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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 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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
make_v this_o point_n hard_o to_o itself_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o a_o christian_n will_v oppugn_v this_o truth_n and_o less_o imagine_v that_o a_o soul_n it_o can_v arrive_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o solid_a and_o christian_a virtue_n if_o she_o walk_v not_o by_o the_o way_n and_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n propose_v if_o she_o do_v not_o find_v herself_o upon_o this_o spirit_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v and_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n true_a not_o imaginary_a member_n not_o of_o a_o man_n or_o saint_n but_o of_o jesus_n son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o that_o in_o this_o quality_n we_o be_v true_o and_o immediate_o unite_v to_o he_o if_o i_o say_v we_o consider_v ourselves_o as_o such_o do_v we_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n see_v that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n and_o that_o by_o such_o a_o union_n we_o must_v be_v animate_v by_o his_o spirit_n live_v by_o his_o life_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o his_o conduct_n this_o be_v the_o 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too_o covetous_a who_o god_n suffice_v not_o what_o can_v a_o soul_n desire_n to_o who_o its_o god_n and_o creator_n be_v make_v all_o thing_n and_o if_o it_o can_v find_v rest_n in_o this_o where_o can_v it_o find_v rest_n what_o can_v content_v he_o who_o be_v not_o content_a with_o god_n say_v st._n prosper_n certain_o that_o soul_n be_v very_o blind_a and_o miserable_a which_o be_v not_o content_a with_o providence_n and_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n i_o demand_v all_o that_o you_o will_v have_v of_o humane_a prudence_n in_o all_o thing_n we_o shall_v find_v but_o two_o many_o reason_n to_o invite_v we_o but_o a_o soul_n bring_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o nourish_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n will_v say_v with_o a_o holy_a person_n of_o our_o time_n that_o the_o poor_a dove_n be_v more_o please_v to_o god_n than_o the_o serpent_n let_v we_o then_o raise_v ourselves_o up_o to_o god_n trust_v in_o he_o adhere_v to_o his_o spirit_n and_o beg_v light_a of_o he_o to_o penetrate_v into_o these_o truth_n to_o bear_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o and_o grace_n to_o live_v faithful_o in_o his_o way_n there_o remain_v one_o motive_n more_o to_o see_v the_o obligation_n we_o have_v to_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o to_o adhere_v to_o he_o if_o we_o will_v arrive_v at_o perfection_n the_o four_o motive_n chap._n ix_o that_o this_o precept_n to_o love_n god_n do_v oblige_v we_o to_o perfection_n and_o make_v we_o to_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o to_o be_v god_n continue_v the_o design_n we_o have_v undertake_v in_o this_o second_o part_n to_o show_v by_o divers_a motive_n the_o obligation_n all_o man_n have_v to_o be_v perfect_a and_o to_o adhere_v to_o god_n and_o live_v in_o subjection_n and_o submission_n to_o his_o conduct_n and_o grace_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o consider_v in_o this_o last_o motive_n the_o essential_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n that_o we_o all_o have_v to_o the_o precept_n of_o love_n and_o consequent_o to_o perfection_n to_o which_o end_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o two_o estate_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o estate_n of_o the_o ordinary_a christian_a and_o that_o of_o the_o more_o religious_a not_o to_o examine_v they_o but_o to_o behold_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o former_a too_o light_o believe_v that_o perfection_n and_o solid_a virtue_n be_v not_o for_o they_o and_o lose_v themselves_o in_o this_o error_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o a_o christian_n as_o christian_n be_v not_o at_o all_o oblige_v to_o interior_a life_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o supererogation_n and_o a_o unnecessary_a labour_n to_o be_v busy_v in_o acquisition_n of_o christian_a virtue_n and_o possession_n of_o inward_a perfection_n a_o manifest_a error_n the_o more_o damageable_a in_o that_o it_o derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n give_v licence_n to_o the_o world_n and_o blind_a their_o soul_n lose_v they_o and_o make_v they_o slothful_a in_o the_o search_n of_o the_o right_a way_n to_o salvation_n to_o undeceive_v ourselves_o then_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o important_a and_o to_o secure_v our_o salvation_n which_o otherwise_o will_v remain_v very_o doubtful_a we_o must_v intentive_o observe_v the_o obligation_n of_o these_o two_o estate_n that_o by_o this_o knowledge_n we_o may_v know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v saint_n thomas_n aquinas_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n that_o profess_v religion_n enter_v into_o a_o stable_n and_o permanent_a estate_n wherein_o she_o seek_v after_o true_a and_o solid_a perfection_n divest_v herself_o of_o all_o that_o may_v hinder_v her_o arrival_n to_o this_o perfection_n by_o this_o solemn_a profession_n she_o renounce_v all_o thing_n take_v in_o this_o manner_n of_o life_n as_o say_v moses_n the_o abbot_n the_o way_n instrument_n and_o mean_n to_o attain_v certain_o to_o this_o perfection_n so_o much_o commend_v and_o recommend_v by_o jesus_n christ._n for_o this_o reason_n she_o make_v vow_n to_o separate_v herself_o from_o her_o self_n and_o all_o other_o creature_n to_o appropriate_v herself_o to_o god_n and_o if_o she_o take_v heed_n to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n which_o accompany_v this_o action_n or_o if_o lift_v up_o her_o eye_n to_o heaven_n she_o consider_v the_o will_n of_o god_n towards_o she_o in_o her_o vocation_n she_o know_v that_o by_o the_o estate_n of_o religion_n she_o enter_v into_o a_o profession_n which_o must_v sever_v she_o from_o the_o world_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o unite_v she_o to_o her_o god_n and_o to_o place_v she_o if_o we_o may_v so_o say_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n to_o live_v upon_o earth_n the_o life_n that_o the_o angel_n live_v in_o heaven_n to_o lead_v in_o a_o holy_a communion_n the_o life_n that_o god_n lead_v in_o his_o holiness_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o god_n for_o as_o god_n be_v busy_v whole_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o himself_o so_o the_o soul_n which_o desire_v to_o perfectionate_a herself_o be_v not_o busy_v in_o religion_n but_o in_o a_o pure_a and_o continual_a contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o in_o act_n of_o love_n which_o she_o do_v with_o great_a care_n and_o vigilancy_n for_o for_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v as_o god_n will_v have_v she_o and_o arrive_v to_o the_o eminent_a and_o divine_a estate_n whereto_o god_n have_v call_v she_o must_v be_v accidental_o and_o by_o grace_n that_o which_o god_n be_v substantial_o and_o by_o nature_n this_o be_v much_o in_o few_o word_n to_o extol_v the_o religious_a estate_n and_o make_v we_o see_v how_o holy_a it_o be_v whereto_o they_o be_v call_v but_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o what_o be_v say_v extend_v to_o all_o christian_n for_o the_o estate_n of_o christianity_n be_v a_o estate_n stable_n and_o permanent_a which_o call_v and_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n a_o estate_n permanent_a and_o indispensable_a for_o it_o be_v mark_v with_o the_o character_n of_o baptism_n which_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o faith_n can_v never_o be_v deface_v a_o estate_n holy_a and_o of_o a_o particular_a sanctity_n which_o only_o appertain_v to_o christianity_n since_o it_o be_v consecrate_v by_o the_o unction_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n confirm_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o adoption_n and_o enrich_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v give_v we_o by_o confirmation_n and_o conserve_v by_o the_o sacrament_n a_o estate_n permanent_a see_v it_o be_v indispensable_a for_o no_o christian_n can_v go_v out_o of_o or_o have_v a_o dispensation_n from_o the_o obligation_n he_o have_v to_o his_o perfection_n a_o perfection_n not_o indifferent_a but_o evangelicall_n and_o christian_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n mention_n in_o the_o
be_v deceive_v by_o this_o way_n our_o spirit_n be_v too_o feeble_a this_o way_n too_o eminent_a and_o that_o it_o occasion_n a_o perpetual_a combat_n in_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v troublesome_a to_o a_o man_n to_o walk_v in_o darkness_n so_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o the_o soul_n to_o go_v this_o way_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v obscure_a and_o hide_a but_o if_o we_o will_v learn_v it_o well_o we_o must_v say_v the_o contrary_a all_o other_o way_n be_v uncertain_a and_o deceitful_a virtue_n alone_o be_v infallible_a we_o shall_v never_o be_v deceive_v if_o we_o stick_v to_o it_o it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o mean_a esteem_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o faith_n god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o conduct_v we_o be_v capable_a of_o lose_v we_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n to_o guide_v our_o reason_n and_o that_o our_o reason_n must_v submit_v thereunto_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o faith_n be_v annihilate_v as_o saint_n paul_n say_v we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n meaning_n that_o to_o live_v christianly_o 5.7_o we_o must_v let_v our_o reason_n be_v guide_v by_o faith_n not_o faith_n by_o reason_n wherein_o we_o see_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o necessity_n of_o our_o walk_n by_o the_o light_n of_o this_o torch_n or_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a manner_n of_o speech_n see_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o will_v live_v a_o perfect_a christian_a to_o follow_v only_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o learn_v to_o make_v use_n of_o evangelicall_n truth_n if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o soul_n who_o take_v this_o way_n be_v deceive_v it_o be_v in_o that_o they_o go_v out_o of_o it_o and_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o devil_n or_o self-love_n or_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o humane_a spirit_n which_o esteem_v itself_o in_o every_o thing_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o conduct_n of_o faith_n to_o follow_v that_o of_o humane_a prudence_n choose_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o worldly_a vanity_n rather_o than_o by_o the_o maxim_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o heavenly_a truth_n thus_o indeed_o they_o find_v themselves_o deceive_v and_o fall_v into_o misfortune_n not_o for_o have_v take_v this_o way_n of_o faith_n but_o for_o have_v quit_v it_o and_o adhere_v to_o humane_a prudence_n and_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n which_o like_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la will_v lead_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n unless_o we_o be_v aid_v by_o a_o supernatural_a force_n and_o guide_v by_o a_o more_o sure_a light_n such_o as_o be_v this_o of_o faith_n but_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v faithful_a apply_v herself_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n and_o maxim_n of_o christianity_n that_o seek_v god_n with_o simplicity_n and_o humility_n there_o must_v necessary_o arrive_v great_a profit_n and_o advantage_n in_o christian_n perfection_n we_o must_v not_o therefore_o condemn_v this_o way_n and_o reject_v it_o as_o too_o high_a too_o difficult_a and_o too_o painful_a for_o it_o be_v the_o way_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n and_o command_v all_o his_o child_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v teach_v it_o every_o one_o accommodate_v ourselves_o to_o their_o several_a capacity_n and_o give_v they_o all_o the_o mean_n to_o pursue_v it_o without_o go_v out_o of_o it_o lest_o they_o be_v deceive_v if_o we_o find_v here_o any_o difficulty_n it_o be_v in_o ourselves_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o man_n which_o hinder_v his_o progress_n this_o way_n one_o be_v esteem_v of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o own_o spirit_n the_o other_o be_v the_o love_n that_o he_o bear_v himself_o and_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n to_o the_o creature_n to_o pursue_v this_o way_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o faith_n he_o must_v go_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o renounce_v his_o own_o spirit_n and_o raise_v himself_o above_o all_o creature_n to_o adhere_v to_o truth_n to_o believe_v and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o what_o he_o do_v believe_v he_o must_v renounce_v his_o judgement_n his_o reason_n and_o his_o sense_n and_o annihilate_v they_o if_o our_o reason_n sense_n and_o judgement_n repugn_v the_o truth_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n we_o must_v quit_v our_o reason_n and_o our_o sense_n to_o unite_v ourselves_o to_o the_o truth_n if_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v propose_v that_o the_o uncreated_a eternal_a word_n become_v man_n that_o god_n die_v reason_n and_o sense_n oppose_v this_o truth_n reason_n can_v comprehend_v that_o the_o eternal_a god_n shall_v make_v himself_o subject_a to_o time_n the_o immortal_a submit_v himself_o to_o death_n yet_o to_o believe_v this_o our_o will_n move_v by_o grace_n notwithstanding_o the_o opposition_n of_o reason_n and_o sense_n must_v say_v i_o will_v believe_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n propose_v the_o will_n adhere_v hereto_o command_v reason_n and_o judgement_n which_o obey_v she_o believe_v what_o she_o propose_v the_o understanding_n which_o use_v to_o command_v and_o be_v free_a render_v itself_o captive_a and_o obedient_a annihilate_v its_o own_o thought_n and_o reason_n that_o so_o it_o may_v adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n propose_v and_o form_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n thus_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o of_o saint_n paul_n 10.5_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n by_o faith_n the_o understanding_n which_o use_v to_o command_v be_v make_v captive_a and_o obedient_a to_o the_o will_n therefore_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n go_v out_o of_o herself_o and_o no_o more_o obey_v her_o judgement_n or_o sense_n she_o no_o more_o regard_v herself_o but_o the_o truth_n only_o which_o she_o embrace_v as_o her_o object_n adhere_v and_o unite_n herself_o thereto_o thus_o by_o faith_n the_o soul_n be_v elevate_v above_o herself_o to_o be_v tie_v and_o unite_v to_o the_o eternal_a and_o infallible_a truth_n reveal_v and_o propose_v to_o she_o this_o well_o consider_v will_v show_v we_o the_o excellency_n and_o dignity_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o knowledge_n we_o shall_v learn_v how_o much_o we_o be_v to_o esteem_v the_o state_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_a and_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_n in_o particular_a see_v that_o according_a to_o god_n design_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o christian_n as_o christian_n must_v live_v and_o be_v guide_v only_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o light_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a draw_v we_o out_o of_o ourselves_o to_o unite_v and_o tie_v we_o to_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n we_o shall_v moreover_o see_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o what_o we_o think_v it_o consist_v not_o in_o great_a learning_n in_o many_o reason_n and_o several_a argument_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v for_o the_o simple_a and_o for_o those_o who_o can_v go_v out_o of_o themselves_o who_o can_v annihilate_v themselves_o in_o their_o reason_n and_o quit_v the_o regard_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o creature_n adhere_v and_o follow_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v common_o that_o the_o learned_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v most_o prudence_n most_o reason_n the_o most_o solid_a judgement_n and_o capacity_n of_o spirit_n have_v likewise_o most_o opposition_n to_o faith_n for_o they_o be_v less_o able_a to_o go_v out_o of_o themselves_o to_o annihilate_v their_o own_o spirit_n and_o judgement_n thus_o jesus_n christ_n after_o he_o have_v sum_v up_o the_o truth_n of_o heaven_n and_o describe_v the_o contentment_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o just_a 11.25_o conclude_v with_o a_o enthusiasm_n of_o truth_n i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n say_v he_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n these_o truth_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o meek_a which_o show_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o god_n give_v it_o to_o the_o humble_a and_o little_a one_o that_o to_o adhere_v to_o it_o we_o must_v humble_v and_o abase_v ourselves_o in_o a_o word_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n conceive_v we_o must_v go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o out_o of_o esteem_n of_o ourselves_o let_v we_o practice_v this_o for_o it_o be_v our_o principal_a design_n to_o make_v use_n of_o faith_n and_o truth_n conceive_v we_o must_v first_o consider_v what_o faith_n propose_v but_o we_o must_v consider_v it_o bare_o and_o simple_o without_o any_o discourse_n upon_o it_o we_o
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
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
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
as_o prince_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o as_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n do_v maintain_v themselves_o in_o their_o estate_n and_o that_o greatness_n which_o their_o birth_n allow_v they_o so_o do_v you_o courageous_o maintain_v yourselves_o in_o all_o right_n due_a to_o you_o by_o this_o new_a divine_a birth_n o_o how_o great_a and_o sublime_a be_v it_o if_o you_o behold_v it_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n the_o rank_n you_o be_v to_o hold_v with_o the_o creature_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v the_o same_o with_o jesus_n christ_n who_o accompany_v you_o to_o his_o estate_n and_o greatness_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o you_o receive_v as_o a_o christian_a give_v you_o right_a to_o his_o heritage_n 8.17_o if_o child_n say_v saint_n paul_n than_o heir_n of_o god_n and_o joynt-heir_n with_o christ._n now_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n be_v the_o only_a heritage_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v his_o eternal_a dwell_n there_o his_o repose_n there_o the_o seat_n of_o his_o delight_n the_o throne_n of_o his_o greatness_n even_o this_o be_v the_o rank_n you_o ought_v to_o keep_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v your_o repose_n your_o delight_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o this_o only_a happiness_n remember_v that_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n be_v the_o place_n destine_v for_o your_o eternal_a dwell_n a_o place_n of_o glory_n and_o permanent_a felicity_n god_n only_o be_v your_o heritage_n undervalue_v not_o he_o for_o transitory_a vanity_n of_o this_o world_n forsake_v he_o not_o for_o the_o whole_a world_n unless_o you_o will_v be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a admit_v this_o truth_n far_o into_o your_o heart_n believe_v it_o not_o a_o imagination_n of_o a_o new_a piety_n it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n which_o consider_v intentive_o you_o will_v wonder_v to_o see_v christian_n confess_v these_o truth_n and_o hope_v for_o so_o great_a a_o good_a yet_o become_v so_o blind_a as_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v delude_v by_o deceitful_a vanity_n and_o vain_a illusion_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o sell_v their_o birthright_n for_o a_o mess_n of_o pottage_n and_o while_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n glory_v in_o so_o divine_a a_o be_v to_o live_v like_o the_o child_n of_o man_n think_v of_o nothing_o but_o the_o earth_n the_o second_o benefit_n be_v a_o great_a desire_n of_o paradise_n sigh_v daily_o thousand_o of_o time_n after_o our_o heritage_n heaven_n bewail_v the_o want_n of_o and_o demand_v the_o liberty_n promise_v and_o due_a to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o this_o thought_n of_o our_o celestial_a zion_n our_o sweet_a country_n we_o grieve_v to_o see_v ourselves_o so_o long_o in_o a_o strange_a land_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o attend_v with_o so_o great_a impatience_n a_o happy_a day_n a_o good_a hour_n a_o honour_n which_o we_o be_v make_v to_o hope_v for_o yet_o we_o be_v without_o sense_n in_o attain_v it_o the_o true_a and_o ineffable_a joy_n of_o paradise_n great_a god_n can_v it_o be_v that_o the_o manna_n of_o heaven_n shall_v not_o cause_v we_o to_o loathe_v the_o onion_n of_o egypt_n how_o long_o child_n of_o man_n how_o long_o shall_v we_o have_v heart_n of_o adamant_n insensible_a towards_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n yet_o open_a for_o the_o transitory_a good_n of_o this_o curse_a earth_n to_o love_v lie_v to_o follow_v vanity_n to_o despise_v eternal_a truth_n there_o can_v be_v a_o folly_n more_o condemnable_a let_v we_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o grieve_v to_o see_v ourselves_o so_o fasten_v to_o the_o creature_n so_o confident_a in_o vanity_n so_o little_o relish_v and_o esteem_v heavenly_a thing_n let_v we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o see_v the_o child_n of_o heaven_n eat_v the_o food_n of_o swine_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n not_o remember_v the_o abundance_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o their_o father_n house_n three_o we_o learn_v that_o we_o must_v live_v noble_o like_o the_o child_n of_o god_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n we_o dishonour_v not_o our_o extraction_n and_o degenerate_a from_o the_o place_n whence_o we_o come_v let_v we_o keep_v the_o rank_n we_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o emperor_n be_v deride_v for_o it_o who_o past_o his_o time_n and_o life_n away_o in_o catch_v fly_n let_v not_o we_o do_v so_o amuse_v ourselves_o about_o the_o creature_n and_o only_o labour_v here_o for_o earth_n since_o we_o know_v all_o in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o less_o value_n than_o a_o fly_n and_o that_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o universe_n be_v less_o than_o the_o least_o atom_n let_v we_o rather_o imitate_v that_o other_o prince_n who_o invite_v by_o honour_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o birth_n will_v never_o run_v nor_o play_v but_o among_o king_n his_o equal_n apply_v this_o to_o our_o subject_n let_v we_o say_v that_o a_o christian_a be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o prince_n of_o heaven_n aught_o to_o expect_v no_o heritage_n but_o paradise_n to_o seek_v no_o other_o company_n but_o saint_n and_o angel_n to_o take_v no_o content_n but_o in_o jesus_n christ_n endeavour_v to_o follow_v he_o in_o all_o to_o imitate_v he_o in_o all_o since_o he_o hope_v to_o reign_v with_o he_o these_o truth_n deserve_v to_o be_v deliberate_o consider_v saint_n cyprian_n in_o a_o discourse_n upon_o the_o ascension_n raise_v they_o high_o say_v that_o christian_n as_o child_n of_o god_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v like_o god_n the_o same_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n paul_n 5.1_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o precept_n be_v evident_a for_o if_o as_o child_n of_o god_n we_o will_v enjoy_v his_o glory_n to_o eternity_n the_o possession_n and_o the_o heritage_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o become_v one_o with_o he_o must_v we_o not_o necessary_o be_v like_o he_o in_o purity_n in_o perfection_n in_o sanctity_n if_o we_o will_v possess_v god_n in_o god_n and_o live_v eternal_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n must_v not_o our_o life_n be_v wonderful_a our_o action_n holy_a if_o we_o will_v merit_v a_o estate_n so_o perfect_a and_o holy_a nothing_o be_v more_o just_a herein_o appear_v the_o christian_a estate_n so_o great_a divine_a and_o perfect_a in_o that_o make_v we_o child_n of_o god_n it_o give_v we_o right_o to_o the_o heritage_n of_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o lead_v a_o life_n worthy_a such_o a_o heritage_n by_o this_o principle_n we_o see_v how_o much_o they_o be_v deceive_v who_o think_v and_o speak_v mean_o of_o christianity_n or_o live_v a_o life_n common_a to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o world_n promise_v themselves_o the_o heritage_n of_o the_o child_n of_o heaven_n let_v we_o teach_v they_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o live_v and_o show_v what_o the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n ought_v to_o be_v who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n chap._n v._o what_o the_o action_n of_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v see_v the_o state_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o eminent_a that_o it_o advance_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o filial_a be_v so_o divine_a it_o follow_v that_o the_o action_n of_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v eminent_o devout_a and_o perfect_a this_o truth_n be_v prove_v not_o only_o by_o the_o common_a principle_n that_o the_o life_n and_o operation_n of_o every_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o their_o be_v but_o likewise_o by_o another_o maxim_n of_o christianity_n that_o a_o christian_a receive_v all_o by_o christ_n and_o in_o christ_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 11.36_o of_o he_o and_o though_o he_o and_o to_o he_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o principle_n all_o the_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n and_o in_o respect_n to_o god_n which_o make_v they_o high_a perfect_a and_o holy_a high_a as_o proceed_v from_o christ_n its_o principle_n holy_a as_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o perfect_a and_o pure_a as_o be_v wrought_v for_o he_o such_o action_n we_o true_o call_v christian._n to_o explicate_v this_o more_o particular_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o a_o true_a christian_a action_n must_v be_v do_v in_o grace_n in_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o disposition_n wherewith_o jesus_n christ_n perform_v his_o action_n during_o his_o wayfaring_a life_n yet_o in_o a_o different_a way_n for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o god_n and_o man_n do_v act_n after_o a_o divine_a manner_n proportion_v to_o the_o eminence_n of_o his_o estate_n to_o work_v after_o this_o manner_n be_v proper_a only_o to_o he_o to_o this_o we_o can_v arrive_v neither_o must_v we_o aspire_v unto_o it_o but_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o act_v after_o a_o manner_n very_o near_o this_o and_o the_o high_a that_o can_v be_v except_v this_o for_o the_o
christian_a life_n do_v consist_v what_o difficulty_n do_v we_o find_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n all_o the_o obstacle_n if_o we_o near_o consider_v it_o proceed_v from_o not_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o interior_a life_n of_o the_o soul_n many_o believe_v it_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o abstract_n life_n and_o of_o the_o other_o world_n a_o life_n full_a of_o care_n a_o life_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o humane_a society_n other_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o life_n of_o insupportable_a solitude_n and_o inaccessible_a contemplation_n every_o one_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o he_o please_v some_o condemn_v it_o other_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a most_o believe_v it_o difficult_a let_v we_o not_o insist_v upon_o word_n they_o be_v explicate_v to_o all_o sense_n let_v we_o only_o say_v that_o the_o life_n we_o call_v interior_a be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v god_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o life_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o mother_n of_o all_o virtue_n thus_o than_o the_o interior_a life_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o virtuous_a christian_a life_n to_o which_o life_n all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a man_n must_v fear_v god_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o soul_n must_v high_o esteem_v of_o all_o that_o be_v in_o christianity_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n must_v be_v vigilant_a to_o do_v nothing_o to_o displease_v god_n careful_a to_o preserve_v his_o soul_n and_o conscience_n in_o the_o purity_n of_o grace_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n 13.18_o to_o have_v a_o esteem_n of_o god_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o of_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o to_o carry_v a_o mean_a esteem_n of_o himself_o and_o all_o creature_n to_o live_v in_o this_o manner_n be_v that_o which_o i_o call_v a_o inward_a life_n the_o rest_n without_o this_o be_v nothing_o and_o to_o teach_v soul_n any_o other_o life_n be_v to_o betray_v they_o now_o who_o see_v not_o that_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n if_o they_o will_v be_v save_v who_o find_v not_o now_o how_o much_o this_o life_n be_v easy_a than_o it_o be_v represent_v and_o all_o together_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v expect_v let_v we_o then_o take_v a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o embrace_v it_o and_o to_o give_v ourselves_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n to_o he_o who_o have_v give_v himself_o to_o we_o he_o have_v right_a and_o power_n to_o live_v in_o we_o to_o do_v in_o we_o and_o of_o we_o all_o that_o he_o please_v let_v we_o only_o take_v care_n that_o we_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o to_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v assist_v by_o his_o grace_n let_v we_o cheerful_o endeavour_v the_o acquisition_n of_o christian_a virtue_n let_v we_o so_o order_n that_o grace_n may_v reign_v in_o we_o according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o god_n that_o god_n may_v dwell_v in_o we_o as_o in_o a_o live_a tabernacle_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v consecrate_v by_o his_o blood_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o experience_n that_o with_o the_o apostle_n 4.13_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o jesus_n christ_n who_o strengthen_v we_o chap._n ii_o that_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n whereto_o we_o can_v arrive_v but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ._n before_o i_o proceed_v i_o must_v suppose_v that_o i_o speak_v to_o soul_n desirous_a to_o live_v virtuous_o and_o perfect_o in_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n according_a to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o law_n and_o rule_n my_o address_n be_v to_o such_o who_o be_v faithful_a dispensator_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v make_v use_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n endeavour_v to_o profit_v a_o hundred_o fold_n the_o first_o thing_n that_o i_o ask_v of_o they_o be_v what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o as_o in_o thing_n natural_a &_o artificial_a the_o first_o thought_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o workman_n be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o work_n so_o in_o piety_n we_o must_v consider_v and_o know_v the_o end_n and_o the_o life_n of_o christian_a action_n that_o know_v they_o we_o may_v resolve_v courageous_o to_o undertake_v they_o and_o promise_v ourselves_o great_a fidelity_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v propose_v to_o we_o or_o be_v necessary_a for_o to_o arrive_v at_o so_o happy_a a_o estate_n we_o know_v the_o end_n of_o a_o christian_a soul_n be_v nothing_o but_o god_n 1.23_o who_o be_v he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o say_v the_o apostle_n who_o it_o seek_v to_o and_o possess_v as_o its_o sole_a happiness_n and_o to_o enjoy_v he_o for_o ever_o none_o reject_v this_o truth_n though_o it_o appear_v high_a and_o extraordinary_a for_o they_o that_o discourse_n ordinary_o of_o christian_a perfection_n say_v all_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o in_o perfect_a charity_n which_o be_v true_a but_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o this_o love_n mean_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n have_v privilege_n and_o power_n to_o give_v god_n who_o be_v essential_a love_n thus_o consider_v this_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o perfection_n consist_v in_o love_n which_o love_n give_v we_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o soul_n must_v be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n he_o that_o will_v comprehend_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o must_v know_v the_o greatness_n and_o dignity_n of_o god_n from_o which_o knowledge_n he_o shall_v learn_v what_o the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n must_v be_v what_o our_o entertainment_n and_o how_o holy_a our_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v for_o if_o the_o mean_n be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o end_n it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o end_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v supernatural_a and_o nothing_o less_o than_o god_n himself_o the_o mean_n also_o that_o we_o must_v use_v to_o arrive_v to_o this_o end_n must_v be_v supernatural_a and_o divine_a they_o therefore_o who_o seek_v perfection_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o end_n must_v have_v a_o particular_a care_n not_o only_o to_o embrace_v all_o action_n and_o use_n which_o may_v conduct_v they_o but_o shun_v and_o contemn_v all_o vain_a and_o superfluous_a thing_n which_o serve_v not_o to_o attain_v to_o this_o end_n and_o must_v detest_v they_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o we_o can_v arrive_v at_o this_o end_n nor_o to_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a his_o fullness_n and_o the_o consummation_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o by_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n himself_o by_o grace_n alone_o and_o mercy_n and_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n none_o can_v arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o by_o his_o divine_a light_n and_o by_o a_o special_a revelation_n 11.27_o no_o man_n know_v the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n neither_o know_v any_o man_n the_o father_n save_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o who_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o and_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o this_o knowledge_n he_o can_v make_v no_o good_a use_n of_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v aid_v with_o a_o new_a favour_n he_o can_v go_v to_o god_n nor_o enjoy_v his_o grace_n or_o spirit_n unless_o he_o be_v aid_v and_o guide_v by_o he_o who_o say_v 14.6_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o and_o that_o which_o show_v our_o great_a impotency_n or_o need_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o grace_n be_v that_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o worthy_a and_o capable_a to_o approach_v unto_o god_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o possess_v he_o 15.5_o without_o i_o say_v he_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o on_o the_o one_o side_n the_o soul_n see_v and_o confess_v that_o god_n be_v her_o perfection_n her_o happiness_n and_o heritage_n that_o in_o he_o she_o have_v all_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v her_o sufficiency_n her_o life_n and_o consummation_n on_o the_o other_o side_n she_o find_v that_o she_o can_v go_v to_o he_o nor_o enjoy_v he_o nor_o think_v of_o he_o but_o by_o he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o his_o grace_n by_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n she_o feel_v that_o she_o bear_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o she_o be_v not_o only_a incapacity_n impotency_n and_o feeblness_n but_o of_o opposition_n to_o grace_n to_o the_o gift_n and_o work_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n she_o carry_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n love_n she_o
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
these_o truth_n annihilate_v all_o the_o spirit_n and_o humble_v all_o the_o seraphim_n nothing_o but_o man_n shut_v his_o eye_n against_o so_o great_a a_o light_n jesus_n christ_n and_o these_o seraphim_n humble_v themselves_o in_o the_o throne_n of_o their_o glory_n and_o man_n glorify_v themselves_o sit_v on_o the_o dunghill_n of_o their_o vice_n o_o hardness_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o humane_a spirit_n o_o the_o power_n of_o the_o blind_a ambition_n of_o man_n who_o see_v and_o confess_v these_o truth_n who_o bear_v the_o mark_n of_o they_o who_o feel_v the_o violence_n of_o they_o yet_o remain_v insensible_a triumph_n in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o refuse_v to_o act_v by_o love_n and_o virtue_n what_o they_o shall_v be_v constrain_v to_o do_v by_o justice_n and_o rigour_n for_o those_o who_o exalt_v themselves_o shall_v be_v humble_v but_o humble_v by_o the_o revengeful_a hand_n of_o almighty_a god_n let_v we_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o acknowledge_v let_v we_o descend_v into_o ourselves_o and_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o nothing_o cry_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o that_o light_n of_o truth_n let_v we_o adore_v this_o truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o let_v we_o resign_v ourselves_o over_o to_o his_o power_n and_o invoke_v the_o force_n and_o spirit_n of_o his_o humility_n that_o it_o may_v consume_v in_o we_o the_o vanity_n and_o ambition_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adam_n that_o live_v in_o we_o and_o communicate_v to_o we_o so_o necessary_a a_o virtue_n the_o three_o disposition_n chap._n x._o of_o a_o effectual_a desire_n to_o be_v god_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n be_v great_a in_o we_o so_o let_v we_o make_v use_n thereof_o and_o esteem_v god_n according_a to_o the_o same_o proportion_n and_o enter_v into_o this_o disposition_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o all_o soul_n who_o go_v the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o abandon_v themselves_o whole_o to_o our_o lord_n this_o disposition_n be_v a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a desire_n to_o belong_v to_o god_n at_o any_o price_n whatsoever_o and_o to_o be_v his_o pure_o without_o any_o other_o regard_n then_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o sovereign_a majesty_n of_o god_n who_o deserve_v to_o be_v love_v serve_v and_o adore_v because_o he_o be_v god_n and_o shut_v the_o eye_n to_o all_o consideration_n to_o all_o hope_n and_o all_o profit_n we_o must_v say_v and_o bear_v in_o heart_n this_o truth_n i_o will_v be_v god_n for_o his_o own_o sake_n this_o desire_n will_v not_o be_v so_o difficult_a as_o it_o appear_v if_o faith_n be_v live_v in_o we_o and_o if_o we_o bear_v a_o true_a esteem_n of_o god_n but_o we_o must_v proceed_v further_a this_o desire_n must_v not_o be_v in_o the_o mouth_n only_o but_o in_o the_o heart_n to_o be_v pure_a it_o must_v regard_v nothing_o but_o god_n to_o be_v perfect_a it_o must_v be_v infinite_a without_o limitation_n or_o restriction_n as_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v i_o will_v be_v god_n in_o all_o that_o he_o will_v and_o in_o sign_n of_o the_o perfection_n whereinto_o i_o desire_v to_o enter_v i_o will_v know_v nothing_o of_o all_o that_o he_o desire_v of_o i_o i_o content_v myself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o bare_a abandon_v of_o myself_o to_o all_o the_o thought_n all_o the_o design_n all_o the_o counsel_n he_o have_v form_v of_o i_o in_o the_o cabinet_n of_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n to_o all_o the_o thought_n jesus_n christ_n have_v of_o i_o on_o the_o altar_n of_o his_o cross_n sacrifice_v himself_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n and_o offer_v with_o himself_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o elect._n i_o offer_v myself_o to_o he_o to_o be_v all_o that_o he_o will_v and_o to_o leave_v all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o divine_a pleasure_n be_v it_o of_o justice_n or_o of_o love_n of_o abandon_v or_o enjoy_v of_o abundance_n or_o privation_n of_o fervour_n or_o of_o drought_n in_o brief_a i_o will_v have_v no_o other_o desire_n but_o to_o be_v god_n to_o be_v all_o that_o he_o will_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v this_o be_v the_o adorable_a estate_n into_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n christ_n enter_v the_o first_o instant_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o word_n for_o in_o the_o same_o moment_n his_o soul_n produce_v a_o act_n of_o obligation_n of_o he_o to_o be_v whole_o god_n whole_o obedient_a to_o his_o divine_a decree_n in_o all_o the_o way_n which_o he_o ordain_v upon_o he_o and_o upon_o his_o life_n in_o the_o way_n of_o humiliation_n of_o suffering_n of_o privation_n cross_n and_o death_n this_o be_v also_o the_o estate_n and_o first_o disposition_n whereinto_o the_o soul_n must_v enter_v that_o seek_v god_n and_o will_v live_v christianly_o but_o she_o must_v remain_v herein_o with_o such_o stability_n and_o constancy_n that_o she_o may_v render_v herself_o immutable_a in_o regard_n of_o his_o disposition_n for_o in_o whatsoever_o change_n she_o find_v herself_o she_o must_v never_o quit_v this_o disposition_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v herein_o that_o she_o must_v establish_v and_o settle_v herself_o more_o and_o more_o and_o all_o her_o care_n must_v be_v to_o bear_v it_o not_o in_o her_o mouth_n nor_o in_o her_o will_n but_o in_o the_o bottom_n of_o her_o heart_n and_o centre_n of_o her_o soul._n we_o have_v say_v that_o this_o desire_n to_o be_v god_n must_v be_v pure_a simple_a naked_a and_o absolute_a therefore_o to_o form_v this_o desire_n and_o make_v it_o perfect_a we_o must_v not_o receive_v into_o our_o spirit_n any_o reason_n any_o consideration_n any_o interest_n but_o only_o say_v and_o say_v it_o true_o i_o will_v be_v god_n for_o god_n sake_n according_a as_o god_n will_v have_v i_o and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o shall_v please_v he_o this_o disposition_n thus_o explain_v teach_v we_o that_o they_o who_o seek_v christian_a perfection_n and_o faithful_o resign_v themselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o live_v in_o the_o state_n that_o please_v he_o must_v not_o desire_v to_o know_v or_o understand_v what_o god_n will_v do_v with_o they_o nor_o what_o he_o will_v say_v to_o all_o the_o motion_n which_o they_o think_v or_o in_o all_o that_o they_o understand_v nor_o in_o all_o the_o diverse_a estate_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a wherein_o they_o find_v themselves_o that_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o profitable_a on_o the_o contrary_a to_o desire_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v all_o that_o pass_v and_o examine_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whither_o it_o tend_v this_o be_v to_o draw_v herself_o out_o of_o resignation_n and_o to_o go_v out_o of_o the_o purity_n of_o this_o disposition_n it_o be_v only_o necessary_a that_o the_o soul_n have_v a_o great_a vigilancy_n to_o receive_v all_o of_o god_n and_o to_o receive_v it_o in_o the_o manner_n that_o god_n require_v of_o she_o and_o to_o bear_v it_o with_o the_o spirit_n as_o he_o will_v and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o with_o the_o purity_n that_o it_o merit_n in_o this_o point_n consist_v the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o this_o estate_n to_o facilitate_v this_o it_o be_v good_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o present_v herself_o often_o before_o god_n exciting_a in_o herself_o a_o efficacious_a desire_n to_o do_v the_o pure_a will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o disposition_n and_o manner_n that_o he_o require_v without_o know_v what_o he_o will_v and_o she_o shall_v often_o offer_v herself_o to_o god_n for_o this_o end_n moreover_o it_o be_v very_o profitable_a to_o offer_v ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o to_o form_v a_o general_a will_n to_o practice_v all_o sort_n of_o good_a though_o we_o have_v no_o light_n nor_o feeling_n content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o resignation_n to_o god_n and_o take_v care_n to_o follow_v he_o and_o to_o cooperate_v faithful_o with_o the_o grace_n and_o motion_n we_o receive_v from_o he_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o piety_n that_o the_o soul_n must_v not_o seek_v any_o sense_n any_o light_n nothing_o of_o particular_a but_o keep_v and_o conserve_v itself_o in_o a_o pure_a estate_n to_o be_v god_n to_o do_v his_o divine_a will_n and_o to_o render_v herself_o faithful_a to_o his_o grace_n remember_v that_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n but_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v his_o gift_n and_o to_o render_v they_o again_o unto_o he_o the_o four_o disposition_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o heart_n we_o proceed_v in_o our_o design_n of_o draw_v the_o picture_n of_o a_o perfect_a christian_a which_o consist_v in_o represent_v the_o principal_a virtue_n wherewith_o he_o must_v be_v invest_v and_o the_o disposition_n wherein_o he_o must_v be_v to_o become_v fit_a to_o bear_v god_n and_o to_o live_v only_o upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n
conduct_n of_o god_n the_o creature_n by_o the_o condition_n of_o its_o be_v subsist_v only_o in_o resign_v itself_o to_o the_o conduct_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o as_o it_o belong_v to_o god_n alone_o to_o give_v be_v to_o all_o thing_n so_o be_v he_o alone_o the_o preserver_n and_o governor_n of_o they_o whence_o as_o the_o creature_n bear_v god_n in_o its_o depth_n and_o its_o centre_n so_o it_o bear_v in_o the_o same_o depth_n a_o capacity_n all_o that_o he_o operate_v in_o and_o by_o it_o which_o capacity_n the_o philosopher_n call_v obedientiall_a power_n whereby_o all_o that_o be_v create_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o power_n of_o its_o creator_n and_o resign_v to_o his_o conduct_n man_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o this_o indispensable_a law_n he_o can_v exempt_v himself_o from_o this_o subjection_n whereto_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o necessity_n of_o be_v create_v a_o necessity_n so_o absolute_a in_o what_o estate_n soever_o he_o be_v in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o other_o in_o time_n or_o eternity_n that_o he_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o creator_n whether_o in_o the_o rigour_n of_o his_o justice_n or_o in_o the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o though_o his_o deprave_a nature_n cause_v he_o sometime_o to_o separate_v himself_o from_o his_o god_n to_o live_v in_o the_o disorder_n of_o his_o own_o will_n contrary_a to_o the_o order_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o can_v absolute_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o order_n of_o his_o divine_a providence_n nor_o avoid_v the_o arm_n of_o god_n who_o comprehend_v all_o thing_n dispose_v they_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o arrive_v to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o have_v propose_v they_o for_o this_o order_n and_o power_n be_v so_o general_a that_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n can_v be_v exempt_v from_o it_o so_o much_o be_v the_o creature_n subject_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o creator_n necessity_n exact_v it_o of_o we_o the_o law_n of_o love_n and_o acknowledgement_n oblige_v we_o thereto_o and_o that_o very_o strict_o for_o god_n who_o have_v a_o particular_a providence_n and_o a_o extraordinary_a care_n of_o man_n conduct_n he_o also_o and_o love_v he_o excessive_o become_v his_o father_n king_n and_o prince_n &_o his_o all_o that_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o man_n man_n may_v the_o more_o willing_o resign_v himself_o to_o his_o love_a conduct_n not_o by_o constraint_n or_o necessity_n but_o through_o a_o spirit_n of_o freedom_n by_o a_o esteem_n of_o his_o love_n by_o a_o holy_a and_o love_a election_n these_o truth_n no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o yet_o we_o make_v no_o use_n of_o they_o for_o man_n despise_v the_o conduct_n of_o his_o god_n shut_v his_o eye_n to_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n neglect_v his_o most_o wholesome_a law_n his_o certain_a counsel_n his_o divine_a motion_n withdraws_z himself_z from_o the_o disposal_n and_o conduct_n of_o god_n to_o adhere_v whole_o to_o himself_o to_o his_o own_o thought_n and_o inclination_n to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n to_o follow_v the_o false_a maxim_n of_o humane_a prudence_n the_o motion_n of_o his_o passion_n the_o allurement_n of_o self-love_n the_o perfect_a christian_a must_v take_v heed_n that_o he_o do_v nothing_o inward_o or_o outward_o but_o according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o conduct_v of_o god_n man_n in_o all_o his_o action_n and_o motion_n must_v necessary_o be_v either_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n or_o of_o himself_o if_o he_o adhere_v to_o one_o he_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o other_o for_o those_o he_o conduct_n be_v in_o themselves_o absolute_o contrary_a the_o conduct_n that_o man_n take_v of_o himself_o be_v a_o turn_n from_o god_n a_o way_n that_o separate_v we_o from_o god_n and_o quite_o lose_v we_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o man_n after_o his_o fall_n who_o spirit_n be_v turn_v from_o god_n subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n bear_v the_o seed_n of_o all_o fault_n and_o error_n he_o be_v so_o engulf_a in_o this_o state_n of_o misery_n that_o he_o can_v get_v out_o of_o it_o though_o he_o endeavour_v all_o he_o can_v if_o jesus_n christ_n draw_v he_o not_o out_o of_o it_o he_o can_v return_v to_o god_n if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o lead_v he_o no_o man_n come_v unto_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o 14.6_o now_o man_n who_o follow_v his_o own_o conduct_n his_o own_o inclination_n motion_n and_o will_v withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o conduct_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o his_o spirit_n be_v turn_v from_o his_o god_n by_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n so_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o conduct_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o own_o will_n and_o action_n how_o can_v he_o but_o turn_v from_o god_n and_o separate_v himself_o more_o and_o more_o from_o he_o and_o that_o so_o powerful_o that_o so_o long_o as_o he_o remain_v in_o his_o humane_a condition_n he_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o return_v to_o god_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v lead_v he_o to_o god_n if_o he_o do_v not_o resign_v himself_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v aid_v by_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n of_o saint_n paul_n when_o he_o say_v the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n with_o god_n 8.7_o for_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v and_o that_o to_o be_v carnal_a mind_v be_v death_n 8.6_o since_o he_o lose_v himself_o who_o govern_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o only_o follow_v his_o own_o conduct_n all_o the_o divine_a oracle_n cry_v out_o to_o we_o and_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v happen_v to_o man_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v of_o god_n and_o abandon_v to_o humane_a prudence_n to_o his_o own_o motion_n natural_a inclination_n and_o will_n for_o a_o man_n so_o abandon_v of_o god_n live_v a_o dangerous_a life_n 30.1_o and_o must_v expect_v a_o miserable_a fall_n woe_n say_v god_n to_o they_o when_o i_o shall_v be_v separate_v from_o they_o woe_n indeed_o yea_o a_o threefold_a woe_n see_v that_o when_o god_n leave_v a_o soul_n to_o its_o own_o counsel_n motion_n inclination_n and_o will_v she_o be_v at_o the_o same_o instant_n make_v captive_a drag_v and_o lead_v in_o triumph_n to_o her_o passion_n and_o appetite_n for_o the_o passion_n will_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n be_v rebellious_a and_o hurry_v by_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n now_o from_o the_o time_n that_o man_n be_v abandon_v and_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n grace_n withdraw_v from_o he_o he_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o rebellious_a fall_v into_o a_o thousand_o error_n and_o will_v infallible_o lose_v himself_o if_o god_n have_v not_o pity_v on_o he_o and_o call_v he_o home_o therefore_o for_o god_n to_o abandon_v we_o thus_o to_o our_o own_o conduct_n and_o will_n be_v the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v arrive_v to_o man_n the_o great_a punishment_n whereby_o god_n can_v revenge_v himself_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n my_o people_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o voice_n say_v god_n be_v angry_a 12._o and_o israel_n will_v not_o obey_v i_o so_o i_o give_v they_o up_o unto_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o let_v they_o follow_v their_o own_o imagination_n and_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n most_o rigorous_a punishment_n of_o the_o ingratitude_n of_o man_n have_v be_v to_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o desire_n and_o appetite_n 1.24_o god_n give_v they_o up_o say_v the_o holy_a apostle_n to_o uncleanness_n through_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n it_o import_v he_o therefore_o who_o will_v be_v a_o good_a christian_a and_o make_v his_o salvation_n sure_a to_o forsake_v his_o own_o conduct_n to_o annihilate_v his_o inclination_n passion_n appetite_n to_o confound_v his_o own_o will_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o conduct_n of_o humane_a prudence_n and_o from_o his_o own_o reason_n to_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v above_o reason_n and_o illuminate_v and_o guide_v that_o he_o do_v nothing_o but_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n law_n and_o will_v of_o god_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o must_v separate_v ourselves_o renounce_v the_o conduct_n of_o humane_a prudence_n and_o annihilate_v our_o own_o will_n our_o prudence_n and_o reason_n be_v faulty_a in_o every_o point_n for_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o come_v from_o we_o it_o separate_v we_o from_o god_n as_o much_o as_o it_o can_v humane_a nature_n and_o the_o will_n of_o man_n in_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n regard_v only_o itself_o not_o god_n its_o supernatural_a end_n the_o will_n incline_v to_o self-love_n and_o can_v advance_v itself_o to_o a_o true_a love_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o guide_v and_o aid_v by_o
every_o thing_n this_o be_v a_o indispensable_a obligation_n whereto_o we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o be_v for_o as_o such_o we_o be_v god_n be_v god_n we_o ought_v to_o refer_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o he_o and_o be_v only_o for_o he_o the_o fruit_n be_v he_o to_o who_o the_o tree_n belong_v if_o we_o belong_v whole_o to_o god_n our_o life_n and_o action_n consequent_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o whole_o employ_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o will._n in_o effect_n none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a but_o that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v the_o work_n that_o god_n have_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o according_a to_o the_o manner_n that_o he_o propose_v and_o for_o the_o end_n that_o he_o have_v ordain_v we_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a for_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n and_o what_o shall_v our_o soul_n aim_v at_o but_o to_o accomplish_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v all_o our_o action_n according_a to_o the_o design_n and_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o eternal_a wisdom_n why_o be_v we_o in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o please_v not_o god_n how_o shall_v we_o please_v he_o if_o we_o do_v not_o his_o will_n and_o live_v not_o in_o the_o order_n he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o what_o end_n serve_v all_o the_o rest_n whereto_o be_v direct_v all_o our_o action_n if_o they_o be_v not_o acceptable_a to_o god_n this_o be_v the_o only_a point_n of_o our_o happiness_n the_o principal_a care_n that_o a_o christian_n ought_v to_o have_v to_o regard_n god_n in_o all_o his_o action_n and_o to_o perform_v they_o in_o a_o pure_a desire_n to_o please_v he_o let_v we_o endeavour_v only_o to_o content_a god_n and_o god_n will_v provide_v for_o all_o the_o â—est_n they_o that_o honour_v i_o i_o will_v honour_v and_o they_o that_o despise_v i_o 2.30_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v say_v god_n to_o eliah_n o_o how_o happy_a shall_v that_o soul_n be_v which_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v with_o jesus_n christ_n 17.4_o my_o god_n and_o my_o father_n i_o have_v glorify_v thou_o on_o the_o earth_n i_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o to_o do_v happy_a be_v the_o soul_n that_o forget_v herself_o to_o think_v only_o on_o god_n which_o lose_v itself_o in_o all_o concernment_n to_o seek_v only_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n happy_a be_v those_o christian_n who_o can_v say_v in_o all_o their_o action_n we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v please_v before_o he_o for_o in_o effect_n the_o christian_n have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n we_o be_v oblige_v thereto_o by_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n st._n paul_n give_v we_o a_o very_a evident_a reason_n 5.15_o when_o he_o say_v speak_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o die_v for_o all_o that_o they_o which_o live_v shall_v not_o henceforth_o live_v unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o he_o which_o die_v for_o they_o &_o rise_v again_o wherein_o be_v comprise_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n the_o apostle_n say_v that_o christian_n shall_v not_o live_v to_o themselves_o show_v the_o obligation_n they_o have_v to_o live_v to_o god_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o in_o all_o their_o action_n they_o ought_v only_o to_o seek_v to_o please_v he_o all_o other_o thought_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o teach_v his_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o his_o church_n what_o to_o demand_v 10._o propose_v to_o we_o chief_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n the_o establishment_n of_o his_o kingdom_n &_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o divine_a will_n show_v we_o by_o this_o lesson_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o repeat_v daily_o what_o our_o thought_n intention_n and_o prayer_n shall_v be_v that_o we_o must_v chief_o desire_v the_o glory_n pleasure_n and_o will_v of_o god_n after_o so_o divine_a a_o precept_n what_o have_v we_o to_o seek_v why_o so_o many_o exercise_n so_o many_o intention_n such_o multiplicity_n of_o thought_n let_v we_o seek_v to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o take_v a_o continual_a vigilancy_n that_o we_o do_v nothing_o disacceptable_a to_o god_n or_o that_o be_v not_o conformable_a to_o the_o state_n and_o vocation_n wherein_o god_n have_v place_v we_o how_o can_v so_o many_o complaisance_n accommodation_n correspondency_n affectation_n of_o humane_a prudence_n tend_v to_o piety_n when_o they_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n who_o love_v nothing_o but_o purity_n this_o be_v a_o evil_n that_o destroy_v the_o purity_n of_o all_o our_o action_n a_o abuse_n that_o deceive_v the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o complacency_n and_o self-satisfaction_n which_o draw_v we_o from_o the_o pure_a regard_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o purity_n of_o intention_n which_o must_v be_v in_o our_o action_n if_o thy_o eye_n be_v single_a thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o light_n but_o if_o thy_o eye_n be_v evil_a thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o darkness_n 6.23_o say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n of_o the_o disposition_n and_o intention_n wherewith_o christian_n ought_v to_o do_v all_o their_o action_n show_v by_o the_o similitude_n of_o the_o eye_n that_o the_o intention_n must_v necessary_o be_v pure_a if_o the_o action_n permit_v it_o for_o as_o the_o eye_n be_v single_a make_v the_o body_n full_a of_o light_n so_o the_o intention_n be_v pure_a make_v the_o action_n pure_a the_o end_n and_o object_n be_v that_o which_o advance_v or_o depress_v the_o action_n give_v it_o the_o quality_n it_o bear_v now_o because_o the_o intention_n to_o be_v pure_a and_o simple_a must_v have_v as_o we_o have_v say_v no_o regard_n but_o that_o of_o god_n the_o only_a object_n of_o its_o action_n a_o regard_n which_o seek_v only_o to_o please_v god_n to_o accomplish_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o heaven_n his_o divine_a ordinance_n desire_v no_o other_o estate_n than_o a_o bare_a simple_a subjection_n to_o his_o love_a conduct_n this_o be_v that_o we_o call_v regard_n of_o god_n purity_n of_o intention_n to_o transgress_v this_o regard_n and_o purity_n of_o intention_n be_v to_o forsake_v the_o sun_n to_o go_v into_o darkness_n to_o destroy_v the_o perfection_n and_o purity_n which_o make_v a_o action_n true_o christian._n we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o have_v continual_o in_o our_o heart_n the_o prayer_n of_o david_n turn_v away_o my_o eye_n 119.34_o lest_o they_o behold_v vanity_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v lord_n withdraw_z my_o thought_n and_o intention_n which_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o my_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v be_v remove_v from_o all_o creature_n which_o be_v but_o vanity_n to_o be_v employ_v on_o thou_o alone_o who_o be_v the_o truth_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o require_v this_o of_o god_n for_o this_o purity_n of_o intention_n this_o pure_a regard_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o beautiful_a piece_n the_o most_o behooveful_a to_o a_o christian_a life_n it_o be_v the_o only_a mark_n that_o distinguish_v night_n from_o day_n darkness_n from_o light_n in_o this_o point_n alone_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n deceive_v themselves_o take_v the_o shadow_n for_o the_o substance_n vanity_n for_o verity_n this_o be_v it_o we_o must_v examine_v one_o of_o the_o great_a retardment_n that_o the_o soul_n find_v in_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n in_o any_o vocation_n or_o estate_n be_v quit_v the_o pure_a regard_n and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o purity_n of_o intention_n to_o seek_v complacency_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o something_o out_o of_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o complacency_n and_o satisfaction_n the_o soul_n can_v never_o taste_v god_n nor_o arrive_v at_o perfection_n we_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o this_o than_o the_o difference_n between_o please_a god_n and_o the_o creature_n between_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n they_o be_v two_o path_n so_o contrary_a that_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o subsist_v together_o as_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n or_o bitter_a and_o sweet_a without_o corrupt_v the_o soul_n who_o seek_v she_o own_o satisfaction_n to_o please_v her_o self_n in_o her_o self_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n be_v as_o far_o from_o please_a god_n as_o the_o creature_n be_v from_o god_n wherein_o appear_v the_o abuse_n of_o those_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o do_v their_o action_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o have_v no_o desire_n but_o to_o please_v either_o themselves_o or_o some_o other_o reason_n itself_o show_v we_o that_o those_o complacency_n and_o self-satisfaction_n be_v unworthy_a a_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v create_v only_o for_o his_o pleasure_n consecrate_v to_o his_o
the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n you_o shall_v find_v their_o heart_n void_a of_o god_n full_a of_o self-love_n their_o action_n inconstant_a their_o thought_n in_o continual_a change_n in_o fine_a they_o be_v nothing_o but_o disquiet_n complaint_n and_o murmur_n look_v upon_o their_o life_n and_o action_n it_o be_v but_o a_o pastime_n unprofitableness_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o age_n and_o have_v consider_v it_o all_o it_o will_v not_o be_v hard_o for_o you_o to_o know_v whether_o those_o soul_n have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o virtue_n yet_o in_o appearance_n they_o make_v a_o great_a show_n &_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o be_v to_o blame_v those_o who_o be_v conduct_v and_o direct_v or_o the_o director_n but_o how_o ever_o it_o be_v the_o christian_a who_o will_v be_v save_v must_v labour_v herein_o serious_o and_o neither_o fear_n pain_n nor_o mortification_n but_o seek_v to_o be_v conduct_v by_o the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v ordain_v and_o pass_v above_o all_o consideration_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o difficulty_n prove_v constant_a and_o compliant_a with_o the_o order_n that_o god_n have_v establish_v over_o he_o he_o must_v every_o day_n renew_v his_o good_a resolution_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o let_v he_o know_v and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o design_n he_o have_v upon_o he_o and_o give_v he_o grace_v in_o every_o point_n to_o follow_v they_o and_o with_o fidelity_n to_o accomplish_v they_o and_o see_v that_o his_o fidelity_n be_v now_o in_o question_n and_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n it_o be_v but_o necessary_a we_o make_v some_o discourse_n of_o it_o chap._n vii_o of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o its_o necessity_n in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o action_n of_o a_o christian._n to_o speak_v of_o fidelity_n and_o to_o see_v how_o much_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o truth_n already_o propose_v and_o remember_v that_o man_n be_v create_v for_o god_n who_o be_v his_o end_n that_o god_n alone_o can_v conduct_v he_o to_o this_o end_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n who_o only_o operate_v in_o he_o all_o the_o good_a work_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v he_o god_n and_o to_o arrive_v at_o this_o end_n which_o be_v god_n from_o these_o principle_n of_o truth_n we_o enter_v into_o our_o subject_n and_o present_o see_v that_o we_o have_v not_o any_o thing_n more_o important_a in_o this_o world_n then_o to_o go_v to_o god_n to_o cooperate_v with_o the_o work_n which_o god_n do_v in_o we_o to_o save_v we_o and_o to_o accomplish_v with_o fidelity_n that_o which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o and_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o disposition_n that_o he_o desire_v every_o one_o apply_v himself_o faithful_o to_o the_o way_n that_o god_n propose_v and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o vocation_n that_o the_o priest_n live_v according_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o estate_n the_o christian_n as_o christian_n in_o brief_a that_o all_o man_n live_v so_o as_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n they_o may_v say_v with_o jesus_n christ_n my_o father_n i_o have_v glorify_v thou_o upon_o the_o earth_n i_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n thou_o have_v ordain_v i_o to_o do_v this_o fidelity_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a must_v be_v in_o our_o soul_n from_o the_o time_n we_o be_v bear_v though_o there_o be_v neither_o heaven_n nor_o hell_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o our_o creator_n what_o averseness_n soever_o the_o creature_n may_v have_v it_o shall_v be_v always_o subject_a to_o the_o order_n of_o god_n either_o in_o the_o way_n of_o justice_n or_o mercy_n if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v it_o can_v be_v unless_o we_o cooperate_v with_o the_o work_n that_o god_n will_v do_v in_o we_o unless_o we_o become_v faithful_a to_o his_o grace_n and_o follow_v the_o order_n that_o god_n have_v prescribe_v wherein_o he_o will_v conduct_v we_o to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o more_o than_o we_o think_v to_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o design_n that_o god_n have_v over_o we_o and_o to_o the_o vocation_n whereto_o he_o have_v call_v we_o to_o the_o motion_n and_o inspiration_n he_o give_v we_o to_o make_v use_n with_o fidelity_n of_o the_o grace_n he_o offer_v least_o draw_v ourselves_o from_o the_o order_n and_o offer_v of_o his_o mercy_n we_o enter_v into_o that_o of_o his_o justice_n and_o one_o day_n he_o say_v to_o we_o in_o the_o rigour_n of_o his_o determine_a decree_n as_o he_o say_v to_o his_o people_n i_o will_v choose_v their_o delusion_n and_o bring_v their_o fear_n upon_o they_o because_o when_o i_o call_v none_o do_v answer_v when_o i_o speak_v they_o do_v not_o hear_v but_o they_o do_v evil_a in_o my_o sight_n and_o choose_v that_o in_o which_o i_o delight_v not_o isa._n 66.4_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o vocation_n and_o use_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o the_o grace_n and_o benefit_n of_o god_n we_o speak_v of_o paradise_n to_o despise_v they_o be_v to_o neglect_v salvation_n therefore_o the_o christian_a must_v consider_v what_o he_o do_v as_o well_o in_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o vocation_n he_o must_v choose_v as_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n he_o receive_v of_o god_n see_v thereon_o depend_v all_o his_o happiness_n or_o misery_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o choose_v not_o what_o god_n will_v not_o have_v we_o nor_o despise_v what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o embrace_v this_o point_n be_v the_o most_o important_a of_o all_o in_o a_o christian_a life_n yet_o be_v it_o a_o mystery_n the_o most_o secret_a of_o any_o in_o christianity_n the_o vocation_n of_o a_o soul_n be_v as_o much_o hide_v as_o her_o election_n which_o none_o can_v know_v or_o easy_o discern_v by_o her_o conduct_n the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v as_o much_o elevate_v above_o we_o as_o heaven_n above_o earth_n and_o yet_o o_o wonderful_a god_n will_n that_o we_o follow_v his_o way_n and_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o according_a to_o the_o vocation_n whereto_o god_n from_o all_o time_n have_v call_v he_o what_o remedy_n see_v on_o the_o one_o side_n necessity_n constrain_v we_o and_o on_o the_o other_o the_o incertainty_n and_o obscurity_n deter_v we_o o_o just_a god_n god_n of_o all_o bounty_n who_o shall_v enlighten_v we_o in_o this_o darkness_n who_o shall_v resolve_v we_o in_o a_o affair_n so_o doubtful_a who_o shall_v assure_v we_o amid_o so_o many_o doubt_n nothing_o but_o thy_o light_n o_o god_n the_o only_a refuge_n of_o our_o soul_n can_v conduct_v we_o nothing_o but_o thy_o spirit_n can_v teach_v we_o but_o thy_o truth_n can_v assure_v we_o and_o but_o thy_o infinite_a mercy_n can_v protect_v we_o this_o let_v we_o see_v in_o what_o danger_n they_o put_v themselves_o who_o so_o long_o neglect_v the_o motion_n grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o make_v such_o ill_a use_n of_o his_o benefit_n from_o these_o truth_n we_o learn_v the_o esteem_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o our_o vocation_n and_o with_o what_o circumspection_n we_o must_v make_v choice_n thereof_o and_o if_o we_o will_v make_v ourselves_o worthy_a to_o receive_v of_o god_n the_o light_n and_o conduct_v necessary_a in_o a_o affair_n of_o so_o great_a consequence_n for_o our_o salvation_n it_o will_v be_v very_o profitable_a to_o enter_v into_o these_o follow_a disposition_n first_o the_o christian_a must_v have_v a_o pure_a desire_n of_o god_n and_o a_o resolution_n to_o do_v in_o every_o thing_n his_o divine_a will_n be_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o heart_n whole_o resign_v to_o his_o will_n and_o conduct_v second_o he_o must_v have_v a_o great_a sense_n of_o his_o weakness_n he_o must_v be_v in_o a_o estate_n of_o humility_n before_o god_n not_o esteem_v himself_o worthy_a or_o capable_a of_o any_o thing_n for_o the_o humble_a shall_v never_o perish_v and_o as_o isaiah_n say_v god_n look_v to_o he_o that_o be_v poor_a and_o of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o tremble_v at_o his_o word_n 66.2_o three_o he_o must_v renounce_v his_o own_o interest_n and_o all_o his_o particular_a concernment_n he_o must_v not_o regard_v his_o own_o safety_n that_o he_o may_v have_v no_o object_n but_o the_o pure_a will_n of_o god_n yet_o in_o such_o manner_n that_o he_o who_o resolve_v to_o remain_v so_o faithful_o and_o constant_o in_o the_o order_n and_o design_n of_o god_n and_o propose_v to_o make_v hereafter_o use_v of_o god_n gift_n grace_n and_o benefit_n and_o regard_v not_o perfection_n advancement_n virtue_n not_o heaven_n itself_o must_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o a_o thought_n to_o please_v god_n for_o alas_o who_o be_v worthy_a thereof_o but_o cleanse_v and_o purify_n his_o intention_n
inclination_n thereto_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n ordinary_a enough_o and_o which_o we_o must_v avoid_v because_o our_o soul_n must_v be_v free_a and_o not_o tie_v but_o to_o god_n only_o and_o to_o his_o pure_a will_n for_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v nothing_o but_o for_o god_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n so_o we_o must_v not_o act_v by_o our_o own_o inclination_n or_o passion_n whence_o they_o be_v deceive_v who_o employ_v themselves_o in_o those_o action_n which_o they_o be_v most_o incline_v to_o and_o shun_v those_o they_o fear_v and_o embrace_v most_o willing_o the_o occupation_n and_o exercise_n whereto_o their_o inclination_n carrry_v they_o thus_o we_o see_v some_o have_v a_o inclination_n to_o exterior_a penitence_n other_o to_o compassion_n and_o some_o to_o penance_n one_o be_v prone_a to_o the_o love_n of_o thing_n regulate_v another_o be_v please_v with_o solitude_n and_o the_o like_a and_o we_o know_v that_o ordinary_o every_o man_n follow_v the_o motion_n and_o most_o willing_o choose_v the_o manner_n to_o live_v according_a to_o his_o inclination_n it_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n and_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o have_v receive_v a_o good_a soul_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v but_o to_o embrace_v the_o good_a and_o do_v its_o action_n because_o the_o inclination_n or_o passion_n carry_v we_o thereto_o though_o they_o be_v good_a this_o be_v not_o to_o act_v christianly_o on_o the_o contrary_a this_o be_v to_o live_v bruitish_o for_o beast_n follow_v their_o passion_n or_o at_o best_o to_o act_v but_o humane_o when_o the_o inclination_n be_v conformable_a to_o reason_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v do_v a_o christian_a action_n must_v take_v a_o supernatural_a principle_n which_o be_v grace_n and_o never_o do_v his_o action_n because_o passion_n and_o his_o inclination_n carry_v he_o thereto_o but_o only_o because_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o order_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o and_o because_o such_o action_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n thus_o he_o that_o will_v live_v christianly_o must_v never_o undertake_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o believe_v be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o he_o do_v any_o good_a action_n he_o must_v do_v it_o for_o god_n if_o he_o choose_v a_o manner_n of_o life_n he_o shall_v regard_v god_n only_o and_o strive_v to_o do_v only_o what_o be_v most_o perfect_a in_o he_o most_o conformable_a to_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o most_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o inclination_n and_o natural_a affection_n but_o if_o he_o find_v himself_o in_o doubt_n or_o perplexity_n and_o if_o he_o desire_v to_o judge_v his_o action_n his_o resentment_n and_o intention_n to_o know_v if_o they_o be_v good_a and_o true_o christian_a then_o shall_v he_o have_v recourse_n to_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a truth_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n he_o shall_v demand_v light_n of_o he_o and_o take_v jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o object_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o truth_n for_o his_o rule_n he_o shall_v consider_v whether_o his_o intention_n and_o action_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o truth_n whether_o they_o be_v like_a to_o those_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n whether_o he_o act_n in_o the_o perfection_n and_o purity_n that_o god_n demand_v of_o he_o according_a to_o his_o vocation_n and_o conformable_a to_o the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o christianity_n the_o christian_a live_v in_o this_o manner_n shall_v become_v acceptable_a to_o god_n shall_v arrive_v at_o the_o perfection_n which_o god_n require_v of_o he_o and_o shall_v do_v all_o his_o action_n with_o the_o purity_n he_o ought_v which_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n chap._n x._o of_o suffering_n and_o the_o esteem_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o they_o to_o act_n and_o to_o suffer_v be_v the_o two_o estate_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o like_o two_o pillar_n sustain_v he_o he_o that_o will_v live_v perfect_o must_v know_v the_o use_n of_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o as_o he_o must_v act_v christianly_o so_o must_v he_o suffer_v christianly_o that_o be_v holy_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n worthy_a the_o estate_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v leave_v to_o examine_v and_o be_v the_o last_o draught_n of_o the_o picture_n of_o a_o perfect_a christian._n we_o have_v already_o speak_v of_o his_o foundation_n of_o his_o interior_a of_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o action_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o treat_v now_o of_o his_o suffering_n this_o be_v a_o point_n which_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o essential_a in_o christianity_n for_o suffering_n be_v the_o first_o state_n which_o a_o christian_a must_v expect_v and_o wherein_o he_o be_v to_o continue_v we_o be_v bear_v in_o suffering_n we_o live_v in_o solitude_n among_o temptation_n and_o shall_v die_v in_o pain_n it_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o humane_a life_n the_o most_o ordinary_a food_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o behoove_v we_o therefore_o to_o know_v how_o to_o make_v use_n and_o profit_n thereof_o he_o have_v make_v a_o great_a progress_n in_o perfection_n who_o can_v suffer_v and_o bear_v courageous_o all_o that_o can_v befall_v he_o such_o a_o one_o god_n own_v as_o a_o friend_n fire_n try_v gold_n and_o silver_n but_o man_n be_v try_v in_o the_o furnace_n of_o humiliation_n here_o the_o fidelity_n of_o our_o soul_n appear_v for_o the_o christian_a ought_v to_o follow_v christ_n as_o willing_o to_o mount_v calvary_n as_o to_o mount_v thabor_n in_o brief_a here_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o action_n and_o intention_n do_v best_o appear_v what_o we_o do_v of_o ourselves_o be_v it_o in_o penitence_n good_a work_n or_o otherwise_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n full_a of_o our_o own_o spirit_n and_o evil_a it_o follow_v our_o inclination_n it_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o our_o self_n and_o our_o own_o interest_n proportion_v to_o self-love_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n concern_v ourselves_o but_o in_o all_o that_o happen_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o but_o god_n if_o we_o know_v how_o to_o lay_v hold_n of_o he_o when_o he_o put_v forth_o his_o hand_n unto_o we_o to_o learn_v so_o good_a and_o profitable_a a_o doctrine_n we_o must_v propose_v these_o truth_n for_o a_o foundation_n first_o if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o soon_o as_o his_o wife_n providence_n embrace_v all_o the_o world_n his_o divine_a eye_n survey_v all_o thing_n his_o infinite_a wisdom_n ordain_v the_o whole_a and_o his_o wisdom_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n stay_v in_o his_o force_n from_o one_o end_n to_o the_o other_o and_o sweet_o dispose_v all_o thing_n 8.1_o and_o he_o not_o only_o ordain_v and_o dispose_v all_o but_o he_o make_v all_o the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a life_n and_o death_n poverty_n and_o riches_n come_v from_o god_n now_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v holy_a his_o will_n be_v just_a his_o decrce_n equitable_a his_o ordinance_n amiable_a and_o above_o all_o thing_n we_o must_v adore_v and_o seek_v his_o good_a pleasure_n what_o remain_v then_o but_o that_o we_o receive_v all_o thing_n from_o the_o fatherly_a and_o love_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o we_o kiss_v the_o hand_n that_o strike_v since_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n that_o we_o bear_v with_o a_o humble_a and_o quiet_a submission_n all_o event_n be_v they_o painful_a or_o easy_a good_a or_o bad_a prejudicial_a or_o profitable_a and_o we_o must_v entertain_v they_o not_o only_o with_o a_o equality_n of_o spirit_n and_o inward_a peace_n but_o with_o respect_n and_o essence_n as_o come_v from_o god_n nothing_o be_v do_v but_o by_o his_o order_n it_o be_v just_a we_o shall_v esteem_v this_o conduct_n as_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n and_o subject_n ourselves_o to_o it_o not_o only_o with_o patience_n but_o with_o respect_n and_o honour_n for_o all_o that_o come_v from_o god_n must_v be_v high_o esteem_v soul_n that_o live_v enlighten_v by_o faith_n and_o walk_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n hold_v it_o a_o great_a honour_n and_o much_o esteem_v suffering_n as_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o will_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o honour_n and_o esteem_v as_o well_o in_o suffering_n as_o in_o quiet_a in_o privation_n as_o well_o as_o fruition_n in_o evil_a as_o in_o good_a for_o in_o all_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n a_o will_n adorable_a to_o be_v esteem_v above_o all_o the_o world_n a_o will_n more_o worthy_a than_o the_o life_n and_o salvation_n of_o all_o mankind_n we_o must_v not_o regard_v the_o evil_n and_o suffering_n in_o themselves_o but_o we_o must_v consider_v they_o in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n there_o we_o shall_v see_v what_o they_o be_v and_o the_o esteem_n that_o god_n
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
and_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n thus_o all_o the_o fruition_n satisfaction_n pleasure_n and_o exaltation_n that_o man_n take_v in_o the_o creature_n by_o original_a righteousness_n he_o take_v in_o god_n make_v a_o happy_a change_n and_o possess_v the_o creator_n for_o the_o creature_n wherein_o be_v verify_v the_o word_n of_o saint_n paul_n 5.20_o where_o sin_n do_v abound_v grace_n do_v superabound_v by_o christian_a grace_n we_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o creature_n and_o from_o ourselves_o to_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o possess_v god_n and_o to_o take_v no_o content_n or_o satisfaction_n but_o in_o god_n the_o christian_n by_o this_o grace_n take_v all_o in_o god_n live_v not_o but_o for_o god_n and_o live_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o apostle_n fill_v with_o this_o grace_n sai_z i_o live_v but_o it_o be_v no_o more_o i_o that_o live_v 2.20_o but_o jesus_n christ_n who_o live_v in_o i_o we_o shall_v all_o say_v the_o same_o for_o christian_a grace_n make_v we_o to_o live_v of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n which_o be_v so_o true_a that_o we_o see_v the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a have_v for_o its_o sole_a conservation_n and_o food_n the_o very_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o if_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a maxim_n of_o thing_n natural_a we_o say_v that_o every_o thing_n draw_v its_o nutriment_n from_o whence_o it_o draw_v its_o be_v since_o the_o food_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v no_o other_o than_o jesus_n christ_n it_o follow_v by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o his_o be_v and_o life_n must_v be_v the_o same_o jesus_n christ._n a_o truth_n great_a and_o admirable_a which_o show_v we_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n and_o teach_v we_o how_o holy_a and_o perfect_a the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v if_o we_o further_o consider_v the_o same_o grace_n we_o shall_v discover_v a_o new_a secret_a in_o christian_a life_n for_o have_v say_v that_o grace_n make_v we_o live_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n we_o ought_v to_o know_v what_o his_o life_n be_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n be_v divinely-humane_a and_o humanely-divine_a he_o be_v god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o live_v a_o life_n divine_a and_o a_o life_n humane_a as_o god_n he_o live_v the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n a_o life_n of_o glory_n power_n and_o majesty_n as_o man_n he_o live_v the_o life_n of_o man_n in_o lowness_n humiliation_n in_o impotence_n in_o suffering_n so_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o be_v live_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n and_o die_v on_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o crosse._n there_o he_o reign_v and_o govern_v and_o judge_n all_o the_o world_n here_o he_o be_v accuse_v condemn_a and_o crucify_v at_o the_o same_o instant_n he_o be_v in_o the_o exaltation_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o in_o the_o lowness_n and_o humiliation_n of_o our_o humanity_n such_o also_o ought_v the_o christian_a life_n to_o be_v on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o be_v great_a see_v grace_n make_v we_o the_o child_n of_o god_n elevate_v and_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o propriety_n and_o quality_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n deify_v we_o and_o make_v we_o as_o little_a god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o same_o life_n be_v obscure_v deject_a whole_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o humiliation_n and_o privation_n for_o grace_n can_v reign_v in_o the_o soul_n without_o operate_n therein_o annihilation_n death_n and_o humility_n moreover_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v expose_v to_o temptation_n deride_v by_o man_n condemn_v by_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o great_a cherish_v of_o god_n it_o be_v agitate_a by_o the_o cross_n of_o love_n god_n enlighten_v the_o soul_n by_o grace_n it_o be_v grant_v but_o it_o be_v in_o annihilation_n he_o uphold_v she_o but_o it_o be_v in_o confound_v she_o he_o unite_v she_o to_o he_o but_o it_o be_v in_o separate_v she_o and_o the_o love_n itself_o which_o she_o enjoy_v unite_v she_o to_o god_n she_o remain_v separate_v from_o god_n as_o long_o as_o she_o remain_v upon_o earth_n while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n 5.6_o so_o be_v she_o at_o once_o unite_v and_o separate_v this_o be_v the_o conduct_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n nay_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o high_a work_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o put_v not_o the_o ornament_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o her_o estate_n but_o in_o lowness_n his_o grace_n his_o gift_n his_o spirit_n and_o his_o communication_n we_o be_v but_o in_o humiliation_n when_o he_o establish_v the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v conduit_n pipe_n whereby_o he_o convey_v his_o grace_n to_o his_o church_n and_o into_o our_o soul_n he_o have_v choose_v bread_n water_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v mean_a little_a or_o nothing_o esteem_v among_o man_n in_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o church_n he_o take_v the_o cross_n for_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o empire_n a_o calvary_n for_o his_o seat-royall_a he_o reject_v a_o estate_n by_o poverty_n suffering_n and_o martyrdom_n and_o at_o this_o day_n he_o do_v the_o same_o in_o the_o regency_n of_o his_o church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o littleness_n be_v not_o now_o know_v this_o martyrdom_n be_v within_o all_o this_o holiness_n be_v hide_v it_o appear_v no_o more_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o do_v of_o old_a by_o the_o triumph_n of_o saint_n who_o become_v victorious_a and_o glorious_a in_o the_o effusion_n of_o their_o blood_n and_o yet_o notwithwand_v she_o can_v be_v exempt_v from_o undergo_a her_o humiliation_n her_o heresy_n and_o persecution_n according_a to_o the_o proceed_n of_o god_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o church_n be_v likewise_o his_o carriage_n in_o the_o sanctification_n and_o government_n of_o our_o soul_n he_o lead_v they_o by_o the_o cross_n he_o retire_v from_o they_o he_o hide_v himself_o he_o leave_v they_o in_o privation_n he_o humble_v they_o annihilate_v they_o smite_v they_o overthrow_v they_o the_o perfect_a christian_a must_v resolve_v to_o fight_v with_o and_o bear_v his_o suffering_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o we_o have_v say_v but_o suffering_n that_o be_v hide_v to_o man_n be_v know_v to_o god_n which_o do_v glorify_v he_o only_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o angel_n wherein_o be_v discover_v how_o they_o be_v deceive_v who_o in_o their_o devotion_n and_o exercise_n seek_v resentment_n enjoyment_n content_a and_o satisfaction_n and_o will_v know_v and_o feel_v the_o excellency_n and_o elevation_n of_o grace_n i_o call_v it_o a_o deceit_n for_o christian_a grace_n consist_v chief_o in_o privation_n in_o lowness_n in_o rigour_n and_o that_o be_v it_o they_o stand_v most_o in_o fear_n of_o and_o avoid_v now_o as_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n begin_v in_o poverty_n and_o end_v on_o the_o cross_n so_o a_o perfect_a christian_a who_o will_v live_v a_o life_n of_o grace_n must_v resolve_v to_o walk_v among_o thorn_n to_o bear_v privation_n and_o sustain_v desertion_n for_o the_o cross_n and_o thorn_n be_v thing_n proper_a to_o christian_a grace_n and_o to_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n to_o abridge_v therefore_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o all_o that_o have_v be_v propose_v let_v we_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v worthy_o according_a to_o the_o vocation_n whereto_o he_o be_v call_v must_v go_v out_o of_o himself_o to_o live_v in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o centre_n must_v be_v the_o bosom_n of_o god_n his_o life_n a_o hide_a martyrdom_n and_o all_o his_o action_n and_o suffering_n must_v be_v pure_a and_o refer_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n his_o intention_n must_v look_v only_o upon_o god_n his_o desire_n must_v be_v only_o to_o please_v god_n his_o care_n only_o to_o follow_v god_n his_o contentment_n whole_o in_o god_n in_o brief_a his_o thought_n his_o design_n his_o work_n must_v bear_v the_o image_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o foundation_n of_o his_o be_v must_v be_v only_o of_o god_n all_o to_o god_n and_o all_o for_o god_n that_o he_o may_v say_v with_o the_o master_n of_o christian_n 1.21_o to_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n and_o to_o die_v be_v gain_v the_o five_o part_n treat_v of_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o more_o particular_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a towards_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n chap._n i._n what_o devotion_n be_v and_o wherein_o true_a piety_n consist_v saint_n paul_n propose_v to_o his_o young_a timothy_n divers_a admonition_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o particular_a conduct_n of_o himself_o and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n the_o first_o which_o he_o most_o recommend_v be_v piety_n say_v 4.7_o exercise_v thyself_o unto_o godliness_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v
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
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
that_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n we_o must_v honour_v god_n and_o refer_v our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o he_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v by_o a_o principle_n of_o god_n and_o by_o supernatural_a inclination_n for_o this_o reason_n we_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n who_o seek_v true_a piety_n must_v quit_v his_o own_o inclination_n and_o quit_v they_o demand_v those_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v act_v by_o their_o motion_n and_o principle_n otherwise_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o all_o these_o exercise_n of_o piety_n be_v rather_o natural_a and_o humane_a then_o supernatural_a and_o christian_n which_o make_v many_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o their_o daily_a devotion_n but_o for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v very_o interior_a and_o insensible_a and_o that_o reason_n and_o sense_n can_v nothing_o assure_v we_o therein_o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a that_o the_o devout_a christian_n shall_v establish_v himself_o in_o grace_n and_o live_v in_o a_o great_a dependence_n on_o and_o true_a adherence_n to_o je._n christ_n after_o the_o manner_n former_o insist_v upon_o for_o all_o our_o goodness_n all_o the_o ground_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o perfect_a christianity_n consist_v in_o our_o be_v god_n and_o depend_v on_o he_o but_o we_o must_v show_v more_o particular_o the_o use_n and_o practice_n we_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o temptation_n which_o ordinary_o accompany_v a_o christian_a life_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n for_o to_o be_v tempt_v be_v the_o way_n and_o conduct_v of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n and_o over_o all_o soul_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o must_v also_o be_v part_n of_o the_o life_n of_o a_o devout_a soul_n and_o we_o must_v not_o doubt_v but_o god_n have_v great_a design_n upon_o they_o who_o he_o put_v into_o this_o estate_n wherefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o to_o learn_v how_o to_o gather_v strength_n in_o weakness_n 12.9_o and_o perfect_v ourselves_o in_o temptation_n since_o virtue_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n be_v make_v perfect_a by_o weakness_n thence_o she_o receive_v lustre_n god_n purify_v we_o by_o contradiction_n and_o subversion_n he_o confirm_v and_o assure_v we_o by_o temptation_n let_v we_o see_v how_o we_o may_v pass_v through_o this_o fire_n without_o burn_v 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 the_o first_o advice_n to_o be_v give_v in_o this_o point_n be_v not_o to_o be_v over-confident_a of_o ourselves_o but_o to_o believe_v that_o we_o may_v be_v easy_o tempt_v while_o we_o be_v mortal_a and_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o tyranny_n of_o concupiscence_n we_o shall_v always_o have_v something_o to_o fight_v with_o there_o be_v a_o many_o who_o think_v they_o be_v in_o no_o danger_n of_o temptation_n who_o yet_o be_v very_o deep_a in_o it_o for_o either_o they_o be_v guide_v by_o their_o own_o natural_a inclination_n and_o motion_n and_o yet_o believe_v they_o do_v nothing_o but_o by_o the_o motion_n of_o grace_n and_o conduct_v of_o god_n or_o they_o be_v seduce_v by_o self-love_n and_o persuade_v they_o be_v full_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o haply_o be_v deceive_v by_o false_a apprehension_n think_v themselves_o well_o advance_v in_o the_o sight_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n these_o be_v great_a temptation_n which_o yet_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o solid_a virtue_n when_o indeed_o the_o estate_n of_o such_o be_v very_o dangerous_a the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n think_v themselves_o free_a from_o temptation_n when_o they_o feel_v not_o the_o violence_n of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o that_o they_o be_v not_o tempt_v but_o the_o temptation_n have_v seize_v on_o they_o and_o reign_v in_o they_o whence_o they_o say_v they_o be_v in_o peace_n when_o they_o be_v most_o tyrannize_v over_o and_o most_o enslave_v by_o temptation_n the_o evil_n be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a the_o less_o it_o be_v know_v for_o this_o reason_n we_o say_v the_o christian_a must_v always_o take_v heed_n to_o himself_o in_o temptation_n and_o easy_o believe_v it_o that_o he_o may_v the_o better_o stand_v upon_o his_o guard_n for_o our_o nature_n be_v corrupt_a and_o infirm_a our_o inclination_n stray_v from_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n be_v opposite_a to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o our_o enemy_n subtle_a and_o powerful_a watch_v always_o for_o our_o ruin_n this_o consideration_n shall_v not_o perplex_v we_o but_o keep_v we_o in_o humility_n and_o continual_a vigilancy_n the_o sight_n of_o the_o danger_n wherein_o we_o be_v shall_v cause_v we_o every_o moment_n to_o cry_v out_o and_o require_v help_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o protector_n and_o refuge_n in_o tribulation_n and_o anguish_n of_o soul._n when_o we_o find_v our_o self_n in_o temptation_n we_o be_v present_o oblige_v to_o get_v out_o of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a not_o to_o consent_v thereto_o and_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o evil_a spirit_n but_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o destroy_v the_o temptation_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v if_o it_o arise_v from_o within_o we_o and_o issue_n from_o our_o own_o nature_n we_o must_v curb_v it_o as_o st._n paul_n do_v 9.27_o i_o keep_v under_o my_o body_n say_v he_o and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n for_o in_o such_o temptation_n which_o must_v often_o make_v use_n of_o fast_v watch_v prayer_n and_o austerity_n we_o must_v oppose_v ourselves_o fight_v against_o our_o inclination_n destroy_v our_o evil_a habit_n curb_v our_o lust_n and_o affection_n force_v they_o from_o all_o object_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a in_o brief_a we_o must_v use_v violence_n against_o ourselves_o delicacy_n be_v indeed_o the_o effect_n of_o self-love_n and_o the_o fuel_n of_o temptation_n if_o we_o will_v free_v ourselves_o from_o temptation_n we_o must_v take_v away_o the_o cause_n for_o when_o there_o be_v a_o correspondence_n between_o our_o nature_n and_o our_o enemy_n our_o soul_n will_v at_o last_o be_v yield_v up_o unto_o they_o let_v man_n commend_v these_o serenity_n of_o devotion_n as_o they_o will_v and_o preach_v up_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o virtue_n must_v be_v buy_v that_o we_o must_v crucify_v the_o old_a man_n and_o destroy_v he_o not_o sooth_n and_o cherish_v he_o if_o according_a to_o divine_a and_o humane_a law_n 9.25_o he_o that_o will_v overcome_v and_o gain_v the_o crown_n must_v fight_v if_o wrestler_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v to_o gain_v a_o transitory_a honour_n and_o fade_a crown_n deprive_v themselves_o and_o abstain_v from_o all_o thing_n what_o we_o do_v who_o as_o christian_n hope_v for_o a_o crown_n must_v of_o glory_n &_o immortality_n we_o must_v fight_v oppose_v and_o subdue_v ourselves_o if_o we_o will_v triumph_v over_o temptation_n which_o be_v breed_v in_o we_o but_o if_o the_o temptation_n be_v from_o the_o devil_n we_o must_v then_o oppose_v it_o the_o more_o courageous_o with_o a_o christian_a generosity_n for_o if_o he_o find_v we_o remiss_a he_o will_v strike_v home_o &_o overcome_v we_o to_o a_o faithful_a confident_a soul_n he_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o fly_n to_o a_o feeble_a and_o cowardly_a fierce_a as_o a_o lion_n resist_v the_o devil_n 4.7_o and_o he_o will_v fly_v you_o say_v st._n james._n as_o to_o discover_v so_o to_o vanquish_v and_o destroy_v temptation_n we_o must_v live_v in_o great_a humility_n and_o above_o all_o take_v heed_n we_o trust_v not_o too_o much_o to_o our_o own_o courage_n or_o good_a resolution_n on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v distrust_v ourselves_o and_o confide_v only_o in_o god_n for_o we_o shall_v be_v overcome_v in_o any_o ever_o so_o small_a temptation_n if_o god_n by_o his_o grace_n do_v not_o assist_v we_o if_o he_o give_v we_o not_o his_o light_n we_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o know_v they_o 8.24_o wherefore_o we_o must_v always_o say_v with_o the_o disciple_n save_v we_o o_o lord_n or_o we_o perish_v we_o must_v often_o call_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o mystery_n to_o give_v we_o strength_n in_o our_o weakness_n and_o light_n in_o the_o darkness_n of_o our_o spirit_n who_o be_v himself_o tempt_v that_o he_o may_v overcome_v we_o that_o in_o the_o temptation_n of_o jesus_n we_o may_v find_v strength_n and_o grace_n sufficient_a to_o preserve_v and_o save_v we_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o temptation_n this_o saint_n paul_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v take_v unto_o you_o the_o armour_n of_o god_n 6.13_o that_o you_o may_v resist_v in_o the_o evil_a day_n it_o belong_v to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o give_v we_o the_o armour_n that_o be_v to_o give_v we_o strength_n and_o grace_n to_o