_n but_o we_o may_v find_v some_o conformity_n and_o resemblance_n to_o he_o even_o among_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o common_a state_n of_o man_n many_o suffer_v and_o be_v oppress_v many_o poor_a and_o humble_v many_o sequester_n themselves_o from_o the_o pomp_n of_o the_o court_n and_o live_v in_o the_o obscurity_n of_o a_o solitary_a life_n many_o fast_a and_o pray_v and_o do_v almost_o all_o the_o exterior_a action_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n exercise_v upon_o earth_n he_o be_v man_n as_o we_o be_v we_o be_v man_n as_o he_o be_v but_o this_o do_v not_o perfect_v we_o this_o be_v no_o imitation_n of_o he_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o do_v as_o he_o do_v but_o we_o must_v do_v it_o with_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o disposition_n and_o by_o the_o principle_n that_o he_o operate_v which_o few_o person_n mind_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o do_v but_o we_o must_v do_v it_o by_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n not_o of_o general_a grace_n comprise_v under_o the_o common_a and_o general_a name_n we_o give_v to_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o usual_a way_n of_o speak_v but_o of_o grace_n which_o give_v we_o jesus_n christ_n communicate_v to_o we_o his_o spirit_n and_o put_v we_o into_o the_o holy_a disposition_n of_o his_o soul._n so_o that_o do_v all_o thing_n by_o this_o principle_n we_o perfect_o imitate_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o far_o that_o our_o natural_a common_a action_n be_v withdraw_v from_o their_o meanness_n and_o elevate_v and_o unite_v to_o those_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n after_o a_o particular_a manner_n as_o be_v operate_v by_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o with_o the_o same_o disposition_n this_o manner_n of_o act_v be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n and_o in_o all_o circumstance_n conformable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n for_o by_o christian_a grace_n we_o be_v new_a creature_n creature_n in_o jesus_n christ_n 5.19_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v and_o consequent_o we_o have_v a_o new_a be_v and_o life_n which_o if_o we_o have_v we_o must_v also_o have_v new_a inclination_n another_o goodness_n and_o all_o our_o action_n must_v be_v conformable_a to_o this_o new_a estate_n see_v that_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a maxim_n the_o work_n be_v according_a to_o the_o be_v now_o as_o the_o be_v we_o have_v by_o christian_a grace_n be_v whole_o divine_a elevate_v and_o entire_o in_o jesus_n christ_n it_o follow_v that_o all_o our_o action_n must_v be_v elevate_v and_o do_v in_o jesus_n for_o this_o the_o son_n of_o god_n humble_v himself_o to_o all_o practice_n and_o exercise_n to_o ennoble_v and_o sanctify_v they_o for_o according_a to_o the_o father_n jesus_n enter_v into_o the_o water_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o baptism_n by_o his_o touch_v they_o he_o sanctify_v the_o water_n of_o our_o baptism_n and_o as_o saint_n augustine_n say_v he_o sanctify_v the_o world_n and_o bless_v it_o by_o his_o conversation_n so_o by_o the_o use_n he_o have_v make_v of_o humane_a nature_n wherewith_o he_o have_v clothe_v himself_o and_o of_o all_o the_o exercise_n and_o function_n proper_a thereto_o he_o sanctify_v we_o show_v that_o we_o may_v imitate_v he_o see_v he_o become_v man_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n law_n and_o model_n of_o our_o action_n and_o not_o only_o imitate_v he_o but_o express_v and_o represent_v he_o to_o the_o life_n and_o be_v so_o many_o christ_n as_o member_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o must_v be_v one_o with_o he_o and_o consequent_o must_v not_o operate_v but_o with_o he_o and_o in_o his_o person_n not_o in_o our_o own_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o give_v we_o his_o spirit_n whereby_o we_o act_n or_o to_o say_v better_o he_o act_v all_o in_o we_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o our_o virtue_n as_o those_o of_o jesus_n in_o we_o herein_o appear_v the_o great_a difference_n between_o christian_a virtue_n and_o moral_a or_o humane_a for_o instance_n the_o love_n god_n require_v of_o a_o christian_a must_v not_o be_v that_o of_o a_o pagan_a who_o love_v they_o that_o love_v he_o nor_o that_o of_o a_o politician_n who_o love_v according_a to_o his_o humour_n or_o interest_n much_o less_o that_o of_o a_o jew_n who_o love_v not_o but_o out_o of_o a_o hope_n of_o reward_n promise_v or_o a_o fear_n of_o judgement_n the_o love_n of_o a_o christian_a must_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o jesus_n that_o be_v he_o must_v love_v with_o the_o same_o love_n wherewith_o jesus_n love_v he_o must_v love_v with_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n as_o he_o must_v live_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n 5.2_o walk_v in_o charity_n say_v saint_n paul_n as_o jesus_n christ_n have_v love_v you_o 13.34_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o eve_n of_o his_o passion_n speak_v thus_o to_o his_o apostle_n i_o give_v you_o a_o new_a commandment_n that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o to_o love_n be_v no_o new_a commandment_n this_o law_n be_v imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o love_v be_v new_a we_o must_v love_v by_o the_o same_o love_n wherewith_o jesus_n love_v we_o his_o love_n must_v be_v in_o we_o o_o how_o great_a be_v this_o love_n how_o pure_a how_o free_a from_o self-interest_n how_o strong_a and_o powerful_a 22._o since_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v the_o same_o love_n which_o make_v jesus_n to_o be_v bear_v and_o die_v for_o we_o even_o then_o when_o we_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o sin_n reign_v in_o we_o the_o son_n of_o god_n give_v we_o a_o clear_a testimony_n of_o this_o truth_n 17.26_o speak_v to_o his_o father_n i_o have_v declare_v to_o they_o thy_o name_n and_o will_v declare_v it_o that_o the_o love_n
wherewith_o thou_o love_v i_o may_v be_v in_o they_o and_o i_o in_o they_o expound_v as_o you_o please_v these_o word_n you_o shall_v always_o find_v it_o most_o true_a that_o christian_a love_n must_v be_v the_o same_o love_n with_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o what_o we_o say_v here_o of_o love_n we_o must_v judge_v the_o like_a of_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n for_o as_o we_o have_v always_o say_v jesus_n be_v our_o virtue_n our_o strength_n our_o life_n and_o our_o all_o to_o possess_v this_o virtue_n in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n as_o christianity_n oblige_v we_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o favour_n be_v not_o for_o all_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o have_v grace_n in_o the_o manner_n we_o common_o speak_v but_o we_o must_v have_v jesus_n christ_n in_o we_o we_o must_v have_v his_o spirit_n and_o holy_a disposition_n that_o we_o may_v imitate_v christianity_n and_o express_v his_o virtue_n and_o life_n the_o christian_a therefore_o who_o will_v acquire_v true_a devotion_n and_o do_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o must_v first_o of_o all_o purify_v his_o heart_n and_o conserve_v it_o in_o that_o purity_n and_o subject_a the_o motion_n and_o thought_n of_o his_o soul_n that_o jesus_n may_v dwell_v and_o act_v in_o he_o to_o dispose_v he_o to_o this_o favour_n he_o must_v often_o elevate_v his_o thought_n and_o heart_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o demand_v of_o he_o part_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o holy_a disposition_n to_o accomplish_v christianly_o and_o perfect_o all_o thing_n and_o because_o the_o action_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v so_o many_o spring_n and_o principle_n of_o grace_n a_o grace_n which_o he_o merit_v and_o communicate_v to_o we_o we_o must_v bind_v ourselves_o to_o this_o grace_n we_o must_v adore_v it_o we_o must_v desire_v it_o and_o demand_v it_o of_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o all_o our_o exercise_n that_o our_o action_n may_v be_v do_v in_o he_o by_o he_o and_o for_o he_o according_a to_o his_o design_n this_o advice_n be_v further_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n that_o we_o desire_v they_o not_o principal_o and_o only_o for_o the_o love_n of_o they_o nor_o acquire_v they_o because_o they_o be_v conformable_a to_o reason_n or_o because_o they_o bring_v some_o excellency_n or_o benefit_n to_o the_o soul._n for_o though_o virtue_n be_v seemly_a and_o profitable_a and_o of_o itself_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v yet_o it_o it_z not_o enough_o to_o desire_v to_o be_v virtuous_a upon_o these_o ground_n and_o principle_n since_o this_o seem_v to_o savour_v of_o the_o covetousness_n of_o adam_n &_o to_o live_v in_o his_o spirit_n which_o only_o aim_v at_o elevation_n and_o to_o make_v himself_o a_o little_a god_n or_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o corruption_n of_o self-love_n which_o follow_v only_o it_o be_v own_o interest_n profit_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o act_v pure_o and_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a piety_n all_o must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o regard_n of_o god_n for_o love_n of_o he_o and_o for_o his_o honour_n we_o must_v seek_v and_o practice_v every_o virtue_n and_o exercise_v of_o devotion_n chief_o to_o render_v ourselves_o conformable_a to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o imitate_v and_o please_v he_o and_o as_o the_o first_o grace_n that_o god_n give_v we_o in_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n be_v to_o make_v we_o his_o child_n to_o incorporate_v we_o in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o member_n and_o to_o put_v we_o into_o a_o adherence_n to_o he_o so_o the_o first_o &_o principal_a care_n of_o a_o christian_a must_v be_v to_o conserve_v and_o perfect_v himself_o in_o his_o adherence_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o effect_n thereof_o herein_o consist_v the_o happiness_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o essence_n of_o true_a piety_n which_o be_v all_o we_o have_v to_o propose_v in_o this_o subject_n but_o as_o all_o thing_n have_v their_o contrary_n and_o man_n be_v in_o a_o land_n of_o hostility_n so_o he_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o great_a opposition_n in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o encounter_v enemy_n on_o all_o side_n and_o danger_n at_o every_o step_n we_o shall_v direct_v how_o to_o defend_v himself_o against_o they_o chap._n fourteen_o of_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n happen_v in_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n we_o belong_v unto_o god_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o divine_a essence_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o he_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o indigence_n we_o depend_v on_o he_o by_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o be_v his_o omnipotency_n give_v he_o a_o absolute_a power_n over_o we_o and_o the_o immensity_n of_o his_o divine_a essence_n make_v he_o present_a in_o we_o more_o intimate_o than_o light_n in_o transparent_a body_n which_o it_o penetrate_v and_o illuminate_v more_o than_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o body_n which_o it_o animate_v and_o govern_v our_o want_n oblige_v we_o to_o a_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o union_n with_o he_o because_o we_o can_v be_v without_o his_o continual_a influence_n and_o consequent_o we_o must_v more_o absolute_o depend_v on_o his_o conduct_n than_o the_o beam_n do_v on_o the_o sun_n from_o who_o if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o moment_n separate_v it_o lose_v its_o be_v so_o be_v our_o estate_n inseparable_a from_o god_n 17.28_o it_o must_v he_o always_o dependent_a on_o always_o adhere_v to_o he_o according_a to_o saint_n paul_n in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v which_o word_n represent_v our_o intimate_a union_n with_o god_n in_o the_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v god_n and_o depend_v on_o he_o we_o can_v operate_v any_o work_n of_o salvation_n but_o by_o he_o and_o unless_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o our_o soul_n by_o grace_n that_o be_v unless_o his_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v in_o we_o operate_a in_o we_o all_o the_o good_a work_n which_o may_v contribute_v to_o our_o salvation_n without_o grace_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o by_o christian_a grace_n god_n dwell_v in_o we_o according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 3.20_o we_o come_v to_o he_o and_o make_v our_o dwell_n with_o he_o by_o grace_n god_n enforce_v himself_o into_o the_o soul_n work_v a_o immediate_a union_n with_o she_o and_o dwell_v in_o she_o as_o his_o sanctuary_n and_o empire_n whence_o he_o diffuse_v amorous_a effect_n and_o operate_v in_o she_o according_a to_o his_o divine_a will_n with_o so_o much_o bounty_n as_o if_o the_o infinite_a love_n of_o jesus_n have_v no_o other_o thing_n to_o do_v but_o to_o procure_v and_o further_o our_o salvation_n by_o infinite_a way_n but_o beside_o this_o of_o grace_n there_o be_v yet_o another_o union_n whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n and_o incorporate_v into_o jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o he_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o god_n namely_o that_o which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o sacrament_n in_o which_o he_o preserve_v we_o by_o his_o love_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o this_o reason_n he_o give_v his_o life_n and_o shed_v his_o blood_n on_o the_o cross_n to_o give_v we_o a_o new_a generation_n in_o baptism_n he_o bestow_v on_o we_o his_o body_n in_o the_o eucharist_n that_o by_o so_o many_o favour_n and_o obligation_n this_o union_n may_v remain_v perfect_a and_o solid_a and_o we_o by_o so_o powerful_a and_o legitimate_a a_o title_n may_v be_v his_o in_o a_o indispensable_a unalterable_a manner_n for_o when_o we_o be_v by_o so_o many_o grace_n and_o such_o divine_a and_o effectual_a mean_n unite_v to_o god_n it_o shall_v seem_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v strong_a enough_o to_o break_v so_o many_o tie_n and_o divide_v that_o which_o the_o power_n and_o love_n of_o god_n have_v join_v together_o but_o o_o deplorable_a condition_n the_o creature_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v strong_a enough_o to_o separate_v we_o from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o extinguish_v in_o we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o grace_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o the_o malice_n and_o deprave_a will_n of_o man_n be_v of_o itself_o strong_a enough_o to_o obstruct_v the_o influence_n of_o this_o liberal_a love_n to_o frustrate_v its_o work_n to_o make_v we_o retire_v from_o our_o dependence_n on_o this_o conduct_n the_o perfect_a christian_a must_v therefore_o have_v a_o vigilant_a eye_n and_o not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o a_o affair_n that_o concern_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n which_o that_o he_o may_v do_v we_o will_v discover_v the_o snare_n lay_v for_o he_o that_o he_o may_v avoid_v they_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n which_o continual_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o force_v we_o to_o ruin_v if_o his_o grace_n prevent_v we_o not_o the_o first_o be_v our_o own_o nature_n