true_a piety_n be_v oblige_v to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ._n 481_o chap._n xiii_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o have_v be_v propose_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 489_o chap._n fourteen_o of_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n happen_v in_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n 498_o chap._n xv._n in_o what_o disposition_n the_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v that_o he_o yield_v not_o to_o such_o temptation_n as_o occur_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n 507_o chap._n xvi_o of_o temptation_n and_o the_o advantage_n a_o christian_n ought_v to_o make_v of_o they_o 512_o chap._n xvii_o of_o resignation_n in_o temptation_n 519_o chap._n xviii_o divers_a uses_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o temptation_n 525_o the_o end_n spiritual_a treasure_n the_o first_o part._n of_o the_o divine_a prerogative_n whereunto_o man_n be_v raise_v by_o the_o state_n and_o grace_n of_o christianity_n the_o first_o prerogative_n chap._n i._n how_o by_o baptism_n man_n be_v appropriate_v to_o god_n and_o consecrate_v by_o the_o bless_a trinity_n be_v you_o perfect_a 5.48_o even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a these_o be_v holy_a word_n word_n of_o truth_n pronunce_v by_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n word_n that_o import_v the_o beginning_n and_o eminency_n of_o the_o estate_n which_o we_o be_v to_o attain_v word_n worthy_a to_o be_v engrave_v not_o upon_o the_o front_n of_o our_o house_n as_o a_o celebrious_a sentence_n of_o the_o ancient_n nor_o print_v in_o our_o forehead_n in_o great_a character_n like_o the_o law_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o in_o the_o centre_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o bottom_n of_o our_o spirit_n for_o in_o these_o divine_a word_n we_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o table_n bring_v from_o heaven_n what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v we_o see_v that_o we_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n by_o creation_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v his_o resemblance_n by_o sanctification_n 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depth_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o the_o admirable_a secret_a property_n of_o every_o thing_n will_v turn_v back_o their_o sight_n into_o themselves_o to_o take_v notice_n what_o they_o be_v and_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o contemplate_v the_o singular_a perfection_n enclose_v within_o their_o own_o soul_n the_o greatness_n whereto_o god_n will_v raise_v they_o and_o eminency_n of_o that_o state_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v if_o other_o creature_n be_v object_n able_a to_o ravish_v our_o spirit_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o contemplation_n and_o admiration_n with_o how_o much_o more_o reason_n ought_v we_o to_o employ_v ourselves_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v if_o virtue_n say_v plato_n be_v so_o beautiful_a as_o that_o her_o lustre_n be_v able_a to_o transform_v our_o heart_n and_o force_v we_o to_o love_v she_o what_o then_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o which_o virtue_n be_v but_o the_o ornament_n o_o soul_n say_v one_o of_o the_o father_n thou_o love_v the_o world_n yet_o thou_o thyself_o art_n of_o more_o value_n than_o all_o the_o world_n thou_o admire_v the_o sun_n and_o yet_o art_n more_o beautiful_a than_o all_o the_o star_n thou_o do_v contemplate_v heaven_n yet_o be_v exalt_v above_o the_o firmament_n thy_o god_n only_o be_v above_o thou_o all_o creature_n be_v under_o thy_o foot_n let_v we_o begin_v to_o prepare_v our_o heart_n to_o these_o thought_n let_v we_o call_v back_o our_o distract_a spirit_n from_o so_o many_o object_n let_v we_o withdraw_v our_o wander_a eye_n from_o so_o many_o curiosity_n and_o undeceive_v our_o heart_n charm_v by_o so_o many_o vanity_n that_o we_o may_v apply_v or_o self_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o this_o knowledge_n for_o in_o be_v ignorant_a of_o these_o truth_n man_n be_v estrange_v from_o god_n and_o himself_o serve_v the_o creature_n who_o be_v make_v to_o serve_v he_o make_v his_o vanity_n a_o ornament_n and_o advance_v above_o himself_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v under_o his_o foot_n and_o far_o lose_v himself_o in_o the_o curious_a pursuit_n of_o creature_n or_o pernicious_a affection_n to_o the_o world_n he_o no_o more_o think_v of_o himself_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o seem_v no_o long_a to_o know_v his_o god_n hence_o spring_v all_o evil_n which_o overflow_v the_o earth_n all_o vice_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n nor_o be_v it_o strange_a for_o how_o can_v a_o christian_n serve_v his_o god_n if_o he_o esteem_v not_o his_o greatness_n and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o divine_a adorable_a perfection_n and_o how_o shall_v he_o know_v they_o if_o he_o seldom_o or_o never_o consider_v they_o beside_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o render_v unto_o god_n what_o he_o ought_v and_o to_o live_v as_o god_n require_v if_o he_o take_v no_o time_n to_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o if_o he_o know_v not_o what_o he_o be_v whence_o he_o come_v whither_o he_o go_v how_o he_o live_v in_o this_o it_o be_v he_o ought_v to_o employ_v his_o thought_n and_o time_n the_o high_a employment_n of_o man_n say_v heraclitus_n be_v to_o seek_v himself_o and_o we_o say_v the_o most_o necessary_a yet_o we_o be_v not_o with_o democritus_n to_o put_v out_o our_o eye_n and_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o creature_n thereby_o with_o more_o ease_n and_o attention_n to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o this_o high_a philosophy_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o we_o need_v not_o go_v to_o such_o a_o extremity_n on_o the_o contrary_a let_v we_o preserve_v our_o eye_n and_o attention_n to_o contemplate_v at_o leisure_n the_o image_n which_o i_o be_o go_v to_o describe_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v the_o pourtracture_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a in_o which_o shall_v be_v draw_v in_o lively_a colour_n the_o christian_a virtue_n and_o represent_v the_o disposition_n action_n and_o piety_n wherein_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o live_v to_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n be_v proportionable_a to_o this_o subject_n he_o that_o will_v make_v a_o man_n to_o see_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v must_v draw_v his_o picture_n that_o he_o may_v see_v and_o contemplate_v himself_o therein_o the_o soul_n like_o the_o eye_n see_v all_o thing_n yet_o not_o itself_o unless_o by_o reflection_n to_o make_v she_o know_v herself_o a_o glass_n must_v be_v set_v before_o she_o wherein_o be_v represent_v the_o true_a beauty_n of_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n her_o obligation_n to_o perfection_n her_o capacity_n to_o possess_v god_n that_o consider_v all_o these_o she_o may_v see_v what_o she_o be_v and_o what_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o she_o god_n thus_o see_v herself_o she_o know_v herself_o know_v her_o helf_n she_o esteem_v according_o of_o she_o own_o be_v life_n and_o condition_n and_o by_o these_o degree_n arrive_v to_o this_o esteem_n she_o faithful_o endeavour_v to_o render_v god_n the_o honour_n love_n and_o service_n due_a to_o he_o careful_a to_o lead_v a_o life_n suitable_a to_o the_o condition_n and_o dignity_n whereto_o god_n have_v call_v she_o to_o represent_v to_o the_o life_n so_o great_a perfection_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v what_o the_o soul_n be_v before_o god_n to_o who_o she_o be_v call_v and_o may_v arrive_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o a_o supernatural_a power_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o essence_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o mystery_n wrought_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o what_o he_o have_v accomplish_v in_o heaven_n because_o they_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o source_n of_o all_o grace_n wherewith_o we_o be_v enrich_v they_o make_v we_o know_v what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o what_o he_o will_v operate_v in_o we_o and_o by_o we_o these_o than_o we_o must_v propose_v behold_v three_o which_o we_o
of_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o the_o favour_n wherewith_o the_o powerful_a hand_n of_o the_o divinity_n have_v so_o liberal_o enrich_v he_o and_o degrade_v he_o of_o all_o honour_n and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o condition_n of_o meanness_n impotence_n and_o error_n this_o goodly_a spirit_n of_o man_n or_o rather_o this_o man_n all_o spirit_n be_v now_o nothing_o but_o flesh_n this_o beautiful_a soul_n which_o breathe_v for_o nothing_o but_o heaven_n entertain_v itself_o so_o delicious_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o infallible_a truth_n and_o be_v enrich_v with_o contemplation_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n as_o with_o divine_a dew_n and_o heavenly_a manna_n after_o so_o deplorable_a a_o fall_n obstinate_o link_n himself_o to_o the_o perishable_a good_n of_o this_o world_n believe_v in_o lie_n seek_v after_o vanity_n and_o can_v no_o more_o elevate_v himself_o to_o god_n so_o miserable_a and_o impotent_a have_v sin_n make_v he_o o_o unhappiness_n which_o can_v sufficient_o be_v bewail_v man_n who_o by_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o creation_n have_v eye_n to_o contemplate_v only_o his_o creator_n and_o convert_v himself_o whole_o to_o he_o have_v no_o heart_n but_o to_o love_v he_o no_o spirit_n but_o to_o adhere_v to_o he_o after_o so_o fatal_a a_o cast_n whole_o turn_v away_o from_o god_n regard_v nothing_o but_o himself_o be_v whole_o convert_v to_o the_o creature_n live_v as_o a_o beast_n only_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o like_o a_o beast_n without_o judgement_n the_o apostle_n go_v further_a for_o describe_v the_o estate_n whereto_o the_o sinner_n be_v reduce_v he_o declare_v he_o uncapable_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n say_v he_o receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v hence_o i_o doubt_v lest_o the_o way_n i_o intend_v to_o propose_v which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n appear_v too_o high_a or_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o our_o spirit_n i_o confess_v they_o be_v so_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n impotency_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o contrary_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o relieve_v man_n after_o his_o fall_n to_o restore_v he_o those_o gift_n with_o advantage_n which_o he_o lose_v to_o render_v he_o capable_a of_o god_n in_o brief_a he_o be_v make_v man_n to_o teach_v man_n the_o true_a way_n to_o love_n and_o serve_v god_n he_o give_v the_o power_n have_v settle_v in_o his_o church_n a_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o grace_n whence_o all_o soul_n may_v draw_v strength_n in_o their_o weakness_n succour_n in_o their_o necessity_n and_o ability_n in_o the_o very_a impotency_n of_o their_o nature_n here_o of_o jesus_n man_n and_o god_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v the_o way_n to_o love_v and_o adore_v and_o to_o serve_v god_n from_o he_o we_o must_v have_v the_o grace_n to_o do_v it_o we_o must_v in_o and_o by_o jesus_n operate_v above_o our_o strength_n above_o our_o be_v and_o natural_a power_n and_o nothing_o aught_o to_o seem_v difficult_a to_o we_o or_o impossible_a for_o he_o see_v he_o give_v we_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n in_o abundance_n to_o accomplish_v it_o to_o believe_v this_o we_o must_v look_v back_o upon_o the_o design_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o profusion_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o leisurely_o examine_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n what_o he_o will_v operate_v in_o we_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o divine_a communication_n at_o the_o first_o view_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o grace_n draw_v from_o we_o our_o impotency_n advance_v we_o above_o our_o nature_n give_v we_o a_o new_a be_v a_o new_a life_n a_o life_n entire_a and_o whole_o hide_v in_o god_n a_o life_n proper_a to_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n according_a to_o which_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o live_v the_o son_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o the_o samaritan_n and_o in_o she_o to_o all_o the_o faithful_a make_v a_o discourse_n hereof_o worthy_a to_o be_v consider_v express_v a_o intention_n to_o establish_v his_o church_n 4.23_o the_o hour_n shall_v come_v say_v he_o and_o now_o be_v wherein_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o the_o reason_n he_o add_v god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o 24._o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n what_o more_o powerful_a and_o clear_a testimony_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o try_v and_o elect_v soul_n that_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n if_o he_o himself_o do_v choose_v they_o and_o call_v they_o to_o this_o new_a life_n be_v it_o not_o necessary_a that_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o election_n he_o give_v they_o grace_v necessary_a to_o arrive_v at_o such_o a_o estate_n let_v we_o consider_v this_o passage_n and_o ponder_v all_o the_o word_n of_o it_o 1._o jesus_n christ_n show_v we_o that_o our_o life_n must_v be_v holy_a and_o sever_v from_o the_o creature_n see_v that_o we_o must_v serve_v god_n in_o truth_n without_o amuse_v ourselves_o with_o the_o vanity_n and_o thing_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o lie_v in_o truth_n that_o be_v to_o say_v conformable_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n and_o to_o that_o principle_n whence_o the_o soul_n take_v power_n to_o serve_v god_n the_o grace_n spirit_n and_o disposition_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n we_o learn_v further_o that_o if_o perfection_n of_o this_o life_n be_v inward_a pure_a holy_a and_o absolute_o divine_a see_v it_o be_v and_o subsist_v in_o the_o adoration_n of_o god_n who_o as_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n pure_a and_o holy_a will_v be_v serve_v and_o adore_v in_o spirit_n 2._o jesus_n christ_n teach_v that_o we_o must_v wait_v upon_o he_o for_o this_o grace_n necessary_a to_o accomplish_v his_o command_n who_o require_v of_o we_o a_o life_n so_o pure_a and_o perfect_a oblige_v himself_o to_o give_v we_o necessary_a grace_n to_o arrive_v unto_o it_o since_o that_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o that_o which_o he_o teach_v in_o brief_a we_o see_v how_o much_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o require_v this_o grace_n to_o search_v after_o it_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o unto_o it_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o become_v worthy_a of_o it_o we_o must_v not_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o important_a as_o this_o of_o our_o salvation_n demur_v in_o consideration_n of_o our_o impotency_n or_o experience_n of_o our_o own_o incapacity_n but_o raise_v ourselves_o above_o ourselves_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v hope_v in_o he_o who_o command_v nothing_o impossible_a who_o give_v grace_n abundant_o to_o accomplish_v what_o he_o demand_v these_o be_v the_o first_o disposition_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o which_o those_o soul_n that_o have_v any_o desire_n to_o live_v christianly_o ought_v first_o of_o all_o to_o learn_v but_o it_o happen_v quite_o contrary_a the_o understanding_n of_o man_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o they_o desire_v not_o these_o internal_a solid_a virtue_n nor_o require_v they_o of_o god_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o many_o think_v it_o unnecessary_a to_o possess_v they_o and_o that_o such_o a_o life_n as_o we_o call_v interior_a be_v for_o few_o person_n as_o if_o jesus_n christ_n speak_v to_o the_o samaritan_n have_v speak_v only_o to_o she_o and_o not_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n other_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o attain_v they_o as_o not_o believe_v the_o apostle_n who_o say_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n which_o strengthen_v i_o 4.13_o a_o manifest_a error_n wherein_o many_o lose_v themselves_o in_o not_o sufficient_o consider_v what_o they_o daily_o see_v by_o common_a experience_n set_v before_o their_o eye_n if_o weak_a woman_n virgin_n and_o child_n have_v have_v strength_n sufficient_a notwithstanding_o their_o young_a and_o tender_a body_n to_o embrace_v torture_n almost_o insupportable_a and_o have_v by_o grace_n be_v strengthen_v to_o overcome_v those_o difficulty_n why_o shall_v not_o we_o believe_v also_o that_o abandon_v ourselves_o to_o the_o power_n and_o conduct_v of_o grace_n and_o become_v faithful_a to_o the_o design_n of_o god_n we_o may_v have_v sufficient_a grace_n and_o capacity_n to_o acquire_v these_o virtue_n if_o by_o the_o help_n of_o grace_n they_o can_v attain_v strength_n of_o body_n to_o support_v the_o rigour_n of_o a_o penitent_a life_n wherefore_o by_o favour_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n may_v not_o we_o arrive_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o true_a virtue_n wherein_o a_o
must_v adhere_v thereto_o and_o have_v adhere_v to_o it_o we_o must_v act_v and_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o adherence_n let_v we_o propose_v a_o example_n in_o common_a thing_n to_o facilitate_v the_o practice_n i_o look_v upon_o god_n i_o consider_v his_o infinite_a essence_n i_o see_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n all_o creature_n be_v as_o nothing_o have_v take_v and_o imprint_v this_o thought_n in_o my_o spirit_n i_o believe_v and_o immediate_o adhere_v thereunto_o say_v it_o be_v true_a then_o make_v use_n of_o this_o truth_n which_o i_o believe_v i_o despise_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o god_n for_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n which_o i_o perform_v teach_v i_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v nothing_o all_o creature_n be_v nothing_o before_o god_n in_o like_a manner_n amid_o my_o action_n make_v use_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o i_o profess_v and_o believe_v sometime_o i_o despise_v one_o thing_n sometime_o another_o esteem_v god_n only_o but_o account_v all_o the_o rest_n as_o nothing_o thus_o i_o act_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o make_v use_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o give_v a_o example_n more_o common_a i_o will_v form_v in_o myself_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n hereupon_o i_o will_v rouse_v up_o in_o my_o spirit_n the_o thought_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o teach_v i_o god_n be_v present_a every_o where_o and_o thence_o infer_v that_o consequent_o he_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n with_o the_o same_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n that_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n amid_o the_o cherubim_n and_o saint_n for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n have_v conceive_v this_o truth_n i_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o say_v it_o be_v true_a then_o make_v use_n of_o it_o i_o find_v myself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n i_o hold_v myself_o before_o he_o in_o great_a reverence_n i_o walk_v with_o recollection_n of_o spirit_n and_o a_o sweet_a application_n of_o my_o soul_n to_o god_n who_o be_v present_a now_o i_o look_v on_o he_o with_o love_n next_o i_o adore_v he_o do_v all_o these_o action_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n this_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o truth_n the_o thing_n be_v not_o hard_o we_o must_v only_o apply_v ourselves_o hearty_o hereunto_o for_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o we_o advance_v and_o perfectionate_a ourselves_o in_o this_o exercise_n shall_v our_o action_n be_v perfect_a and_o perform_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o much_o importance_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v persuade_v all_o christian_n to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o cause_n root_n and_o source_n of_o all_o good_a action_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o effect_n that_o faith_n produce_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n 11.1_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o he_o will_v compare_v faith_n to_o substance_n and_o say_v that_o as_o substance_n be_v the_o support_n of_o all_o accident_n so_o faith_n be_v the_o support_n and_o basis_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o grace_n faith_n be_v the_o first_o gift_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o elder_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n she_o contain_v and_o substain_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o the_o use_n we_o make_v thereof_o be_v we_o virtuous_a and_o advance_v in_o christian_a perfection_n as_o this_o be_v the_o first_o of_o god_n gift_n so_o the_o first_o care_n of_o a_o christian_a must_v be_v to_o compass_v so_o fruitful_a and_o profitable_a a_o grace_n this_o be_v a_o talon_n whereof_o god_n will_v demand_v a_o most_o exact_a account_n when_o we_o shall_v appear_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o his_o divine_a justice_n god_n give_v we_o not_o so_o great_a a_o grace_n but_o to_o profit_v thereby_o and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o it_o belong_v to_o god_n alone_o to_o give_v faith_n to_o move_v our_o will_n to_o illuminate_v our_o understanding_n but_o it_o be_v in_o man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o to_o show_v by_o his_o work_n the_o faith_n he_o have_v receive_v of_o god_n in_o fine_a what_o advantage_n be_v it_o to_o possess_v faith_n which_o be_v a_o infuse_a habit_n and_o to_o let_v it_o sleep_v in_o we_o to_o possess_v truth_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o under_o restraint_n i'faith_o we_o say_v be_v a_o supernatural_a habit_n a_o light_n of_o grace_n we_o must_v therefore_o put_v it_o in_o action_n and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o light_n to_o walk_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o path_n of_o virtue_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n evident_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n the_o eternal_a father_n send_v and_o give_v we_o his_o son_n the_o uncreated_a and_o essential_a truth_n to_o speak_v to_o we_o &_o conduct_v we_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o son_n converse_v among_o man_n to_o bear_v witness_n 18.37_o as_o he_o himself_o say_v unto_o the_o truth_n the_o same_o son_n of_o god_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n send_v to_o we_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o enlighten_v we_o and_o teach_v we_o the_o truth_n and_o why_o have_v god_n so_o great_a a_o care_n that_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n but_o because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o may_v save_v we_o and_o make_v we_o free_a that_o be_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n may_v draw_v we_o from_o vice_n and_o sin_n to_o lead_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o acquisition_n and_o possession_n of_o virtue_n look_v upon_o a_o soul_n guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n you_o shall_v see_v that_o immediate_o she_o detest_v ill_a and_o embrace_v good_a it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o it_o to_o engender_v and_o form_v act_n of_o virtue_n if_o the_o soul_n know_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n make_v use_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o truth_n she_o will_v present_o be_v carry_v to_o a_o great_a esteem_n of_o god_n from_o this_o esteem_n spring_v reverence_n reverence_n operate_v love_n love_n bring_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n the_o soul_n so_o unite_v by_o love_n fear_v to_o displease_v he_o this_o fear_n which_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o love_n bring_v into_o the_o soul_n a_o vigilancy_n not_o to_o offend_v he_o she_o love_v but_o it_o be_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n this_o vigilancy_n form_v a_o purity_n in_o the_o soul_n this_o purity_n render_v we_o worthy_a to_o possess_v god_n thus_o faith_n summon_v all_o the_o virtue_n 10.38_o embrace_v they_o and_o bind_v they_o all_o together_o and_o as_o she_o be_v mother_n so_o be_v she_o also_o nurse_v of_o they_o in_o brief_a she_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n the_o nourishment_n of_o all_o good_a action_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o saint_n paul_n who_o say_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a faith_n be_v a_o light_n of_o truth_n he_o than_o that_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n walk_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o truth_n be_v to_o hate_v sin_n which_o be_v a_o liar_n this_o be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n and_o possession_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o in_o the_o term_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o live_v in_o jesus_n 14.6_o who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n it_o therefore_o great_o import_v soul_n which_o will_v live_v good_a christian_n and_o obtain_v true_a virtue_n to_o establish_v themselves_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o use_v of_o faith_n to_o demand_v it_o of_o god_n and_o to_o refer_v all_o their_o good_a exercise_n thereunto_o which_o be_v true_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o principle_n the_o entertainer_n and_o supporter_n of_o christian_a perfection_n this_o exercise_n be_v very_o large_a faith_n and_o truth_n have_v effect_n almost_o innumerable_a he_o who_o apply_v himself_o thereto_o shall_v taste_v the_o fruit_n more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o his_o care_n therein_o but_o if_o we_o will_v know_v the_o most_o important_a where_o we_o must_v begin_v i_o answer_v it_o be_v the_o esteem_n of_o god_n wherein_o the_o soul_n must_v entertain_v itself_o much_o and_o lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n to_o arrive_v at_o this_o esteem_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o high_a and_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o frequent_a love_a and_o affectionate_a consideration_n of_o god_n we_o must_v never_o speak_v of_o god_n or_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o concern_v he_o but_o in_o word_n worthy_a of_o the_o subject_n with_o a_o sense_n full_a of_o respect_n and_o reverence_n
when_o we_o speak_v or_o think_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n we_o must_v believe_v they_o be_v ineffahle_fw-mi far_o above_o all_o that_o we_o can_v think_v or_o speak_v we_o must_v not_o make_v small_a account_n of_o what_o concern_v god_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v have_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o soul_n a_o great_a esteem_n and_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o god_n have_v do_v of_o all_o he_o have_v say_v and_o of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n in_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o little_a god_n be_v as_o adorable_a and_o estimable_a in_o the_o least_o as_o in_o the_o great_a final_o it_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o give_v itself_o to_o this_o exercise_n to_o draw_v from_o all_o thing_n and_o upon_o every_o subject_a a_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o to_o form_n in_o heart_n solid_a and_o serious_a thought_n thereof_o to_o assist_v we_o in_o this_o practice_n and_o to_o advance_v we_o in_o this_o virtue_n we_o ordinary_o make_v use_v of_o read_v prayer_n and_o meditation_n but_o it_o be_v good_a to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o be_v guide_v in_o this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n how_o we_o make_v use_v of_o the_o thought_n the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n we_o receive_v herein_o many_o seek_v only_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o do_v nothing_o but_o busy_a their_o own_o spirit_n they_o seek_v and_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o relish_v and_o resentment_n they_o leap_v from_o one_o subject_n to_o another_o they_o run_v from_o the_o first_o point_n to_o the_o second_o and_o apply_v themselves_o sometime_o to_o one_o affection_n sometime_o to_o another_o spend_v the_o whole_a time_n in_o a_o multiplicity_n and_o disturbance_n of_o thought_n to_o profit_v herein_o we_o must_v proceed_v otherwise_o for_o in_o these_o exercise_n and_o all_o other_o we_o must_v only_o seek_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o esteem_v it_o and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o worthy_a the_o grace_n necessary_a to_o accomplish_v his_o will_n and_o to_o please_v his_o divine_a majesty_n and_o have_v put_v ourselves_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v lay_v hold_v upon_o truth_n we_o must_v rest_v therein_o naked_o and_o simple_o we_o must_v adhere_v thereunto_o and_o keep_v ourselves_o firm_a in_o this_o first_o view_n with_o care_n quiet_o to_o leave_v our_o spirit_n to_o be_v replenish_v of_o god_n and_o bathe_v ourselves_o as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o thought_n we_o must_v unite_v ourselves_o to_o this_o knowledge_n imprint_v by_o degree_n in_o our_o heart_n the_o light_n strength_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o propose_a truth_n whether_o the_o knowledge_n be_v great_a or_o little_a we_o must_v always_o keep_v our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n open_a and_o free_a to_o receive_v the_o thought_n thereof_o these_o will_v put_v we_o into_o a_o esteem_n of_o god_n by_o this_o esteem_n we_o shall_v easy_o be_v carry_v to_o a_o humble_a respect_n and_o desire_v to_o serve_v and_o love_v so_o high_a a_o majesty_n and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o that_o many_o thing_n will_v be_v do_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o christ_n if_o she_o dispose_v herself_o thereto_o as_o she_o ought_v if_o she_o leave_v herself_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o abandon_v herself_o to_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o grace_n attend_v they_o with_o a_o humble_a patience_n but_o oh_o the_o misfortune_n of_o our_o self-love_n the_o soul_n seek_v herself_o and_o her_o own_o satisfaction_n withdraw_v and_o separate_v herself_o from_o god_n to_o follow_v she_o own_o inclination_n to_o content_v her_o sense_n and_o to_o employ_v herself_o in_o what_o she_o please_v make_v herself_o hereby_o unworthy_a to_o feel_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o bear_v the_o effect_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o deduce_v all_o into_o particular_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a but_o not_o to_o trouble_v myself_o with_o all_o the_o fail_n that_o happen_v in_o this_o exercise_n it_o suffice_v that_o i_o say_v that_o the_o first_o study_n of_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v to_o know_v god_n according_a to_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o faith_n to_o adhere_v strong_o to_o this_o knowledge_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o esteem_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o then_o to_o honour_v and_o adore_v he_o with_o a_o honour_n worthy_a of_o god_n these_o word_n express_v much_o and_o include_v the_o first_o duty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o show_v wherein_o she_o must_v employ_v herself_o with_o care_n before_o all_o thing_n hence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o their_o practice_n be_v not_o good_a who_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o enter_v into_o some_o knowledge_n and_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v some_o light_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o feel_v themselves_o move_v and_o as_o it_o be_v draw_v by_o a_o humble_a respect_n and_o inward_a reverence_n before_o god_n instead_o of_o stay_v and_o receive_v at_o leisure_n this_o little_a touch_n this_o sweet_a beam_n of_o heaven_n follow_v this_o little_a interior_a light_n and_o annihilate_v themselves_o before_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n of_o god_n they_o retire_v from_o it_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o false_a humility_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o other_o thought_n and_o fear_v evil_a on_o purpose_n to_o lose_v time_n and_o be_v deceive_v or_o to_o lose_v themselves_o in_o their_o estate_n they_o shut_v the_o ear_n to_o god_n and_o their_o eye_n to_o the_o light_n to_o entertain_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o conception_n and_o imagination_n and_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o themselves_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o this_o way_n be_v ill_a we_o may_v easy_o observe_v that_o such_o soul_n never_o advance_v or_o if_o there_o appear_v some_o advancement_n it_o be_v but_o in_o appearance_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v always_o in_o fear_n and_o in_o a_o spirit_n of_o self-love_n never_o in_o solid_a virtue_n the_o reason_n be_v manifest_a if_o prayer_n be_v a_o elevation_n and_o union_n of_o our_o heart_n a_o speak_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o we_o may_v advise_v to_o quit_v this_o application_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n to_o torment_v her_o imagination_n and_o cast_v she_o into_o the_o consideration_n of_o exterior_a thing_n into_o the_o examination_n of_o divers_a circumstance_n into_o a_o continual_a regard_n of_o what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o wherefore_o all_o this_o see_v it_o pertain_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n let_v we_o leave_v it_o to_o they_o who_o treat_v thereof_o and_o content_v ourselves_o to_o conclude_v with_o that_o which_o we_o will_v persuade_v that_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o he_o must_v practice_v who_o will_v live_v a_o perfect_a christian_n be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o this_o light_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o esteem_n of_o god_n which_o be_v support_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o of_o what_o he_o be_v what_o course_n we_o must_v take_v to_o obtain_v this_o knowledge_n we_o will_v proceed_v to_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o subject_n of_o humility_n the_o second_o disposition_n chap._n viii_o of_o humility_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n the_o picture_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a describe_v one_o after_o another_o not_o all_o the_o virtue_n but_o those_o only_o which_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o the_o base_n and_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n the_o mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o the_o rest_n faith_n lead_v the_o way_n humility_n follow_v for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v and_o esteem_v of_o god_n so_o far_o be_v we_o humble_a faith_n make_v we_o know_v god_n humility_n lead_v we_o to_o god_n faith_n dispose_v we_o and_o show_v we_o true_a virtue_n humility_n acquire_v they_o and_o be_v acquire_v conserves_n they_o this_o be_v she_o that_o open_v and_o make_v plain_a the_o way_n to_o charity_n and_o who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o mistress_n of_o god_n house_n she_o alone_o lay_v up_o and_o keep_v safe_a the_o divine_a gift_n st._n paul_n by_o way_n of_o excellency_n call_v she_o the_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o virtue_n appertain_v to_o he_o more_o than_o to_o any_o and_o that_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v ever_o accomplish_v in_o humility_n it_o be_v moreover_o his_o virtue_n in_o that_o he_o publish_v it_o and_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o will_n that_o his_o humility_n be_v the_o object_n and_o example_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n 11.29_o learn_v of_o i_o say_v he_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a
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
from_o all_o thing_n without_o doubt_n if_o god_n operate_v you_o shall_v see_v all_o these_o effect_n and_o therefore_o the_o soul_n that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v narrow_o look_v into_o all_o this_o and_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a vigilancy_n to_o become_v faithful_a and_o attentive_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n in_o she_o on_o one_o side_n to_o correspond_v thereto_o and_o to_o labour_v after_o the_o manner_n god_n inspire_v she_o with_o on_o the_o other_o to_o annihilate_v herself_o not_o the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o if_o we_o oppose_v not_o ourselves_o to_o grace_n and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o if_o we_o do_v not_o annihilate_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o we_o god_n will_v certain_o work_v great_a thing_n in_o we_o but_o alas_o the_o way_n whereby_o we_o make_v use_v of_o devotion_n in_o this_o age_n be_v more_o capable_a to_o drive_v god_n away_o then_o to_o invite_v he_o into_o our_o heart_n i_o shall_v describe_v they_o unto_o you_o the_o soul_n blind_v with_o natural_a love_n to_o her_o self_n desire_v to_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n she_o will_v enjoy_v he_o and_o will_v love_v what_o seem_v good_a and_o profitable_a to_o she_o she_o fill_v herself_o with_o divers_a desire_n she_o tie_v herself_o thereto_o and_o will_v continual_o act_v and_o attain_v she_o put_v herself_o into_o all_o employment_n and_o motion_n she_o seek_v they_o she_o please_v herself_o with_o a_o satisfaction_n that_o her_o own_o love_n take_v in_o thing_n most_o holy_a and_o in_o the_o very_a operation_n of_o god_n she_o seek_v herself_o therein_o she_o elevate_v herself_o thereto_o in_o this_o manner_n she_o oppose_v herself_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o annihilate_v the_o work_n of_o god_n who_o will_v only_o live_v in_o she_o only_o occupate_v her_o spirit_n only_o possess_v she_o desire_v by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o love_n to_o annihate_v in_o she_o all_o that_o be_v of_o she_o jesus_n christ_n will_v take_v away_o and_o this_o soul_n will_v add_v to_o god_n will_v dispossess_v and_o spoil_v and_o she_o will_v acquire_v and_o possess_v thus_o she_o hinder_v and_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n drive_v god_n out_o of_o she_o and_o out_o of_o her_o spirit_n to_o cause_v she_o own_o love_n to_o reign_v there_o her_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o will_n a_o vanity_n ordinary_a to_o such_o soul_n as_o be_v whole_o consume_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o adam_n they_o therefore_o who_o tend_v to_o perfection_n must_v go_v with_o all_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n they_o must_v seek_v nothing_o but_o god_n and_o to_o please_v god_n but_o above_o all_o they_o must_v be_v very_o circumspect_a and_o attentive_a to_o his_o inward_a operation_n have_v a_o great_a care_n and_o fidelity_n to_o leave_v the_o spirit_n to_o act_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o as_o all_o this_o be_v very_o secret_a and_o interior_a and_o often_o be_v in_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o must_v we_o take_v heed_n thereto_o and_o beside_o the_o vigilance_n necessary_a it_o be_v good_a from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o practice_v these_o ensue_a act_n first_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o live_v in_o he_o and_o to_o bear_v the_o spirit_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o self-denial_n after_o the_o manner_n that_o please_v he_o second_o to_o renounce_v ourselves_o our_o secret_a vanity_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o we_o opposite_a to_o grace_n and_o to_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n three_o to_o be_v attentive_a to_o the_o motion_n and_o operation_n of_o god_n in_o we_o especial_o when_o he_o act_n by_o self-denial_n and_o privation_n as_o well_o interior_a as_o exterior_a to_o cooperate_v therewith_o either_o by_o action_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a or_o by_o consent_n of_o the_o soul_n give_v herself_o to_o god_n to_o receive_v what_o god_n shall_v operate_v in_o she_o when_o the_o soul_n shall_v feel_v divers_a motion_n or_o meet_v several_a occasion_n to_o practice_v virtue_n she_o shall_v always_o choose_v those_o where_o there_o shall_v be_v privation_n and_o self-denial_n as_o the_o most_o assure_a way_n and_o the_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n most_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o most_o conformable_a to_o his_o humane_a life_n four_o she_o shall_v pray_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o vouchsafe_v to_o operate_v and_o put_v into_o she_o all_o that_o he_o will_v and_o to_o annihilate_v in_o she_o all_o that_o he_o require_v to_o prevent_v in_o she_o by_o his_o light_n and_o love_n the_o time_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n whereto_o he_o must_v annihilate_v the_o thought_n and_o judgement_n of_o man_n the_o abridgement_n of_o the_o three_o part._n chap._n fourteen_o treat_v of_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o god_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v that_o among_o christian_n even_o those_o who_o think_v they_o have_v virtue_n enough_o to_o fave_v they_o many_o deceive_v and_o altogether_o lose_v themselves_o take_v the_o shadow_n of_o virtue_n for_o the_o substance_n appearance_n for_o truth_n like_o the_o dog_n in_o the_o fable_n who_o let_v go_v the_o good_a morsel_n he_o have_v hold_v of_o to_o catch_v a_o shadow_n these_o neglect_n the_o solid_a virtue_n and_o principal_a foundation_n of_o piety_n to_o insist_v on_o certain_a exterior_a action_n which_o have_v no_o substance_n but_o in_o the_o air_n of_o imagination_n they_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o moral_a virtue_n and_o despise_v the_o christian_a they_o compose_v the_o exterior_a and_o form_v their_o demeanour_n and_o neglect_v the_o interior_a they_o fear_v to_o displease_v man_n and_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v their_o kindred_n and_o friend_n but_o care_v no_o more_o to_o please_v god_n than_o they_o fear_v to_o displease_v he_o they_o will_v seem_v good_a but_o care_v not_o to_o be_v so_o in_o a_o word_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o choose_v the_o most_o beautiful_a and_o best_a and_o will_v have_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v good_a but_o for_o their_o soul_n that_o which_o be_v least_o best_a content_v they_o they_o seek_v but_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a what_o give_v they_o great_a liberty_n and_o satisfaction_n they_o embrace_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n god_n who_o be_v truth_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o these_o feign_n and_o will_n that_o we_o serve_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n he_o detest_v a_o lie_n and_o curse_n those_o that_o serve_v he_o with_o the_o mouth_n only_o if_o he_o love_v 29.13_o he_o will_v be_v belove_v and_o as_o his_o love_n be_v most_o pure_a and_o perfect_a he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v such_o also_o whence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o comprehend_v that_o to_o be_v a_o perfect_a christian_n and_o friend_n to_o god_n require_v great_a quality_n he_o must_v have_v a_o golden_a key_n that_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o king_n chamber_n he_o that_o will_v come_v to_o a_o royal_a feast_n must_v be_v clothe_v with_o a_o wedding_n garment_n 13._o lest_o he_o be_v bind_v hand_n and_o foot_n and_o cast_v into_o prison_n and_o utter_a darkness_n to_o be_v a_o perfect_a christian_a be_v not_o so_o slight_a a_o business_n as_o some_o think_v it_o it_o belong_v to_o god_n only_o to_o make_v a_o man_n just_a it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o great_a than_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n at_o least_o in_o this_o god_n show_v himself_o more_o powerful_a in_o his_o love_n and_o more_o admirable_a in_o his_o mercy_n therefore_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o good_a and_o perfect_a christian_a we_o speak_v of_o god_n handiwork_n of_o a_o man_n worthy_a to_o be_v a_o saint_n for_o to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o be_v saint_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n now_o what_o ought_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o saint_n to_o be_v who_o must_v one_o day_n see_v god_n live_v with_o god_n say_v st._n bernard_n in_o his_o meditation_n and_o be_v eternal_o in_o unity_n with_o god_n what_o must_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o soul_n be_v that_o shall_v become_v worthy_a so_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a a_o happiness_n whereto_o all_o aspire_v that_o will_v be_v save_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o their_o thought_n who_o know_v how_o to_o esteem_v of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o make_v account_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o paradise_n and_o shall_v only_o tell_v those_o languish_a and_o easy_a spirit_n with_o saint_n paul_n 8_o be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v for_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_v that_o shall_v he_o reap_v also_o for_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a whereupon_o we_o must_v reflect_v that_o christian_n who_o be_v to_o reap_v the_o incorruption_n of_o the_o life_n everlasting_a if_o they_o will_v arrive_v to_o their_o
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 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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
gospel_n with_o such_o high_a and_o divine_a word_n word_n not_o of_o counsel_n as_o many_o think_v but_o of_o command_n in_o clear_a and_o express_v term_n testify_v his_o will_n word_n address_v not_o only_o to_o the_o religious_a but_o to_o all_o christian_n 5.48_o be_v you_o perfect_a say_v he_o even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o or_o speak_v in_o more_o express_a term_n how_o will_v we_o have_v more_o clear_o express_v what_o this_o perfection_n ought_v to_o be_v then_o to_o say_v you_o must_v be_v perfect_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a this_o perfection_n consist_v in_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n and_o this_o union_n be_v make_v and_o accomplish_v by_o pure_a and_o perfect_a love_n the_o love_n of_o god_n come_v from_o god_n above_o which_o alone_o have_v power_n to_o give_v god_n to_o we_o and_o to_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n all_o christian_n in_o general_a be_v call_v to_o the_o 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the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n so_o st._n paul_n call_v it_o 3.14_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n then_o but_o in_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o we_o be_v to_o take_v to_o arrive_v to_o this_o perfection_n there_o be_v divers_a and_o we_o must_v esteem_v all_o and_o regard_v they_o with_o respect_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o question_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o way_n to_o arrive_v to_o this_o love_n and_o if_o we_o must_v have_v law_n and_o maxim_n to_o conduct_v we_o thereunto_o and_o to_o conserve_v we_o therein_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v find_v they_o more_o pure_a more_o divine_a and_o more_o assure_v then_o in_o the_o gospel_n where_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o as_o author_n of_o christianity_n show_v we_o the_o way_n give_v we_o the_o rule_n and_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o maxim_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o keep_v to_o guide_v we_o to_o this_o love_n which_o he_o command_v to_o live_v in_o this_o union_n and_o to_o arrive_v to_o this_o perfection_n whereto_o 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
to_o sinful_a adam_n final_o by_o these_o principle_n we_o learn_v and_o it_o be_v that_o i_o will_v most_o persuade_v that_o the_o way_n to_o obtain_v christian_a virtue_n the_o most_o powerful_a mean_n to_o arrive_v to_o perfection_n be_v to_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n to_o prostrate_v ourselves_o frequent_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o greatness_n to_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o his_o sovereignty_n to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o virtue_n to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v replenish_v with_o his_o spirit_n to_o bear_v he_o in_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o as_o the_o centre_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o its_o circumference_n he_o may_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o heart_n as_o the_o centre_n of_o our_o be_v and_o our_o soul_n we_o must_v look_v upon_o this_o practice_n as_o very_o important_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n and_o possess_v he_o she_o shall_v possess_v all_o in_o he_o and_o easy_o obtain_v all_o from_o he_o a_o truth_n none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o do_v acquire_v virtue_n we_o must_v have_v they_o in_o jesus_n and_o of_o jesus_n their_o only_a principle_n object_n and_o prototype_n upon_o who_o we_o must_v mould_v our_o action_n and_o form_v our_o life_n by_o he_o the_o eternal_a father_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o he_o he_o teach_v we_o in_o a_o word_n by_o he_o he_o give_v we_o this_o life_n the_o life_n of_o grace_n the_o life_n of_o perfection_n the_o life_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o jesus_n live_v in_o we_o he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n 5.12_o have_v life_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o son_n have_v not_o life_n say_v the_o belove_a disciple_n what_o be_v there_o more_o clear_a there_o only_o remain_v to_o practice_v what_o we_o have_v say_v chap._n iu._n the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v arrive_v to_o the_o adherence_n of_o our_o soul_n with_o god_n and_o the_o obstacle_n which_o hinder_v it_o to_o know_v truth_n and_o not_o practice_v it_o avail_v little_a god_n in_o the_o gospel_n threaten_v many_o stripe_n to_o the_o servant_n that_o know_v the_o will_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n 12.47_o and_o do_v not_o according_a to_o it_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o love_v virtue_n and_o embrace_v vice_n to_o praise_v good_a and_o to_o follow_v evil_a be_v to_o be_v condemn_v out_o of_o our_o own_o mouth_n we_o say_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o love_v to_o esteem_v and_o to_o know_v christian_a virtue_n as_o other_o do_v but_o we_o must_v bear_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o god_n require_v we_o be_v therefore_o now_o to_o show_v how_o we_o must_v practice_v what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v to_o do_v a_o christian_a action_n require_v not_o only_o that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o do_v in_o grace_n but_o it_o must_v be_v do_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o he_o pour_v into_o we_o in_o such_o manner_n that_o all_o the_o virtue_n which_o be_v in_o we_o come_v from_o he_o with_o such_o dependence_n that_o as_o the_o member_n receive_v of_o the_o head_n so_o jesus_n be_v our_o head_n and_o we_o his_o member_n we_o can_v receive_v nothing_o but_o from_o he_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v so_o true_a and_o necessary_a that_o he_o himself_o say_v as_o the_o branch_n can_v bear_v fruit_n of_o itself_o 15.4_o except_o it_o abide_v in_o the_o vine_n no_o no_o more_o can_v you_o except_o you_o abide_v with_o i_o our_o soul_n be_v barren_a and_o without_o the_o fruit_n of_o grace_n if_o she_o dwell_v not_o in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o take_v not_o from_o he_o all_o her_o juice_n life_n and_o true_a virtue_n to_o adhere_v to_o this_o holy_a spirit_n a_o man_n must_v be_v devest_v of_o himself_o sever_v from_o the_o creature_n not_o only_o by_o will_n and_o good_a intention_n but_o by_o effect_n also_o he_o must_v have_v a_o continual_a recourse_n by_o grace_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o submission_n and_o dependency_n upon_o grace_n that_o it_o may_v have_v power_n to_o act_v free_o in_o he_o we_o must_v regard_v the_o virtue_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o imitate_v it_o especial_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v most_o eminent_a in_o his_o life_n the_o base_n and_o foundation_n of_o solid_a perfection_n as_o profound_a humility_n purity_n of_o heart_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o like_a solid_a virtue_n only_o appear_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o in_o the_o practice_n and_o exercise_v of_o virtue_n we_o seek_v they_o not_o so_o much_o because_o of_o their_o excellency_n nor_o to_o become_v thereby_o better_a or_o more_o perfect_a nor_o for_o our_o own_o interest_n but_o chief_o and_o above_o all_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n imitate_v he_o in_o our_o life_n and_o action_n that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o a_o manner_n please_v to_o he_o and_o since_o the_o end_n of_o our_o action_n must_v be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n it_o be_v convenient_a that_o we_o have_v no_o other_o design_n then_o to_o please_v and_o glorify_v he_o if_o you_o desire_v a_o more_o express_a practice_n i_o propose_v it_o thus_o when_o we_o have_v form_v some_o good_a resolution_n in_o prayer_n or_o that_o the_o do_v of_o some_o act_n of_o virtue_n be_v in_o question_n we_o must_v present_o give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v accomplish_v this_o act_n of_o virtue_n according_a as_o he_o desire_v and_o according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o his_o cross_n it_o not_o be_v necessary_a to_o form_v any_o particular_a intention_n or_o design_n as_o for_o example_n be_v to_o form_v a_o resolution_n to_o practice_v humility_n let_v we_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n i_o give_v myself_o to_o thou_o my_o jesus_n to_o enter_v into_o thy_o spirit_n of_o humility_n i_o will_v pass_v with_o thou_o all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n in_o this_o holy_a virtue_n i_o invoke_v the_o power_n of_o thy_o spirit_n upon_o i_o that_o it_o may_v abase_v my_o pride_n and_o i_o will_v keep_v myself_o with_o thou_o in_o humility_n i_o offer_v thou_o the_o opportunity_n of_o humility_n which_o shall_v present_v themselves_o in_o my_o life_n bless_v they_o if_o it_o so_o please_v thou_o i_o renounce_v myself_o and_o all_o thing_n which_o may_v hinder_v i_o from_o have_v part_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o thy_o humility_n the_o like_a may_v be_v do_v in_o all_o other_o virtue_n or_o good_a intention_n which_o we_o offer_v to_o god_n in_o this_o manner_n they_o shall_v be_v found_v on_o jesus_n christ_n make_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n not_o in_o our_o own_o spirit_n make_v true_o christian_n let_v we_o not_o contemn_v this_o practice_n neither_o as_o too_o much_o elevate_v nor_o as_o superfluous_a it_o be_v easy_a and_o necessary_a we_o speak_v not_o of_o humane_a action_n but_o a_o christian_n action_n perfect_a and_o worthy_a of_o god_n suitable_a to_o our_o condition_n and_o dignity_n whereto_o we_o be_v elevate_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o st._n peter_n call_v we_o a_o choose_a generation_n 9_o a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n and_o to_o crown_v all_o this_o st._n paul_n say_v we_o be_v the_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o such_o 6._o we_o must_v live_v no_o other_o life_n than_o he_o not_o act_n but_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o in_o his_o intention_n upon_o this_o foundation_n may_v be_v build_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v or_o think_v of_o the_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n all_o be_v say_v when_o we_o say_v jesus_n be_v our_o head_n and_o we_o his_o member_n he_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o grace_n necessary_a for_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o must_v take_v all_o of_o he_o he_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n we_o must_v refer_v they_o all_o to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o honour_n in_o fine_a he_o be_v the_o prototype_n and_o the_o exemplary_a cause_n we_o must_v all_o regard_n and_o continual_o contemplate_v he_o not_o only_o to_o imitate_v he_o but_o to_o imprint_v his_o life_n and_o virtue_n in_o we_o this_o be_v the_o essence_n of_o christian_n perfection_n which_o st._n paul_n mean_v in_o those_o word_n full_a of_o love_n my_o little_a child_n 4.19_o of_o who_o i_o travel_v in_o birth_n again_o until_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o you_o he_o will_v have_v jesus_n christ_n form_v in_o we_o great_a word_n which_o represent_v to_o the_o life_n the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a virtue_n this_o it_o be_v which_o i_o demand_v of_o foul_n and_o will_v cause_v it_o to_o be_v understand_v if_o possible_a as_o be_v of_o importance_n to_o remedy_v many_o abuse_n and_o
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
thought_n and_o disposition_n he_o must_v only_o regard_v god_n and_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o be_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o he_o without_o have_v other_o interest_n or_o intention_n then_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o this_o disposition_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o christian_n the_o soul_n will_v never_o fail_v to_o feel_v the_o help_n of_o her_o god_n for_o those_o who_o seek_v god_n with_o purity_n of_o heart_n shall_v be_v worthy_a to_o possess_v he_o in_o fine_a we_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n continual_o and_o in_o a_o affair_n so_o important_a as_o be_v fidelity_n to_o grace_n and_o the_o employment_n of_o our_o life_n we_o must_v demand_v of_o god_n and_o that_o instant_o his_o light_n to_o know_v what_o he_o will_v of_o we_o his_o grace_n to_o accomplish_v it_o his_o mercy_n and_o particular_a assistance_n to_o persevere_v in_o it_o for_o he_o alone_o who_o persevere_fw-la to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o we_o know_v that_o without_o the_o favour_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o after_o this_o the_o christian_a who_o will_v proceed_v further_o and_o live_v christianly_o must_v be_v very_o vigilant_a to_o root_v up_o take_v away_o and_o annihilate_v all_o that_o may_v alienate_v he_o from_o god_n and_o draw_v he_o from_o his_o divine_a conduct_n he_o must_v always_o have_v a_o watchful_a regard_n of_o god_n to_o make_v use_n with_o purity_n and_o fidelity_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n he_o receive_v of_o he_o i_o say_v fidelity_n not_o one_o or_o other_o but_o according_a to_o the_o amplitude_n and_o state_n of_o grace_n that_o god_n communicate_v to_o he_o and_o with_o purity_n of_o love_n and_o esteem_v of_o god_n for_o we_o be_v oblige_v not_o only_o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o grace_v but_o also_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n in_o we_o so_o that_o our_o fidelity_n and_o co-operation_n must_v be_v correspondent_a and_o proportionable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o god_n we_o may_v fail_v in_o fidelity_n and_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o we_o three_o way_n in_o absolute_o refuse_v the_o grace_n god_n offer_v as_o when_o he_o say_v i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v 1.24_o or_o be_v unfaithful_a repress_v all_o the_o grace_n we_o have_v of_o god_n like_o he_o in_o the_o parable_n 25.18_o who_o hide_v his_o master_n talon_n under_o ground_n or_o last_o we_o be_v unfaithful_a not_o run_v out_o all_o the_o race_n of_o god_n but_o only_o a_o part_n stray_v from_o he_o to_o apply_v our_o self_n to_o our_o self_n or_o the_o creature_n like_v he_o who_o desire_v he_o may_v take_v leave_n of_o his_o friend_n at_o home_n 21._o and_o see_v they_o before_o he_o follow_v christ._n these_o three_o state_n of_o infidelity_n god_n severe_o punish_v 1.26_o he_o abandon_v the_o first_o and_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o conduct_n and_o counsel_n protest_v that_o he_o will_v mock_v they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o affliction_n that_o be_v of_o their_o death_n from_o the_o second_o he_o take_v away_o the_o talon_n and_o throw_v they_o from_o before_o his_o face_n 25.28_o confine_v they_o to_o that_o place_n of_o darkness_n 30._o whereof_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v mention_v a_o place_n full_a of_o horror_n and_o lamentation_n of_o the_o three_o christ_n say_v no_o man_n have_v put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n and_o look_v back_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 9.62_o whence_o we_o may_v learn_v how_o much_o the_o christian_n must_v suffer_v who_o lead_v a_o life_n which_o we_o call_v common_a who_o endeavour_v only_o to_o recreate_v himself_o to_o deceive_v the_o time_n and_o have_v no_o care_n or_o leisure_n to_o consider_v what_o he_o do_v or_o what_o may_v befall_v he_o for_o the_o small_a esteem_n he_o make_v of_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n he_o be_v assure_v that_o such_o soul_n must_v apprehend_v some_o great_a evil_n 13.12_o for_o whosoever_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundance_n but_o whosoever_o have_v not_o from_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o he_o have_v these_o word_n show_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o christian_n who_o make_v so_o little_a account_n of_o his_o love_n and_o receive_v his_o grace_n so_o indifferent_o who_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o they_o be_v sanctify_v 10.29_o a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o have_v do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n word_n that_o show_v the_o need_n we_o have_v to_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n and_o what_o a_o high_a crime_n it_o be_v to_o injure_v in_o we_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o destroy_v his_o work_n to_o annihilate_v his_o grace_n and_o to_o profane_v his_o gift_n and_o benefit_n chap._n viii_o of_o infidelity_n to_o grace_n and_o how_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o live_v in_o his_o vocation_n the_o consideration_n of_o this_o great_a evil_n which_o draw_v along_o with_o it_o the_o peril_n of_o our_o soul_n oblige_v we_o to_o find_v out_o by_o what_o way_n and_o after_o what_o manner_n we_o come_v to_o ruin_v and_o extinguish_v the_o operation_n of_o god_n in_o we_o and_o what_o the_o principal_a subject_n or_o object_n be_v that_o cause_n we_o to_o refuse_v his_o grace_n and_o despise_v his_o love_n who_o love_v we_o more_o than_o his_o own_o life_n see_v that_o infidelity_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a evil_n of_o our_o soul_n this_o must_v be_v a_o point_n of_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o advise_v hereunto_o we_o must_v apply_v the_o great_a vigilancy_n of_o our_o life_n to_o understand_v so_o necessary_a a_o doctrine_n we_o be_v only_o to_o consider_v grace_n in_o its_o essence_n and_o regard_v what_o god_n intend_v to_o do_v in_o we_o by_o his_o gift_n and_o operation_n we_o have_v speak_v of_o it_o elsewhere_o but_o we_o will_v brief_o repeat_v it_o upon_o the_o present_a subject_n god_n by_o his_o love_n operation_n and_o grace_n give_v himself_o to_o we_o and_o possess_v we_o he_o will_v that_o we_o be_v whole_o he_o as_o he_o be_v we_o he_o be_v in_o we_o and_o life_n in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o he_o and_o by_o a_o excessive_a bounty_n elevate_v we_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o divine_a essence_n and_o associate_n we_o to_o all_o his_o divine_a greatness_n for_o this_o he_o create_v we_o and_o have_v give_v we_o the_o capacity_n to_o love_v he_o and_o in_o love_v he_o to_o possess_v he_o and_o all_o that_o he_o do_v in_o we_o all_o the_o grace_n that_o he_o give_v be_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o accomplish_v all_o this_o in_o we_o this_o therefore_o be_v grant_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o grace_n and_o operation_n of_o god_n must_v produce_v two_o thing_n in_o we_o one_o to_o draw_v we_o from_o ourselves_o and_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o creature_n the_o other_o to_o draw_v we_o to_o god_n to_o give_v we_o to_o god_n and_o to_o make_v we_o one_o with_o he_o behold_v in_o few_o word_n the_o be_v of_o grace_n and_o design_n of_o god_n this_o be_v consider_v it_o will_v be_v easy_a for_o we_o to_o see_v and_o know_v that_o we_o annihilate_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o work_n when_o we_o remain_v to_o ourselves_o and_o adhere_v to_o ourselves_o and_o embrace_v the_o creature_n for_o in_o this_o doctrine_n of_o piety_n we_o must_v say_v that_o as_o grace_n separate_v we_o from_o ourselves_o and_o the_o creature_n and_o unite_v we_o only_o to_o god_n so_o we_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o god_n and_o destroy_v his_o work_n when_o we_o be_v ourselves_o and_o adhere_v to_o the_o creature_n and_o consequent_o we_o be_v less_o god_n the_o more_o we_o be_v our_o own_o so_o that_o to_o ruin_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o annihilate_v his_o grace_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o be_v ourselves_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o creature_n to_o follow_v our_o own_o inclination_n in_o a_o word_n to_o love_v ourselves_o this_o be_v a_o powerful_a truth_n which_o shall_v beget_v in_o our_o heart_n hate_v and_o horror_n of_o ourselves_o and_o detestation_n of_o all_o creature_n see_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o our_o loss_n and_o love_n of_o ourselves_o be_v the_o only_a instrument_n of_o our_o ruin_n this_o truth_n we_o shall_v have_v always_o before_o our_o eye_n to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o danger_n it_o be_v to_o follow_v our_o own_o appetite_n inclination_n and_o will_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o complacency_n esteem_n and_o love_n of_o the_o creature_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o more_o we_o love_v ourselves_o the_o more_o
pleasure_n and_o glory_n he_o that_o will_v examine_v the_o precept_n of_o love_n will_v ingenious_o confess_v that_o which_o we_o say_v for_o we_o can_v love_v god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o withal_o our_o strength_n but_o in_o seek_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n even_o the_o least_o much_o more_o in_o those_o which_o we_o call_v indifferent_a though_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v not_o so_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o second_o the_o christian_a must_v avoid_v in_o his_o action_n the_o multiplicity_n and_o confusion_n which_o occur_v ordinary_o in_o affair_n even_o in_o those_o which_o be_v good_a and_o appear_v charitable_a and_o above_o all_o he_o must_v exempt_v himself_o from_o that_o which_o concern_v he_o not_o and_o be_v not_o of_o his_o office_n nor_o suitable_a to_o his_o profession_n and_o vocation_n and_o especial_o those_o which_o be_v above_o his_o capacity_n and_o power_n this_o advice_n be_v to_o be_v weigh_v and_o clear_v for_o the_o most_o serious_a may_v be_v deceive_v and_o the_o most_o zealous_a may_v lose_v themselves_o in_o their_o occupation_n by_o this_o way_n the_o devil_n withdraw_v away_o many_o soul_n from_o virtue_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o vocation_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o we_o to_o be_v lose_v in_o this_o snare_n if_o we_o have_v not_o a_o pure_a regard_n of_o god_n and_o a_o continual_a vigilancy_n we_o fall_v ordinary_o into_o this_o evil_a sometime_o a_o false_a zeal_n of_o charity_n transport_v we_o sometime_o we_o be_v seduce_v by_o complacency_n sometime_o by_o curiosity_n and_o our_o own_o inclination_n which_o be_v much_o give_v to_o change_v and_o variety_n and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o all_o that_o it_o employ_v itself_o in_o busy_v itself_o therein_o with_o much_o content_n fasten_v itself_o thereto_o insomuch_o that_o the_o soul_n become_v at_o last_o so_o disorder_v that_o she_o find_v no_o more_o repose_n in_o her_o spirit_n no_o more_o attention_n in_o her_o self_n but_o feel_v her_o self_n whole_o estrange_v from_o god_n even_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a exercise_n of_o her_o vocation_n be_v in_o this_o condition_n she_o be_v disquiet_v and_o this_o disquiet_n cause_v a_o distaste_n and_o alienation_n from_o virtue_n whereupon_o lose_v the_o reins_o she_o more_o and_o more_o abandon_v herself_o to_o exterior_a thing_n and_o infallible_o lose_v herself_o if_o she_o have_v not_o a_o care_n to_o withdraw_v herself_o in_o good_a time_n and_o if_o god_n preserve_v she_o not_o and_o behold_v she_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o mercy_n the_o soul_n therefore_o that_o seek_v perfection_n and_o the_o inward_a peace_n of_o the_o heart_n must_v be_v vigilant_a herein_o and_o not_o suffer_v herself_o to_o be_v inconsiderate_o transport_v under_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o for_o it_o concern_v her_o salvation_n the_o state_n of_o true_a love_n and_o grace_n always_o withdraw_v the_o soul_n from_o all_o multiplicity_n and_o separate_v she_o from_o all_o thing_n for_o so_o much_o as_o she_o have_v of_o love_n and_o grace_n so_o far_o be_v she_o separate_v and_o estrange_v from_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o more_o she_o be_v to_o god_n the_o more_o she_o fly_v and_o detest_v all_o thing_n else_o the_o more_o grace_n reign_v in_o she_o the_o more_o it_o separate_v she_o from_o her_o self_n and_o the_o world_n self-love_n draw_v we_o to_o the_o creature_n and_o involve_v we_o in_o a_o multiplicity_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o love_n of_o god_n separate_v we_o from_o the_o creature_n and_o put_v we_o into_o unity_n this_o most_o true_a principle_n may_v serve_v we_o as_o a_o plummet_n to_o sound_v the_o depth_n and_o interior_a of_o the_o soul_n he_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o grace_n and_o have_v but_o any_o pure_a love_n need_v not_o to_o be_v persuade_v to_o this_o because_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o grace_n make_v he_o hate_v fly_v and_o detest_v both_o the_o world_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o and_o assure_o he_o will_v show_v it_o by_o the_o effect_n for_o he_o can_v do_v otherwise_o whence_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o approve_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o will_v be_v true_o devout_a and_o persuade_v themselves_o they_o have_v true_a christian_a piety_n yet_o charge_v themselves_o with_o care_n with_o affair_n and_o trouble_n perplex_v themselves_o in_o thought_n desire_n and_o bring_v about_o divers_a design_n to_o convince_v and_o enlighten_v they_o if_o they_o be_v capable_a we_o must_v resume_v our_o principle_n and_o only_o say_v to_o they_o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n speak_v unity_n and_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o multiplicity_n three_o there_o be_v many_o action_n necessary_a in_o many_o affair_n wherewith_o we_o can_v dispense_v for_o that_o they_o be_v necessary_a and_o wherein_o our_o nature_n and_o spirit_n may_v be_v satisfy_v and_o content_a but_o we_o must_v renounce_v this_o pleasure_n and_o content_n for_o god_n must_v have_v all_o our_o action_n and_o to_o do_v christianly_o and_o pure_o we_o must_v do_v it_o only_o for_o his_o good_a pleasure_n so_o that_o if_o we_o mingle_v with_o it_o other_o pretence_n or_o contentment_n it_o be_v not_o pure_o for_o god_n but_o we_o share_v with_o god_n and_o we_o rob_v he_o of_o all_o that_o part_n that_o we_o take_v therein_o but_o if_o the_o action_n we_o do_v be_v natural_a as_o to_o eat_v sleep_n and_o the_o like_a we_o must_v not_o fulfil_v they_o by_o the_o instinct_n and_o appetite_n of_o nature_n which_o force_v we_o to_o satisfy_v both_o her_o necessity_n and_o pleasure_n but_o we_o must_v perform_v they_o out_o of_o a_o pure_a desire_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o this_o necessity_n this_o desire_n must_v be_v exclusive_a as_o to_o any_o other_o instinct_n and_o will_n for_o in_o action_n natural_a and_o necessary_a there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o the_o rule_n and_o end_n of_o the_o action_n the_o rule_n be_v humane_a and_o natural_a the_o end_n must_v always_o be_v supernatural_a as_o for_o example_n we_o do_v some_o necessary_a act_n as_o to_o eat_v sleep_n or_o the_o like_a the_o necessity_n be_v the_o rule_n but_o god_n must_v be_v the_o end_n of_o this_o action_n for_o he_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n both_o free_a and_o necessary_a and_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o their_o supernatural_a end_n it_o be_v the_o advice_n of_o st._n paul_n 10.31_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v let_v all_o be_v do_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o truth_n be_v most_o evident_a for_o if_o god_n be_v not_o the_o end_n of_o such_o action_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v that_o man_n himself_o be_v the_o end_n thereof_o which_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n and_o error_n to_o affirm_v we_o must_v then_o conclude_v and_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n whatsoever_o you_o do_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n 3.17_o do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o in_o all_o lawful_a action_n therefore_o we_o must_v regard_v the_o rule_n and_o the_o end_n of_o necessity_n which_o must_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o good_a pleasure_n and_o pure_a will_n of_o god_n but_o if_o in_o these_o action_n there_o shall_v happen_v some_o displeasure_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o our_o honour_n or_o if_o they_o be_v full_a of_o bitterness_n than_o we_o must_v courageous_o embrace_v they_o and_o with_o a_o affection_n and_o love_v ready_a for_o the_o displeasure_n which_o may_v happen_v offer_v ourselves_o to_o god_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o bitterness_n as_o often_o and_o as_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v please_v his_o divine_a majesty_n so_o in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n wherein_o he_o may_v take_v pleasure_n or_o displeasure_n in_o what_o manner_n soever_o they_o be_v we_o may_v frame_v three_o act_n the_o first_o be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n make_v such_o a_o action_n very_o natural_a and_o necessary_a by_o submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o pure_a will_n of_o god_n who_o have_v ordain_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o best_a manner_n that_o best_o please_v he_o the_o second_o be_v of_o abnegation_n renounce_v the_o pleasure_n or_o accept_v the_o displeasure_n which_o may_v be_v therein_o the_o three_o of_o resignation_n give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a suffering_n of_o displeasure_n if_o it_o shall_v so_o happen_v and_o that_o for_o as_o long_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o shall_v please_v god_n for_o the_o soul_n must_v have_v no_o will_n but_o to_o accept_v the_o will_n of_o god_n four_o we_o may_v fail_v yet_o in_o the_o use_n and_o research_v of_o thing_n not_o only_o lawful_a but_o also_o virtuous_a by_o adherence_n and_o
other_o thing_n without_o abuse_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n if_o not_o for_o jesus_n christ_n and_o according_a to_o his_o design_n and_o intention_n this_o be_v st._n paul_n meaning_n when_o he_o say_v 6.19_o you_o be_v not_o your_o own_o and_o again_o you_o have_v no_o power_n on_o yourselves_o this_o power_n oblige_v we_o to_o refer_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o first_o thought_n and_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v in_o christian_a piety_n be_v to_o believe_v we_o have_v no_o right_n to_o ourselves_o but_o be_v whole_o christ_n and_o have_v conceive_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o our_o soul_n this_o belief_n to_o have_v a_o vigilant_a care_n that_o in_o our_o life_n and_o action_n we_o draw_v not_o ourselves_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o self_n and_o the_o creature_n to_o our_o own_o content_n and_o particular_a interest_n for_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n we_o have_v no_o right_a to_o appropriate_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o self_n this_o belief_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o true_a piety_n to_o jesus_n christ_n which_o saint_n paul_n teach_v say_v 5.15_o the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v that_o those_o that_o live_v may_v live_v no_o long_o to_o themselves_o but_o to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o they_o on_o this_o truth_n we_o ought_v often_o to_o reflect_v for_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o a_o true_a dependence_n and_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n over_o we_o so_o the_o principal_a care_n of_o he_o who_o seek_v true_a piety_n must_v be_v to_o continue_v in_o this_o dependence_n to_o live_v with_o such_o fidelity_n that_o he_o appropriate_v nothing_o to_o himself_o either_o as_o to_o his_o life_n or_o action_n or_o yet_o of_o the_o creature_n and_o assure_o he_o must_v make_v great_a account_n of_o this_o care_n and_o fidelity_n but_o whereto_o serve_v it_o to_o bear_v in_o his_o heart_n a_o sensible_a desire_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o every_o day_n to_o renew_v his_o resolution_n and_o good_a purpose_n what_o do_v it_o profit_v our_o soul_n to_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o so_o high_a a_o truth_n if_o in_o the_o action_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o exercise_n of_o piety_n we_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o this_o dependence_n on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o apply_v we_o to_o ourselves_o and_o seek_v in_o our_o own_o business_n and_o exercise_n our_o content_n and_o satisfaction_n this_o be_v by_o our_o own_o action_n to_o belie_v the_o resentment_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o profess_v piety_n and_o follow_v impiety_n to_o bear_v a_o double_a heart_n to_o have_v virtue_n only_o in_o the_o mouth_n for_o if_o we_o be_v true_o devout_a we_o can_v not_o but_o be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o if_o we_o be_v his_o our_o principal_a care_n will_v certain_o be_v to_o continue_v our_o dependence_n on_o he_o not_o only_o in_o that_o which_o concern_v our_o condition_n but_o in_o all_o the_o disposition_n intention_n action_n and_o circumstance_n of_o our_o life_n the_o same_o principle_n operate_v in_o our_o soul_n a_o second_o effect_n of_o piety_n in_o that_o our_o life_n and_o action_n belong_v proper_o to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o their_o beginning_n and_o end_n oughts_z according_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o his_o divine_a conduct_n to_o be_v order_v after_o what_o manner_n he_o please_v according_a to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o love_a communication_n it_o be_v but_o reason_n that_o all_o good_a depend_v on_o he_o from_o who_o it_o proceed_v and_o that_o we_o be_v rule_v not_o according_a to_o our_o own_o will_n which_o be_v blind_a and_o transport_v with_o affection_n and_o self-love_n but_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o ought_v necessary_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n thereof_o thus_o the_o second_o interior_a estate_n whereto_o the_o christian_a who_o seek_v true_a piety_n must_v arrive_v be_v a_o resignation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o conduct_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v so_o subject_v he_o may_v perform_v all_o his_o action_n in_o a_o pure_a regard_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o divine_a intention_n this_o resignation_n if_o true_a make_v we_o bear_v with_o patience_n and_o inward_a peace_n all_o estate_n we_o may_v possible_o arrive_v to_o it_o give_v we_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n capacity_n and_o strength_n to_o follow_v and_o embrace_v that_o only_o which_o be_v of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o god_n it_o put_v we_o into_o a_o great_a fidelity_n to_o the_o motion_n of_o grace_n in_o such_o manner_n that_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o increase_n in_o this_o resignation_n we_o advance_v in_o christian_a piety_n and_o live_v with_o great_a liberty_n and_o fidelity_n of_o soul._n this_o indeed_o appear_v something_o difficult_a and_o many_o believe_v it_o a_o estate_n only_o for_o the_o most_o perfect_a pass_v by_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o they_o but_o if_o we_o consider_v well_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o easy_a and_o acknowledge_v it_o common_a to_o all_o soul_n who_o live_v in_o grace_n to_o do_v a_o action_n of_o piety_n we_o must_v be_v aid_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o encourage_v &_o assist_v we_o in_o all_o good_a work_n so_o necessary_a that_o without_o this_o grace_n we_o can_v neither_o think_v nor_o act_v any_o good_a he_o than_o that_o will_v be_v devout_a and_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o true_a piety_n must_v have_v this_o grace_n whence_o it_o follow_v he_o must_v cooperate_v with_o it_o and_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o be_v conduct_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o will_v operate_v that_o good_a woâ—k_n in_o he_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o live_v well_o since_o that_o without_o grace_n we_o can_v do_v no_o good_a 12.3_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v saint_n paul_n for_o it_o be_v grace_n that_o do_v all_o in_o all_o and_o therefore_o we_o say_v he_o that_o will_v live_v according_a to_o true_a piety_n must_v take_v care_n to_o resign_v himself_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o with_o great_a circumspection_n become_v faithful_a therein_o the_o principle_n of_o devotion_n consist_v in_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o grace_n and_o motion_n that_o jesus_n offer_v and_o inspire_v we_o with_o herein_o we_o must_v take_v great_a care_n every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o state_n and_o vocation_n whence_o we_o easy_o learn_v that_o true_a and_o essential_a piety_n to_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o consist_v bare_o in_o action_n of_o homage_n and_o honour_n or_o in_o give_v ourselves_o to_o he_o by_o certain_a practice_n and_o employ_v we_o in_o several_a exercise_n though_o in_o itself_o all_o be_v profitable_a but_o the_o true_a essence_n and_o ground_n of_o this_o devotion_n consist_v in_o the_o dependence_n of_o our_o soul_n on_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o a_o true_a subject_n of_o our_o life_n to_o his_o conduct_n by_o a_o faithful_a cooperation_n with_o his_o grace_n and_o motion_n this_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o state_n of_o true_a piety_n to_o comprehend_v which_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o all_o we_o do_v be_v acceptable_a to_o jesus_n christ_n only_o because_o we_o be_v his_o all_o our_o action_n and_o exercise_n as_o good_a be_v derive_v from_o his_o grace_n inspire_v and_o conduct_v by_o his_o spirit_n we_o may_v do_v a_o thing_n two_o way_n according_a to_o natural_a motion_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o old_a man_n or_o according_a to_o the_o motion_n and_o holy_a inclination_n of_o the_o new_a man_n jesus_n christ_n if_o what_o we_o do_v though_o it_o seem_v good_a be_v according_a to_o the_o motion_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o old_a man_n it_o be_v but_o of_o little_a value_n be_v at_o the_o most_o but_o natural_a and_o humane_a action_n but_o if_o it_o issue_n from_o motion_n of_o grace_n then_o be_v it_o true_o christian_n hence_o we_o say_v the_o foundation_n of_o true_a piety_n consist_v in_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o grace_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o if_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o conduct_v the_o soul_n by_o grace_n nor_o direct_v she_o by_o his_o spirit_n she_o can_v do_v nothing_o considerable_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o deceive_v and_o flatter_v themselves_o in_o their_o imperfection_n pass_v their_o life_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o exercise_n neglect_v the_o principal_a and_o think_v they_o do_v wonder_n when_o they_o do_v nothing_o because_o all_o their_o action_n be_v rather_o effect_n of_o their_o own_o inclination_n humour_n or_o self-love_n