regret_n that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o soul_n shut_v the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o god_n oppose_v themselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o grace_n and_o by_o consequence_n will_v never_o arrive_v to_o perfection_n what_o pain_n soever_o they_o take_v because_o they_o neglect_v and_o disesteem_v the_o practice_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o slight_v they_o to_o adhere_v too_o much_o to_o their_o own_o sense_n to_o love_v themselves_o too_o much_o and_o to_o seek_v too_o greedy_o their_o proper_a interest_n this_o be_v that_o to_o speak_v proper_o which_o hinder_v they_o from_o resign_v themselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n hence_o it_o proceed_v that_o by_o too_o much_o seek_v after_o their_o own_o satistaction_n their_o profit_n and_o the_o contentment_n of_o their_o spirit_n they_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n captivate_v grace_n and_o lose_v themselves_o in_o seek_v themselves_o and_o in_o stead_n of_o unite_n themselves_o to_o god_n they_o separate_v themselves_o from_o he_o and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o be_v fear_v they_o go_v out_o of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o heaven_n and_o from_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n to_o follow_v their_o own_o will_n their_o own_o desire_n and_o their_o own_o conduct_n to_o tie_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o flatter_a affection_n it_o be_v they_o must_v give_v remedy_n to_o their_o own_o mishap_n let_v we_o leave_v they_o to_o speak_v to_o soul_n who_o will_v quit_v themselves_o whole_o to_o acquire_v the_o happy_a possession_n of_o virtue_n chap._n ii_o several_a practice_n whereof_o we_o may_v make_v use_n to_o attain_v christian_a virtue_n since_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a must_v be_v a_o life_n of_o grace_n a_o life_n represent_v the_o life_n of_o god_n express_v in_o man_n the_o perfection_n of_o divinity_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a proceed_v from_o such_o a_o principle_n be_v great_a and_o suitable_a to_o such_o a_o estate_n and_o worthy_a the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v in_o it_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o adoption_n and_o if_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v so_o worthy_a and_o rare_a certain_o the_o disposition_n must_v be_v also_o great_a the_o way_n to_o obtain_v they_o singular_a and_o the_o practice_n extraordinary_a for_o as_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o the_o moral_a virtue_n of_o philosophy_n and_o the_o supernatural_a of_o a_o christian_a so_o must_v the_o practice_n hereof_o be_v different_a and_o extraordinary_a the_o wise_a of_o the_o time_n past_a give_v precept_n to_o form_n man_n and_o instate_v he_o in_o the_o most_o perfect_a use_n of_o reason_n they_o prescribe_v law_n to_o overcome_v and_o subject_v the_o passion_n to_o the_o reasonable_a will_n the_o most_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o soul._n but_o all_o this_o consider_v be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o make_v we_o perfect_a man_n that_o be_v very_o reasonable_a but_o our_o business_n be_v to_o make_v our_o self_n perfect_a christian_n and_o as_o it_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v christian_n then_o to_o be_v man_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o so_o the_o practice_n impose_v for_o attain_v these_o two_o estate_n be_v different_a one_o as_o much_o advance_v above_o the_o other_o as_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v above_o that_o of_o a_o man_n as_o grace_n be_v above_o nature_n we_o must_v now_o build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o advance_v the_o edifice_n of_o christian_a perfection_n upon_o the_o principle_n we_o intend_v to_o propose_v therefore_o we_o must_v speak_v and_o act_v as_o christian_n not_o as_o philosopher_n i_o say_v then_o to_o attain_v christian_a virtue_n we_o must_v before_o all_o thing_n have_v a_o great_a desire_n of_o christian_a perfection_n and_o a_o resolution_n to_o labour_v in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o true_a virtue_n as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a and_o as_o god_n require_v of_o we_o this_o desire_n must_v be_v efficacious_a and_o permanent_a from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v good_a also_o to_o awaken_v if_o often_o and_o to_o form_n act_v thereof_o with_o application_n of_o spirit_n the_o first_o mean_n to_o obtain_v virtue_n be_v prayer_n the_o soul_n that_o apply_v herself_o with_o perseverance_n to_o prayer_n can_v fail_v of_o the_o possession_n of_o virtue_n prayer_n be_v understand_v two_o way_n first_o as_o a_o demand_n as_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o if_o we_o demand_v virtue_n of_o god_n 1.5_o he_o will_v give_v it_o we_o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o this_o proposition_n be_v true_a in_o this_o sense_n but_o this_o demand_n must_v be_v accompany_v with_o these_o consideration_n true_a desire_n of_o virtue_n perseverance_n in_o prayer_n a_o vigilancy_n to_o become_v faithful_a to_o the_o grace_n that_o god_n communicate_v to_o we_o otherwise_o our_o demand_n will_v be_v without_o effect_n our_o prayer_n without_o fruit_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o soul_n that_o will_v be_v say_v to_o arrive_v at_o christian_a perfection_n to_o nourish_v in_o itself_o virtuous_a desire_n and_o to_o demand_v they_o of_o god_n if_o she_o be_v not_o also_o careful_a to_o demand_v they_o as_o she_o ought_v and_o if_o she_o do_v not_o with_o vigilancy_n labour_n in_o the_o practice_n and_o exercise_v of_o these_o virtue_n god_n will_v have_v we_o cooperate_v with_o his_o grace_n and_o put_v to_o our_o hand_n to_o do_v with_o he_o what_o he_o will_v operate_v in_o we_o so_o that_o to_o obtain_v virtue_n we_o must_v demand_v they_o of_o god_n but_o in_o demand_v they_o we_o must_v labour_v therein_o thus_o we_o must_v understand_v the_o acquisition_n of_o virtue_n by_o prayer_n this_o proposition_n be_v build_v upon_o this_o truth_n that_o we_o can_v have_v virtue_n unless_o god_n give_v it_o and_o god_n give_v it_o not_o but_o with_o a_o intent_n that_o we_o shall_v cooperate_v therein_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v labour_v on_o our_o part_n show_v in_o this_o co-operation_n the_o fidelity_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o this_o end_n have_v god_n give_v we_o free_a will_n there_o be_v yet_o another_o way_n of_o obtain_v virtue_n by_o prayer_n understand_v by_o prayer_n meditation_n or_o as_o we_o say_v ordinary_o mental_a prayer_n the_o soul_n which_o apply_v itself_o to_o this_o exercise_n consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o divinity_n the_o verity_n of_o faith_n the_o beauty_n and_o stability_n of_o eternal_a thing_n the_o inconstancy_n of_o temporal_a the_o vanity_n of_o all_o in_o the_o world_n easy_o apprehend_v the_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o vanity_n two_o foundation_n necessary_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n the_o soul_n by_o this_o exercise_n remain_v unite_v and_o tie_v to_o god_n receive_v the_o ray_n of_o this_o divine_a light_n which_o be_v the_o life_n and_o way_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o if_o she_o persevere_v with_o fidelity_n must_v at_o last_o be_v wound_v with_o this_o love_n which_o she_o so_o contemplate_v by_o this_o mean_n enter_v into_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o divine_a love_n which_o be_v always_o liberal_a of_o communication_n she_o will_v infallible_o receive_v the_o virtue_n necessary_a for_o she_o and_o be_v enrich_v with_o most_o pure_a gift_n agreeable_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n who_o will_v give_v she_o more_o than_o sufficient_o grace_v convenient_a for_o live_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o christian_a virtue_n wherein_o appear_v the_o necessity_n and_o profit_n of_o this_o manner_n of_o prayer_n which_o elevate_v we_o to_o god_n cause_v we_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o conversation_n with_o god_n unite_v we_o to_o he_o enlighten_v we_o transform_v we_o and_o dispose_v we_o to_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o acquisition_n and_o possession_n of_o true_a virtue_n food_n be_v not_o so_o necessary_a to_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n as_o this_o manner_n of_o prayer_n to_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o acquisition_n of_o virtue_n the_o second_o mean_n to_o acquire_v christian_a virtue_n be_v mortification_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o will_v live_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v to_o say_v christianly_o we_o must_v remember_v and_o intentive_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v all_o the_o child_n of_o adam_n live_v his_o life_n follow_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o be_v of_o adam_n to_o be_v christian_n be_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o live_v his_o life_n whole_o to_o follow_v the_o spirit_n motion_n and_o holy_a inclination_n of_o jesus_n christ_n into_o this_o state_n and_o new-being_a we_o be_v put_v by_o baptism_n 3.27_o as_o many_o of_o you_o say_v st._n paul_n as_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n meaning_n they_o be_v make_v like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n
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
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
loss_n call_v and_o associate_n he_o to_o his_o divine_a greatness_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o capable_a of_o the_o life_n of_o his_o own_o son_n and_o by_o consequence_n he_o will_v fill_v he_o with_o the_o spirit_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o eternal_a father_n 14.1_o sai_z that_o he_o have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o our_o heart_n assure_v we_o that_o by_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v son_n of_o god_n and_o he_o frequent_o call_v christian_n the_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 5.30_o this_o quality_n and_o motive_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o state_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n that_o show_v what_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v and_o how_o eminent_a and_o accomplish_v the_o perfection_n be_v whereto_o he_o must_v arrive_v saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o 1.18_o we_o be_v member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n the_o mystical_a body_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n whereof_o jesus_n be_v the_o head_n 6.15_o and_o christian_n the_o member_n you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o member_n of_o his_o member_n say_v the_o apostle_n know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n this_o text_n be_v clear_a which_o if_o we_o consider_v intentive_o it_o will_v furnish_v we_o with_o rich_a thought_n and_o lift_v we_o up_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian._n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o piety_n of_o the_o reader_n to_o insist_v upon_o this_o subject_n if_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o be_v member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o we_o whole_o belong_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v to_o he_o in_o truth_n and_o by_o grace_n that_o which_o by_o nature_n the_o member_n be_v to_o their_o head_n by_o the_o head_n the_o member_n be_v enliven_v the_o head_n have_v the_o care_n and_o guidance_n of_o they_o all_o so_o in_o jesus_n and_o by_o jesus_n we_o be_v enliven_v guide_v and_o advance_v of_o his_o fullness_n have_v we_o all_o receive_v 1.16_o say_v saint_n john_n he_o be_v our_o life_n the_o soul_n of_o our_o soul_n say_v saint_n austin_n and_o much_o more_o than_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o life_n of_o our_o body_n now_o if_o the_o head_n and_o soul_n enliven_v guide_n animate_v and_o make_v the_o body_n to_o subsist_v if_o the_o body_n have_v a_o continual_a dependence_n on_o the_o conduct_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v it_o not_o also_o agreeable_a that_o a_o christian_a be_v animate_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o he_o possess_v and_o whereof_o he_o be_v whole_o possess_v that_o he_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o care_n and_o conduct_v and_o motion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o who_o he_o be_v a_o member_n these_o be_v the_o two_o estate_n wherein_o a_o perfect_a christian_a must_v be_v he_o must_v possess_v god_n and_o be_v resign_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o have_v already_o show_v how_o much_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v god_n and_o to_o possess_v he_o if_o he_o will_v arrive_v to_o the_o perfection_n to_o which_o he_o be_v call_v it_o remain_v that_o we_o know_v how_o he_o must_v resign_v himself_o whole_o to_o god_n as_o member_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o be_v necessary_o and_o essential_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v leave_v to_o the_o love_n care_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o heavenly_a father_n which_o love_n be_v the_o same_o love_n which_o he_o have_v for_o his_o son_n the_o same_o conduct_n that_o he_o have_v over_o he_o for_o we_o be_v part_n of_o his_o son_n be_v his_o member_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v his_o fullness_n the_o church_n say_v he_o be_v the_o body_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o wherein_o we_o see_v the_o happy_a estate_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o pursuit_n of_o his_o state_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o same_o care_n the_o same_o conduct_n the_o same_o love_n that_o the_o eternal_a father_n have_v for_o his_o son_n be_v then_o arrive_v to_o this_o happiness_n what_o remain_v but_o to_o live_v with_o great_a vigilancy_n to_o put_v ourselves_o to_o leave_v our_o self_n and_o to_o maintain_v ourselves_o in_o this_o love_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n to_o abandon_v ourselves_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o divine_a conduct_n to_o remain_v in_o this_o union_n and_o unity_n with_o his_o son_n for_o he_o look_v on_o we_o in_o his_o son_n as_o member_n and_o part_n of_o his_o son_n and_o also_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o to_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o the_o member_n be_v to_o the_o head_n it_o be_v the_o request_n of_o jesus_n to_o his_o father_n the_o last_o day_n of_o his_o life_n the_o eve_n before_o his_o death_n for_o this_o he_o make_v that_o prayer_n full_a of_o love_n repeat_v at_o large_a by_o saint_n john_n wherein_o he_o beg_v of_o his_o father_n that_o he_o will_v have_v the_o same_o love_n for_o we_o that_o he_o have_v for_o he_o from_o eternity_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v by_o grace_n to_o we_o what_o he_o be_v to_o he_o by_o nature_n that_o the_o same_o unity_n of_o love_n that_o bind_v they_o together_o may_v be_v in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v not_o live_v but_o in_o this_o love_n in_o this_o vion_n and_o unity_n that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o love_n as_o he_o live_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o love_n of_o his_o father_n word_n of_o love_n and_o of_o truth_n word_n of_o efficacy_n word_n which_o clear_o show_v the_o design_n jesus_n have_v over_o we_o what_o he_o have_v merit_v for_o we_o and_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o in_o who_o consist_v the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n if_o we_o proceed_v a_o little_a further_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o new_a light_n which_o discover_v this_o truth_n the_o oeconomy_n and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o the_o church_n all_o the_o regency_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o government_n of_o all_o soul_n in_o general_a and_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a be_v leave_v to_o jesus_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n he_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n our_o fullness_n he_o be_v our_o all_o and_o that_o which_o raise_v the_o conduct_n of_o christ_n and_o render_v it_o admirable_a be_v that_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o wisdom_n power_n and_o infinite_a love_n for_o he_o employ_v his_o power_n whole_o to_o furnish_v we_o to_o assist_v we_o in_o all_o thing_n his_o wisdom_n lead_v we_o to_o god_n and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o state_n and_o perfection_n god_n require_v of_o we_o and_o he_o employ_v his_o love_n to_o enrich_v we_o with_o his_o treasure_n to_o enlighten_v we_o with_o his_o spirit_n to_o guide_v by_o his_o light_n and_o to_o communicate_v to_o we_o by_o the_o excess_n of_o his_o bounty_n his_o be_v his_o life_n and_o his_o greatness_n thus_o the_o quality_n whereto_o we_o be_v advance_v by_o christianity_n be_v make_v member_n of_o jesus_n render_v we_o worthy_a of_o the_o care_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o eternal_a father_n and_o bind_v we_o to_o jesus_n make_v we_o by_o grace_n one_o with_o he_o partaker_n of_o his_o greatness_n this_o express_v the_o perfection_n whereto_o god_n have_v call_v we_o these_o truth_n consider_v will_v cause_v we_o high_o to_o esteem_v the_o grace_n and_o state_n of_o christianity_n these_o motive_n be_v so_o powerful_a that_o they_o seem_v not_o only_o to_o invite_v but_o to_o constrain_v we_o by_o amorous_a allurement_n to_o resign_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o god_n let_v we_o add_v a_o common_a doctrine_n of_o saint_n bernard_n as_o the_o last_o draught_n of_o this_o admirable_a conduct_n the_o conduct_n say_v he_o of_o jesus_n in_o we_o be_v admirable_a in_o that_o he_o have_v as_o much_o care_n of_o one_o single_a soul_n as_o well_o as_o of_o all_o his_o wisdom_n be_v employ_v for_o one_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o for_o all_o and_o he_o love_v one_o soul_n with_o the_o same_o infinite_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v all_o yea_o he_o love_v his_o elect_a and_o christian_n with_o the_o same_o love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v himself_o here_o let_v we_o stop_v for_o more_o can_v be_v say_v let_v we_o adore_v
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
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 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christian_n have_v a_o new_a be_v a_o new_a life_n which_o honour_v and_o imitate_v the_o new_a life_n of_o jesus_n in_o his_o holy_a humanity_n spring_v from_o this_o as_o its_o source_n and_o principle_n for_o as_o the_o word_n unite_v itself_o to_o our_o nature_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n replenish_v and_o dwell_v in_o it_o as_o in_o his_o proper_a body_n consecrate_v and_o elevate_v it_o to_o all_o the_o grandeurs_fw-fr of_o his_o divine_a filiation_n so_o the_o same_o jesus_n unite_v himself_o not_o personal_o but_o by_o a_o new_a grace_n and_o after_o a_o singular_a manner_n proper_a to_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n consecrate_v we_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o advance_v we_o to_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o right_n good_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o filiation_n and_o will_v have_v we_o o_o excess_n of_o love_n to_o be_v that_o by_o grace_n which_o he_o be_v by_o nature_n which_o he_o will_v have_v not_o only_o to_o be_v accomplish_v in_o glory_n but_o 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disciple_n cause_v we_o to_o admire_v at_o this_o great_a benefit_n when_o he_o say_v behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o â—_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v such_o in_o effect_n st._n john_n damascene_fw-la speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o the_o eternal_a father_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o produce_v child_n that_o shall_v be_v such_o to_o he_o by_o grace_n as_o christ_n be_v unto_o he_o by_o nature_n and_o therefore_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o commission_n the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o become_v the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v create_v by_o his_o power_n beget_v by_o his_o love_n and_o acquire_v by_o his_o merit_n and_o give_v by_o his_o spirit_n many_o child_n to_o his_o father_n who_o can_v breathe_v nothing_o but_o glory_n to_o his_o father_n and_o no_o long_o live_v then_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o life_n but_o to_o search_v with_o great_a admiration_n into_o this_o truth_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o manner_n by_o which_o he_o create_v in_o we_o so_o divine_a a_o work_n we_o must_v observe_v that_o in_o baptism_n we_o not_o only_o receive_v grace_n and_o faith_n by_o the_o habitual_a virtue_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o be_v also_o mark_v with_o the_o character_n of_o god_n receive_v and_o own_a as_o his_o child_n the_o manner_n whereby_o god_n effect_n this_o be_v admirable_a for_o as_o the_o father_n have_v seal_v jesus_n christ_n with_o his_o seal_n and_o make_v he_o his_o son_n communicate_v to_o he_o his_o essence_n and_o make_v he_o altogether_o equal_a to_o himself_o so_o jesus_n christ_n do_v comunicate_v to_o we_o what_o he_o himself_o be_v mark_v we_o with_o his_o seal_n make_v we_o and_o own_v we_o as_o child_n and_o make_v we_o as_o it_o be_v another_o himself_n wonder_n say_v saint_n augustine_n and_o rejoice_v brethren_n we_o be_v make_v of_o christ._n in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o benefit_n the_o eternal_a father_n have_v give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n which_o dwell_v in_o we_o 8.9_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n what_o can_v we_o think_v to_o be_v great_a if_o we_o go_v further_o herein_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o we_o be_v not_o advance_v to_o this_o admirable_a estate_n of_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o any_o simple_a acceptation_n or_o by_o bare_a ceremony_n but_o by_o something_o more_o real_a that_o pass_v into_o our_o soul_n as_o saint_n paul_n imply_v by_o these_o mystical_a term_n not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v 3.5_o but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o it_o be_v not_o for_o our_o work_n say_v he_o that_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o renew_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o jesus_n be_v send_v upon_o this_o design_n by_o the_o eternal_a father_n three_o circumstance_n worthy_a great_a consideration_n to_o conclude_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o benefit_n let_v we_o observe_v with_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n that_o we_o be_v advance_v to_o this_o divine_a estate_n by_o a_o new_a birth_n and_o divine_a regeneration_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n operate_v in_o we_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n our_o mother_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o in_o imitation_n of_o his_o eternal_a generation_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n the_o father_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o use_n the_o christian_n ought_v to_o make_v of_o filial_a adoption_n whereto_o they_o be_v advance_v by_o baptism_n the_o truth_n that_o we_o have_v treat_v of_o be_v high_a and_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n but_o that_o our_o design_n be_v to_o prescribe_v the_o practice_n of_o filial_a piety_n we_o will_v only_o represent_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o manifest_v what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o our_o life_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o conformity_n to_o so_o eminent_a a_o estate_n first_o then_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o christian_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n in_o jesus_n 5.17_o and_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n a_o man_n if_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n 3.3_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o of_o god_n and_o consequent_o must_v have_v a_o new_a be_v worthy_a such_o a_o birth_n now_o according_a to_o the_o order_n that_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o all_o thing_n we_o say_v that_o the_o action_n and_o operation_n must_v be_v conformable_a to_o the_o be_v whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o holy_a divine_a estate_n that_o make_v he_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o true_o by_o grace_n as_o jesus_n christ_n be_v by_o nature_n his_o action_n also_o and_o life_n ought_v to_o be_v whole_o divine_a and_o conformable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o say_v be_v you_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n 5.1_o this_o principle_n grant_v we_o must_v see_v what_o benefit_n we_o can_v derive_v from_o thence_o the_o first_o be_v a_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n for_o it_o be_v the_o heritage_n of_o the_o child_n of_o adam_n condemn_v by_o a_o determine_a sentence_n and_o a_o day_n of_o execution_n appoint_v when_o by_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v perish_v in_o a_o general_a conflagration_n let_v we_o then_o despise_v this_o heritage_n of_o adam_n and_o seek_v that_o of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n heaven_n or_o to_o say_v better_o god_n himself_o say_v with_o jesus_n christ_n 18.36_o with_o a_o sound_a heart_n my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n remember_v that_o you_o must_v keep_v the_o rank_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n
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
be_v supernatural_a because_o in_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o singular_a for_o the_o grace_n give_v to_o angel_n and_o to_o man_n before_o his_o fall_n be_v also_o supernatural_a we_o must_v say_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n be_v a_o grace_n make_v for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o worthy_a of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sanctity_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o incarnate_a word_n this_o make_v it_o the_o raiser_n of_o a_o order_n and_o give_v it_o a_o be_v much_o different_a from_o the_o first_o and_o from_o the_o order_n mere_o supernatural_a this_o give_v it_o a_o be_v and_o order_n as_o different_a from_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o angel_n as_o they_o be_v from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o son_n from_o the_o servant_n now_o apply_v what_o we_o have_v say_v that_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o their_o principle_n we_o conclude_v that_o the_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v sanctify_v and_o enliven_v by_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n ought_v also_o to_o be_v whole_o conformable_a to_o jesus_n christ_n their_o principle_n be_v more_o than_o humane_a more_o than_o angelical_a conformable_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o sanctity_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n worthy_a the_o labour_n of_o his_o cross_n and_o death_n to_o this_o end_n st._n paul_n advise_v that_o you_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o you_o be_v call_v 4.1_o word_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v since_o that_o god_n will_v demand_v a_o account_n of_o we_o of_o his_o favour_n and_o benefit_n and_o will_v judge_v our_o action_n and_o life_n according_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o vocation_n according_a to_o the_o perfection_n and_o sanctity_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o brief_a according_a to_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o alone_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christian_n furthermore_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n over_o our_o soul_n wherein_o we_o may_v admire_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o divine_a bounty_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n use_v to_o give_v we_o grace_n necessary_a to_o accomplish_v our_o action_n in_o that_o perfection_n and_o sanctity_n that_o he_o require_v i_o intend_v not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o secret_a and_o unknown_a mean_n of_o the_o grace_n inspiration_n motion_n and_o speedy_a succour_n wherewith_o god_n be_v please_v to_o illuminate_v our_o spirit_n to_o inflame_v our_o will_n and_o to_o direct_v all_o the_o motion_n and_o action_n of_o our_o life_n but_o i_o desire_v only_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v leave_v in_o his_o church_n as_o channel_n by_o which_o he_o continual_o power_n out_o this_o grace_n into_o we_o baptism_n consecrate_v we_o to_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n make_v we_o the_o child_n of_o god_n member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o holy_a vessel_n which_o bear_v jesus_n christ_n who_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o the_o eucharist_n which_o be_v among_o the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o sun_n among_o the_o star_n give_v god_n to_o we_o and_o with_o he_o all_o the_o greatness_n of_o heaven_n elevate_v we_o and_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n change_n and_o make_v we_o little_a god_n what_o will_v you_o more_o why_o be_v god_n think_v you_o so_o profuse_a of_o his_o gift_n of_o his_o grace_n of_o himself_o but_o to_o operate_v in_o you_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v to_o give_v you_o a_o life_n and_o action_n conformable_a to_o the_o be_v whereto_o he_o have_v elect_v you_o let_v we_o weigh_v these_o truth_n at_o our_o leisure_n and_o study_v to_o attain_v to_o the_o perfection_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o let_v we_o take_v care_n that_o all_o our_o action_n be_v holy_a and_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o let_v we_o not_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o humour_n or_o rather_o by_o the_o infidelity_n of_o such_o as_o ignorant_o despise_v these_o important_a truth_n and_o necessary_a exercise_n the_o three_o prerogative_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o happy_a commerce_n and_o society_n that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v have_v with_o christian_n by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n the_o holy_a trinity_n have_v consecrate_v the_o christian_a by_o baptism_n adopt_v and_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o son_n enter_v into_o a_o particular_a society_n with_o he_o and_o by_o divers_a mystery_n which_o the_o eternal_a word_n have_v operate_v upon_o earth_n god_n enter_v into_o a_o communication_n with_o man_n life_n and_o converse_v with_o they_o so_o saint_n paul_n speak_v to_o new_a christian_n you_o be_v no_o more_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n but_o fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n let_v we_o stay_v here_o to_o contemplate_v this_o benefit_n adam_n be_v fall_v from_o the_o happy_a estate_n of_o grace_n by_o his_o rebellion_n against_o god_n no_o soon_o taste_v the_o apple_n of_o disobedience_n but_o he_o feel_v the_o punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n drive_v out_o of_o paradise_n and_o banish_v the_o happy_a commerce_n and_o holy_a familiarity_n which_o he_o have_v with_o god_n this_o exile_n be_v the_o great_a rigour_n wherewith_o the_o divine_a justice_n can_v take_v vengeance_n on_o his_o sin_n this_o separation_n make_v his_o estate_n miserable_a and_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o child_n most_o unhappy_a we_o shall_v in_o this_o malediction_n and_o just_a divorce_n for_o ever_o have_v continue_v if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v not_o come_v to_o re-establish_a all_o thing_n to_o return_v we_o to_o god_n and_o to_o restore_v we_o with_o much_o advantage_n all_o other_o happiness_n that_o we_o lose_v by_o sin_n so_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 5.20_o where_o sin_n abound_v grace_n do_v much_o more_o abound_v for_o we_o enter_v into_o a_o familiarity_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n far_o more_o holy_a and_o divine_a then_o that_o of_o adam_n by_o jesus_n christ_n we_o converse_v with_o god_n go_v to_o he_o be_v with_o he_o worthy_a the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o christianity_n few_o value_n this_o truth_n man_n who_o only_o follow_v their_o own_o way_n nourish_v with_o earth_n only_o to_o who_o the_o delicate_n of_o heaven_n be_v unsavoury_a can_v never_o relish_v this_o grace_n nor_o be_v sensible_a how_o much_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a therein_o appear_v the_o corrupt_a estate_n of_o this_o age_n all_o creature_n resent_v the_o presence_n of_o their_o creator_n nature_n itself_o have_v engrave_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o essence_n a_o desire_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n force_v only_o by_o this_o instinct_n in_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o false_a religion_n seek_v esteem_v and_o desire_v some_o visible_a mark_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o those_o they_o call_v their_o god_n none_o but_o those_o of_o this_o age_n have_v a_o indifference_n to_o these_o truth_n forget_v god_n mind_n only_o their_o own_o action_n in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o despise_v it_o to_o awaken_v and_o draw_v we_o forth_o of_o this_o darkness_n consider_v that_o faith_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o saint_n consist_v in_o see_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o company_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a recompense_n god_n promise_v to_o our_o travel_n be_v to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o raise_v we_o to_o his_o greatness_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o eternal_a communion_n with_o we_o 17.24_o i_o will_v say_v christ_n to_o his_o father_n that_o they_o also_o who_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o be_v with_o i_o where_o i_o be_o imply_v the_o society_n and_o communion_n of_o god_n with_o we_o and_o promise_v that_o eternity_n shall_v never_o separate_v he_o from_o he_o that_o serve_v he_o now_o if_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o their_o estate_n of_o glory_n consist_v in_o the_o presence_n and_o familiarity_n of_o god_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o just_a upon_o earth_n consist_v in_o know_v how_o to_o preserve_v themselves_o in_o this_o desirable_a familiarity_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n the_o intent_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n at_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o become_v a_o inhabitant_n thereof_o be_v to_o sanctify_v it_o by_o his_o presence_n and_o establish_v his_o power_n therein_o and_o dwell_v with_o we_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 28.30_o as_o he_o promise_v at_o his_o death_n this_o be_v it_o that_o he_o wrought_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n make_v himself_o man_n to_o live_v among_o man_n for_o this_o cause_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n he_o become_v the_o food_n of_o man_n communicate_v to_o his_o abundant_a grace_n inrich_v
know_v the_o power_n of_o god_n over_o she_o who_o can_v advance_v she_o to_o what_o degree_n of_o communication_n it_o shall_v please_v he_o and_o do_v in_o she_o and_o by_o she_o all_o that_o he_o please_v in_o this_o consideration_n man_n must_v adore_v the_o secret_a judgement_n will_n and_o design_n of_o god_n over_o his_o creature_n he_o must_v humble_v himself_o in_o his_o nothing_o annihilate_v himself_o in_o his_o humility_n and_o by_o his_o knowledge_n see_v into_o the_o little_a he_o be_v the_o need_n he_o have_v of_o god_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o soul_n without_o grace_n he_o must_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o these_o truth_n without_o make_v use_n thereof_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v furnish_v he_o with_o several_a way_n to_o do_v it_o behold_v here_o three_o act_n very_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v as_o often_o as_o we_o can_v with_o serious_a application_n 1._o the_o soul_n must_v resign_v itself_o to_o grace_n to_o all_o the_o design_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n over_o it_o with_o a_o desire_n to_o depend_v efficacious_o upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o conduct_v of_o god_n to_o follow_v all_o the_o way_n to_o undergo_v all_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o dispensation_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o soul_n must_v produce_v a_o act_n whereby_o offer_v her_o consent_n to_o god_n as_o much_o as_o be_v require_v she_o must_v protest_v that_o she_o consent_v then_o and_o always_o to_o all_o the_o operation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o she_o and_o to_o all_o the_o design_n that_o he_o have_v upon_o she_o of_o what_o kind_a estate_n and_o manner_n soever_o they_o be_v 3._o she_o must_v renounce_v within_o herself_o fervent_o all_o her_o right_a over_o herself_o her_o inclination_n interest_n obstruction_n and_o imperfection_n within_o she_o implore_v the_o bounty_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o annihilate_v in_o she_o all_o her_o imperfection_n to_o take_v from_o she_o all_o hindrance_n opposite_a to_o the_o spirit_n grace_n and_o conduct_v of_o god_n last_o she_o must_v study_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n when_o occasion_n shall_v present_v they_o after_o the_o manner_n propose_v whereof_o we_o now_o begin_v to_o treat_v chap._n iii_o of_o the_o practice_n and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v arrive_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n it_o much_o import_v soul_n that_o seek_v after_o god_n and_o will_v live_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o christianity_n that_o they_o endeavour_v to_o enter_v and_o settle_v themselves_o in_o good_a and_o solid_a disposition_n for_o that_o god_n chief_o regard_v in_o we_o and_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o operation_n of_o grace_n be_v always_o proportion_v to_o the_o disposition_n she_o put_v or_o find_v in_o the_o soul._n now_o among_o all_o disposition_n the_o most_o solid_a and_o necessary_a the_o chief_a path_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o true_a virtue_n be_v love_n and_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n we_o must_v love_v truth_n and_o strong_o adhere_v to_o it_o we_o must_v whole_o study_v to_o fill_v our_o spirit_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o it_o may_v be_v unto_o we_o a_o foundation_n to_o christian_a life_n a_o light_n in_o the_o direction_n and_o conduct_n of_o our_o action_n therefore_o before_o i_o propose_v any_o practice_n i_o always_o put_v truth_n for_o a_o foundation_n of_o exercise_n necessary_a to_o our_o subject_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v as_o a_o certain_a principle_n that_o the_o more_o we_o act_n for_o ourselves_o and_o for_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o be_v and_o nature_n to_o conduct_v ourselves_o or_o our_o own_o spirit_n the_o more_o we_o estrange_v ourselves_o from_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n from_o the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v create_v from_o the_o perfection_n whereto_o we_o be_v oblige_v the_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o we_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o adam_n our_o nature_n the_o nature_n of_o adam_n therefore_o be_v it_o a_o nature_n become_v damnable_a by_o sin_n a_o spirit_n infuse_v into_o we_o by_o the_o serpent_n possess_v we_o in_o the_o consent_n of_o adam_n this_o spirit_n and_o nature_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o sin_n and_o consequent_o can_v act_v but_o according_a to_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n whereto_o it_o be_v a_o slave_n for_o operation_n follow_v essence_n as_o this_o be_v therefore_o be_v estrange_v from_o god_n and_o enemy_n to_o he_o 2.3_o for_o by_o nature_n we_o be_v bear_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n say_v st._n paul_n so_o it_o can_v act_v but_o against_o god_n now_o by_o this_o reducement_n man_n be_v draw_v out_o of_o this_o captivity_n free_v from_o this_o bondage_n and_o make_v a_o new_a subject_n to_o grace_n he_o act_v no_o more_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o own_o be_v but_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n which_o give_v he_o a_o new_a be_v make_v he_o a_o new_a creature_n in_o jesus_n christ._n to_o arrive_v to_o this_o liberty_n which_o we_o call_v the_o liberty_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n two_o thing_n be_v requisite_a the_o mercy_n or_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o consent_n and_o co-operation_n of_o the_o soul._n the_o christian_a therefore_o that_o will_v live_v virtuous_o must_v first_o give_v himself_o to_o god_n offer_v he_o his_o will_n and_o entire_a consent_n to_o all_o the_o design_n he_o have_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o all_o the_o effect_n which_o he_o will_v by_o his_o grace_n operate_v in_o he_o then_o he_o must_v study_v and_o labour_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o this_o bondage_n to_o shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o sin_n which_o oppress_v and_o drag_v he_o whither_o it_o will_v to_o free_v himself_o he_o must_v quit_v himself_o that_o be_v his_o imperfection_n his_o passion_n inclination_n and_o much_o more_o sin_n he_o must_v kill_v this_o spirit_n of_o adam_n and_o pluck_v it_o up_o by_o the_o root_n that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o make_v room_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o this_o holy_a spirit_n may_v live_v in_o he_o and_o act_n by_o he_o otherwise_o he_o can_v no_o way_n possess_v the_o true_a christian_n virtue_n nor_o attain_v the_o perfection_n whereto_o he_o be_v oblige_v nor_o the_o end_n whereto_o he_o be_v create_v the_o possession_n of_o god_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o first_o exercise_n whereto_o the_o soul_n must_v apply_v itself_o be_v to_o place_v itself_o in_o the_o liberty_n of_o grace_n to_o draw_v itself_o out_o of_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o annihilate_v in_o itself_o the_o spirit_n of_o adam_n which_o it_o carry_v in_o the_o very_a marrow_n of_o its_o bone_n here_o it_o must_v begin_v all_o other_o exercise_n be_v but_o unprofitable_a without_o this_o and_o all_o it_o do_v will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n unless_o it_o arrive_v to_o this_o point_n for_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o virtue_n to_o be_v true_o christian_a be_v the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n who_o act_v in_o we_o and_o that_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a consist_v in_o love_n a_o love_n that_o be_v never_o without_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n it_o be_v easy_a then_o to_o conclude_v and_o believe_v that_o he_o that_o will_v be_v virtuous_a and_o a_o perfect_a christian_a must_v make_v room_n for_o god_n in_o his_o heart_n there_o establish_v god_n there_o cause_v his_o spirit_n to_o rule_v and_o live_v he_o must_v root_v out_o and_o expel_v all_o that_o be_v contrary_a and_o in_o enmity_n to_o god_n even_o all_o that_o be_v not_o god_n 12.30_o for_o he_o that_o be_v not_o with_o i_o say_v jesus_n christ_n be_v against_o i_o the_o true_a exercise_n and_o principal_a care_n of_o a_o christian_a consist_v herein_o all_o other_o that_o about_o not_o upon_o this_o we_o must_v despise_v say_v with_o st._n paul_n in_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n 5.6_o nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o be_v by_o love_n now_o the_o only_a question_n be_v how_o we_o may_v arrive_v to_o this_o happiness_n herein_o be_v the_o difficulty_n we_o say_v it_o be_v by_o inward_a and_o outward_a mortification_n by_o the_o sense_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n by_o vigilancy_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o neither_o receive_v consult_v nor_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o god_n or_o that_o may_v displease_v he_o by_o prayer_n by_o discourse_n in_o fine_a it_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o it_o belong_v to_o god_n alone_o and_o jesus_n christ_n to_o make_v we_o free_a and_o draw_v we_o out_o of_o the_o captivity_n of_o ourselves_o and_o sin_n if_o the_o son_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a 8.36_o you_o shall_v be_v free_a indeed_o say_v jesus_n christ._n it_o be_v a_o effect_n only_o of_o the_o
be_v nothing_o for_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o good_a will_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v never_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n without_o grace_n and_o after_o all_o this_o perseverance_n in_o good_a be_v necessary_a for_o he_o only_o shall_v be_v crown_v who_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n 2.10_o yet_o we_o can_v have_v nor_o merit_v it_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n only_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n a_o pure_a effect_n of_o his_o bounty_n herein_o appear_v the_o extreme_a need_n that_o we_o have_v of_o god_n how_o necessary_a this_o grace_n be_v to_o we_o not_o only_o to_o do_v well_o but_o also_o to_o persevere_v from_o these_o truth_n we_o learn_v that_o a_o christian_n that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v not_o only_o have_v a_o good_a will_n or_o entertain_v a_o good_a intention_n but_o further_o he_o must_v serious_o seek_v god_n adhere_v to_o he_o and_o possess_v he_o since_o in_o he_o alone_o consist_v the_o grace_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o do_v well_o and_o to_o end_v well_o in_o a_o holy_a perseverance_n salvation_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n so_o easy_a as_o we_o conceive_v for_o we_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o our_o self_n as_o our_o self_n that_o can_v help_v to_o save_v we_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o grace_n and_o by_o sin_n conspire_v our_o ruin_n he_o that_o will_v save_v himself_o must_v seek_v from_o without_o himself_o the_o way_n of_o his_o salvation_n the_o power_n to_o do_v work_n worthy_a of_o paradise_n the_o power_n to_o serve_v god_n which_o he_o can_v find_v but_o in_o jesus_n christ_n there_o he_o must_v seek_v it_o of_o he_o alone_o he_o must_v have_v the_o power_n to_o serve_v god_n the_o merit_n of_o his_o good_a work_n the_o grace_n of_o perseverance_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o life_n consequent_o he_o must_v possess_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o if_o he_o will_v attain_v his_o happiness_n nothing_o else_o be_v of_o advantage_n 15.5_o see_v jesus_n christ_n say_v himself_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o rule_n and_o constitution_n may_v be_v give_v we_o use_v and_o document_n may_v be_v prescribe_v to_o practice_v virtue_n and_o to_o attain_v to_o christian_a perfection_n but_o all_o will_v be_v without_o profit_n and_o stability_n if_o we_o go_v not_o out_o of_o ourselves_o to_o possess_v jesus_n his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n to_o receive_v in_o he_o and_o of_o he_o true_a virtue_n stability_n and_o perseverance_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n be_v whole_o to_o have_v true_a virtue_n and_o christianity_n and_o perfect_o to_o accomplish_v the_o action_n and_o practice_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o if_o we_o examine_v these_o principle_n of_o truth_n we_o shall_v immediate_o find_v from_o whence_o arrive_v a_o evil_a common_o observable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o many_o soul_n live_v in_o a_o good_a observance_n labour_n much_o and_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o virtue_n yet_o make_v little_a or_o no_o progress_n towards_o the_o perfection_n that_o they_o desire_v and_o never_o arrive_v at_o the_o end_n which_o they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o if_o a_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v for_o a_o misfortune_n so_o general_a it_o appear_v that_o this_o can_v proceed_v from_o any_o thing_n but_o that_o such_o soul_n seek_v not_o god_n pure_o nor_o resign_v themselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n to_o follow_v with_o simplicity_n and_o fidelity_n the_o order_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v on_o they_o but_o with_o a_o respect_n to_o themselves_o desirous_a to_o rise_v and_o arrive_v to_o a_o estate_n whereunto_o god_n do_v not_o call_v they_o or_o they_o refuse_v to_o labour_v with_o fidelity_n to_o attain_v that_o whereunto_o god_n call_v they_o they_o regard_v not_o god_n they_o work_v not_o by_o grace_n nor_o seek_v it_o where_o it_o be_v but_o trust_v in_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o work_v not_o with_o submission_n to_o grace_v itself_o they_o seek_v not_o in_o jesus_n christ_n strength_n and_o power_n to_o work_v for_o they_o think_v not_o of_o it_o be_v so_o blind_a that_o they_o rely_v upon_o themselves_o and_o by_o secret_a esteem_n of_o their_o own_o action_n and_o labour_n easy_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o there_o be_v virtue_n where_o none_o be_v and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o some_o estate_n of_o perfection_n when_o they_o be_v very_o far_o from_o it_o confide_v in_o their_o own_o good_a will_n or_o in_o a_o simple_a intention_n which_o they_o think_v good_a believe_v this_o enough_o for_o they_o they_o neglect_v or_o despise_v all_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n now_o to_o remedy_v this_o evil_a which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v you_o must_v practice_v what_o i_o shall_v tell_v you_o 1._o we_o must_v be_v in_o will_n and_o perpetual_a desire_n of_o god_n in_o a_o resolution_n not_o to_o love_v or_o act_n but_o by_o grace_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n this_o desire_n be_v a_o disposition_n little_o know_v yet_o more_o important_a than_o it_o seem_v for_o god_n will_v be_v desire_v and_o take_v pleasure_n to_o see_v a_o soul_n thirst_n and_o run_v after_o he_o we_o see_v that_o he_o defer_v his_o great_a mercy_n and_o give_v not_o his_o son_n to_o the_o world_n till_o 4000_o year_n after_o man_n have_v desire_v he_o 2._o we_o must_v demand_v his_o spirit_n with_o earnestness_n cry_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n after_o jesus_n the_o only_o free_a of_o our_o soul_n the_o true_a principle_n of_o grace_n 3._o all_o our_o recourse_n must_v be_v to_o jesus_n not_o rely_v or_o confide_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o his_o power_n virtue_n and_o grace_n to_o love_v and_o act_n by_o his_o disposition_n this_o be_v proper_o that_o we_o call_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o submission_n to_o grace_n let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o truth_n to_o give_v ourselves_o light_a and_o to_o let_v those_o that_o will_v be_v save_v know_v the_o need_n they_o have_v of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n they_o ought_v to_o observe_v in_o their_o action_n to_o render_v themselves_o worthy_a of_o god_n faith_n teach_v we_o that_o every_o good_a gift_n 1.17_o and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n that_o the_o eternal_a father_n give_v we_o all_o by_o his_o son_n and_o in_o his_o son_n and_o consequent_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v make_v all_o thing_n to_o we_o in_o he_o we_o have_v all_o out_o of_o he_o we_o have_v nothing_o whence_o he_o be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n 4.10_o and_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o the_o eternal_a father_n who_o give_v we_o his_o son_n say_v that_o he_o be_v make_v all_o thing_n unto_o we_o by_o he_o we_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n 1.30_o who_o become_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o redemption_n these_o word_n represent_v unto_o we_o two_o truth_n first_o that_o we_o be_v in_o jesus_n which_o show_v we_o the_o adherence_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v to_o jesus_n christ._n the_o other_o that_o we_o have_v all_o in_o he_o as_o have_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o who_o be_v true_a love_n true_a wisdom_n and_o assure_a salvation_n by_o those_o truth_n we_o learn_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a gift_n of_o god_n we_o have_v nothing_o if_o we_o possess_v not_o he_o we_o must_v therefore_o labour_v to_o become_v fit_a to_o possess_v he_o with_o the_o effect_n that_o he_o will_v operate_v in_o we_o herein_o consist_v the_o practice_n of_o christian_a life_n to_o receive_v jesus_n as_o a_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o possess_v he_o as_o a_o great_a treasure_n to_o offer_v he_o to_o god_n to_o refer_v he_o to_o his_o father_n and_o with_o he_o our_o be_v our_o life_n and_o action_n our_o soul_n must_v be_v continual_o employ_v in_o this_o double_a practice_n in_o these_o two_o continual_a motion_n towards_o god_n one_o to_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o grace_n the_o other_o to_o offer_v he_o to_o his_o father_n he_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o gift_n and_o with_o he_o to_o refer_v ourselves_o entire_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o holy_a will_n the_o three_o motive_n chap._n vii_o that_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o such_o he_o must_v be_v rule_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o live_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o most_o noble_a quality_n man_n can_v have_v on_o earth_n the_o most_o happy_a condition_n whereto_o he_o may_v be_v advance_v be_v that_o of_o a_o christian._n by_o this_o state_n god_n always_o good_a and_o full_a of_o mercy_n relieve_v he_o in_o his_o fault_n repair_v his_o
this_o love_n which_o operate_v with_o great_a thing_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o elect._n let_v we_o love_v he_o who_o love_v we_o so_o much_o and_o let_v we_o live_v the_o life_n of_o he_o who_o live_v in_o we_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o these_o truth_n just_o may_v we_o be_v astonish_v at_o the_o obstinacy_n and_o blindness_n of_o those_o who_o make_v so_o many_o difficulty_n to_o resign_v themselves_o whole_o both_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n and_o absolute_o to_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o the_o providence_n love_n and_o wisdom_n of_o jesus_n what_o can_v any_o man_n yet_o doubt_v of_o the_o bounty_n and_o love_n of_o god_n distrust_n his_o wisdom_n after_o so_o manifest_a a_o truth_n be_v it_o possible_a a_o christian_n can_v imagine_v that_o he_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o creature_n that_o humane_a prudence_n be_v necessary_a where_o god_n vouchsafe_v by_o his_o bounty_n to_o apply_v and_o employ_v his_o care_n wisdom_n and_o infinite_a goodness_n but_o only_o to_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v with_o a_o application_n worthy_a of_o god_n perfect_a as_o god_n be_v perfect_a good_a as_o god_n be_v good_a accommodate_v himself_o notwithstanding_o to_o the_o commodity_n and_o feebleness_n of_o the_o creature_n if_o we_o adhere_v to_o these_o truth_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o as_o member_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o live_v subject_a to_o his_o will_n abandon_v ourselves_o to_o his_o love_a conduct_n endeavour_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o to_o please_v and_o satisfy_v he_o this_o god_n require_v of_o we_o to_o this_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v and_o therefore_o to_o profit_v by_o this_o three_o motion_n let_v we_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o let_v we_o quit_v the_o care_n of_o ourselves_o a_o care_n that_o nourish_v nothing_o but_o complacency_n and_o self-satisfaction_n which_o altogether_o confide_v in_o the_o disordinate_a love_n of_o ourselves_o let_v we_o resign_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n of_o he_o who_o incessant_o fix_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o infinite_a bounty_n upon_o we_o let_v we_o trust_v in_o he_o who_o have_v a_o heart_n all_o of_o love_n who_o only_o think_v of_o we_o and_o be_v all_o to_o he_o and_o for_o he_o let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o have_v no_o satisfaction_n nor_o complacency_n but_o in_o he_o see_v he_o alone_o according_a to_o the_o prophet_n 31.3_o love_v we_o from_o eternity_n call_v and_o draw_v we_o love_o to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o to_o be_v he_o if_o you_o now_o require_v some_o form_n for_o this_o resignation_n i_o will_v propose_v they_o chap._n viii_o practice_n to_o help_v a_o christian_n to_o live_v in_o subjection_n to_o grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n the_o christian_a who_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o motive_n we_o last_o propose_v must_v weigh_v the_o quality_n he_o have_v in_o be_v a_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o jesus_n be_v his_o head_n will_v unite_v himself_o to_o he_o appropriate_v himself_o to_o he_o possess_v he_o incline_v he_o infuse_v into_o he_o his_o own_o be_v and_o life_n guide_v he_o on_o the_o earth_n as_o well_o as_o redeem_v he_o on_o the_o cross_n and_o by_o a_o particular_a bounty_n love_v he_o with_o the_o same_o love_n that_o he_o love_v himself_o and_o as_o the_o head_n love_v his_o member_n 1._o to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o thought_n the_o christian_a see_v himself_o so_o choose_v unite_a and_o amorous_o draw_v to_o jesus_n christ_n must_v make_v a_o particular_a profession_n and_o protestation_n to_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n to_o renounce_v all_o humane_a prudence_n all_o care_n and_o conduct_v of_o himself_o leave_v himself_o whole_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o power_n providence_n and_o conduct_n of_o jesus_n far_o he_o must_v yield_v up_o all_o the_o right_a that_o god_n his_o creator_n have_v give_v he_o to_o his_o liberty_n to_o his_o life_n to_o his_o action_n and_o to_o all_o inferior_a creature_n put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o who_o he_o must_v depend_v in_o all_o thing_n protest_v that_o he_o will_v use_v they_o no_o far_o than_o as_o dependent_a on_o the_o conduct_n intention_n and_o will_n of_o jesus_n 2._o the_o true_a christian_a must_v make_v a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o rely_v only_o on_o god_n all_o other_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a unto_o he_o whence_o he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o follow_v and_o accept_v with_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n all_o that_o god_n ordain_v and_o to_o establish_v himself_o whole_o in_o this_o confidence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o conformity_n and_o reliance_n on_o the_o conduct_n of_o jesus_n he_o will_v study_v to_o bear_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n a_o contempt_n of_o all_o natural_a prudence_n in_o make_v little_a account_n even_o of_o thing_n that_o depend_v on_o his_o grace_n say_v to_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v only_o rely_v on_o jesus_n who_o be_v his_o all_o and_o that_o whatever_o happen_v supernatural_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o heaven_n will_v never_o fail_v to_o give_v he_o as_o much_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a for_o he_o but_o far_o more_o profitable_o and_o more_o perfect_o then_o humane_a prudence_n can_v do_v 3._o as_o this_o manner_n of_o do_v may_v have_v great_a and_o continual_a opposition_n so_o the_o christian_a who_o desire_v to_o please_v god_n must_v endeavour_v to_o live_v with_o vigilancy_n over_o himself_o and_o particular_o have_v a_o great_a care_n to_o mortify_v the_o assault_n of_o nature_n the_o motion_n of_o the_o humane_a spirit_n and_o the_o application_n and_o agitation_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n all_o which_o oppose_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o because_o nature_n use_v to_o insinuate_v amid_o grace_n and_o disguise_v herself_o dissemble_v to_o be_v what_o she_o be_v not_o we_o not_o know_v it_o and_o even_o contrary_a to_o our_o own_o intention_n to_o prevent_v this_o deceit_n and_o to_o assure_v ourselves_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o dangerous_a yet_o hard_o to_o be_v discover_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o christian_a with_o a_o great_a humility_n and_o a_o desire_v full_a of_o efficacy_n renounce_v all_o the_o motion_n and_o effect_n of_o nature_n and_o give_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o jesus_n after_o all_o which_o he_o must_v yet_o have_v a_o great_a vigilancy_n upon_o the_o bottom_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o soul_n that_o with_o a_o great_a fidelity_n he_o may_v live_v in_o the_o subjection_n he_o ought_v to_o the_o grace_n and_o conduct_v of_o jesus_n to_o help_v we_o in_o this_o practice_n and_o to_o see_v how_o important_a it_o be_v we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o one_o point_n the_o design_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o soul_n be_v reduce_v to_o one_o thing_n only_o which_o it_o be_v their_o aim_n to_o effect_v in_o we_o this_o point_n which_o god_n will_v do_v in_o we_o be_v to_o establish_v his_o sanctification_n glory_n and_o kingdom_n in_o our_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o design_n whereto_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o divine_a operation_n tend_v whence_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o if_o god_n require_v nothing_o of_o we_o nor_o have_v no_o other_o design_n on_o we_o but_o to_o establish_v in_o our_o soul_n his_o empire_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n we_o also_o must_v have_v no_o other_o care_n desire_v or_o application_n then_o to_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o live_v in_o the_o obedience_n and_o conduct_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n and_o as_o all_o the_o design_n of_o god_n unite_v themselves_o in_o this_o one_o point_n so_o the_o christian_a must_v labour_v in_o this_o point_n that_o he_o may_v be_v in_o all_o even_o to_o the_o least_o of_o his_o thought_n and_o action_n and_o small_a motion_n of_o his_o soul_n subject_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n hereby_o i_o mean_v that_o all_o the_o motion_n thought_n and_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a must_v be_v rule_v and_o subject_v to_o the_o love_n power_n will_n and_o conduct_v of_o god_n that_o with_o peace_n and_o inward_a content_n he_o must_v receive_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n and_o walk_v with_o fidelity_n in_o the_o way_n god_n require_v that_o god_n may_v reign_v perfect_o in_o he_o by_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n and_o that_o he_o may_v reign_v here_o in_o all_o those_o way_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v as_o glorious_o as_o he_o reign_v with_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n proportionable_o notwithstanding_o to_o our_o present_a estate_n and_o meanness_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o a_o true_a soul_n that_o have_v true_a faith_n can_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 first_o condition_n whereunto_o we_o be_v raise_v by_o christianity_n the_o first_o grace_n we_o receive_v in_o baptism_n what_o virtue_n and_o perfection_n can_v that_o soul_n have_v which_o live_v not_o conformable_a to_o this_o estate_n what_o do_v that_o soul_n learn_v which_o know_v not_o his_o truth_n to_o what_o end_n be_v the_o rest_n of_o our_o practice_n and_o this_o great_a fabric_n of_o devotion_n which_o we_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o if_o we_o lay_v not_o this_o first_o foundation_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o all_o the_o rest_n can_v subsist_v if_o we_o have_v god_n for_o we_o if_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o as_o member_n to_o the_o head_n yet_o if_o we_o be_v not_o resign_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o love_a conduct_n why_o do_v we_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o what_o end_n so_o much_o care_n so_o much_o prudence_n and_o humane_a providence_n to_o what_o end_n so_o many_o desire_n he_o be_v 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
gospel_n with_o such_o high_a and_o divine_a word_n word_n not_o of_o counsel_n as_o many_o think_v but_o of_o command_n in_o clear_a and_o express_v term_n testify_v his_o will_n word_n address_v not_o only_o to_o the_o religious_a but_o to_o all_o christian_n 5.48_o be_v you_o perfect_a say_v he_o even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o or_o speak_v in_o more_o express_a term_n how_o will_v we_o have_v more_o clear_o express_v what_o this_o perfection_n ought_v to_o be_v then_o to_o say_v you_o must_v be_v perfect_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a this_o perfection_n consist_v in_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n and_o this_o union_n be_v make_v and_o accomplish_v by_o pure_a and_o perfect_a love_n the_o love_n of_o god_n come_v from_o god_n above_o which_o alone_o have_v power_n to_o give_v god_n to_o we_o and_o to_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n all_o christian_n in_o general_a be_v call_v to_o the_o union_n which_o be_v make_v on_o earth_n by_o grace_n and_o in_o heaven_n by_o glory_n whence_o i_o first_o infer_v that_o as_o all_o christian_n be_v call_v to_o this_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n so_o be_v all_o oblige_v to_o that_o love_n which_o make_v this_o union_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o a_o love_n pure_a holy_a and_o worthy_a of_o god_n a_o love_n express_v and_o lively_a represent_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n in_o these_o word_n 22.37_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n his_o word_n so_o express_v it_o that_o they_o speak_v all_o the_o perfection_n of_o love_n so_o general_a that_o they_o oblige_v all_o to_o this_o love_n i_o infer_v second_o that_o the_o perfection_n whereunto_o the_o religious_a be_v call_v be_v not_o different_a from_o that_o whereto_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v wherein_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o the_o reason_n be_v clear_a and_o the_o deduction_n of_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o if_o perfection_n consist_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n a_o union_n wrought_v by_o true_a love_n and_o all_o christian_n as_o well_v as_o the_o religious_a be_v call_v to_o this_o union_n make_v by_o grace_n upon_o earth_n and_o in_o heaven_n by_o his_o glory_n final_o if_o it_o be_v command_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o all_o man_n as_o well_o as_o the_o religious_a to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n that_o be_v perfect_o and_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v in_o this_o mortal_a life_n by_o the_o aid_n of_o grace_n it_o follow_v evident_o that_o these_o two_o estate_n which_o appear_v so_o unlike_a be_v alike_o in_o the_o same_o obligation_n of_o seek_v perfection_n though_o by_o different_a way_n in_o fine_a who_o can_v doubt_v so_o manifest_a a_o truth_n no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o commandment_n of_o love_n be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n of_o what_o estate_n soever_o they_o be_v no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n so_o st._n paul_n call_v it_o 3.14_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n then_o but_o in_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o we_o be_v to_o take_v to_o arrive_v to_o this_o perfection_n there_o be_v divers_a and_o we_o must_v esteem_v all_o and_o regard_v they_o with_o respect_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o question_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o way_n to_o arrive_v to_o this_o love_n and_o if_o we_o must_v have_v law_n and_o maxim_n to_o conduct_v we_o thereunto_o and_o to_o conserve_v we_o therein_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v find_v they_o more_o pure_a more_o divine_a and_o more_o assure_v then_o in_o the_o gospel_n where_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o as_o author_n of_o christianity_n show_v we_o the_o way_n give_v we_o the_o rule_n and_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o maxim_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o keep_v to_o guide_v we_o to_o this_o love_n which_o he_o command_v to_o live_v in_o this_o union_n and_o to_o arrive_v to_o this_o perfection_n whereto_o we_o be_v call_v and_o therefore_o christian_n live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v infallible_o arrive_v to_o this_o high_a perfection_n and_o enjoy_v this_o most_o desirable_a union_n so_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o christianity_n in_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o incircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o as_o many_o as_o follow_v this_o rule_n grace_n be_v unto_o they_o and_o mercy_n under_o the_o name_n of_o circumcision_n he_o teach_v we_o that_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n no_o estate_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v esteem_v but_o that_o of_o a_o new_a creature_n christianity_n only_o give_v we_o the_o grace_n and_o power_n thereof_o wherefore_o that_o be_v the_o rule_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v whence_o we_o learn_v the_o eminency_n of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n above_o all_o other_o we_o see_v then_o how_o true_a it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v all_o without_o exception_n oblige_v and_o call_v of_o god_n to_o love_n and_o to_o perfection_n this_o and_o more_o which_o may_v be_v say_v on_o this_o subject_n be_v true_a and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o christian_n perfection_n be_v as_o the_o sun_n propose_v to_o all_o christian_n in_o general_a the_o precept_n of_o love_n be_v equal_o give_v to_o all_o man_n and_o consequent_o all_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o same_o perfection_n which_o be_v all_o the_o argument_n wherewith_o i_o will_v undeceive_v such_o christian_n as_o will_v exempt_v themselves_o from_o both_o this_o grant_v it_o rest_v only_o to_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o love_n it_o must_v be_v pure_a perfect_a and_o indissoluble_a the_o three_o property_n of_o love_n in_o christianity_n pure_a for_o it_o regard_v nothing_o but_o god_n if_o it_o regard_v any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v not_o for_o god_n nor_o according_a to_o god_n whence_o it_o come_v that_o that_o which_o regard_v pure_a love_n do_v separate_v we_o from_o our_o self_n from_o all_o our_o interest_n and_o alienates_v we_o from_o all_o creature_n as_o far_o as_o they_o obstruct_v our_o love_n to_o god_n this_o love_n make_v we_o regard_v nothing_o but_o in_o the_o belief_n that_o god_n be_v there_o present_a by_o his_o immensity_n we_o neither_o taste_v nor_o feel_v they_o further_o than_o as_o they_o bear_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n the_o soul_n that_o love_v he_o incline_v to_o he_o seek_v he_o and_o find_v he_o every_o where_o this_o love_n must_v also_o be_v perfect_a god_n say_v so_o express_o we_o must_v love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o explicate_v these_o word_n they_o be_v too_o clear_a and_o evident_o show_v we_o that_o god_n will_v have_v we_o love_v he_o with_o all_o that_o which_o we_o be_v that_o be_v perfect_o this_o love_n must_v last_o be_v indissoluble_a no_o force_n must_v separate_v we_o from_o god_n no_o violence_n must_v tear_v this_o love_n from_o our_o heart_n no_o creature_n in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n no_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o of_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o we_o enjoy_v no_o good_a either_o present_a or_o future_a must_v separate_v we_o from_o this_o love_n which_o must_v be_v in_o we_o more_o powerful_a than_o death_n more_o indissoluble_a than_o unity_n now_o make_v use_n of_o all_o that_o we_o have_v say_v and_o reduce_v to_o practice_v all_o the_o propose_a truth_n we_o shall_v find_v what_o we_o seek_v in_o this_o tract_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n we_o be_v all_o oblige_a to_o divorce_v and_o separate_v ourselves_o true_o and_o strong_o from_o all_o that_o hinder_v we_o from_o love_a god_n perfect_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a this_o perfection_n be_v not_o without_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n this_o love_n can_v be_v in_o we_o but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v separate_v from_o our_o self_n the_o world_n and_o all_o creature_n whence_o we_o learn_v that_o a_o christian_n oblige_v to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o to_o perfection_n can_v arrive_v to_o this_o estate_n which_o he_o seek_v and_o be_v command_v he_o if_o on_o the_o one_o side_n he_o be_v not_o whole_o subject_v to_o god_n and_o on_o the_o other_o altogether_o separate_v in_o spirit_n conduct_n and_o love_n from_o all_o the_o creature_n therefore_o he_o must_v apply_v himself_o earnest_o to_o this_o exercise_n of_o subject_v himself_o to_o god_n and_o divest_v himself_o of_o himself_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o soul_n can_v never_o acquire_v this_o divine_a spirit_n nor_o arrive_v to_o evangelicall_n perfection_n if_o she_o stay_v in_o herself_o obey_v she_o own_o will_n and_o follow_v
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 whole_a life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o the_o cross_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o propagation_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o conquest_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v only_o effect_v by_o the_o debasement_n of_o the_o word_n into_o our_o humanity_n by_o annihilate_v of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n which_o bring_v nothing_o but_o debasement_n as_o shall_v be_v say_v elsewhere_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o all_o christian_n who_o will_v participate_v of_o this_o grace_n who_o subsist_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o desire_v to_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n must_v resolve_v to_o enter_v into_o this_o way_n of_o abnegation_n and_o annihilation_n in_o regard_n that_o all_o the_o life_n and_o all_o the_o grace_n they_o can_v hope_v be_v in_o the_o life_n and_o grace_n flow_v from_o jesus_n christ_n of_o who_o fullness_n we_o have_v all_o receive_v if_o this_o life_n and_o grace_n flow_v from_o jesus_n christ_n it_o must_v be_v consonant_a to_o his_o life_n it_o must_v bear_v his_o quality_n and_o property_n as_o the_o river_n have_v no_o water_n but_o that_o of_o the_o source_n leave_v the_o taste_n and_o quality_n thereof_o so_o all_o our_o grace_n be_v of_o jesus_n as_o their_o fountain_n and_o principle_n they_o must_v necessary_o be_v all_o conformable_a and_o like_v to_o he_o now_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v in_o lowness_n and_o annihilation_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o word_n the_o foundation_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o christian_n grace_n be_v operate_v in_o style_v by_o saint_n paul_n the_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n exinanition_n 2.8_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o silence_n of_o infancy_n his_o strength_n in_o feebleness_n the_o throne_n of_o his_o greatness_n support_v on_o lowness_n in_o brief_a what_o great_a annihilation_n then_o that_o of_o the_o cross_n all_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o consequence_n all_o his_o grace_n be_v in_o annihilation_n thence_o we_o derive_v all_o those_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v assist_v and_o sanctify_v what_o then_o may_v this_o operate_v in_o we_o what_o can_v it_o require_v of_o we_o but_o that_o which_o itself_o be_v in_o its_o source_n and_o principle_n annihilation_n divest_v and_o abnegation_n in_o a_o word_n it_o can_v operate_v nothing_o else_o for_o he_o that_o have_v grace_n and_o its_o effect_n must_v be_v in_o abnegation_n and_o annihilation_n all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v by_o annihilation_n little_a or_o much_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o receive_v it_o let_v we_o ascend_v to_o the_o source_n of_o this_o truth_n consider_v that_o as_o god_n have_v create_v so_o many_o and_o so_o different_a creature_n for_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o material_a world_n so_o in_o the_o order_n of_o grace_n he_o have_v make_v different_a way_n to_o come_v to_o he_o one_o grace_n for_o angel_n another_o for_o man_n another_o for_o his_o son_n who_o by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n become_v capable_a of_o grace_n but_o of_o a_o grace_n proportion_v to_o the_o order_n and_o state_n of_o his_o incarnation_n that_o of_o the_o angel_n be_v not_o for_o we_o that_o of_o man_n be_v lose_v in_o adam_n there_o rest_v no_o other_o for_o we_o then_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n whereby_o he_o repair_v and_o sanctify_v we_o now_o as_o this_o grace_n be_v superior_a and_o near_o to_o god_n because_o make_v for_o jesus_n christ_n god_n and_o man_n not_o for_o man_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o who_o will_v participate_v of_o it_o must_v be_v elevate_v above_o their_o first_o capacity_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v by_o he_o unite_v to_o god_n thus_o the_o grace_n that_o sanctify_v we_o be_v by_o a_o holy_a jesus_n worthy_a and_o proportion_v to_o the_o greatness_n of_o jesus_n infinite_o elevate_v above_o our_o be_v and_o capacity_n if_o then_o we_o will_v participate_v of_o this_o grace_n we_o must_v necessary_o be_v elevate_v to_o a_o union_n with_o jesus_n force_v above_o our_o own_o capacity_n to_o be_v make_v capable_a to_o receive_v and_o bear_v this_o grace_n if_o i_o will_v arrive_v to_o this_o union_n and_o capacity_n i_o must_v go_v out_o of_o myself_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n i_o must_v die_v to_o myself_o to_o live_v in_o jesus_n this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o self-denial_n and_o annihilation_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o grace_n for_o one_o be_v not_o without_o the_o other_o no_o more_o than_o the_o effect_n can_v be_v without_o the_o cause_n this_o be_v the_o point_n st._n paul_n speak_v of_o when_o he_o call_v christian_n sacrifice_n to_o show_v that_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n 12.1_o bring_v death_n and_o self-deniall_n and_o that_o the_o christian_n must_v be_v continual_o before_o god_n as_o a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o so_o he_o speak_v all_o along_o you_o be_v dead_a 3.3_o and_o your_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n and_o elsewhere_o that_o christian_n be_v dead_a and_o bury_v with_o jesus_n christ_n live_v in_o he_o and_o with_o he_o 6.4_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o by_o baptism_n in_o who_o also_o we_o be_v raise_v up_o again_o in_o brief_a this_o oracle_n of_o truth_n every_o where_o show_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o death_n of_o self-denial_n and_o annihilation_n whence_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o he_o who_o will_v live_v according_a to_o christian_n grace_n and_o acquit_v himself_o of_o the_o protestation_n and_o promise_n he_o make_v in_o baptism_n must_v be_v in_o self-denial_n and_o annihilation_n chap._n xiii_o what_o abnegation_n be_v and_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n show_v the_o necessity_n of_o abnegation_n if_o we_o will_v be_v perfect_a that_o it_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o christianity_n it_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o will_v embrace_v true_a virtue_n and_o solid_a piety_n and_o participate_v of_o christian_n grace_n must_v first_o exercise_v himself_o in_o this_o virtue_n and_o practice_v it_o without_o so_o much_o busy_v himself_o in_o other_o exercise_n less_o profitable_a it_o be_v hard_o to_o teach_v and_o to_o persuade_v many_o soul_n to_o this_o virtue_n who_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v traffic_n with_o piety_n and_o seek_v only_o themselves_o in_o all_o they_o do_v 2.25_o but_o more_o hard_a to_o convince_v those_o that_o be_v drown_v in_o worldly_a affair_n or_o bury_v in_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o perhaps_o what_o be_v say_v of_o this_o virtue_n though_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o god_n merit_v and_o require_v of_o we_o appear_v too_o high_a and_o speculative_a to_o those_o who_o already_o seem_v to_o boast_v of_o perfection_n and_o believe_v the_o way_n of_o heaven_n more_o easy_a than_o it_o be_v to_o all_o this_o nothing_o can_v be_v better_o oppose_v than_o the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n be_v perfect_a now_o if_o your_o perfection_n take_v its_o aim_n so_o high_a it_o be_v not_o so_o mean_a and_o common_a as_o some_o think_v it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o we_o find_v this_o annihilation_n new_a and_o think_v it_o too_o difficult_a let_v we_o consider_v the_o word_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n pronounce_v with_o much_o energy_n and_o efficacy_n 18.3_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o you_o be_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n you_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n what_o more_o clear_a and_o great_a annihilation_n can_v god_n require_v then_o to_o command_v the_o great_a and_o mighty_a to_o become_v as_o child_n st._n paul_n wish_v those_o that_o think_v themselves_o wise_a 19_o to_o become_v fool_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n he_o that_o believe_v must_v captivate_v his_o judgement_n and_o according_a to_o the_o common_a say_n annihilate_v his_o reason_n whereby_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o annihilation_n and_o self-deniall_n be_v a_o virtue_n recommend_v and_o necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n to_o all_o that_o will_v be_v save_v not_o a_o indifferent_a annihilation_n but_o proportion_v to_o the_o grace_n and_o glory_n that_o a_o man_n will_v possess_v this_o suppose_a let_v we_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v and_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o the_o first_o be_v a_o efficacious_a desire_n of_o this_o virtue_n we_o must_v desire_v it_o and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o necessary_a for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v in_o grace_n proper_a and_o convenient_a for_o a_o christian._n we_o must_v often_o excite_v this_o desire_n in_o
word_n which_o show_v the_o pain_n and_o travel_v a_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o undergo_v to_o root_v out_o of_o his_o heart_n and_o tear_v from_o his_o soul_n all_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n word_n which_o condemn_v our_o delicate_n and_o all_o that_o fear_v labour_n and_o suffering_n excuse_v themselves_o by_o their_o weakness_n of_o nature_n to_o comprehend_v the_o importance_n of_o this_o advice_n let_v we_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n there_o we_o shall_v learn_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v gain_v by_o violence_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n be_v ground_v upon_o suffering_n that_o the_o perfection_n be_v in_o love_n in_o love_n crucify_a that_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n consist_v in_o privation_n and_o resignation_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o cross_n whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o who_o fly_v suffering_n and_o humiliation_n seek_v only_o a_o sweet_a pleasant_a life_n fear_v pain_n and_o travel_n do_v by_o this_o fear_n make_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o god_n who_o reign_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v only_o find_v in_o the_o thorn_n of_o the_o fiery_a bush_n they_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n which_o agree_v with_o annihilation_n they_o shut_v their_o heart_n against_o love_n and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o be_v lament_v go_v out_o of_o the_o order_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o conformity_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v with_o jesus_n christ_n crucify_v who_o be_v the_o object_n the_o way_n and_o the_o life_n of_o perfect_a christian_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o can_v conduct_v our_o self_n but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o annihilate_v of_o suffer_v and_o humiliation_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o life_n and_o essence_n here_o may_v these_o delicate_a person_n see_v how_o their_o faint-heartedness_n deceive_v they_o let_v we_o then_o take_v heed_n and_o serious_o consider_v the_o sentence_n that_o jesus_n christ_n pronounce_v against_o they_o he_o that_o take_v not_o up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o 10.38_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o to_o fear_v suffering_n to_o fly_v humiliation_n to_o refuse_v the_o communication_n of_o god_n be_v to_o make_v ourselves_o unworthy_a and_o uncapable_a of_o all_o his_o divine_a operation_n of_o grace_n for_o god_n can_v communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n but_o he_o will_v cause_v therein_o annihilation_n and_o humility_n all_o the_o operation_n of_o grace_n can_v have_v no_o effect_n in_o our_o soul_n but_o those_o of_o humility_n abnegation_n and_o death_n grace_n must_v operate_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o which_o death_n do_v in_o the_o body_n this_o be_v so_o know_v a_o truth_n that_o all_o that_o speak_v of_o grace_n unless_o that_o it_o be_v proper_a and_o principal_a effect_n be_v to_o give_v we_o to_o god_n to_o make_v god_n live_v in_o we_o and_o to_o place_n therein_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o operate_v all_o that_o in_o we_o without_o annihilation_n subversion_n humiliation_n and_o death_n unless_o he_o pluck_v the_o love_n of_o our_o self_n and_o the_o creature_n from_o our_o heart_n he_o can_v plant_v his_o own_o therein_o if_o he_o kill_v not_o in_o we_o the_o old_a adam_n never_o will_v jesus_n christ_n live_v in_o we_o god_n can_v dwell_v in_o we_o if_o he_o do_v not_o annihilate_v and_o consume_v the_o impurity_n and_o malice_n of_o our_o soul_n thus_o christian_a grace_n to_o produce_v its_o effect_n in_o we_o require_v a_o estate_n of_o submission_n and_o death_n they_o therefore_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o think_v they_o be_v in_o grace_n yet_o bear_v no_o mark_n at_o all_o of_o this_o grace_n for_o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o soul_n it_o will_v infallible_o produce_v the_o effect_n proper_a to_o it_o if_o it_o produce_v nothing_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n it_o be_v not_o there_o herein_o also_o appear_v the_o wrong_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o suffering_n cause_v to_o christian_n how_o much_o do_v soul_n separate_v themselves_o from_o god_n who_o seek_v no_o other_o consolation_n satisfaction_n and_o enjoyment_n but_o their_o own_o and_o labour_v only_a to_o put_v themselves_o into_o a_o certain_a repose_n think_v that_o perfection_n consist_v in_o this_o false_a rest_n and_o never_o to_o suffer_v any_o cross_n affliction_n or_o temptation_n no_o no_o earth_n be_v the_o place_n of_o combat_n christian_a life_n be_v the_o death_n of_o man_n perfect_a love_n like_o the_o phoenix_n seek_v death_n and_o find_v life_n in_o the_o same_o flame_n the_o cross_n give_v grace_n grace_v now_o give_v the_o cross_n the_o sacred_a spouse_n say_v she_o be_v fair_a but_o brown_a 1.5_o scorch_v with_o the_o burn_a beauty_n of_o divine_a love_n he_o that_o can_v suffer_v can_v love_v he_o that_o can_v love_v be_v not_o worthy_a of_o god_n or_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian._n it_o be_v love_n that_o triumph_v over_o jesus_n christ_n annihilate_v he_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o mortality_n it_o be_v love_n that_o humble_v he_o even_o to_o our_o lowness_n and_o infirmity_n it_o be_v love_n that_o crucify_v he_o christianity_n have_v no_o other_o love_n or_o grace_n if_o then_o the_o christian_a will_v love_v if_o he_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n he_o must_v defy_v all_o suffering_n and_o courageous_o embrace_v all_o that_o shall_v befall_v he_o for_o love_n overthrow_v all_o and_o triumph_n over_o the_o soul._n if_o she_o flatter_v it_o be_v to_o hurt_v if_o it_o hurt_v it_o be_v to_o kill_v so_o they_o who_o seek_v true_a and_o solid_a piety_n must_v not_o behold_v god_n but_o in_o the_o cross_n nor_o consider_v grace_n but_o in_o humility_n and_o suffering_n my_o well-beloved_a say_v the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n 1.13_o be_v a_o bundle_n of_o myrrh_n she_o confess_v she_o faint_v and_o die_v in_o the_o communication_n of_o love_n she_o receive_v from_o she_o god_n for_o when_o the_o spouse_n have_v give_v she_o his_o love_n and_o ordain_v charity_n in_o she_o she_o instant_o add_v stay_v i_o with_o flagon_n 2.5_o comfort_v i_o with_o apple_n for_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n the_o greatness_n of_o god_n the_o infinity_n of_o his_o be_v his_o divine_a spirit_n be_v so_o powerful_a that_o if_o he_o never_o so_o little_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o purity_n of_o love_n and_o grace_n he_o be_v able_a to_o annihilate_v and_o consume_v she_o for_o if_o he_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o creature_n without_o proportion_v himself_o to_o its_o capacity_n he_o can_v be_v support_v for_o he_o overwhelm_v and_o ruin_v the_o create_v be_v by_o this_o power_n infinite_a and_o infinite_o predominate_v over_o a_o be_v so_o small_a so_o subject_v to_o his_o power_n in_o fine_a it_o will_v swallow_v up_o and_o consume_v it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o proportion_v his_o operation_n to_o our_o weakness_n and_o if_o he_o give_v we_o not_o a_o capacity_n and_o force_n to_o bear_v it_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v if_o he_o communicate_v himself_o he_o always_o annihilate_v if_o he_o give_v grace_n he_o change_v the_o man_n if_o he_o give_v light_a he_o humble_v he_o if_o he_o make_v he_o to_o bear_v his_o love_n he_o wound_v he_o thus_o the_o soul_n that_o will_v love_v god_n must_v love_v suffering_n he_o that_o will_v love_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n must_v lose_v himself_o and_o annihilate_v himself_o to_o receive_v divine_a operation_n he_o that_o will_v bear_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n must_v humble_v himself_o see_v god_n do_v not_o manifest_v himself_o but_o to_o the_o humble_a of_o spirit_n and_o that_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n bear_v his_o cross_n in_o humility_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o esteem_v the_o cross_n and_o suffering_n and_o embrace_v they_o with_o joy_n and_o fervour_n of_o spirit_n but_o we_o must_v further_o observe_v that_o suffering_n subversion_n loss_n and_o humiliation_n and_o other_o misfortune_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v necessary_a to_o a_o christian_a to_o keep_v he_o steadfast_a amid_o the_o deceit_n and_o blandishment_n of_o the_o world_n the_o subtlety_n and_o surprise_v of_o the_o devil_n by_o these_o way_n which_o we_o call_v rigorous_a god_n sever_v we_o from_o the_o world_n and_o take_v we_o from_o kindness_n to_o the_o creature_n he_o make_v use_v of_o these_o loss_n and_o subversion_n as_o of_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n to_o mingle_v with_o the_o sweet_n that_o the_o creature_n present_v to_o we_o he_o use_v humiliation_n and_o affliction_n to_o abate_v our_o pride_n and_o if_o he_o do_v leave_v we_o for_o a_o time_n it_o be_v to_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