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
make_v this_o point_n hard_o to_o itself_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o a_o christian_n will_v oppugn_v this_o truth_n and_o less_o imagine_v that_o a_o soul_n it_o can_v arrive_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o solid_a and_o christian_a virtue_n if_o she_o walk_v not_o by_o the_o way_n and_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n propose_v if_o she_o do_v not_o find_v herself_o upon_o this_o spirit_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v and_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n true_a not_o imaginary_a member_n not_o of_o a_o man_n or_o saint_n but_o of_o jesus_n son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o that_o in_o this_o quality_n we_o be_v true_o and_o immediate_o unite_v to_o he_o if_o i_o say_v we_o consider_v ourselves_o as_o such_o do_v we_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n see_v that_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n and_o that_o by_o such_o a_o union_n we_o must_v be_v animate_v by_o his_o spirit_n live_v by_o his_o life_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o his_o conduct_n this_o be_v the_o first_o condition_n whereunto_o we_o be_v raise_v by_o christianity_n the_o first_o grace_n we_o receive_v in_o baptism_n what_o virtue_n and_o perfection_n can_v that_o soul_n have_v which_o live_v not_o conformable_a to_o this_o estate_n what_o do_v that_o soul_n learn_v which_o know_v not_o his_o truth_n to_o what_o end_n be_v the_o rest_n of_o our_o practice_n and_o this_o great_a fabric_n of_o devotion_n which_o we_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o if_o we_o lay_v not_o this_o first_o foundation_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o all_o the_o rest_n can_v subsist_v if_o we_o have_v god_n for_o we_o if_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o as_o member_n to_o the_o head_n yet_o if_o we_o be_v not_o resign_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o love_a conduct_n why_o do_v we_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o what_o end_n so_o much_o care_n so_o much_o prudence_n and_o humane_a providence_n to_o what_o end_n so_o many_o desire_n he_o be_v too_o covetous_a who_o god_n suffice_v not_o what_o can_v a_o soul_n desire_n to_o who_o its_o god_n and_o creator_n be_v make_v all_o thing_n and_o if_o it_o can_v find_v rest_n in_o this_o where_o can_v it_o find_v rest_n what_o can_v content_v he_o who_o be_v not_o content_a with_o god_n say_v st._n prosper_n certain_o that_o soul_n be_v very_o blind_a and_o miserable_a which_o be_v not_o content_a with_o providence_n and_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n i_o demand_v all_o that_o you_o will_v have_v of_o humane_a prudence_n in_o all_o thing_n we_o shall_v find_v but_o two_o many_o reason_n to_o invite_v we_o but_o a_o soul_n bring_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o nourish_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n will_v say_v with_o a_o holy_a person_n of_o our_o time_n that_o the_o poor_a dove_n be_v more_o please_v to_o god_n than_o the_o serpent_n let_v we_o then_o raise_v ourselves_o up_o to_o god_n trust_v in_o he_o adhere_v to_o his_o spirit_n and_o beg_v light_a of_o he_o to_o penetrate_v into_o these_o truth_n to_o bear_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o and_o grace_n to_o live_v faithful_o in_o his_o way_n there_o remain_v one_o motive_n more_o to_o see_v the_o obligation_n we_o have_v to_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o to_o adhere_v to_o he_o if_o we_o will_v arrive_v at_o perfection_n the_o four_o motive_n chap._n ix_o that_o this_o precept_n to_o love_n god_n do_v oblige_v we_o to_o perfection_n and_o make_v we_o to_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o to_o be_v god_n continue_v the_o design_n we_o have_v undertake_v in_o this_o second_o part_n to_o show_v by_o divers_a motive_n the_o obligation_n all_o man_n have_v to_o be_v perfect_a and_o to_o adhere_v to_o god_n and_o live_v in_o subjection_n and_o submission_n to_o his_o conduct_n and_o grace_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o consider_v in_o this_o last_o motive_n the_o essential_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n that_o we_o all_o have_v to_o the_o precept_n of_o love_n and_o consequent_o to_o perfection_n to_o which_o end_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o two_o estate_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o estate_n of_o the_o ordinary_a christian_a and_o that_o of_o the_o more_o religious_a not_o to_o examine_v they_o but_o to_o behold_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o former_a too_o light_o believe_v that_o perfection_n and_o solid_a virtue_n be_v not_o for_o they_o and_o lose_v themselves_o in_o this_o error_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o a_o christian_n as_o christian_n be_v not_o at_o all_o oblige_v to_o interior_a life_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o supererogation_n and_o a_o unnecessary_a labour_n to_o be_v busy_v in_o acquisition_n of_o christian_a virtue_n and_o possession_n of_o inward_a perfection_n a_o manifest_a error_n the_o more_o damageable_a in_o that_o it_o derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n give_v licence_n to_o the_o world_n and_o blind_a their_o soul_n lose_v they_o and_o make_v they_o slothful_a in_o the_o search_n of_o the_o right_a way_n to_o salvation_n to_o undeceive_v ourselves_o then_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o important_a and_o to_o secure_v our_o salvation_n which_o otherwise_o will_v remain_v very_o doubtful_a we_o must_v intentive_o observe_v the_o obligation_n of_o these_o two_o estate_n that_o by_o this_o knowledge_n we_o may_v know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v saint_n thomas_n aquinas_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n that_o profess_v religion_n enter_v into_o a_o stable_n and_o permanent_a estate_n wherein_o she_o seek_v after_o true_a and_o solid_a perfection_n divest_v herself_o of_o all_o that_o may_v hinder_v her_o arrival_n to_o this_o perfection_n by_o this_o solemn_a profession_n she_o renounce_v all_o thing_n take_v in_o this_o manner_n of_o life_n as_o say_v moses_n the_o abbot_n the_o way_n instrument_n and_o mean_n to_o attain_v certain_o to_o this_o perfection_n so_o much_o commend_v and_o recommend_v by_o jesus_n christ._n for_o this_o reason_n she_o make_v vow_n to_o separate_v herself_o from_o her_o self_n and_o all_o other_o creature_n to_o appropriate_v herself_o to_o god_n and_o if_o she_o take_v heed_n to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n which_o accompany_v this_o action_n or_o if_o lift_v up_o her_o eye_n to_o heaven_n she_o consider_v the_o will_n of_o god_n towards_o she_o in_o her_o vocation_n she_o know_v that_o by_o the_o estate_n of_o religion_n she_o enter_v into_o a_o profession_n which_o must_v sever_v she_o from_o the_o world_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o unite_v she_o to_o her_o god_n and_o to_o place_v she_o if_o we_o may_v so_o say_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n to_o live_v upon_o earth_n the_o life_n that_o the_o angel_n live_v in_o heaven_n to_o lead_v in_o a_o holy_a communion_n the_o life_n that_o god_n lead_v in_o his_o holiness_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o god_n for_o as_o god_n be_v busy_v whole_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o himself_o so_o the_o soul_n which_o desire_v to_o perfectionate_a herself_o be_v not_o busy_v in_o religion_n but_o in_o a_o pure_a and_o continual_a contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o in_o act_n of_o love_n which_o she_o do_v with_o great_a care_n and_o vigilancy_n for_o for_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v as_o god_n will_v have_v she_o and_o arrive_v to_o the_o eminent_a and_o divine_a estate_n whereto_o god_n have_v call_v she_o must_v be_v accidental_o and_o by_o grace_n that_o which_o god_n be_v substantial_o and_o by_o nature_n this_o be_v much_o in_o few_o word_n to_o extol_v the_o religious_a estate_n and_o make_v we_o see_v how_o holy_a it_o be_v whereto_o they_o be_v call_v but_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o what_o be_v say_v extend_v to_o all_o christian_n for_o the_o estate_n of_o christianity_n be_v a_o estate_n stable_n and_o permanent_a which_o call_v and_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n a_o estate_n permanent_a and_o indispensable_a for_o it_o be_v mark_v with_o the_o character_n of_o baptism_n which_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o faith_n can_v never_o be_v deface_v a_o estate_n holy_a and_o of_o a_o particular_a sanctity_n which_o only_o appertain_v to_o christianity_n since_o it_o be_v consecrate_v by_o the_o unction_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n confirm_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o adoption_n and_o enrich_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v give_v we_o by_o confirmation_n and_o conserve_v by_o the_o sacrament_n a_o estate_n permanent_a see_v it_o be_v indispensable_a for_o no_o christian_n can_v go_v out_o of_o or_o have_v a_o dispensation_n from_o the_o obligation_n he_o have_v to_o his_o perfection_n a_o perfection_n not_o indifferent_a but_o evangelicall_n and_o christian_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n mention_n in_o the_o
mean_n to_o possess_v all_o christian_a virtue_n that_o virtue_n which_o we_o call_v christian_n be_v a_o hide_a treasure_n hide_v in_o god_n the_o very_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n 13.46_o be_v such_o it_o be_v the_o pearl_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o who_o will_v obtain_v heaven_n must_v seek_v and_o buy_v he_o must_v seek_v it_o in_o god_n with_o all_o diligence_n and_o buy_v it_o at_o the_o price_n of_o all_o the_o world_n nothing_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o true_a virtue_n which_o alone_o render_v we_o like_a to_o god_n and_o worthy_a of_o paradise_n all_o thing_n else_o be_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n amuzement_n of_o spirit_n and_o unprofitable_a travel_n of_o know_v and_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o the_o possession_n of_o so_o rich_a a_o treasure_n there_o be_v one_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o which_o though_o little_o consider_v and_o perhaps_o little_o know_v be_v most_o important_a without_o which_o all_o other_o be_v ineffectual_a this_o be_v the_o adherence_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o jesus_n christ_n this_o put_v we_o into_o possession_n of_o virtue_n he_o who_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n be_v one_o spirit_n with_o he_o possess_v he_o and_o in_o he_o all_o virtue_n to_o comprehend_v this_o truth_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o we_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v our_o all_o whence_o it_o follow_v he_o be_v our_o humility_n our_o love_n our_o patience_n our_o virtue_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v possess_v he_o shall_v possess_v all_o in_o he_o he_o be_v the_o foundation_n the_o treasure_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o soul_n 1.30_o he_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o say_v saint_n paul_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o redemption_n who_o then_o will_v have_v wisdom_n righteousness_n and_o other_o virtue_n let_v he_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n he_o that_o will_v acquire_v and_o possess_v perfection_n 3._o let_v he_o possess_v jesus_n for_o in_o he_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n the_o apostle_n explain_v this_o further_a 8.32_o say_v the_o eternal_a father_n give_v we_o his_o son_n and_o with_o he_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n by_o which_o word_n he_o not_o only_o imply_v that_o by_o his_o merit_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o for_o his_o love_n we_o have_v all_o but_o moreover_o that_o with_o jesus_n christ_n note_n the_o energy_n of_o this_o word_n with_o jesus_n we_o have_v all_o possess_v he_o we_o possess_v all_o we_o must_v add_v that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o possess_v nor_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n we_o can_v have_v true_a christian_n virtue_n this_o truth_n be_v not_o hard_a to_o conceive_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o essence_n of_o christian_n virtue_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n or_o jesus_n himself_o live_v in_o we_o and_o work_v in_o we_o that_o which_o be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n 13.21_o say_v the_o apostle_n our_o ordinary_a manner_n of_o speak_v teach_v we_o as_o much_o for_o we_o say_v virtue_n and_o christian_n perfection_n have_v their_o beginning_n in_o grace_n from_o whence_o they_o spring_v and_o what_o go_v out_o of_o a_o just_a soul_n that_o we_o call_v grace_n now_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v in_o grace_n nor_o just_a but_o by_o the_o habitation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n live_v and_o act_v in_o she_o so_o the_o apostle_n the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 5.5_o which_o be_v give_v to_o we_o whence_o we_o infer_v that_o if_o to_o live_v in_o christian_n virtue_n we_o must_v be_v in_o grace_n and_o if_o grace_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o holy_a spirit_n live_v in_o we_o and_o there_o act_v see_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n it_o follow_v evident_o that_o to_o live_v christian_o we_o must_v possess_v true_a virtue_n and_o to_o possess_v they_o we_o must_v possess_v jesus_n and_o adhere_v to_o he_o for_o grace_n and_o righteousness_n consist_v in_o this_o possession_n let_v we_o rise_v high_o and_o come_v to_o the_o source_n hereof_o faith_n teach_v we_o that_o in_o adam_n we_o be_v devest_v of_o innocence_n fall_v from_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o perfection_n whereto_o we_o be_v destine_v by_o creation_n and_o by_o the_o first_o design_n of_o god_n by_o this_o fall_n we_o have_v lose_v for_o ever_o the_o virtue_n grace_n and_o supernatural_a gift_n wherewith_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n have_v enrich_v and_o clothe_v the_o first_o man_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o misfortune_n god_n be_v move_v only_o by_o his_o own_o goodness_n to_o be_v merciful_a to_o we_o will_v raise_v we_o from_o this_o fall_n and_o enrich_v we_o more_o than_o ever_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o heavenly_a favour_n where_o sin_n abound_v say_v the_o apostle_n 5.20_o grace_n do_v much_o more_o abound_v to_o raise_v we_o to_o this_o happiness_n he_o will_v give_v we_o a_o new_a beginning_n of_o life_n and_o grace_n his_o only_a son_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v make_v man_n by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n be_v establish_v father_n and_o principle_n of_o that_o be_v and_o life_n of_o grace_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o man_n as_o we_o participate_v in_o sin_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o adam_n and_o be_v with_o he_o despoil_a of_o all_o virtue_n and_o grace_n adhere_v to_o he_o as_o to_o our_o natural_a principle_n and_o have_v with_o he_o his_o be_v and_o his_o nature_n so_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o to_o our_o head_n our_o new_a principle_n we_o participate_v of_o his_o be_v of_o his_o spirit_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o of_o his_o virtue_n this_o witness_v the_o forerunner_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o say_v of_o his_o fullness_n we_o have_v all_o receive_v 1.16_o and_o grace_n for_o grace_n from_o this_o being_n deliberate_o consider_v we_o may_v derive_v worthy_a document_n to_o our_o subject_n first_o we_o see_v how_o much_o we_o ought_v to_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n if_o we_o will_v live_v his_o life_n and_o participate_v his_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o only_a christian_a virtue_n for_o in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o adhere_v to_o adam_n we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o thing_n but_o to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o sinner_n we_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n to_o practice_v or_o possess_v any_o chrstian_a virtue_n if_o we_o will_v live_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o obtain_v power_n to_o practice_v and_o possess_v virtue_n we_o must_v lay_v hold_v of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o receive_v it_o of_o he_o we_o must_v adhere_v to_o he_o for_o we_o can_v possess_v he_o but_o in_o adhere_v to_o he_o wherein_o appear_v also_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o adherence_n from_o this_o truth_n we_o draw_v a_o second_o document_n how_o much_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o speak_v mean_o and_o indifferent_o of_o true_a christians_n or_o of_o a_o thing_n proportion_v to_o our_o reason_n and_o be_v for_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o word_n of_o saint_n paul_n as_o christian_n we_o must_v put_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 13.14_o that_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n in_o such_o manner_n that_o we_o may_v be_v like_a unto_o he_o in_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o perfection_n that_o we_o may_v bear_v in_o we_o a_o expression_n and_o a_o lively_a image_n of_o the_o life_n and_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n christian_n virtue_n be_v not_o animitation_n of_o the_o life_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o perfect_a man_n not_o of_o adam_n consider_v in_o his_o innocency_n and_o original_a justice_n to_o have_v virtue_n after_o this_o manner_n be_v not_o much_o it_o be_v a_o lively_a image_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n man-god_n or_o to_o say_v better_o it_o be_v the_o life_n and_o virtue_n itself_o of_o jesus_n in_o man_n as_o man_n be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o habit_n so_o be_v true_a christian_n from_o other_o by_o these_o virtue_n and_o these_o virtue_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o if_o there_o be_v any_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n here_o then_o appear_v the_o divinity_n and_o perfection_n of_o christian_a virtue_n they_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n himself_o according_a to_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o be_v new_a creature_n as_o creature_n of_o jesus_n 5.17_o we_o must_v bear_v his_o image_n which_o be_v divine_a and_o celestial_a not_o that_o of_o adam_n which_o be_v humane_a and_o terrestrial_a that_o be_v our_o life_n and_o virtue_n must_v not_o be_v of_o a_o man_n but_o of_o god_n life_n and_o virtue_n as_o different_a according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o heaven_n be_v distant_a from_o the_o earth_n as_o unlike_a as_o jesus_n be_v
unprofitable_a thing_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o practice_n and_o ordinary_a exercise_n of_o christian_n for_o want_v of_o take_v hold_v of_o thing_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o not_o enter_v into_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n for_o want_v whereof_o do_v we_o not_o see_v many_o soul_n who_o keep_v most_o holy_a constitution_n and_o very_o good_a rule_n other_o that_o do_v frequent_a action_n of_o virtue_n many_o who_o follow_v and_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o practice_n yet_o nevertheless_o advance_v not_o towards_o perfection_n nor_o have_v any_o solid_a virtue_n they_o always_o labour_v but_o never_o gain_v any_o they_o continual_o travail_v but_o never_o arrive_v at_o their_o journey_n end_n though_o all_o that_o they_o do_v seem_v to_o be_v do_v in_o grace_n and_o that_o as_o be_v believe_v they_o have_v not_o their_o conscience_n charge_v with_o any_o sin_n yet_o they_o profit_v not_o in_o any_o manner_n all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o such_o person_n be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_n whence_o come_v it_o that_o they_o profit_v nothing_o amid_o so_o much_o care_n and_o travel_v the_o evil_n come_v from_o this_o that_o such_o soul_n have_v not_o sufficient_a recourse_n nor_o submission_n to_o grace_n they_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o jesus_n christ_n they_o scarce_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o jesus_n christ_n they_o have_v no_o distrust_n of_o themselves_o they_o seek_v not_o god_n but_o their_o self-satisfaction_n and_o their_o particular_a interest_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o by_o a_o secret_a and_o dangerous_a consequence_n they_o rely_v upon_o their_o own_o courage_n upon_o their_o travel_n and_o exercise_n and_o promise_v to_o themselves_o too_o much_o of_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o tie_v themselves_o to_o divers_a practice_n whereof_o they_o make_v use_v they_o tie_v also_o their_o happiness_n thereto_o if_o you_o demand_v whence_o it_o come_v that_o they_o have_v not_o solid_a virtue_n it_o be_v easy_o perceive_v it_o be_v because_o they_o amuse_v themselves_o much_o in_o unprofitable_a thing_n trifle_n and_o exterior_a thing_n they_o enter_v not_o into_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a and_o solid_a virtue_n they_o esteem_v they_o not_o and_o hardly_o know_v they_o if_o they_o do_v practice_v they_o it_o be_v but_o superficial_o they_o have_v but_o the_o appearance_n of_o virtue_n all_o that_o they_o possess_v thereof_o be_v like_o the_o grass_n upon_o the_o house_n top_n which_o wither_v away_o of_o itself_o of_o which_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n and_o careful_o remedy_v it_o least_o pass_v our_o life_n so_o we_o travel_v in_o vain_a and_o run_v without_o arrive_v to_o our_o end_n and_o that_o under_o those_o fair_a appearance_n in_o the_o most_o part_n of_o our_o action_n 25.12_o we_o be_v not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n of_o they_o to_o who_o god_n say_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n i_o know_v you_o not_o for_o god_n tell_v we_o 7.21_o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o christian_n who_o will_v find_v themselves_o deceive_v when_o god_n shall_v make_v manifest_a the_o secret_n of_o heart_n 4.5_o and_o judge_v the_o justice_n of_o man_n because_o that_o believe_v themselves_o rich_a in_o good_a work_n and_o charge_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o christian_n penitence_n they_o shall_v find_v in_o their_o hand_n nothing_o but_o wind_n and_o shall_v see_v in_o their_o life_n nothing_o but_o appearance_n of_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o affair_n so_o important_a we_o must_v be_v vigilant_a to_o act_v christian_o and_o to_o do_v work_n worthy_a of_o god_n which_o shall_v gain_v we_o the_o eternal_a possession_n of_o god_n this_o subject_n be_v of_o high_a enterprise_n i_o will_v propose_v the_o disposition_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o necessary_a the_o first_o disposition_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a disposition_n which_o the_o soul_n that_o will_v live_v christianly_o must_v have_v be_v faith_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 11.6_o must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o this_o disposition_n be_v not_o only_o the_o first_o but_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o what_o the_o root_n be_v to_o the_o tree_n the_o foundation_n to_o the_o building_n the_o mother_n to_o the_o infant_n the_o same_o be_v faith_n to_o all_o virtue_n and_o to_o a_o christian_a life_n whence_o on_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n depend_v all_o the_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a soul_n or_o on_o the_o other_o side_n from_o littleness_n of_o faith_n spring_v all_o the_o evil_a all_o the_o abomination_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n the_o soul_n that_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n of_o faith_n know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o love_v and_o what_o to_o detest_v for_o faith_n be_v nothing_o but_o truth_n the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n be_v proper_o the_o spirit_n of_o eternal_a truth_n wherein_o be_v see_v the_o strength_n of_o faith_n he_o therefore_o that_o have_v faith_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o by_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n if_o he_o possess_v it_o and_o suffer_v it_o to_o guide_v he_o he_o easy_o discern_v good_a from_o bad_a true_a from_o false_a the_o flesh_n from_o the_o spirit_n this_o faith_n this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n show_v the_o soul_n what_o the_o god_n be_v that_o she_o adore_v from_o thence_o she_o be_v carry_v on_o to_o love_v he_o to_o fear_v he_o and_o to_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a respect_n of_o his_o divine_a presence_n i'faith_o say_v god_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o be_v the_o end_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o out_o of_o he_o all_o be_v but_o a_o dream_n that_o all_o creature_n be_v vain_a that_o god_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n 17.28_o that_o he_o give_v life_n and_o be_v to_o all_o that_o all_o thing_n depend_v on_o he_o this_o make_v the_o soul_n know_v that_o she_o ought_v to_o esteem_n god_n alone_o and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o god_n that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n and_o lie_n this_o light_n and_o spirit_n of_o faith_n teach_v that_o god_n be_v eternal_a truth_n his_o work_n be_v truth_n his_o word_n and_o promise_n true_a and_o infallible_a this_o cause_v the_o soul_n which_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n constant_o to_o adhere_v and_o strong_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o truth_n and_o maxim_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o work_n and_o the_o word_n of_o jesus_n god_n and_o man_n she_o believe_v firm_o that_o what_o he_o have_v say_v will_v come_v to_o pass_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v be_v certain_a the_o truth_n that_o the_o eternal_a father_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n be_v infallible_a and_o eternal_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n uncreated_a be_v a_o god_n which_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o lie_v hereupon_o the_o soul_n by_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n remain_v indissoluble_o tie_v to_o all_o that_o god_n have_v say_v and_o reveal_v by_o his_o son_n so_o as_o she_o can_v taste_v nor_o understand_v any_o humane_a reason_n or_o object_n she_o will_v not_o hearken_v nor_o adhere_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n she_o will_v only_o follow_v the_o maxim_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v leave_v we_o in_o his_o gospel_n and_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o his_o life_n &_o divine_a virtue_n the_o rest_n she_o despise_v as_o unworthy_a a_o christian_a soul_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o nor_o live_v but_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o certain_o so_o the_o christian_a must_v live_v all_o the_o world_n confess_v that_o god_n alone_o be_v truth_n that_o the_o only_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a spirit_n of_o truth_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o all_o that_o be_v not_o god_n and_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v but_o vanity_n and_o lie_n this_o grant_v how_o can_v they_o live_v who_o have_v any_o other_o object_n than_o god_n here_o let_v we_o make_v reflection_n on_o the_o point_n we_o shall_v show_v how_o much_o they_o be_v deceive_v who_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n separate_v themselves_o from_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o seek_v humane_a reason_n way_n of_o prudence_n maxim_n of_o wise_a man_n who_o measure_n perfection_n and_o christian_a virtue_n according_a to_o their_o proper_a sense_n according_a to_o their_o own_o spirit_n such_o soul_n can_v but_o fall_v into_o a_o abyss_n of_o error_n and_o doubt_n or_o at_o least_o such_o person_n
must_v adhere_v thereto_o and_o have_v adhere_v to_o it_o we_o must_v act_v and_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o adherence_n let_v we_o propose_v a_o example_n in_o common_a thing_n to_o facilitate_v the_o practice_n i_o look_v upon_o god_n i_o consider_v his_o infinite_a essence_n i_o see_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n all_o creature_n be_v as_o nothing_o have_v take_v and_o imprint_v this_o thought_n in_o my_o spirit_n i_o believe_v and_o immediate_o adhere_v thereunto_o say_v it_o be_v true_a then_o make_v use_n of_o this_o truth_n which_o i_o believe_v i_o despise_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o god_n for_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n which_o i_o perform_v teach_v i_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v nothing_o all_o creature_n be_v nothing_o before_o god_n in_o like_a manner_n amid_o my_o action_n make_v use_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o i_o profess_v and_o believe_v sometime_o i_o despise_v one_o thing_n sometime_o another_o esteem_v god_n only_o but_o account_v all_o the_o rest_n as_o nothing_o thus_o i_o act_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o make_v use_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o give_v a_o example_n more_o common_a i_o will_v form_v in_o myself_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n hereupon_o i_o will_v rouse_v up_o in_o my_o spirit_n the_o thought_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o teach_v i_o god_n be_v present_a every_o where_o and_o thence_o infer_v that_o consequent_o he_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n with_o the_o same_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n that_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n amid_o the_o cherubim_n and_o saint_n for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n have_v conceive_v this_o truth_n i_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o say_v it_o be_v true_a then_o make_v use_n of_o it_o i_o find_v myself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n i_o hold_v myself_o before_o he_o in_o great_a reverence_n i_o walk_v with_o recollection_n of_o spirit_n and_o a_o sweet_a application_n of_o my_o soul_n to_o god_n who_o be_v present_a now_o i_o look_v on_o he_o with_o love_n next_o i_o adore_v he_o do_v all_o these_o action_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n this_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o truth_n the_o thing_n be_v not_o hard_o we_o must_v only_o apply_v ourselves_o hearty_o hereunto_o for_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o we_o advance_v and_o perfectionate_a ourselves_o in_o this_o exercise_n shall_v our_o action_n be_v perfect_a and_o perform_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o much_o importance_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v persuade_v all_o christian_n to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o cause_n root_n and_o source_n of_o all_o good_a action_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o effect_n that_o faith_n produce_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n 11.1_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o he_o will_v compare_v faith_n to_o substance_n and_o say_v that_o as_o substance_n be_v the_o support_n of_o all_o accident_n so_o faith_n be_v the_o support_n and_o basis_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o grace_n faith_n be_v the_o first_o gift_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o elder_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n she_o contain_v and_o substain_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o the_o use_n we_o make_v thereof_o be_v we_o virtuous_a and_o advance_v in_o christian_a perfection_n as_o this_o be_v the_o first_o of_o god_n gift_n so_o the_o first_o care_n of_o a_o christian_a must_v be_v to_o compass_v so_o fruitful_a and_o profitable_a a_o grace_n this_o be_v a_o talon_n whereof_o god_n will_v demand_v a_o most_o exact_a account_n when_o we_o shall_v appear_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o his_o divine_a justice_n god_n give_v we_o not_o so_o great_a a_o grace_n but_o to_o profit_v thereby_o and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o it_o belong_v to_o god_n alone_o to_o give_v faith_n to_o move_v our_o will_n to_o illuminate_v our_o understanding_n but_o it_o be_v in_o man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o to_o show_v by_o his_o work_n the_o faith_n he_o have_v receive_v of_o god_n in_o fine_a what_o advantage_n be_v it_o to_o possess_v faith_n which_o be_v a_o infuse_a habit_n and_o to_o let_v it_o sleep_v in_o we_o to_o possess_v truth_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o under_o restraint_n i'faith_o we_o say_v be_v a_o supernatural_a habit_n a_o light_n of_o grace_n we_o must_v therefore_o put_v it_o in_o action_n and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o light_n to_o walk_v forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o path_n of_o virtue_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n evident_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n the_o eternal_a father_n send_v and_o give_v we_o his_o son_n the_o uncreated_a and_o essential_a truth_n to_o speak_v to_o we_o &_o conduct_v we_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n the_o son_n converse_v among_o man_n to_o bear_v witness_n 18.37_o as_o he_o himself_o say_v unto_o the_o truth_n the_o same_o son_n of_o god_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n send_v to_o we_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o enlighten_v we_o and_o teach_v we_o the_o truth_n and_o why_o have_v god_n so_o great_a a_o care_n that_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n but_o because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o may_v save_v we_o and_o make_v we_o free_a that_o be_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n may_v draw_v we_o from_o vice_n and_o sin_n to_o lead_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o acquisition_n and_o possession_n of_o virtue_n look_v upon_o a_o soul_n guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n you_o shall_v see_v that_o immediate_o she_o detest_v ill_a and_o embrace_v good_a it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o it_o to_o engender_v and_o form_v act_n of_o virtue_n if_o the_o soul_n know_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n make_v use_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o truth_n she_o will_v present_o be_v carry_v to_o a_o great_a esteem_n of_o god_n from_o this_o esteem_n spring_v reverence_n reverence_n operate_v love_n love_n bring_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n the_o soul_n so_o unite_v by_o love_n fear_v to_o displease_v he_o this_o fear_n which_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o love_n bring_v into_o the_o soul_n a_o vigilancy_n not_o to_o offend_v he_o she_o love_v but_o it_o be_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n this_o vigilancy_n form_v a_o purity_n in_o the_o soul_n this_o purity_n render_v we_o worthy_a to_o possess_v god_n thus_o faith_n summon_v all_o the_o virtue_n 10.38_o embrace_v they_o and_o bind_v they_o all_o together_o and_o as_o she_o be_v mother_n so_o be_v she_o also_o nurse_v of_o they_o in_o brief_a she_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n the_o nourishment_n of_o all_o good_a action_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o saint_n paul_n who_o say_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a faith_n be_v a_o light_n of_o truth_n he_o than_o that_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n walk_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o truth_n be_v to_o hate_v sin_n which_o be_v a_o liar_n this_o be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n and_o possession_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o in_o the_o term_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o live_v in_o jesus_n 14.6_o who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n it_o therefore_o great_o import_v soul_n which_o will_v live_v good_a christian_n and_o obtain_v true_a virtue_n to_o establish_v themselves_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o use_v of_o faith_n to_o demand_v it_o of_o god_n and_o to_o refer_v all_o their_o good_a exercise_n thereunto_o which_o be_v true_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o principle_n the_o entertainer_n and_o supporter_n of_o christian_a perfection_n this_o exercise_n be_v very_o large_a faith_n and_o truth_n have_v effect_n almost_o innumerable_a he_o who_o apply_v himself_o thereto_o shall_v taste_v the_o fruit_n more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o his_o care_n therein_o but_o if_o we_o will_v know_v the_o most_o important_a where_o we_o must_v begin_v i_o answer_v it_o be_v the_o esteem_n of_o god_n wherein_o the_o soul_n must_v entertain_v itself_o much_o and_o lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n to_o arrive_v at_o this_o esteem_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o high_a and_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o frequent_a love_a and_o affectionate_a consideration_n of_o god_n we_o must_v never_o speak_v of_o god_n or_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o concern_v he_o but_o in_o word_n worthy_a of_o the_o subject_n with_o a_o sense_n full_a of_o respect_n and_o reverence_n
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
soul_n to_o his_o son_n 6.44_o he_o add_v every_o man_n that_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o i_o 45._o these_o word_n include_v the_o secret_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v full_a of_o mystery_n they_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o eternal_a father_n by_o his_o grace_n draw_v we_o and_o guide_v we_o to_o his_o son_n he_o speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o inspiration_n in_o the_o interior_a of_o our_o soul_n he_o show_v we_o that_o we_o be_v jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o this_o to_o say_v all_o that_o we_o have_v propose_v that_o the_o design_n of_o god_n to_o save_v we_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o give_v we_o his_o son_n to_o unite_v we_o to_o he_o by_o the_o powerful_a attraction_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o to_o cause_v we_o to_o adhere_v to_o he_o by_o love_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o life_n true_o christian_n herein_o do_v true_a piety_n consist_v we_o must_v therefore_o continual_o elevate_v our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n to_o this_o jesus_n the_o only_a happiness_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o must_v entreat_v he_o to_o accomplish_v in_o we_o the_o design_n of_o his_o father_n and_o to_o take_v a_o absolute_a power_n over_o we_o we_o must_v so_o offer_v our_o self_n to_o he_o as_o to_o have_v no_o other_o intention_n will_n nor_o conduct_v but_o he_o that_o we_o may_v by_o a_o true_a relation_n verify_v what_o saint_n paul_n say_v 45._o all_o be_v you_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v go_n let_v we_o so_o think_v of_o he_o and_o so_o do_v that_o from_o henceforth_o our_o heart_n and_o mouth_n may_v neither_o speak_v nor_o think_v but_o of_o he_o that_o all_o thing_n else_o may_v be_v of_o no_o savour_n to_o we_o that_o nothing_o enter_v our_o spirit_n which_o resent_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o odor_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o respire_v not_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n in_o a_o word_n let_v we_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o by_o a_o indissoluble_a and_o eternal_a union_n dwell_v in_o he_o that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v eternal_o bear_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n he_o that_o be_v join_v unto_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o one_o spirit_n 6.17_o o_o how_o happy_a be_v the_o soul_n that_o be_v call_v to_o this_o happiness_n and_o that_o be_v true_o in_o the_o power_n of_o jesus_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o grace_n this_o be_v the_o state_n whereto_o christian_a perfection_n must_v arrive_v the_o foundation_n of_o piety_n and_o true_a devotion_n but_o because_o many_o think_v not_o of_o it_o and_o many_o know_v it_o not_o we_o must_v treat_v of_o it_o more_o at_o large_a and_o propose_v the_o motive_n that_o most_o oblige_v we_o to_o this_o devotion_n chap._n iii_o of_o piety_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o its_o principal_a effect_n what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o know_v what_o we_o owe_v unto_o he_o but_o the_o importance_n of_o this_o subject_n require_v that_o for_o our_o better_a information_n we_o explain_v particular_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o piety_n and_o the_o mean_n necessary_a to_o attain_v it_o but_o before_o we_o enter_v into_o this_o subject_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o devotion_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v all_o christian_n be_v not_o so_o to_o limit_v our_o soul_n as_o to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o what_o they_o owe_v to_o god_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o exercise_n of_o this_o piety_n be_v necessary_a to_o conduct_v we_o more_o worthy_o and_o holy_o to_o god_n because_o by_o piety_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o attain_v a_o capacity_n and_o power_n to_o honour_v god_n jesus_n christ_n be_v our_o way_n by_o he_o alone_o we_o go_v to_o god_n he_o be_v our_o life_n by_o he_o we_o live_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n a_o life_n which_o only_o make_v we_o worthy_a to_o honour_v god_n he_o be_v our_o truth_n in_o he_o alone_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n we_o know_v god_n we_o adore_v he_o and_o serve_v he_o in_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n he_o be_v our_o all_o in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o we_o have_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o son_n the_o father_n give_v we_o all_o and_o by_o the_o son_n we_o render_v all_o to_o the_o father_n this_o be_v the_o gift_n we_o receive_v of_o god_n and_o the_o gift_n we_o give_v to_o god_n for_o all_o be_v operate_v and_o subsist_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o church_n offer_v nothing_o to_o demand_v nothing_o of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n but_o by_o jesus_n christ._n we_o must_v imitate_v the_o church_n in_o pious_a custom_n piety_n to_o jesus_n christ_n require_v not_o so_o much_o exterior_a exercise_n as_o interior_a and_o permanent_a estate_n do_v in_o our_o soul_n nor_o demand_v it_o any_o novelty_n of_o affection_n but_o a_o newness_n of_o spirit_n a_o new_a disposition_n incline_v our_o soul_n to_o employ_v themselves_o in_o the_o thought_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o regard_v he_o to_o love_v he_o to_o honour_v he_o as_o the_o object_n and_o end_n of_o our_o life_n action_n and_o devotion_n it_o require_v that_o the_o action_n of_o the_o religious_a shall_v be_v devout_a those_o of_o the_o ordinary_a christian_n virtuous_a those_o of_o a_o private_a person_n familiar_a in_o this_o object_n without_o change_v his_o spirit_n but_o direct_v his_o intention_n and_o disposition_n to_o the_o pure_a regard_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o example_n let_v we_o do_v all_o that_o we_o do_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o honour_n and_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n if_o we_o suffer_v let_v it_o be_v to_o imitate_v and_o render_v honour_n to_o his_o suffering_n what_o ever_o happen_v to_o we_o let_v we_o receive_v it_o by_o a_o dependence_n on_o and_o submission_n to_o his_o power_n and_o conduct_v if_o we_o will_v insist_v upon_o any_o good_a thought_n let_v it_o be_v of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o consider_v his_o greatness_n the_o mystery_n of_o his_o life_n his_o virtue_n his_o benefit_n and_o the_o power_n he_o have_v over_o we_o by_o these_o sweet_a entertainment_n by_o these_o regard_v of_o honour_n and_o love_n the_o perfect_a christian_a advance_n himself_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o piety_n we_o speak_v of_o to_o know_v what_o this_o piety_n be_v and_o how_o we_o must_v apply_v ourselves_o thereto_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o principle_n the_o centre_n the_o end_n of_o all_o christian_a soul_n for_o as_o faith_n teach_v we_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o good_a that_o be_v in_o we_o the_o spring_n of_o all_o the_o grace_n we_o possess_v author_n of_o the_o life_n which_o we_o live_v in_o christianity_n and_o be_v the_o principle_n he_o be_v also_o consequent_o the_o end_n thereof_o for_o according_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v in_o nature_n that_o which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v also_o its_o end_n and_o nature_n follow_v invariable_o the_o order_n god_n have_v prefix_v and_o by_o his_o well_o order_a motion_n gentle_o lead_v and_o if_o not_o divert_v infallible_o conduct_n all_o thing_n to_o the_o principle_n whence_o she_o draw_v they_o 1.7_o so_o the_o water_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n return_v to_o the_o ocean_n as_o to_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o according_a to_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n we_o say_v all_o thing_n return_v to_o god_n because_o they_o all_o come_v out_o of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n if_o then_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o be_v life_n and_o state_n of_o christianity_n he_o must_v be_v also_o the_o end_n so_o that_o our_o be_v life_n and_o estate_n regard_v the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v refer_v to_o he_o as_o the_o end_n and_o if_o the_o end_n the_o centre_n also_o of_o a_o christian_a life_n in_o he_o our_o soul_n find_v their_o repose_n and_o perfection_n 11.36_o in_o he_o by_o he_o and_o of_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n say_v saint_n paul_n this_o principle_n alone_o consider_v show_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v full_a power_n over_o we_o that_o we_o be_v his_o not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o divine_a greatness_n and_o supreme_a power_n over_o all_o as_o god_n saviour_n and_o redeemer_n as_o purchaser_n of_o we_o with_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o his_o of_o life-giving_a death_n but_o also_o because_o he_o be_v the_o principle_n centre_n and_o end_n of_o the_o life_n and_o state_n of_o christianity_n in_o this_o relation_n he_o have_v sovereign_a power_n over_o we_o have_v give_v we_o be_v and_o grace_n consecrate_v we_o to_o his_o glory_n and_o honour_n in_o such_o absolute_a manner_n that_o the_o christian_a can_v make_v use_n either_o of_o himself_o or_o any_o
and_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v great_a and_o worthy_a himself_o as_o be_v a_o creature_n he_o have_v consecrate_v by_o his_o precious_a blood_n and_o redeem_v by_o his_o death_n and_o crosse._n if_o there_o be_v intention_n and_o design_n upon_o we_o as_o we_o must_v not_o doubt_v but_o there_o be_v and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n yet_o unknown_a to_o we_o be_v it_o not_o reason_n we_o follow_v they_o and_o consequent_o be_v we_o not_o oblige_v to_o annihilate_v all_o our_o own_o desire_n and_o intention_n to_o bind_v and_o subject_v ourselves_o sole_o to_o the_o desire_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o vouchsafe_v to_o think_v of_o we_o and_o entertain_v himself_o in_o form_v design_n upon_o we_o our_o action_n and_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o our_o life_n this_o be_v it_o we_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v when_o we_o form_v this_o act_n of_o purity_n or_o unity_n of_o intention_n this_o also_o show_v how_o unprofitable_a and_o superfluous_a their_o employment_n be_v who_o fill_v their_o heart_n with_o variety_n of_o intention_n and_o perplex_v themselves_o with_o multiplicity_n of_o thought_n who_o conceive_v desire_n and_o form_n design_n sometime_o one_o way_n sometime_o another_o though_o upon_o occasion_n in_o appearance_n good_a and_o profitable_a since_o they_o do_v only_o what_o please_v themselves_o but_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v better_a they_o keep_v themselves_o to_o this_o unity_n and_o annihilate_v all_o that_o be_v of_o themselves_o to_o be_v only_o in_o the_o intention_n and_o design_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o christian_a therefore_o ought_v often_o to_o renew_v this_o purity_n of_o intention_n he_o ought_v to_o adore_v all_o the_o design_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o he_o and_o all_o his_o divine_a intention_n he_o must_v resign_v himself_o thereto_o and_o protest_v never_o to_o follow_v any_o other_o hold_v it_o for_o a_o maxim_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o arrive_v at_o perfection_n nor_o go_v to_o god_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o humane_a reason_n or_o follow_v our_o own_o desire_n and_o inclination_n but_o by_o submit_v our_o spirit_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a adherence_n to_o his_o design_n and_o love_a disposition_n this_o consider_v we_o shall_v know_v more_o and_o more_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v propose_v from_o the_o beginning_n that_o true_a piety_n consist_v in_o adherence_n to_o and_o a_o resignation_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o jesus_n but_o we_o be_v now_o to_o examine_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o adherence_n chap._n viii_o that_o a_o adherence_n to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o true_a piety_n make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o several_a condition_n of_o his_o life_n the_o adherence_n and_o dependence_n of_o christian_n upon_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o the_o first_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o the_o first_o duty_n which_o they_o profess_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n oblige_v they_o to_o a_o holy_a and_o pure_a life_n since_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o that_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v one_o spirit_n 6.17_o that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o must_v be_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n with_o god_n and_o doubtless_o if_o they_o oppose_v not_o the_o design_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o they_o this_o adherence_n will_v advance_v they_o to_o a_o solid_a &_o permanent_a estate_n of_o perfect_a piety_n and_o establish_v they_o in_o a_o true_a christian_a perfection_n this_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o three_o head_n the_o first_o be_v a_o subjection_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o design_n spirit_n and_o operation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n a_o subjection_n that_o amount_v to_o a_o capacity_n and_o amplitude_n and_o such_o as_o make_v the_o soul_n capable_a to_o receive_v the_o communication_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o estate_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o second_o effect_n put_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o purity_n of_o regard_n and_o love_n which_o make_v her_o vigilant_a and_o faithful_a to_o do_v and_o desire_v nothing_o but_o the_o honour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o regard_v nothing_o but_o his_o pleasure_n and_o glory_n so_o as_o to_o have_v no_o eye_n but_o for_o jesus_n no_o more_o life_n but_o what_o be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o divine_a action_n this_o adherence_n to_o and_o dependence_n on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n raise_v in_o a_o christian_a a_o true_a imitation_n of_o his_o life_n and_o divine_a virtue_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o perfection_n that_o he_o become_v a_o lively_a representation_n and_o image_n of_o jesus_n of_o these_o three_o effect_n we_o must_v speak_v particular_o for_o herein_o consist_v the_o perfection_n of_o true_a and_o christian_a piety_n we_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o subjection_n which_o by_o this_o adherence_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v beget_v in_o we_o represent_v two_o thing_n the_o power_n he_o have_v over_o we_o and_o the_o capacity_n we_o be_v in_o to_o bear_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n the_o power_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v over_o we_o be_v a_o particular_a power_n which_o he_o acquire_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o by_o all_o the_o state_n &_o moment_n of_o his_o life_n a_o power_n that_o give_v he_o a_o double_a right_a to_o do_v in_o we_o and_o with_o we_o what_o ever_o he_o please_v a_o power_n from_o which_o he_o imprint_n in_o the_o centre_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o time_n that_o we_o be_v first_o make_v christian_n a_o eternal_a and_o indispensable_a power_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v a_o power_n which_o he_o establish_v by_o the_o sacrament_n and_o leave_v to_o the_o church_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o beside_o the_o grace_n which_o they_o communicate_v to_o we_o they_o have_v other_o extraordinary_a effect_n express_v the_o power_n christ_n assume_v over_o we_o for_o instance_n baptism_n give_v we_o grace_n and_o blot_v out_o all_o sin_n in_o we_o but_o withal_o put_v we_o into_o a_o condition_n of_o service_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o imprint_n in_o our_o soul_n a_o character_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o divine_a power_n a_o character_n never_o to_o be_v deface_v in_o honour_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o subjection_n and_o service_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n undergo_v by_o the_o incarnation_n become_v man_n and_o a_o servant_n subject_v himself_o to_o the_o father_n he_o be_v always_o and_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o equal_a and_o coeternal_a with_o the_o father_n and_o in_o honour_n of_o the_o gift_n which_o the_o eternal_a father_n make_v we_o of_o his_o son_n by_o the_o incarnation_n and_o union_n of_o the_o word_n with_o humanity_n and_o the_o life_n of_o god_n in_o man_n and_o of_o man_n in_o god_n the_o same_o son_n of_o god_n institute_v the_o 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a_o spiritual_a treasure_n contain_v our_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o the_o virtue_n necessary_a to_o a_o perfect_a christian._n author_n write_v in_o french_a by_o john_n quarre_n english_v by_o sir_n thomas_z stanley_z kt._n the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v by_o t._n r._n for_o thomas_n dring_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n near_o saint_n dunstan_n church_n 1664._o to_z the_o lady_z stanley_z madam_n what_o you_o here_o receive_v be_v due_a only_a to_o yourself_o it_o be_v the_o product_n of_o that_o contemplative_a retirement_n to_o which_o my_o dear_a father_n resign_v the_o two_o late_a year_n of_o his_o life_n the_o author_n be_v high_o esteem_v in_o his_o own_o country_n and_o have_v meet_v with_o so_o good_a reception_n in_o we_o also_o that_o he_o already_o see_v a_o second_o impression_n which_o in_o this_o age_n not_o a_o little_a commend_v a_o treatise_n of_o this_o nature_n upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o be_v solicit_v by_o the_o stationer_n to_o 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that_o may_v be_v despise_v all_o ornament_n of_o word_n since_o truth_n have_v so_o much_o lustre_n of_o itself_o as_o she_o need_v not_o borrow_v of_o other_o the_o world_n perhaps_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o it_o or_o suffer_v it_o to_o speak_v will_v not_o understand_v it_o for_o its_o doctrine_n be_v too_o divine_a its_o principle_n too_o high_a that_o which_o it_o propose_v be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o world_n profess_v and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o many_o will_v dispute_v it_o consider_v that_o falsehood_n and_o malice_n have_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o great_a part_n as_o love_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n and_o unwilling_a to_o consent_v to_o truth_n we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n so_o corrupt_a that_o even_a christian_n many_o time_n fear_v to_o be_v good_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v persecute_v and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o appear_v virtuous_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v deride_v hardly_o can_v it_o promise_v itself_o a_o better_a reception_n among_o they_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o piety_n for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o seek_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o most_o holy_a thing_n self-love_n have_v such_o absolute_a power_n over_o soul_n that_o they_o flatter_v themselves_o in_o every_o thing_n believe_v all_o to_o be_v good_a which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n seem_a devotion_n have_v so_o much_o applause_n among_o man_n that_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o persuade_v the_o contrary_n so_o that_o our_o perfect_a christian_a who_o speak_v here_o pure_o of_o truth_n and_o true_o of_o piety_n can_v easy_o avoid_v the_o various_a censure_n of_o man_n for_o as_o he_o speak_v christianly_o for_o his_o stile_n be_v in_o the_o spirit_n so_o he_o condemn_v free_o all_o that_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o god_n in_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o may_v appear_v strange_a and_o those_o who_o confide_v too_o much_o in_o themselves_o esteem_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o action_n will_v soon_o condemn_v this_o manner_n of_o discourse_n but_o what_o remedy_n shall_v we_o therefore_o injure_v truth_n no_o she_o will_v appear_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o world_n and_o although_o she_o may_v meet_v with_o spirit_n little_a capable_a to_o receive_v she_o yet_o it_o be_v always_o good_a to_o expose_v the_o image_n to_o the_o view_n even_o of_o her_o great_a enemy_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o will_v be_v force_v see_v she_o to_o confess_v they_o have_v no_o virtue_n that_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o night_n of_o untruth_n and_o perhaps_o they_o will_v apprehend_v their_o own_o misery_n and_o be_v afraid_a to_o loose_v themselves_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o think_v themselves_o already_o arrive_v at_o the_o high_a point_n of_o perfection_n flatter_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o esteem_n when_o they_o shall_v here_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n the_o purity_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o admire_v the_o design_n of_o god_n upon_o soul_n and_o see_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o perfect_a christian_a they_o will_v open_v those_o eye_n which_o self-love_n have_v bewitch_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o their_o action_n come_v far_o short_a of_o their_o own_o esteem_n of_o they_o and_o then_o humble_v themselves_o even_o to_o the_o centre_n of_o their_o nothing_o they_o will_v resolve_v to_o seek_v god_n to_o serve_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n after_o a_o manner_n worthy_a of_o god_n however_o they_o who_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v this_o little_a work_n will_v see_v that_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o to_o their_o great_a mischief_n and_o will_v learn_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o small_a matter_n to_o gain_v heaven_n for_o to_o such_o only_o be_v paradise_n open_a and_o that_o there_o be_v require_v more_o purity_n and_o virtue_n than_o we_o ordinary_o propose_v for_o if_o the_o life_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a be_v a_o life_n of_o god_n in_o man_n if_o true_a perfection_n be_v a_o amorous_a possession_n of_o god_n what_o purity_n what_o virtue_n must_v there_o be_v in_o he_o who_o will_v possess_v so_o rich_a a_o treasure_n &_o pretend_v to_o a_o estate_n of_o divine_a this_o be_v a_o point_n you_o must_v consider_v of_o friendly_a reader_n as_o be_v that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o your_o action_n for_o if_o you_o will_v open_v your_o eye_n to_o see_v what_o god_n require_v of_o you_o if_o you_o will_v rest_v your_o thought_n upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n you_o will_v learn_v that_o your_o heart_n must_v be_v the_o throne_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n who_o will_v establish_v his_o kingdom_n therein_o your_o soul_n a_o heaven_n where_o god_n will_v glorify_v himself_o your_o life_n the_o life_n of_o god_n who_o live_v in_o you_o that_o you_o may_v reign_v with_o he_o to_o conclude_v you_o shall_v know_v that_o you_o be_v only_o in_o the_o world_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o do_v his_o will_n in_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o spirit_n always_o holy_a be_v not_o this_o a_o affair_n of_o great_a importance_n if_o for_o your_o satisfaction_n and_o profit_n you_o desire_v to_o comprehend_v what_o i_o say_v and_o to_o know_v the_o motive_n and_o obligation_n that_o you_o have_v to_o love_v and_o serve_v god_n perfect_o read_v the_o two_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n the_o three_o and_o four_o show_v you_o the_o way_n you_o must_v keep_v and_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o live_v a_o good_a christian_a the_o last_o give_v you_o a_o pattern_n of_o true_a piety_n read_v and_o you_o shall_v learn_v how_o to_o be_v a_o good_a christian._n a_o table_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n treat_v of_o in_o this_o book_n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a prerogative_n whereunto_o man_n be_v
christian_a life_n do_v consist_v what_o difficulty_n do_v we_o find_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n all_o the_o obstacle_n if_o we_o near_o consider_v it_o proceed_v from_o not_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o interior_a life_n of_o the_o soul_n many_o believe_v it_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o abstract_n life_n and_o of_o the_o other_o world_n a_o life_n full_a of_o care_n a_o life_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o humane_a society_n other_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o life_n of_o insupportable_a solitude_n and_o inaccessible_a contemplation_n every_o one_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o he_o please_v some_o condemn_v it_o other_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a most_o believe_v it_o difficult_a let_v we_o not_o insist_v upon_o word_n they_o be_v explicate_v to_o all_o sense_n let_v we_o only_o say_v that_o the_o life_n we_o call_v interior_a be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v god_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o life_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o mother_n of_o all_o virtue_n thus_o than_o the_o interior_a life_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o virtuous_a christian_a life_n to_o which_o life_n all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a man_n must_v fear_v god_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o soul_n must_v high_o esteem_v of_o all_o that_o be_v in_o christianity_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n must_v be_v vigilant_a to_o do_v nothing_o to_o displease_v god_n careful_a to_o preserve_v his_o soul_n and_o conscience_n in_o the_o purity_n of_o grace_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n 13.18_o to_o have_v a_o esteem_n of_o god_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o of_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o to_o carry_v a_o mean_a esteem_n of_o himself_o and_o all_o creature_n to_o live_v in_o this_o manner_n be_v that_o which_o i_o call_v a_o inward_a life_n the_o rest_n without_o this_o be_v nothing_o and_o to_o teach_v soul_n any_o other_o life_n be_v to_o betray_v they_o now_o who_o see_v not_o that_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n if_o they_o will_v be_v save_v who_o find_v not_o now_o how_o much_o this_o life_n be_v easy_a than_o it_o be_v represent_v and_o all_o together_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v expect_v let_v we_o then_o take_v a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o embrace_v it_o and_o to_o give_v ourselves_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n to_o he_o who_o have_v give_v himself_o to_o we_o he_o have_v right_a and_o power_n to_o live_v in_o we_o to_o do_v in_o we_o and_o of_o we_o all_o that_o he_o please_v let_v we_o only_o take_v care_n that_o we_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o to_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v assist_v by_o his_o grace_n let_v we_o cheerful_o endeavour_v the_o acquisition_n of_o christian_a virtue_n let_v we_o so_o order_n that_o grace_n may_v reign_v in_o we_o according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o god_n that_o god_n may_v dwell_v in_o we_o as_o in_o a_o live_a tabernacle_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v consecrate_v by_o his_o blood_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o experience_n that_o with_o the_o apostle_n 4.13_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o jesus_n christ_n who_o strengthen_v we_o chap._n ii_o that_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n whereto_o we_o can_v arrive_v but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ._n before_o i_o proceed_v i_o must_v suppose_v that_o i_o speak_v to_o soul_n desirous_a to_o live_v virtuous_o and_o perfect_o in_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n according_a to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o law_n and_o rule_n my_o address_n be_v to_o such_o who_o be_v faithful_a dispensator_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v make_v use_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n endeavour_v to_o profit_v a_o hundred_o fold_n the_o first_o thing_n that_o i_o ask_v of_o they_o be_v what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o as_o in_o thing_n natural_a &_o artificial_a the_o first_o thought_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o workman_n be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o work_n so_o in_o piety_n we_o must_v consider_v and_o know_v the_o end_n and_o the_o life_n of_o christian_a action_n that_o know_v they_o we_o may_v resolve_v courageous_o to_o undertake_v they_o and_o promise_v ourselves_o great_a fidelity_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v propose_v to_o we_o or_o be_v necessary_a for_o to_o arrive_v at_o so_o happy_a a_o estate_n we_o know_v the_o end_n of_o a_o christian_a soul_n be_v nothing_o but_o god_n 1.23_o who_o be_v he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o say_v the_o apostle_n who_o it_o seek_v to_o and_o possess_v as_o its_o sole_a happiness_n and_o to_o enjoy_v he_o for_o ever_o none_o reject_v this_o truth_n though_o it_o appear_v high_a and_o extraordinary_a for_o they_o that_o discourse_n ordinary_o of_o christian_a perfection_n say_v all_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o in_o perfect_a charity_n which_o be_v true_a but_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o this_o love_n mean_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n have_v privilege_n and_o power_n to_o give_v god_n who_o be_v essential_a love_n thus_o consider_v this_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o perfection_n consist_v in_o love_n which_o love_n give_v we_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o soul_n must_v be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n he_o that_o will_v comprehend_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o must_v know_v the_o greatness_n and_o dignity_n of_o god_n from_o which_o knowledge_n he_o shall_v learn_v what_o the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n must_v be_v what_o our_o entertainment_n and_o how_o holy_a our_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v for_o if_o the_o mean_n be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o end_n it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o end_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v supernatural_a and_o nothing_o less_o than_o god_n himself_o the_o mean_n also_o that_o we_o must_v use_v to_o arrive_v to_o this_o end_n must_v be_v supernatural_a and_o divine_a they_o therefore_o who_o seek_v perfection_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o end_n must_v have_v a_o particular_a care_n not_o only_o to_o embrace_v all_o action_n and_o use_n which_o may_v conduct_v they_o but_o shun_v and_o contemn_v all_o vain_a and_o superfluous_a thing_n which_o serve_v not_o to_o attain_v to_o this_o end_n and_o must_v detest_v they_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o we_o can_v arrive_v at_o this_o end_n nor_o to_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a his_o fullness_n and_o the_o consummation_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o by_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n himself_o by_o grace_n alone_o and_o mercy_n and_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n none_o can_v arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o by_o his_o divine_a light_n and_o by_o a_o special_a revelation_n 11.27_o no_o man_n know_v the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n neither_o know_v any_o man_n the_o father_n save_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o who_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o and_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o this_o knowledge_n he_o can_v make_v no_o good_a use_n of_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v aid_v with_o a_o new_a favour_n he_o can_v go_v to_o god_n nor_o enjoy_v his_o grace_n or_o spirit_n unless_o he_o be_v aid_v and_o guide_v by_o he_o who_o say_v 14.6_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o and_o that_o which_o show_v our_o great_a impotency_n or_o need_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o grace_n be_v that_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o worthy_a and_o capable_a to_o approach_v unto_o god_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o possess_v he_o 15.5_o without_o i_o say_v he_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o on_o the_o one_o side_n the_o soul_n see_v and_o confess_v that_o god_n be_v her_o perfection_n her_o happiness_n and_o heritage_n that_o in_o he_o she_o have_v all_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v her_o sufficiency_n her_o life_n and_o consummation_n on_o the_o other_o side_n she_o find_v that_o she_o can_v go_v to_o he_o nor_o enjoy_v he_o nor_o think_v of_o he_o but_o by_o he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o his_o grace_n by_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n she_o feel_v that_o she_o bear_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o she_o be_v not_o only_a incapacity_n impotency_n and_o feeblness_n but_o of_o opposition_n to_o grace_n to_o the_o gift_n and_o work_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n she_o carry_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n love_n she_o
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
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
the_o word_n as_o all_o good_a all_o wise_a all_o mighty_a this_o manner_n be_v sufficient_a therefore_o we_o must_v accustom_v ourselves_o to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o which_o faith_n propose_v and_o after_o excite_v in_o ourselves_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o entertain_v ourselves_o therein_o not_o by_o speculation_n but_o by_o obedience_n and_o affection_n which_o be_v that_o we_o call_v a_o affective_a thought_n of_o god_n as_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v in_o our_o heart_n yea_o my_o god_n thou_o be_v whole_o wise_a and_o whole_o good_a i_o will_v leave_v myself_o to_o thy_o conduct_n i_o will_v submit_v myself_o to_o thy_o divine_a will_n by_o these_o frequent_a thought_n of_o god_n the_o soul_n unite_v itself_o to_o god_n adhere_v to_o his_o truth_n and_o by_o little_a and_o little_a ascend_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n this_o manner_n be_v not_o hard_o neither_o require_v it_o any_o rule_n we_o must_v only_o be_v vigilant_a often_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o thereto_o when_o any_o thing_n give_v occasion_n thereof_o to_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o it_o suffice_v not_o to_o consider_v our_o own_o impotency_n our_o feebleness_n and_o our_o imperfection_n we_o see_v they_o and_o know_v they_o but_o too_o much_o we_o make_v a_o custom_n of_o it_o and_o this_o truth_n will_v never_o lead_v we_o to_o humility_n but_o we_o must_v elevate_v our_o thought_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o soul_n must_v present_v itself_o before_o god_n and_o have_v conceive_v as_o well_o as_o she_o can_v the_o infinite_a be_v and_o sovereign_a majesty_n of_o the_o divinity_n before_o which_o she_o be_v she_o regard_v he_o she_o adore_v he_o then_o she_o begin_v to_o compare_v she_o be_v with_o that_o of_o god_n she_o entertain_v herself_o in_o this_o thought_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n and_o present_o acknowledge_v the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n above_o her_o own_o she_o account_v herself_o as_o if_o she_o be_v not_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infinite_a distance_n she_o see_v betwixt_o god_n and_o she_o and_o in_o this_o view_n she_o regard_v herself_o rather_o in_o a_o not_o be_v and_o a_o nothing_o then_o in_o a_o be_v the_o soul_n fill_v herself_o with_o this_o thought_n and_o possess_v with_o this_o truth_n humble_v herself_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o she_o nothing_o and_o abase_v herself_o as_o much_o as_o she_o can_v for_o have_v conceive_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n throughout_o she_o see_v that_o she_o be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o this_o truth_n annihilate_v all_o creature_n yea_o the_o most_o perfect_a upon_o earth_n and_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n force_v by_o this_o principle_n humble_v themselves_o and_o make_v themselves_o as_o nothing_o before_o the_o supreme_a and_o incomprehensible_a majesty_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o who_o all_o creature_n together_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o grain_n of_o sand._n the_o soul_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o truth_n must_v say_v in_o herself_o if_o all_o creature_n be_v nothing_o before_o god_n 15._o what_o be_o i_o who_o be_o the_o least_o and_o if_o i_o be_o nothing_o before_o god_n can_v i_o make_v myself_o any_o thing_n if_o before_o the_o creator_n i_o find_v not_o myself_o by_o reason_n i_o be_o so_o much_o plunge_v into_o nothing_o will_v i_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o truth_n appear_v to_o be_v something_o before_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o truth_n the_o spirit_n be_v vanquish_v the_o soul_n know_v what_o she_o be_v and_o be_v constrain_v to_o humble_v herself_o we_o must_v pass_v far_o and_o enter_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o total_a and_o absolute_a dependence_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o god_n a_o dependence_n so_o great_a that_o she_o hold_v only_o of_o god_n she_o subsist_v not_o nor_o move_v but_o in_o god_n with_o so_o much_o necessity_n that_o the_o beam_n subsist_v not_o by_o nor_o depend_v more_o on_o the_o sun_n than_o the_o soul_n do_v on_o her_o god_n o_o happy_a dependence_n which_o give_v we_o god_n and_o bind_v we_o to_o god_n in_o consider_v this_o truth_n the_o soul_n find_v that_o she_o be_v nothing_o and_o that_o she_o have_v nothing_o either_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o essence_n create_v or_o in_o the_o order_n of_o grace_n for_o all_o be_v in_o god_n and_o depend_v on_o god_n in_o such_o manner_n that_o if_o god_n shall_v whole_o withdraw_v himself_o she_o shall_v leave_v to_o be_v that_o which_o she_o be_v and_o shall_v find_v herself_o in_o she_o nothing_o so_o that_o if_o she_o have_v any_o thing_n she_o see_v that_o it_o be_v in_o god_n not_o in_o herself_o in_o he_o say_v st._n paul_n we_o live_v and_o move_v 17.28_o and_o have_v our_o be_v reflect_v hereupon_o she_o say_v in_o her_o heart_n if_o all_o that_o i_o have_v belong_v not_o to_o i_o nor_o be_v of_o i_o but_o of_o god_n and_o belong_v to_o god_n then_o be_o i_o nothing_o nor_o have_v any_o thing_n wherefore_o do_v i_o flatter_v myself_o and_o believe_v myself_o to_o be_v something_o when_o in_o truth_n i_o be_o nothing_o why_o do_v i_o glorify_v myself_o and_o please_v myself_o in_o that_o which_o belong_v not_o to_o i_o wherefore_o shall_v i_o attribute_v to_o myself_o the_o honour_n contentment_n and_o glory_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o my_o lord_n no_o no_o i_o will_v keep_v in_o my_o meanness_n i_o will_v hide_v myself_o in_o the_o abyss_n of_o my_o nothing_o and_o if_o god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o and_o out_o of_o his_o bounty_n give_v i_o something_o i_o will_v hold_v it_o of_o he_o i_o will_v only_o keep_v it_o for_o he_o and_o i_o resolve_v from_o this_o time_n and_o to_o all_o eternity_n i_o will_v live_v in_o the_o dependence_n that_o i_o owe_v to_o the_o regard_n of_o my_o lord_n and_o god_n let_v we_o not_o stay_v here_o but_o advance_v forward_o to_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o let_v we_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o need_n we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v what_o we_o be_v and_o that_o we_o be_v nothing_o nor_o have_v nothing_o as_o have_v receive_v all_o of_o god_n and_o we_o possess_v nothing_o either_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a in_o nature_n or_o in_o grace_n but_o only_o that_o which_o god_n reserve_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o withdraw_v his_o gift_n or_o cease_v to_o preserve_v they_o we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o like_o adam_n naked_a and_o poor_a and_o shall_v return_v to_o our_o nothing_o let_v we_o behold_v ourselves_o then_o so_o naked_a and_o devest_v and_o let_v we_o pause_v upon_o this_o thought_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v whether_o we_o will_v or_o not_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o but_o with_o a_o humility_n full_a of_o love_n and_o confidence_n which_o shall_v make_v we_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n to_o heaven_n to_o behold_v he_o on_o who_o we_o so_o absolute_o depend_v from_o who_o hand_n we_o have_v receive_v all_o and_o must_v yet_o every_o moment_n receive_v influence_n conduct_n grace_n and_o stability_n and_o that_o so_o necessary_o that_o if_o we_o happen_v to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o he_o and_o if_o he_o but_o stop_v his_o assistance_n and_o his_o concourse_n leave_v we_o to_o ourselves_o we_o assure_o shall_v fall_v and_o in_o a_o instant_n lose_v all_o in_o what_o state_n soever_o we_o be_v of_o sanctity_n and_o grace_n o_o most_o powerful_a truth_n to_o humble_v we_o if_o consider_v a_o truth_n that_o humble_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o just_a upon_o earth_n and_o which_o annihilate_v the_o angel_n and_o seraphim_n in_o heaven_n a_o truth_n which_o make_v the_o glorious_a spirit_n angel_n and_o saint_n who_o enjoy_v god_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o but_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o stability_n but_o in_o god_n a_o acknowledgement_n so_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o pluck_v they_o and_o unite_v they_o to_o he_o indissoluble_o if_o otherwise_o they_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o he_o by_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n this_o be_v the_o very_a state_n of_o a_o soul_n of_o jesus_n who_o know_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n and_o see_v himself_o his_o creature_n penetrate_v those_o truth_n by_o a_o light_n spring_v from_o the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o word_n a_o light_a worthy_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n humble_v itself_o but_o with_o a_o humility_n that_o shall_v be_v eternal_a a_o humility_n more_o profound_a than_o that_o of_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n a_o humility_n which_o alone_o be_v worthy_a to_o honour_n and_o adore_v the_o infinite_a essence_n and_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n of_o god_n so_o that_o
as_o in_o the_o church_n he_o be_v feed_v with_o the_o body_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n among_o the_o true_a vertus_fw-fr which_o we_o must_v possess_v that_o which_o be_v as_o the_o gold_n and_o enamel_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v purity_n a_o virtue_n altogether_o necessary_a yet_o either_o despise_v or_o little_o know_v if_o we_o will_v see_v the_o necessity_n thereof_o let_v we_o only_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o wherein_o consist_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n the_o perfect_a christian_a must_v live_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o must_v carry_v god_n he_o must_v possess_v god_n 14.23_o if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o say_v christ_n he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v into_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o which_o we_o must_v not_o only_o understand_v of_o justify_v and_o inherent_a grace_n a_o gift_n create_v and_o give_v of_o god_n but_o of_o the_o real_a true_a habitation_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n the_o soul_n of_o the_o just_a say_v the_o wise_a man_n be_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v often_o that_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v temple_n of_o god_n 6.19_o know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reflect_v on_o this_o so_o manifest_a a_o truth_n we_o must_v say_v that_o to_o receive_v and_o possess_v god_n in_o our_o soul_n we_o must_v have_v the_o purity_n of_o god_n and_o in_o a_o word_n without_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n and_o disguize_v or_o cover_v the_o truth_n let_v we_o consider_v a_o little_a serious_o what_o the_o place_n ought_v to_o be_v where_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o god_n will_v dwell_v for_o ever_o what_o ought_v his_o dwelling_n to_o be_v of_o who_o david_n say_v thou_o dwell_v in_o the_o sanctuary_n 22.4_o and_o in_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n what_o ought_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n to_o be_v where_o god_n have_v make_v himself_o a_o seat_n which_o he_o have_v choose_v and_o consecrate_v to_o be_v the_o throne_n of_o his_o love_n we_o must_v believe_v god_n will_v require_v in_o we_o a_o purity_n worthy_a of_o god_n see_v he_o who_o be_v purity_n itself_o will_v dwell_v eternal_o in_o we_o this_o purity_n that_o god_n demand_n and_o whereof_o he_o be_v worthy_a be_v so_o divine_a that_o our_o strength_n can_v arrive_v unto_o it_o he_o must_v give_v it_o he_o must_v assist_v our_o importance_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o fire_n of_o his_o love_n the_o lightning_n of_o his_o light_n the_o force_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o can_v purge_v expiate_v and_o consume_v all_o in_o we_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o purity_n in_o brief_a it_o belong_v to_o god_n alone_o to_o place_v we_o in_o the_o purity_n that_o he_o require_v of_o we_o this_o show_v how_o much_o those_o soul_n be_v deceive_v who_o think_v to_o possess_v god_n and_o be_v well_o with_o he_o yet_o be_v more_o remote_a from_o he_o then_o heaven_n be_v from_o earth_n we_o need_v not_o but_o to_o behold_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o effect_n what_o its_o cause_n be_v now_o as_o this_o purity_n be_v altogether_o necessary_a to_o possess_v god_n so_o it_o be_v our_o part_n to_o desire_v and_o to_o demand_v it_o of_o he_o and_o our_o principal_a care_n must_v be_v to_o purify_v our_o heart_n to_o make_v it_o to_o bear_v god_n we_o must_v offer_v it_o to_o he_o that_o we_o may_v bring_v to_o ourselves_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o say_n of_o god_n to_o his_o spouse_n and_o to_o all_o other_o my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n we_o must_v give_v and_o resign_v it_o to_o he_o alone_o 23.26_o it_o be_v his_o desire_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o our_o happiness_n if_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o accept_v it_o it_o will_v be_v his_o when_o he_o please_v to_o make_v it_o such_o as_o he_o require_v it_o this_o be_v not_o all_o we_o must_v cooperate_v herein_o and_o labour_n with_o care_n and_o vigilancy_n that_o we_o may_v employ_v ourselves_o herein_o with_o courage_n and_o labour_n with_o profit_n let_v we_o therefore_o see_v wherein_o this_o purity_n consist_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v understand_v two_o way_n one_o that_o we_o must_v purify_v our_o heart_n from_o all_o sort_n of_o sin_n and_o voluntary_a imperfection_n god_n enter_v not_o into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n nor_o inhabit_v in_o a_o body_n enslave_v to_o sin_n we_o mean_v not_o only_o gross_a sin_n but_o ordinary_a fail_n even_o all_o fault_n be_v they_o never_o so_o little_a for_o god_n be_v purity_n itself_o can_v inhabit_v in_o a_o heart_n if_o he_o find_v not_o or_o put_v not_o therein_o this_o purity_n and_o be_v infinite_o good_a he_o infinite_o hate_v evil_a whatsoever_o it_o be_v and_o though_o the_o least_o fault_n drive_v not_o god_n out_o of_o our_o soul_n yet_o they_o make_v a_o division_n and_o unsettle_v the_o soul_n from_o god_n they_o make_v great_a spoil_n in_o the_o heart_n they_o undermine_v it_o they_o brand_v it_o they_o indispose_v it_o and_o be_v so_o it_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o god_n and_o become_v the_o object_n of_o his_o justice._n the_o soul_n that_o know_v how_o to_o esteem_v of_o god_n and_o bear_v any_o impression_n of_o his_o purity_n will_v think_v more_o than_o i_o say_v and_o never_o consent_v to_o the_o least_o imperfection_n all_o be_v insupportable_a to_o she_o that_o she_o know_v to_o be_v disacceptable_a to_o god_n she_o have_v no_o consideration_n of_o estate_n honour_n her_o own_o good_a or_o of_o man_n where_o she_o see_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n capable_a to_o offend_v the_o eye_n and_o heart_n of_o her_o god_n all_o her_o care_n be_v to_o detest_v and_o extirpate_v not_o only_o the_o least_o fault_n but_o to_o quit_v renounce_v and_o separate_v herself_o from_o whatsoever_o she_o know_v to_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n it_o be_v the_o chief_a advice_n of_o st._n augustine_n before_o any_o work_n say_v he_o be_v sure_a to_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o take_v from_o it_o all_o that_o you_o observe_v displease_v to_o god_n when_o he_o will_v have_v we_o take_v from_o our_o heart_n all_o that_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n he_o discover_v a_o great_a secret_a he_o will_v have_v we_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o take_v out_o of_o we_o all_o that_o be_v of_o adam_n he_o will_v have_v we_o annihilate_v our_o inclination_n because_o whatsoever_o be_v of_o adam_n be_v impure_a and_o opposite_a to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o ever_o contrary_a to_o he_o whence_o we_o conclude_v that_o he_o who_o will_v possess_v jesus_n must_v do_v all_o he_o can_v possible_a to_o dispossess_v himself_o of_o and_o to_o drive_v away_o adam_n this_o spirit_n of_o adam_n and_o his_o inclination_n can_v no_o more_o subsist_v in_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o the_o idol_n dagon_n can_v stand_v before_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n all_o that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o be_v not_o of_o god_n be_v impure_a and_o unworthy_a of_o god_n and_o all_o that_o be_v out_o of_o god_n can_v produce_v no_o good_a nor_o any_o thing_n worthy_a of_o god_n these_o be_v great_a truth_n such_o as_o may_v transport_v our_o spirit_n yet_o let_v we_o not_o be_v astonish_v at_o this_o proposition_n as_o too_o high_a and_o impossible_a and_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o therein_o be_v nothing_o too_o much_o but_o rather_o far_o less_o than_o so_o worthy_a a_o subject_a merit_n if_o we_o consider_v how_o pure_a that_o soul_n must_v be_v that_o will_v please_v god_n be_v in_o god_n and_o possess_v god_n and_o what_o purity_n it_o must_v have_v to_o be_v one_o with_o god_n for_o thereon_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a happy_o terminate_v o_o great_a god_n how_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o o_o god_n of_o adorable_a purity_n how_o few_o be_v fit_a to_o possess_v thou_o by_o the_o light_n of_o these_o truth_n we_o may_v discover_v the_o abuse_n and_o deceit_n in_o christian_n devotion_n some_o think_v that_o they_o hold_v god_n by_o the_o hand_n already_o and_o believe_v themselves_o well_o advance_v in_o perfection_n in_o that_o they_o communicate_v in_o that_o they_o fast_o and_o pray_v every_o day_n and_o a_o thousand_o such_o like_a thing_n wherein_o they_o exercise_v themselves_o they_o have_v the_o taste_n and_o sense_n of_o devotion_n they_o speak_v well_o of_o god_n and_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v they_o they_o say_v they_o be_v ravish_v in_o god_n but_o consider_v they_o well_o you_o shall_v find_v they_o live_v whole_o according_a to_o their_o own_o inclination_n they_o mind_v only_o their_o own_o
interest_n they_o care_v only_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v but_o themselves_o and_o full_a of_o self-love_n you_o shall_v know_v these_o tree_n by_o their_o fruit_n and_o the_o end_n will_v let_v you_o see_v that_o do_v but_o touch_v these_o mountain_n and_o nothing_o will_v come_v out_o but_o smoke_n god_n dwell_v not_o with_o baal_n let_v we_o not_o go_v two_o way_n the_o soul_n who_o will_v possess_v god_n who_o be_v purity_n must_v be_v pure_a must_v purge_v and_o take_v from_o itself_o all_o that_o displease_v god_n for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n possess_v not_o god_n there_o be_v another_o deceit_n whereto_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n which_o be_v of_o those_o that_o believe_v they_o do_v much_o and_o think_v that_o god_n be_v indebt_v to_o they_o when_o their_o conscience_n trouble_v they_o not_o with_o any_o deadly_a sin_n that_o be_v when_o they_o themselves_o say_v they_o avoid_v they_o all_o for_o that_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n simple_o take_v it_o be_v certain_a he_o who_o die_v without_o mortal_a sin_n shall_v be_v a_o saint_n but_o lay_v aside_o many_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v say_v against_o this_o abuse_n i_o will_v only_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o support_v themselves_o upon_o a_o reed_n for_o i_o advise_v all_o those_o soul_n that_o speak_v so_o to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o their_o own_o state_n because_o that_o to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o our_o fault_n as_o they_o be_v we_o must_v know_v what_o they_o be_v before_o god_n and_o by_o the_o light_n of_o god_n we_o can_v have_v this_o knowledge_n but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o we_o esteem_v god_n and_o his_o greatness_n but_o if_o we_o do_v esteem_v god_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o greatness_n and_o if_o we_o do_v live_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o will_v never_o speak_v thus_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v not_o only_o shun_v mortal_a sin_n but_o even_o the_o least_o fault_n for_o know_v god_n and_o esteem_v his_o greatness_n we_o love_v he_o love_v he_o we_o fear_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v displease_v he_o be_v it_o never_o so_o trivial_a and_o they_o therefore_o who_o only_a regard_n and_o fear_v the_o gross_a sin_n and_o care_v not_o for_o the_o rest_n assure_o neither_o know_v nor_o esteem_v god_n they_o know_v he_o not_o for_o they_o can_v know_v the_o state_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o consequent_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o when_o they_o ground_n their_o assurance_n on_o a_o pretence_n that_o they_o be_v not_o trouble_v with_o mortal_a sin_n and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o more_o in_o that_o they_o care_v not_o for_o all_o the_o rest_n believe_v they_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n alas_o who_o be_v he_o that_o can_v be_v assure_v he_o be_v worthy_a of_o love_n or_o hate_v what_o presumption_n be_v it_o in_o man_n of_o this_o age_n to_o assure_v themselves_o amid_o so_o many_o danger_n saint_n paul_n the_o mirror_n of_o sanctity_n say_v of_o himself_o i_o know_v nothing_o by_o myself_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o hereby_o justify_v and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v 4.4_o that_o he_o run_v and_o labour_n always_o because_o he_o be_v not_o arrive_v to_o that_o perfection_n god_n require_v of_o he_o 3.12_o we_o must_v say_v the_o same_o in_o what_o state_n soever_o we_o be_v whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o to_o live_v in_o the_o purity_n that_o god_n require_v of_o a_o christian_a he_o must_v not_o only_o shun_v all_o sin_n but_o further_o have_v a_o general_a care_n and_o particular_a vigilance_n to_o do_v nothing_o which_o may_v displease_v god_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v and_o must_v neglect_v nothing_o conduce_v thereto_o and_o herein_o consist_v purity_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n purity_n take_v in_o the_o second_o manner_n imply_v no_o other_o thing_n then_o a_o pure_a regard_n of_o man_n to_o god_n be_v it_o for_o the_o soul_n or_o for_o the_o body_n this_o purity_n be_v great_o important_a and_o altogether_o necessary_a to_o those_o who_o will_v live_v as_o perfect_a christian_n by_o this_o purity_n the_o soul_n regard_v only_a god_n she_o do_v nothing_o but_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n she_o seek_v nothing_o but_o his_o will_n if_o she_o love_v it_o be_v only_a god_n if_o she_o affect_v any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v only_o for_o god_n and_o according_a to_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n she_o seek_v his_o glory_n and_o satisfaction_n all_o creature_n be_v before_o she_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o this_o consist_v the_o essence_n of_o this_o virtue_n perhaps_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o better_o know_v by_o propose_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v arrive_v to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o virtue_n the_o first_o i_o place_n in_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o intention_n when_o the_o soul_n in_o all_o that_o she_o do_v annihilate_v all_o her_o intention_n her_o desire_n her_o motion_n her_o thought_n and_o admit_v none_o but_o the_o pure_a desire_n of_o comply_v with_o god_n i_o call_v this_o intention_n simple_a because_o it_o must_v be_v clear_a and_o naked_a without_o consult_v reason_n in_o any_o thing_n this_o intention_n be_v simple_a because_o it_o be_v one_o whole_o and_o always_o equal_a in_o all_o thing_n it_o regard_v god_n only_o and_o he_o continual_o in_o brief_a this_o intention_n and_o regard_n be_v simple_a because_o it_o only_o rest_v upon_o god_n the_o soul_n that_o seek_v this_o virtue_n seek_v only_o god_n o_o how_o desirable_a be_v this_o virtue_n how_o happy_a be_v this_o manner_n of_o life_n this_o be_v that_o which_o unite_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n that_o which_o please_v god_n and_o be_v fit_a to_o bear_v god_n the_o second_o mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o virtue_n be_v by_o deny_v ourselves_o when_o we_o renounce_v ourselves_o and_o admit_v no_o resentment_n that_o bear_v impurity_n and_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o or_o the_o creature_n as_o the_o esteem_n of_o our_o own_o merit_n of_o our_o capacity_n of_o our_o vocation_n the_o content_a of_o a_o neighbour_n the_o profit_n of_o friend_n the_o acquisition_n of_o virtue_n and_o such_o other_o thing_n that_o cause_v we_o to_o stray_v from_o god_n we_o must_v annihilate_v all_o these_o resentment_n and_o thought_n to_o persist_v in_o the_o unity_n and_o bare_a simplicity_n of_o the_o pure_a regard_n of_o god_n the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n his_o glory_n and_o his_o content_n be_v a_o thing_n more_o important_a and_o infinite_o of_o more_o worth_n than_o can_v be_v imagine_v yea_o than_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n the_o soul_n therefore_o that_o seek_v god_n and_o perfection_n for_o that_o be_v all_o one_o must_v careful_o take_v heed_n to_o this_o manner_n of_o purity_n for_o to_o regard_v any_o thing_n but_o god_n and_o to_o love_v out_o of_o god_n be_v to_o love_v unworthy_o and_o to_o love_v any_o other_o thing_n with_o god_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v to_o think_v thereon_o to_o seek_v it_o and_o to_o care_n for_o it_o be_v to_o make_v too_o little_a account_n of_o god_n it_o be_v to_o esteem_v his_o love_n too_o mean_o man_n addict_v to_o this_o world_n will_v pass_v over_o this_o light_o and_o perhaps_o with_o contempt_n but_o i_o wish_v all_o that_o hearty_o seek_v god_n and_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o god_n hold_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o regard_v to_o all_o eternity_n with_o a_o regard_n of_o love_n and_o good_a will_n that_o they_o think_v of_o what_o worth_n this_o eternal_a regard_n of_o god_n be_v who_o regard_v we_o without_o cease_v that_o they_o consider_v what_o god_n deserve_v and_o demand_v of_o god_n that_o which_o he_o please_v for_o this_o regard_n of_o his_o love_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o these_o thought_n will_v lead_v they_o to_o true_a piety_n the_o three_o mean_n to_o attain_v this_o virtue_n be_v vigilancy_n whereby_o we_o take_v heed_n to_o that_o which_o god_n do_v in_o we_o to_o correspond_v faithful_o with_o the_o design_n he_o have_v to_o purify_v we_o for_o by_o this_o virtue_n he_o be_v infuse_v and_o god_n by_o his_o operation_n incessant_o purify_v we_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o watch_v the_o occasion_n that_o god_n give_v she_o i_o say_v to_o watch_v for_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o be_v very_o cunning_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o god_n and_o to_o apply_v we_o to_o our_o sense_n under_o pretence_n of_o virtue_n and_o necessity_n the_o devout_a soul_n must_v serious_o take_v heed_n lest_o she_o destroy_v in_o herself_o the_o work_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o satan_n they_o be_v his_o ordinary_a subtlety_n that_o deceive_v the_o most_o fervent_a by_o this_o mean_n destroy_v
our_o heart_n and_o form_n in_o our_o soul_n a_o alienation_n and_o displeasure_n of_o too_o great_a a_o love_n bear_v to_o ourselves_o and_o of_o that_o adherence_n and_o fasten_v which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o creature_n and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a hindrance_n to_o virtue_n be_v to_o think_v tacit_o or_o actual_o that_o we_o have_v virtue_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o we_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n god_n demand_v of_o we_o and_o be_v fill_v with_o our_o self_n the_o affection_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o void_a of_o god_n hence_o we_o proceed_v and_o raise_v in_o ourselves_o a_o continual_a hunger_n after_o god_n a_o desire_n and_o a_o firm_a purpose_n to_o approach_v unto_o he_o to_o love_v he_o to_o please_v he_o and_o to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o our_o self_n and_o from_o all_o creature_n we_o must_v think_v upon_o these_o word_n 17._o thou_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o know_v not_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a in_o fine_a as_o all_o evangelic_n perfection_n practise_v and_o preach_v by_o jesus_n christ_n consist_v in_o two_o point_n in_o love_n of_o god_n only_o and_o in_o hate_n of_o ourselves_o we_o must_v study_v to_o establish_v and_o advance_v ourselves_o in_o these_o two_o principle_n we_o must_v vigilant_o seek_v god_n in_o all_o occurrence_n in_o all_o thing_n at_o all_o time_n and_o annihilate_v ourselves_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o object_n present_v to_o we_o the_o second_o practice_n must_v be_v actual_a abnegation_n we_o must_v study_v to_o annihilate_v and_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o this_o may_v be_v do_v two_o way_n one_o when_o we_o seek_v occasion_n to_o practice_v self-deniall_n or_o choose_v some_o exercise_n upon_o this_o subject_n this_o be_v for_o those_o who_o have_v courage_n and_o a_o great_a desire_n to_o be_v god_n and_o to_o live_v good_a christian_n but_o many_o believe_v not_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o renounce_v and_o have_v not_o sufficient_a courage_n to_o seek_v occasion_n to_o annihilate_v themselves_o there_o be_v another_o manner_n whereby_o they_o may_v profit_v by_o this_o exercise_n which_o be_v to_o receive_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o self-deniall_n whatever_o happen_v to_o they_o and_o to_o entertain_v it_o as_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n without_o which_o nothing_o can_v happen_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o who_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v subject_a here_o the_o soul_n must_v have_v a_o care_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n when_o any_o occasion_n occur_v to_o practice_v the_o interior_a or_o exterior_a self-deniall_n to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o it_o as_o god_n shall_v give_v he_o power_n and_o according_a to_o the_o object_n god_n shall_v cause_v they_o to_o be_v present_v to_o he_o it_o be_v a_o lesson_n that_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o learn_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v and_o it_o must_v be_v our_o continual_a endeavour_n to_o destroy_v in_o we_o the_o old_a man_n even_o in_o the_o least_o thing_n if_o we_o will_v have_v the_o new_a adam_n jesus_n christ_n to_o live_v in_o we_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v what_o self-deniall_n be_v since_o it_o concern_v we_o so_o much_o to_o practice_v it_o i_o answer_v to_o practice_v self-deniall_n be_v to_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o to_o sever_v ourselves_o from_o the_o creature_n to_o employ_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v ourselves_o fit_a to_o bear_v god_n for_o our_o heart_n be_v god_n and_o he_o create_v it_o by_o his_o power_n he_o consecrate_v it_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o dwell_v there_o and_o be_v there_o as_o a_o father_n in_o his_o family_n the_o sun_n in_o the_o heaven_n a_o king_n in_o his_o kingdom_n sin_n drive_v he_o from_o thence_o the_o love_n of_o our_o self_n and_o the_o creature_n hold_v the_o place_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o boldness_n and_o rashness_n to_o seat_v itself_o in_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n this_o love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o the_o creature_n reign_v tyrannical_o in_o we_o usurp_v the_o right_a of_o divinity_n do_v all_o there_o that_o god_n ought_v to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o establish_v god_n in_o his_o throne_n to_o re-place_n he_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o to_o let_v he_o reign_v in_o his_o soul._n to_o do_v this_o we_o must_v necessary_o drive_v away_o this_o love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o extirpate_v our_o affection_n to_o the_o creature_n this_o be_v the_o office_n of_o self-denial_n which_o annihilate_v we_o and_o make_v we_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o clear_v our_o heart_n to_o replace_v therein_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n to_o practice_v self-denial_n and_o for_o a_o man_n to_o go_v out_o of_o himself_o be_v to_o have_v no_o other_o desire_n then_o pure_o to_o please_v god_n to_o have_v no_o other_o will_v then_o he_o to_o have_v nothing_o but_o god_n before_o his_o eye_n and_o to_o quit_v all_o consideration_n of_o the_o world_n only_o to_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o be_v to_o lose_v the_o care_n of_o ourselves_o either_o of_o the_o soul_n or_o body_n to_o commit_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o abandon_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o the_o order_n he_o have_v establish_v from_o all_o eternity_n over_o our_o life_n it_o be_v to_o think_v no_o more_o of_o that_o which_o concern_v we_o and_o to_o desire_v no_o more_o that_o any_o love_v we_o or_o esteem_v we_o no_o more_o to_o seek_v our_o own_o interest_n or_o satisfaction_n but_o only_o the_o pure_a will_n of_o god_n so_o to_o live_v be_v to_o go_v out_o of_o and_o to_o annihilate_v ourselves_o for_o the_o soul_n by_o these_o practice_n renounce_v and_o annihilate_v in_o herself_o all_o affection_n all_o respect_n all_o care_n of_o the_o creature_n all_o that_o be_v not_o god_n or_o of_o god_n and_o so_o render_v herself_o capable_a to_o possess_v god_n to_o attain_v this_o practice_n of_o this_o virtue_n beside_o the_o mean_n already_o suppose_v a_o three_o may_v be_v add_v which_o be_v when_o god_n himself_o operate_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o annihilation_n he_o will_v have_v there_o and_o there_o be_v two_o ordinary_a way_n that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o herein_o one_o by_o christian_n and_o justify_v grace_n which_o can_v be_v in_o the_o soul_n till_o he_o drive_v thence_o and_o annihilate_v what_o be_v contrary_a to_o he_o and_o as_o far_o as_o it_o reign_v herein_o and_o possess_v the_o heart_n it_o proportionable_o annihilate_v in_o we_o this_o love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o the_o creature_n so_o true_o that_o we_o may_v say_v there_o be_v as_o much_o of_o the_o one_o as_o there_o be_v little_a of_o the_o other_o for_o grace_n and_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o can_v reign_v together_o one_o drive_v away_o the_o other_o beside_o grace_n god_n make_v use_v of_o divers_a favour_n and_o communication_n secret_a and_o interior_a as_o light_n motion_n and_o other_o divine_a and_o love_a operation_n whereby_o he_o infallible_o operate_v self-denial_n and_o annihilation_n in_o we_o it_o be_v a_o true_a principle_n that_o god_n never_o operate_v any_o effect_n which_o bring_v not_o purity_n self-denial_n and_o annihilation_n into_o the_o soul_n where_o these_o effect_n meet_v not_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a mark_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o god_n who_o be_v purity_n can_v operate_v but_o pure_o he_o be_v always_o like_o himself_o if_o there_o be_v a_o operation_n of_o god_n there_o be_v purity_n and_o consequent_o annihilation_n for_o purity_n annihilate_v impurity_n if_o in_o the_o operation_n which_o the_o soul_n bear_v there_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o purity_n and_o annihilation_n it_o be_v not_o a_o operation_n of_o god_n or_o a_o effect_n of_o grace_n but_o a_o effect_n of_o proper_a or_o natural_a love_n or_o else_o of_o the_o devil_n who_o can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n but_o he_o can_v give_v the_o soul_n the_o effect_n of_o light_n which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v thereby_o to_o know_v how_o to_o discern_v natural_a operation_n from_o those_o of_o grace_n this_o truth_n will_v appear_v most_o clear_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o his_o divine_a and_o love_a communication_n we_o know_v that_o god_n do_v not_o communicate_v himself_o nor_o work_v in_o our_o soul_n but_o to_o prepare_v and_o render_v they_o worthy_a and_o capable_a to_o receive_v he_o be_v therein_o receive_v he_o will_v possess_v and_o fill_v they_o with_o his_o fullness_n how_o can_v all_o this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o soul_n if_o god_n at_o first_o by_o his_o operation_n do_v not_o purify_v the_o soul_n and_o separate_v it_o
be_v accomplish_v in_o every_o point_n now_o our_o question_n be_v not_o only_o of_o a_o action_n good_a and_o just_a but_o which_o be_v more_o of_o a_o christian_a action_n suitable_a to_o the_o eminence_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n of_o a_o action_n worthy_a heaven_n and_o god_n if_o it_o be_v real_a it_o must_v have_v circumstance_n only_o pure_a and_o perfect_a and_o chief_o it_o be_v requisite_a they_o have_v a_o proportionate_a object_n for_o as_o action_n be_v specify_v by_o their_o object_n so_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o the_o do_v and_o denomination_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a action_n be_v to_o consider_v what_o be_v its_o object_n which_o must_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o dignity_n sanctity_n and_o purity_n of_o a_o action_n worthy_a god_n which_o be_v suppose_v this_o object_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v say_v that_o as_o all_o the_o action_n of_o christian_n must_v be_v conformable_a to_o their_o state_n all_o worthy_a of_o god_n so_o must_v they_o have_v god_n only_o for_o their_o object_n and_o consequent_o a_o christian_n to_o live_v christianly_o must_v have_v respect_n only_o to_o god_n in_o all_o his_o action_n and_o to_o do_v nothing_o but_o with_o intention_n to_o please_v he_o this_o be_v the_o wish_n of_o saint_n paul_n when_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o new_a christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v that_o you_o may_v walk_v say_v he_o 1.10_o worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n as_o unto_o all_o please_a this_o counsel_n ought_v to_o be_v engrave_v in_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n for_o either_o they_o think_v not_o of_o it_o or_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o yet_o be_v it_o altogether_o necessary_a let_v we_o then_o suppose_v this_o to_o our_o perfect_a christian_a that_o to_o do_v act_n true_o christian_n and_o worthy_a of_o god_n we_o must_v regard_v nothing_o but_o god_n and_o have_v no_o other_o intent_n then_o to_o please_v he_o the_o reason_n be_v from_o the_o commandment_n of_o love_n for_o by_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o love_n god_n in_o all_o and_o above_o all_o we_o be_v oblige_v also_o to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o and_o to_o seek_v only_o his_o honour_n glory_n and_o pleasure_n he_o that_o know_v how_o to_o love_v will_v easy_o comprehend_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o counsel_n for_o love_v if_o it_o be_v true_a make_v we_o quit_v our_o own_o interest_n and_o respect_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o interest_n and_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n belove_v again_o to_o love_v according_a to_o the_o angelical_a doctor_n be_v to_o wish_v well_o now_o what_o good_a what_o interest_n can_v god_n have_v in_o our_o action_n but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n god_n have_v no_o need_n of_o we_o for_o he_o be_v all-sufficient_a of_o himself_o as_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o can_v diminish_v his_o glory_n or_o pleasure_n so_o neither_o can_v we_o augment_v they_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o our_o action_n and_o that_o he_o make_v they_o meritorious_a &_o worthy_a the_o possession_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o receive_v they_o as_o acceptable_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o bounty_n not_o the_o power_n of_o necessity_n it_o be_v by_o dignify_n not_o by_o duty_n or_o obligation_n by_o love_n not_o by_o interest_n it_o be_v because_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o regard_v they_o and_o to_o be_v please_v with_o they_o it_o be_v only_o because_o we_o do_v in_o they_o what_o his_o will_n be_v we_o employ_v ourselves_o in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o accomplish_v his_o design_n this_o deduction_n and_o principle_n be_v consider_v we_o must_v say_v that_o see_v god_n receive_v nothing_o of_o we_o or_o of_o our_o action_n but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o divine_a will_n it_o follow_v that_o a_o christian_n who_o will_v love_v his_o god_n can_v express_v this_o love_n but_o in_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o employ_v himself_o in_o the_o duty_n that_o god_n propose_v to_o he_o 14.21_o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o will_v manifest_v myself_o to_o he_o which_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a consist_v in_o do_v the_o work_n which_o god_n propose_v and_o put_v into_o his_o hand_n according_a to_o his_o condition_n and_o estate_n to_o do_v it_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o with_o a_o intent_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o the_o christian_n show_v his_o love_n to_o god_n this_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o his_o action_n become_v worthy_a to_o possess_v god_n to_o comprehend_v this_o truth_n we_o must_v observe_v that_o all_o the_o creature_n be_v nothing_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v as_o but_o a_o drop_n of_o water_n draw_v up_o by_o the_o sun_n now_o if_o all_o creature_n be_v nothing_o man_n be_v yet_o less_o and_o man_n be_v so_o small_a a_o thing_n his_o action_n can_v be_v no_o more_o but_o if_o the_o creature_n if_o man_n and_o his_o action_n be_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n it_o be_v only_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o regard_v god_n and_o have_v relation_n to_o he_o for_o nothing_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v of_o god_n and_o for_o god_n heaven_n the_o world_n the_o earth_n be_v nothing_o 66.1_o yet_o be_v they_o esteem_v worthy_a of_o honour_n because_o heaven_n be_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n earth_n be_v his_o footstool_n we_o may_v say_v as_o much_o of_o man_n although_o he_o be_v nothing_o in_o himself_o or_o in_o his_o action_n yet_o they_o be_v most_o worthy_a by_o this_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o regard_n of_o god_n for_o as_o mean_v and_o profane_a thing_n be_v respect_v be_v consecrate_v and_o dedicate_v to_o god_n so_o our_o action_n though_o they_o be_v mean_a and_o unworthy_a of_o god_n yet_o be_v refer_v and_o dedicate_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o will_n they_o be_v raise_v up_o and_o become_v please_v to_o god_n whence_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o be_v nothing_o not_o our_o action_n if_o they_o regard_v not_o god_n in_o this_o purity_n and_o though_o they_o regard_v god_n yet_o they_o confer_v nothing_o to_o god_n they_o be_v only_o please_v to_o he_o because_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o regard_v they_o and_o to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o he_o advance_v and_o sanctify_v they_o by_o this_o relation_n such_o be_v his_o good_a pleasure_n herein_o appear_v the_o abuse_n of_o those_o who_o fill_v their_o heart_n and_o perplex_v their_o thought_n with_o several_a intention_n by_o this_o principle_n we_o see_v how_o much_o they_o separate_v themselves_o from_o their_o duty_n who_o in_o their_o action_n and_o devotion_n seek_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o to_o please_v god_n for_o all_o our_o action_n be_v only_o worthy_a of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v only_o please_v to_o he_o and_o nothing_o be_v worthy_a of_o he_o nor_o please_v to_o his_o divine_a eye_n but_o what_o be_v of_o he_o and_o for_o he_o therefore_o one_o of_o the_o great_a fault_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o piety_n which_o make_v we_o most_o unworthy_a of_o god_n be_v want_n of_o this_o regard_n of_o god_n many_o instead_o of_o refer_v all_o thing_n to_o god_n seek_v nothing_o but_o themselves_o labour_v only_o for_o themselves_o and_o in_o all_o that_o they_o do_v think_v only_o of_o themselves_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v examine_v themselves_o as_o they_o ought_v they_o will_v find_v that_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n and_o action_n be_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o go_v on_o in_o the_o labyrinth_n of_o these_o confusion_n they_o will_v find_v that_o seek_v to_o do_v their_o own_o will_n they_o do_v what_o god_n require_v not_o and_o fail_v to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o command_v by_o this_o abuse_n it_o appear_v that_o such_o soul_n design_v their_o own_o health_n and_o profit_n to_o be_v their_o end_n and_o the_o object_n of_o their_o action_n by_o so_o do_v god_n be_v no_o more_o their_o ultimate_a end_n nor_o the_o centre_n of_o their_o life_n and_o action_n but_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o profit_n take_v the_o place_n of_o god_n a_o error_n so_o manifest_a that_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v and_o necessary_a to_o condemn_v the_o same_o let_v we_o remember_v a_o principle_n very_o common_a that_o teach_v we_o if_o there_o be_v neither_o heaven_n nor_o hell_n to_o recompense_v or_o punish_v yet_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o devote_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o god_n to_o fulfil_v his_o design_n and_o to_o render_v he_o honour_n in_o
of_o any_o way_n but_o this_o that_o god_n have_v ordain_v for_o she_o whereto_o she_o be_v call_v by_o this_o practice_n the_o soul_n remain_v in_o her_o unity_n of_o application_n and_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o the_o perfect_a adherence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o live_v faithful_o in_o those_o way_n wherein_o she_o believe_v god_n will_v conduct_v she_o she_o will_v be_v careful_a to_o employ_v all_o her_o power_n to_o destroy_v and_o annihilate_v herself_o into_o god_n in_o those_o way_n wherein_o he_o govern_v she_o without_o think_v of_o any_o other_o resign_v herself_o whole_o to_o god_n that_o he_o by_o his_o divine_a power_n secret_o and_o intimate_o operate_v in_o she_o a_o true_a annihilation_n which_o separate_v she_o from_o herself_o and_o all_o thing_n shall_v perfect_v she_o and_o put_v she_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o god_n that_o be_v shall_v render_v her_o worthy_a and_o capable_a to_o bear_v god_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o he_o who_o from_o thenceforth_o will_v be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o she_o by_o grace_n and_o love_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n yet_o after_o a_o manner_n proportion_v to_o the_o baseness_n of_o earth_n the_o christian_a live_v in_o this_o faithful_a application_n shall_v not_o want_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o motion_n to_o draw_v he_o more_o and_o more_o to_o god_n and_o to_o make_v he_o perfect_a let_v we_o now_o see_v how_o he_o must_v comport_v himself_o in_o the_o exterior_a use_n of_o all_o thing_n chap._n ix_o how_o the_o christian_n ought_v to_o comport_v himself_o in_o the_o exterior_a use_n of_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o great_a consequence_n in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o use_n and_o seek_v after_o of_o exterior_a thing_n for_o beside_o that_o he_o must_v shun_v as_o hell_n whatsoever_o be_v of_o sin_n and_o abstain_v from_o all_o that_o displease_v god_n it_o be_v also_o necessary_a to_o see_v how_o he_o comport_v himself_o in_o exterior_a thing_n though_o lawful_a every_o employment_n out_o of_o god_n divert_v we_o from_o he_o if_o we_o be_v not_o ready_a and_o form_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o conduct_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n 10.23_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a say_v st._n paul_n signify_v that_o all_o that_o be_v lawful_a be_v not_o always_o good_a to_o do_v and_o that_o for_o divers_a circumstance_n a_o man_n must_v retain_v and_o deprive_v himself_o of_o that_o which_o be_v permit_v in_o the_o use_n and_o acquisition_n of_o exterior_a thing_n even_o of_o those_o that_o appear_v lawful_a we_o may_v fail_v in_o divers_a manner_n for_o the_o employment_n divert_v we_o from_o god_n the_o use_n and_o possession_n bring_v care_n upon_o we_o and_o the_o adhere_n to_o they_o divide_v we_o from_o ourselves_o and_o make_v we_o divide_v they_o with_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o parable_n many_o refuse_n to_o go_v to_o the_o marriage_n 22._o and_o to_o the_o heavenly_a banquet_n whereto_o they_o be_v invite_v that_o be_v they_o refuse_v the_o grace_n and_o heaven_n itself_o because_o they_o turn_v themselves_o to_o the_o creature_n some_o say_v jesus_n christ_n go_v to_o their_o possession_n and_o farm_n 14.18_o other_o employ_v themselves_o in_o their_o affair_n some_o to_o buy_v other_o to_o sell_v and_o busy_v themselves_o in_o these_o occupation_n think_v no_o more_o of_o heaven_n or_o if_o they_o have_v thought_n or_o desire_n of_o it_o they_o be_v stifle_v in_o the_o confusion_n of_o affair_n so_o that_o if_o god_n offer_v they_o grace_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o feel_v good_a motion_n either_o they_o refuse_v they_o or_o think_v not_o serious_o of_o they_o thus_o they_o extinguish_v in_o themselves_o the_o resentment_n of_o their_o salvation_n the_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o by_o little_a and_o little_a make_v themselves_o insensible_a of_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o heaven_n this_o evil_n be_v whereinto_o they_o fall_v in_o employ_v themselves_o too_o much_o in_o thing_n which_o appear_v lawful_a and_o whereof_o they_o have_v not_o any_o fear_n but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n add_v these_o dreadful_a and_o menace_a word_n that_o none_o of_o those_o man_n which_o be_v bid_v 24._o shall_v taste_v of_o my_o supper_n word_n worthy_a to_o be_v weigh_v and_o examine_v by_o christian_n which_o make_v we_o to_o know_v sufficient_o what_o circumspection_n we_o must_v have_v in_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o exterior_a thing_n see_v they_o be_v capable_a to_o make_v we_o lose_v and_o neglect_v his_o grace_n and_o vocation_n there_o be_v no_o example_n more_o clear_a to_o demonstrate_v this_o truth_n than_o the_o fall_n of_o lucifer_n and_o adam_n who_o fall_v from_o the_o height_n of_o perfection_n and_o grace_n to_o turn_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o creature_n and_o because_o they_o have_v a_o will_n to_o contemplate_v and_o employ_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o perfection_n they_o be_v withdraw_v from_o behold_v god_n and_o lose_v themselves_o in_o search_v into_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o creature_n that_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o lay_v hold_n of_o and_o seek_v in_o god_n alone_o and_o to_o this_o day_n sin_n be_v commit_v only_o because_o the_o soul_n be_v divert_v from_o god_n and_o convert_v to_o the_o creature_n and_o seek_v in_o the_o creature_n for_o her_o own_o particular_a interest_n and_o satisfaction_n what_o she_o ought_v to_o seek_v only_o in_o god_n and_o for_o god_n hence_o we_o may_v easy_o conjecture_v the_o hazard_n which_o happen_v and_o the_o fail_n which_o they_o commit_v in_o the_o use_n and_o research_v of_o the_o creature_n and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v the_o snare_n wherein_o all_o soul_n be_v entrap_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o beware_v of_o it_o and_o cause_v all_o man_n to_o see_v it_o see_v then_o in_o particular_n how_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o comport_v himself_o first_o the_o christian_n who_o will_v live_v perfect_o in_o any_o estate_n or_o profession_n must_v have_v a_o care_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o do_v nothing_o that_o may_v displease_v god_n for_o this_o motive_n be_v the_o touchstone_n of_o true_a perfection_n the_o foundation_n and_o principle_n of_o solid_a virtue_n and_o consequent_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o a_o christian._n for_o if_o as_o we_o have_v elsewhere_o say_v he_o must_v do_v all_o for_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n he_o must_v also_o by_o the_o same_o consequence_n take_v need_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o this_o advice_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v very_o important_a to_o christian_a piety_n one_o when_o it_o be_v say_v we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n to_o do_v nothing_o sin_n nor_o any_o thing_n which_o displease_v god_n in_o these_o word_n we_o must_v learn_v that_o this_o care_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a so_o necessary_a that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a care_n wherein_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o live_v for_o the_o soul_n which_o must_v do_v nothing_o to_o displease_v god_n and_o detest_v all_o that_o may_v displease_v he_o shall_v never_o fail_v to_o be_v acceptable_a to_o his_o divine_a eye_n who_o contemplate_v she_o in_o this_o purity_n will_v love_v she_o love_v she_o will_v possess_v she_o possess_v she_o will_v enrich_v she_o with_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n according_a to_o his_o divine_a will_n and_o design_n therefore_o in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o true_a and_o solid_a piety_n we_o must_v not_o study_v so_o much_o to_o do_v as_o to_o take_v away_o nor_o labour_n so_o much_o to_o acquire_v and_o act_v as_o to_o divest_v ourselves_o and_o do_v nothing_o displease_v to_o god_n the_o other_o point_n be_v when_o we_o say_v that_o we_o must_v do_v nothing_o to_o displease_v god_n by_o this_o advice_n we_o show_v what_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v that_o will_v live_v in_o christian_a purity_n which_o consist_v in_o that_o she_o be_v oblige_v to_o regard_n god_n and_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o all_o her_o action_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v ground_v in_o that_o we_o be_v not_o for_o ourselves_o neither_o our_o life_n nor_o action_n but_o we_o be_v for_o god_n by_o consequence_n we_o must_v employ_v our_o life_n action_n and_o self_n for_o god_n for_o this_o reason_n god_n demand_v a_o account_n even_o to_o the_o least_o moment_n of_o our_o time_n unto_o the_o least_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n the_o slight_a word_n of_o our_o tongue_n and_o to_o the_o small_a action_n of_o our_o life_n in_o brief_a he_o will_v demand_v a_o account_n of_o ourselves_o from_o ourselves_o because_o that_o we_o be_v not_o our_o own_o but_o god_n we_o must_v employ_v ourselves_o all_o for_o god_n for_o his_o good_a
inclination_n thereto_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n ordinary_a enough_o and_o which_o we_o must_v avoid_v because_o our_o soul_n must_v be_v free_a and_o not_o tie_v but_o to_o god_n only_o and_o to_o his_o pure_a will_n for_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v nothing_o but_o for_o god_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n so_o we_o must_v not_o act_v by_o our_o own_o inclination_n or_o passion_n whence_o they_o be_v deceive_v who_o employ_v themselves_o in_o those_o action_n which_o they_o be_v most_o incline_v to_o and_o shun_v those_o they_o fear_v and_o embrace_v most_o willing_o the_o occupation_n and_o exercise_n whereto_o their_o inclination_n carrry_v they_o thus_o we_o see_v some_o have_v a_o inclination_n to_o exterior_a penitence_n other_o to_o compassion_n and_o some_o to_o penance_n one_o be_v prone_a to_o the_o love_n of_o thing_n regulate_v another_o be_v please_v with_o solitude_n and_o the_o like_a and_o we_o know_v that_o ordinary_o every_o man_n follow_v the_o motion_n and_o most_o willing_o choose_v the_o manner_n to_o live_v according_a to_o his_o inclination_n it_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n and_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o have_v receive_v a_o good_a soul_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v but_o to_o embrace_v the_o good_a and_o do_v its_o action_n because_o the_o inclination_n or_o passion_n carry_v we_o thereto_o though_o they_o be_v good_a this_o be_v not_o to_o act_v christianly_o on_o the_o contrary_a this_o be_v to_o live_v bruitish_o for_o beast_n follow_v their_o passion_n or_o at_o best_o to_o act_v but_o humane_o when_o the_o inclination_n be_v conformable_a to_o reason_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v do_v a_o christian_a action_n must_v take_v a_o supernatural_a principle_n which_o be_v grace_n and_o never_o do_v his_o action_n because_o passion_n and_o his_o inclination_n carry_v he_o thereto_o but_o only_o because_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o order_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o and_o because_o such_o action_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n thus_o he_o that_o will_v live_v christianly_o must_v never_o undertake_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o believe_v be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o he_o do_v any_o good_a action_n he_o must_v do_v it_o for_o god_n if_o he_o choose_v a_o manner_n of_o life_n he_o shall_v regard_v god_n only_o and_o strive_v to_o do_v only_o what_o be_v most_o perfect_a in_o he_o most_o conformable_a to_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o most_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o inclination_n and_o natural_a affection_n but_o if_o he_o find_v himself_o in_o doubt_n or_o perplexity_n and_o if_o he_o desire_v to_o judge_v his_o action_n his_o resentment_n and_o intention_n to_o know_v if_o they_o be_v good_a and_o true_o christian_a then_o shall_v he_o have_v recourse_n to_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a truth_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n he_o shall_v demand_v light_n of_o he_o and_o take_v jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o object_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o truth_n for_o his_o rule_n he_o shall_v consider_v whether_o his_o intention_n and_o action_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o truth_n whether_o they_o be_v like_a to_o those_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n whether_o he_o act_n in_o the_o perfection_n and_o purity_n that_o god_n demand_v of_o he_o according_a to_o his_o vocation_n and_o conformable_a to_o the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o christianity_n the_o christian_a live_v in_o this_o manner_n shall_v become_v acceptable_a to_o god_n shall_v arrive_v at_o the_o perfection_n which_o god_n require_v of_o he_o and_o shall_v do_v all_o his_o action_n with_o the_o purity_n he_o ought_v which_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n chap._n x._o of_o suffering_n and_o the_o esteem_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o they_o to_o act_n and_o to_o suffer_v be_v the_o two_o estate_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o like_o two_o pillar_n sustain_v he_o he_o that_o will_v live_v perfect_o must_v know_v the_o use_n of_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o as_o he_o must_v act_v christianly_o so_o must_v he_o suffer_v christianly_o that_o be_v holy_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n worthy_a the_o estate_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v leave_v to_o examine_v and_o be_v the_o last_o draught_n of_o the_o picture_n of_o a_o perfect_a christian._n we_o have_v already_o speak_v of_o his_o foundation_n of_o his_o interior_a of_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o action_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o treat_v now_o of_o his_o suffering_n this_o be_v a_o point_n which_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o essential_a in_o christianity_n for_o suffering_n be_v the_o first_o state_n which_o a_o christian_a must_v expect_v and_o wherein_o he_o be_v to_o continue_v we_o be_v bear_v in_o suffering_n we_o live_v in_o solitude_n among_o temptation_n and_o shall_v die_v in_o pain_n it_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o humane_a life_n the_o most_o ordinary_a food_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o behoove_v we_o therefore_o to_o know_v how_o to_o make_v use_n and_o profit_n thereof_o he_o have_v make_v a_o great_a progress_n in_o perfection_n who_o can_v suffer_v and_o bear_v courageous_o all_o that_o can_v befall_v he_o such_o a_o one_o god_n own_v as_o a_o friend_n fire_n try_v gold_n and_o silver_n but_o man_n be_v try_v in_o the_o furnace_n of_o humiliation_n here_o the_o fidelity_n of_o our_o soul_n appear_v for_o the_o christian_a ought_v to_o follow_v christ_n as_o willing_o to_o mount_v calvary_n as_o to_o mount_v thabor_n in_o brief_a here_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o action_n and_o intention_n do_v best_o appear_v what_o we_o do_v of_o ourselves_o be_v it_o in_o penitence_n good_a work_n or_o otherwise_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n full_a of_o our_o own_o spirit_n and_o evil_a it_o follow_v our_o inclination_n it_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o our_o self_n and_o our_o own_o interest_n proportion_v to_o self-love_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n concern_v ourselves_o but_o in_o all_o that_o happen_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o but_o god_n if_o we_o know_v how_o to_o lay_v hold_n of_o he_o when_o he_o put_v forth_o his_o hand_n unto_o we_o to_o learn_v so_o good_a and_o profitable_a a_o doctrine_n we_o must_v propose_v these_o truth_n for_o a_o foundation_n first_o if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o soon_o as_o his_o wife_n providence_n embrace_v all_o the_o world_n his_o divine_a eye_n survey_v all_o thing_n his_o infinite_a wisdom_n ordain_v the_o whole_a and_o his_o wisdom_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n stay_v in_o his_o force_n from_o one_o end_n to_o the_o other_o and_o sweet_o dispose_v all_o thing_n 8.1_o and_o he_o not_o only_o ordain_v and_o dispose_v all_o but_o he_o make_v all_o the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a life_n and_o death_n poverty_n and_o riches_n come_v from_o god_n now_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v holy_a his_o will_n be_v just_a his_o decrce_n equitable_a his_o ordinance_n amiable_a and_o above_o all_o thing_n we_o must_v adore_v and_o seek_v his_o good_a pleasure_n what_o remain_v then_o but_o that_o we_o receive_v all_o thing_n from_o the_o fatherly_a and_o love_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o we_o kiss_v the_o hand_n that_o strike_v since_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n that_o we_o bear_v with_o a_o humble_a and_o quiet_a submission_n all_o event_n be_v they_o painful_a or_o easy_a good_a or_o bad_a prejudicial_a or_o profitable_a and_o we_o must_v entertain_v they_o not_o only_o with_o a_o equality_n of_o spirit_n and_o inward_a peace_n but_o with_o respect_n and_o essence_n as_o come_v from_o god_n nothing_o be_v do_v but_o by_o his_o order_n it_o be_v just_a we_o shall_v esteem_v this_o conduct_n as_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n and_o subject_n ourselves_o to_o it_o not_o only_o with_o patience_n but_o with_o respect_n and_o honour_n for_o all_o that_o come_v from_o god_n must_v be_v high_o esteem_v soul_n that_o live_v enlighten_v by_o faith_n and_o walk_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n hold_v it_o a_o great_a honour_n and_o much_o esteem_v suffering_n as_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o will_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o honour_n and_o esteem_v as_o well_o in_o suffering_n as_o in_o quiet_a in_o privation_n as_o well_o as_o fruition_n in_o evil_a as_o in_o good_a for_o in_o all_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n a_o will_n adorable_a to_o be_v esteem_v above_o all_o the_o world_n a_o will_n more_o worthy_a than_o the_o life_n and_o salvation_n of_o all_o mankind_n we_o must_v not_o regard_v the_o evil_n and_o suffering_n in_o themselves_o but_o we_o must_v consider_v they_o in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n there_o we_o shall_v see_v what_o they_o be_v and_o the_o esteem_n that_o god_n
word_n which_o show_v the_o pain_n and_o travel_v a_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o undergo_v to_o root_v out_o of_o his_o heart_n and_o tear_v from_o his_o soul_n all_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n word_n which_o condemn_v our_o delicate_n and_o all_o that_o fear_v labour_n and_o suffering_n excuse_v themselves_o by_o their_o weakness_n of_o nature_n to_o comprehend_v the_o importance_n of_o this_o advice_n let_v we_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n there_o we_o shall_v learn_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v gain_v by_o violence_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n be_v ground_v upon_o suffering_n that_o the_o perfection_n be_v in_o love_n in_o love_n crucify_a that_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n consist_v in_o privation_n and_o resignation_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o cross_n whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o who_o fly_v suffering_n and_o humiliation_n seek_v only_o a_o sweet_a pleasant_a life_n fear_v pain_n and_o travel_n do_v by_o this_o fear_n make_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o god_n who_o reign_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v only_o find_v in_o the_o thorn_n of_o the_o fiery_a bush_n they_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n which_o agree_v with_o annihilation_n they_o shut_v their_o heart_n against_o love_n and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o be_v lament_v go_v out_o of_o the_o order_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o conformity_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v with_o jesus_n christ_n crucify_v who_o be_v the_o object_n the_o way_n and_o the_o life_n of_o perfect_a christian_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o can_v conduct_v our_o self_n but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o annihilate_v of_o suffer_v and_o humiliation_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o life_n and_o essence_n here_o may_v these_o delicate_a person_n see_v how_o their_o faint-heartedness_n deceive_v they_o let_v we_o then_o take_v heed_n and_o serious_o consider_v the_o sentence_n that_o jesus_n christ_n pronounce_v against_o they_o he_o that_o take_v not_o up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o 10.38_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o to_o fear_v suffering_n to_o fly_v humiliation_n to_o refuse_v the_o communication_n of_o god_n be_v to_o make_v ourselves_o unworthy_a and_o uncapable_a of_o all_o his_o divine_a operation_n of_o grace_n for_o god_n can_v communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n but_o he_o will_v cause_v therein_o annihilation_n and_o humility_n all_o the_o operation_n of_o grace_n can_v have_v no_o effect_n in_o our_o soul_n but_o those_o of_o humility_n abnegation_n and_o death_n grace_n must_v operate_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o which_o death_n do_v in_o the_o body_n this_o be_v so_o know_v a_o truth_n that_o all_o that_o speak_v of_o grace_n unless_o that_o it_o be_v proper_a and_o principal_a effect_n be_v to_o give_v we_o to_o god_n to_o make_v god_n live_v in_o we_o and_o to_o place_n therein_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o operate_v all_o that_o in_o we_o without_o annihilation_n subversion_n humiliation_n and_o death_n unless_o he_o pluck_v the_o love_n of_o our_o self_n and_o the_o creature_n from_o our_o heart_n he_o can_v plant_v his_o own_o therein_o if_o he_o kill_v not_o in_o we_o the_o old_a adam_n never_o will_v jesus_n christ_n live_v in_o we_o god_n can_v dwell_v in_o we_o if_o he_o do_v not_o annihilate_v and_o consume_v the_o impurity_n and_o malice_n of_o our_o soul_n thus_o christian_a grace_n to_o produce_v its_o effect_n in_o we_o require_v a_o estate_n of_o submission_n and_o death_n they_o therefore_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o think_v they_o be_v in_o grace_n yet_o bear_v no_o mark_n at_o all_o of_o this_o grace_n for_o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o soul_n it_o will_v infallible_o produce_v the_o effect_n proper_a to_o it_o if_o it_o produce_v nothing_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n it_o be_v not_o there_o herein_o also_o appear_v the_o wrong_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o suffering_n cause_v to_o christian_n how_o much_o do_v soul_n separate_v themselves_o from_o god_n who_o seek_v no_o other_o consolation_n satisfaction_n and_o enjoyment_n but_o their_o own_o and_o labour_v only_a to_o put_v themselves_o into_o a_o certain_a repose_n think_v that_o perfection_n consist_v in_o this_o false_a rest_n and_o never_o to_o suffer_v any_o cross_n affliction_n or_o temptation_n no_o no_o earth_n be_v the_o place_n of_o combat_n christian_a life_n be_v the_o death_n of_o man_n perfect_a love_n like_o the_o phoenix_n seek_v death_n and_o find_v life_n in_o the_o same_o flame_n the_o cross_n give_v grace_n grace_v now_o give_v the_o cross_n the_o sacred_a spouse_n say_v she_o be_v fair_a but_o brown_a 1.5_o scorch_v with_o the_o burn_a beauty_n of_o divine_a love_n he_o that_o can_v suffer_v can_v love_v he_o that_o can_v love_v be_v not_o worthy_a of_o god_n or_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian._n it_o be_v love_n that_o triumph_v over_o jesus_n christ_n annihilate_v he_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o mortality_n it_o be_v love_n that_o humble_v he_o even_o to_o our_o lowness_n and_o infirmity_n it_o be_v love_n that_o crucify_v he_o christianity_n have_v no_o other_o love_n or_o grace_n if_o then_o the_o christian_a will_v love_v if_o he_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n he_o must_v defy_v all_o suffering_n and_o courageous_o embrace_v all_o that_o shall_v befall_v he_o for_o love_n overthrow_v all_o and_o triumph_n over_o the_o soul._n if_o she_o flatter_v it_o be_v to_o hurt_v if_o it_o hurt_v it_o be_v to_o kill_v so_o they_o who_o seek_v true_a and_o solid_a piety_n must_v not_o behold_v god_n but_o in_o the_o cross_n nor_o consider_v grace_n but_o in_o humility_n and_o suffering_n my_o well-beloved_a say_v the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n 1.13_o be_v a_o bundle_n of_o myrrh_n she_o confess_v she_o faint_v and_o die_v in_o the_o communication_n of_o love_n she_o receive_v from_o she_o god_n for_o when_o the_o spouse_n have_v give_v she_o his_o love_n and_o ordain_v charity_n in_o she_o she_o instant_o add_v stay_v i_o with_o flagon_n 2.5_o comfort_v i_o with_o apple_n for_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n the_o greatness_n of_o god_n the_o infinity_n of_o his_o be_v his_o divine_a spirit_n be_v so_o powerful_a that_o if_o he_o never_o so_o little_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o purity_n of_o love_n and_o grace_n he_o be_v able_a to_o annihilate_v and_o consume_v she_o for_o if_o he_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o creature_n without_o proportion_v himself_o to_o its_o capacity_n he_o can_v be_v support_v for_o he_o overwhelm_v and_o ruin_v the_o create_v be_v by_o this_o power_n infinite_a and_o infinite_o predominate_v over_o a_o be_v so_o small_a so_o subject_v to_o his_o power_n in_o fine_a it_o will_v swallow_v up_o and_o consume_v it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o proportion_v his_o operation_n to_o our_o weakness_n and_o if_o he_o give_v we_o not_o a_o capacity_n and_o force_n to_o bear_v it_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v if_o he_o communicate_v himself_o he_o always_o annihilate_v if_o he_o give_v grace_n he_o change_v the_o man_n if_o he_o give_v light_a he_o humble_v he_o if_o he_o make_v he_o to_o bear_v his_o love_n he_o wound_v he_o thus_o the_o soul_n that_o will_v love_v god_n must_v love_v suffering_n he_o that_o will_v love_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n must_v lose_v himself_o and_o annihilate_v himself_o to_o receive_v divine_a operation_n he_o that_o will_v bear_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n must_v humble_v himself_o see_v god_n do_v not_o manifest_v himself_o but_o to_o the_o humble_a of_o spirit_n and_o that_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n bear_v his_o cross_n in_o humility_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o esteem_v the_o cross_n and_o suffering_n and_o embrace_v they_o with_o joy_n and_o fervour_n of_o spirit_n but_o we_o must_v further_o observe_v that_o suffering_n subversion_n loss_n and_o humiliation_n and_o other_o misfortune_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v necessary_a to_o a_o christian_a to_o keep_v he_o steadfast_a amid_o the_o deceit_n and_o blandishment_n of_o the_o world_n the_o subtlety_n and_o surprise_v of_o the_o devil_n by_o these_o way_n which_o we_o call_v rigorous_a god_n sever_v we_o from_o the_o world_n and_o take_v we_o from_o kindness_n to_o the_o creature_n he_o make_v use_v of_o these_o loss_n and_o subversion_n as_o of_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n to_o mingle_v with_o the_o sweet_n that_o the_o creature_n present_v to_o we_o he_o use_v humiliation_n and_o affliction_n to_o abate_v our_o pride_n and_o if_o he_o do_v leave_v we_o for_o a_o time_n it_o be_v to_o
and_o the_o reverence_n we_o shall_v bear_v to_o this_o estate_n for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o cross_n and_o suffering_n and_o have_v unite_v to_o his_o divine_a person_n by_o his_o incarnation_n meanness_n and_o infirmity_n and_o adversity_n of_o humane_a life_n he_o have_v make_v they_o divine_a and_o ennoble_v they_o so_o that_o we_o must_v regard_v they_o much_o more_o for_o the_o dignity_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o speak_v proper_o they_o be_v the_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o we_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n bone_n of_o his_o bone_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o unity_n they_o be_v no_o more_o our_o suffering_n then_o the_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n see_v they_o be_v more_o to_o jesus_n then_o to_o ourselves_o whence_o saint_n paul_n say_v 1.5_o as_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n abound_v in_o you_o so_o our_o consolation_n abound_v by_o jesus_n christ._n the_o apostle_n high_o advance_v the_o suffering_n of_o christianity_n call_v they_o the_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n st._n peter_n speak_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n rejoice_v in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n suffering_n 4.13_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o see_v all_o that_o be_v in_o this_o world_n all_o the_o adversity_n and_o vicissitude_n we_o must_v not_o pass_v they_o over_o indifferent_o or_o as_o man_n without_o grace_n and_o virtue_n stop_v at_o our_o own_o resentment_n and_o loose_v ourselves_o in_o our_o weakness_n and_o natural_a passion_n but_o we_o must_v lift_v up_o our_o eye_n and_o thought_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o catholic_n truth_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n endeavour_v to_o use_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n god_n require_v and_o to_o the_o power_n he_o have_v give_v we_o if_o we_o suffer_v let_v we_o not_o suffer_v as_o slave_n and_o criminall_n but_o as_o the_o child_n and_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n let_v we_o suffer_v with_o esteem_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n a_o spirit_n holy_a and_o divine_a a_o spirit_n powerful_a and_o courageous_a and_o which_o only_o belong_v to_o the_o choose_a of_o god_n and_o to_o his_o great_a friend_n hence_o the_o apostle_n sum_v up_o the_o grace_n that_o the_o new_a christian_n have_v receive_v of_o god_n put_v suffering_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o account_v they_o as_o a_o singular_a favour_n he_o have_v give_v you_o 1.29_o say_v he_o not_o only_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o to_o suffer_v for_o he_o thereby_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o benefit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v call_v to_o the_o state_n of_o suffering_n and_o to_o know_v how_o to_o make_v use_n thereof_o in_o the_o view_n of_o these_o truth_n let_v we_o beg_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n part_n of_o his_o spirit_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o suffering_n and_o his_o grace_n to_o support_v we_o under_o they_o that_o we_o may_v bear_v they_o with_o the_o spirit_n with_o joy_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n let_v we_o say_v with_o saint_n paul_n and_o often_o repeat_v this_o prayer_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v prepare_v our_o heart_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n 3.5_o and_o to_o the_o patience_n of_o jesus_n christ._n chap._n fourteen_o that_o we_o must_v suffer_v out_o of_o a_o zeal_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n we_o suffer_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n and_o for_o the_o zeal_n of_o justice_n which_o be_v the_o three_o disposition_n that_o we_o have_v propose_v when_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v he_o to_o do_v justice_n upon_o sin_n and_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o exercise_v upon_o ourselves_o the_o judgement_n that_o god_n exercise_v therein_o in_o bear_v in_o our_o heart_n a_o true_a desire_n and_o a_o effectual_a will_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n before_o who_o we_o be_v sinner_n before_o who_o we_o have_v offend_v so_o many_o way_n by_o this_o disposition_n the_o perfect_a christian_a must_v undergo_v all_o sort_n of_o pain_n and_o suffering_n and_o regard_v the_o adversity_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o humane_a life_n as_o effect_n of_o god_n justice_n on_o he_o as_o a_o sinner_n whereby_o he_o will_v destroy_v sin_n in_o he_o and_o root_v out_o imperfection_n with_o this_o spirit_n and_o disposition_n he_o must_v endure_v all_o natural_a incommodity_n as_o cold_a heat_n poverty_n sickness_n affliction_n and_o such_o accident_n which_o be_v the_o attendant_n of_o our_o life_n regard_v and_o bear_v they_o with_o this_o zeal_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n upon_o sin_n this_o thought_n if_o it_o be_v solid_a and_o well_o settle_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o perfect_a christian_a will_v make_v all_o pain_n sweet_a and_o easy_a for_o what_o can_v we_o suffer_v but_o we_o deserve_v much_o more_o if_o we_o weigh_v our_o affliction_n our_o suffering_n travail_n and_o adversity_n with_o the_o number_n of_o our_o sin_n who_o will_v not_o see_v the_o deformity_n and_o weight_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o how_o much_o they_o surpass_v the_o rigour_n and_o weight_n of_o our_o suffering_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o hate_n god_n bear_v to_o sin_n and_o to_o sinner_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n who_o will_v not_o confess_v that_o our_o crime_n be_v much_o great_a than_o our_o pain_n that_o among_o our_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n even_o the_o great_a and_o most_o insupportable_a the_o mercy_n of_o god_n appear_v more_o than_o his_o justice_n what_o more_o manifest_a example_n of_o god_n hatred_n against_o a_o sinner_n than_o the_o rigour_n wherewith_o the_o divine_a justice_n which_o be_v always_o equitable_a punish_v sin_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o if_o the_o eternal_a father_n as_o the_o prophet_n say_v so_o rigorous_o chastise_v his_o son_n 53.5_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o people_n what_o shall_v he_o not_o do_v to_o we_o if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v holiness_n itself_o sanctity_n uncreated_a and_o incarnate_a become_v a_o pledge_n and_o offering_n for_o our_o sin_n be_v subject_v not_o only_o to_o our_o misery_n and_o natural_a infirmity_n which_o be_v great_a but_o to_o adversity_n affliction_n poverty_n contempt_n accusation_n ignominy_n even_o to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o cross_n what_o ought_v we_o to_o suffer_v who_o be_v sinner_n and_o object_n of_o the_o hatred_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n 23.31_o if_o this_o be_v do_v to_o the_o green_a wood_n what_o will_v be_v do_v to_o the_o dry_a if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o eternal_a and_o true_a wisdom_n choose_v this_o estate_n voluntary_o subject_v himself_o to_o all_o misery_n incite_v by_o zeal_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n and_o to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n what_o ought_v not_o we_o to_o do_v what_o pain_n and_o rigour_n shall_v not_o we_o embrace_v who_o be_v the_o guilty_a to_o appease_v this_o angry_a god_n to_o satisfy_v and_o allay_v his_o provoke_v wrath_n to_o restore_v to_o glory_v what_o we_o have_v ravish_v from_o he_o let_v we_o enter_v into_o this_o disposition_n and_o zeal_n of_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o stroke_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v all_o thing_n will_v be_v easy_a to_o endure_v we_o shall_v not_o complain_v whatever_o befall_v we_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v unto_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o take_v it_o as_o a_o wrong_n nothing_o will_v appear_v harsh_a unto_o we_o nothing_o insupportable_a the_o quality_n of_o sinner_n and_o multitude_n of_o our_o offence_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o we_o deserve_v more_o we_o shall_v bless_v god_n for_o the_o favour_n he_o do_v we_o in_o give_v we_o the_o mean_n to_o honour_v he_o by_o our_o suffering_n the_o christian_a therefore_o must_v have_v a_o care_n to_o bear_v all_o adversity_n all_o change_n of_o this_o life_n all_o sort_n of_o affliction_n loss_n and_o misfortune_n yea_o all_o incommodity_n and_o natural_a vexation_n of_o humane_a life_n with_o a_o intention_n to_o glorify_v god_n to_o submit_v to_o divine_a justice_n against_o sin_n o_o how_o great_a must_v be_v the_o courage_n of_o a_o christian_a how_o invincible_a his_o constancy_n in_o all_o change_n and_o misfortune_n if_o he_o profess_v this_o zeal_n of_o god_n if_o he_o be_v animate_v with_o the_o hatred_n god_n bear_v to_o sin_n how_o easy_a will_v all_o thing_n appear_v if_o in_o they_o we_o have_v no_o intent_n but_o to_o act_v and_o suffer_v only_a to_o please_v god_n with_o a_o full_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o his_o divine_a conduct_n to_o facilitate_v this_o disposition_n and_o make_v it_o more_o general_a we_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n rule_v all_o this_o great_a world_n and_o have_v a_o general_a and_o particular_a superintendency_n over_o all_o thing_n nothing_o
give_v temptation_n and_o oppress_v we_o with_o subversion_n give_v we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n strength_n and_o address_n to_o defend_v ourselves_o he_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v vanquish_v he_o who_o suggest_v the_o evil_a thought_n and_o deed_n inspire_v patience_n and_o a_o extraordinary_a resignation_n make_v we_o feel_v a_o courage_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o suffer_v not_o that_o those_o effect_n be_v solid_a and_o permanent_a nor_o that_o he_o desire_v we_o shall_v do_v well_o therein_o but_o to_o deceive_v we_o and_o put_v we_o into_o a_o esteem_n of_o our_o self_n and_o our_o virtue_n and_o into_o a_o dangerous_a confidence_n that_o so_o god_n may_v leave_v we_o he_o know_v no_o estate_n be_v more_o hateful_a to_o god_n or_o more_o opposite_a to_o his_o grace_n and_o conduct_v than_o the_o esteem_n of_o ourselves_o it_o be_v therefore_o express_o recommend_v to_o the_o christian_n who_o will_v be_v save_v from_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o he_o be_v always_o in_o fear_n a_o filial_a fear_n and_o that_o in_o the_o temptation_n itself_o in_o his_o great_a patience_n and_o resignation_n he_o hide_v himself_o in_o his_o nothing_o and_o keep_v himself_o in_o a_o profound_a humility_n for_o that_o be_v the_o sanctuary_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o christian_n buckler_n to_o quench_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 6.16_o the_o subtle_a and_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o what_o if_o after_o all_o this_o the_o temptation_n remain_v be_v it_o not_o lawful_a to_o endeavour_v to_o get_v out_o of_o it_o and_o to_o beseech_v god_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o it_o the_o most_o perfect_a will_v never_o do_v so_o they_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o whole_o to_o god_n divine_a conduct_n will_v here_o also_o leave_v themselves_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n without_o say_v any_o thing_n for_o they_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o suffering_n see_v it_o be_v god_n pleasure_n and_o their_o practice_n to_o annihilate_v and_o humble_v themselves_o be_v assure_v he_o will_v never_o forsake_v those_o that_o be_v he_o in_o temptation_n the_o devout_a christian_a who_o walk_v steadfast_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n seek_v no_o support_n or_o repose_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o trouble_v himself_o about_o it_o or_o omit_v the_o least_o of_o his_o exercise_n or_o lose_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o soul_n or_o serenity_n of_o his_o look_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o be_v animate_v in_o this_o combat_n he_o defy_v his_o enemy_n and_o deride_v he_o and_o all_o his_o work_n address_v himself_o whole_o to_o god_n who_o be_v his_o love_n and_o trust_v he_o render_v he_o thanks_o and_o absolute_o resign_v himself_o up_o to_o he_o to_o bear_v as_o long_o as_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o please_v the_o temptation_n and_o suffering_n he_o be_v in_o there_o be_v a_o way_n to_o make_v a_o further_a progress_n in_o this_o estate_n some_o soul_n there_o be_v which_o will_v haply_o seem_v incredible_a who_o have_v neither_o desire_n nor_o thought_n of_o implore_v god_n assistance_n not_o but_o that_o they_o know_v the_o need_n they_o have_v thereof_o but_o they_o be_v so_o devote_v to_o god_n so_o perfect_o resign_v to_o his_o divine_a will_n that_o if_o god_n will_v destroy_v they_o they_o will_v be_v content_a so_o great_a a_o thirst_n have_v they_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n so_o great_a a_o desire_n to_o suffer_v that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o receive_v that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o demand_v help_n their_o regard_n be_v bare_o and_o simple_o in_o god_n beside_o they_o know_v the_o love_n and_o infallibility_n of_o god_n faithful_a in_o his_o promise_n never_o forsake_v those_o that_o be_v he_o by_o this_o truth_n they_o be_v possess_v and_o excite_v on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o so_o pure_o and_o absolute_o resign_v themselves_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o they_o never_o mind_v whether_o they_o suffer_v or_o be_v in_o danger_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o they_o that_o they_o do_v nothing_o to_o displease_v god_n and_o know_v that_o they_o be_v god_n and_o god_n whole_o they_o but_o this_o resignation_n be_v only_o in_o some_o few_o we_o will_v not_o say_v but_o it_o be_v permit_v sometime_o to_o demand_v help_n of_o god_n and_o man_n not_o to_o be_v absolute_o free_v that_o be_v haply_o to_o go_v beyond_o the_o conduct_n and_o design_n of_o god_n but_o for_o strength_n and_o direction_n in_o temptation_n for_o example_n if_o a_o christian_a through_o want_n of_o light_n courage_n and_o strength_n find_v himself_o fail_v it_o will_v be_v very_o requisite_a that_o he_o speak_v with_o his_o director_n demand_v his_o advice_n in_o a_o affair_n of_o so_o great_a consequence_n and_o so_o much_o danger_n in_o these_o anguish_v he_o must_v elevate_v his_o heart_n to_o god_n call_v upon_o he_o and_o earnest_o implore_v his_o assistance_n this_o be_v not_o forbid_v on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v necessary_a so_o it_o be_v with_o this_o condition_n that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v accomplish_v in_o he_o and_o his_o good_a pleasure_n fulfil_v and_o that_o his_o recourse_n to_o god_n be_v not_o force_v by_o any_o secret_a impatience_n or_o irresignation_n of_o his_o soul._n in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v to_o yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n to_o commit_v a_o extraordinary_a impurity_n and_o prejudicial_a infidelity_n but_o to_o run_v unto_o god_n to_o demand_v strength_n and_o conduct_n with_o resignation_n and_o patience_n be_v that_o which_o be_v promise_v to_o all_o christian_n chap._n xviii_o divers_a uses_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o temptation_n we_o must_v observe_v well_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o occasion_n the_o christian_a who_o will_v live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o true_a piety_n must_v great_o esteem_v this_o way_n of_o combat_n and_o temptation_n for_o it_o be_v noble_a and_o work_v great_a effect_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o she_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o all_o the_o exercise_n of_o humane_a life_n since_o in_o all_o we_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o the_o imperfection_n fail_n impurity_n and_o malignity_n which_o secret_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o she_o but_o we_o must_v chief_o esteem_v thereof_o because_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v great_a design_n upon_o our_o soul_n and_o operate_v great_a thing_n in_o they_o by_o these_o way_n of_o temptation_n desertion_n and_o resignation_n wherefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v how_o to_o make_v use_n thereof_o that_o we_o cooperate_v with_o the_o design_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v as_o saint_n paul_n say_v 10.13_o cum_fw-la tentatione_n proventum_fw-la for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v faithful_a and_o permit_v we_o not_o to_o be_v tempt_v beyond_o our_o strength_n give_v ordinary_o with_o the_o temptation_n particular_a grace_n and_o communicate_v himself_o though_o in_o a_o hide_a manner_n yet_o true_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o receive_v they_o as_o she_o ought_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o in_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n god_n communicate_v himself_o more_o ordinary_o by_o these_o then_o any_o other_o way_n as_o we_o former_o say_v when_o we_o treat_v of_o suffering_n the_o chief_a use_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o temptation_n be_v to_o receive_v it_o and_o look_v on_o it_o as_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n over_o we_o we_o must_v accept_v it_o with_o a_o profound_a humility_n with_o a_o subjection_n and_o dependence_n of_o soul_n upon_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n in_o the_o temptation_n itself_o i_o say_v with_o humility_n because_o the_o soul_n which_o follow_v the_o spirit_n of_o true_a devotion_n must_v desire_v thorough_o to_o be_v humble_v and_o embrace_v with_o readiness_n of_o spirit_n all_o the_o way_n of_o humiliation_n and_o all_o the_o occasion_n which_o present_v themselves_o therein_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o all_o estate_n and_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n that_o the_o principal_a use_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n over_o we_o be_v humility_n and_o therefore_o as_o temptation_n be_v a_o way_n of_o god_n a_o way_n of_o rigour_n and_o danger_n so_o must_v we_o humble_v our_o self_n much_o therein_o the_o more_o we_o be_v tempt_v and_o abandon_v for_o in_o effect_n the_o best_a and_o most_o profitable_a disposition_n that_o we_o can_v be_v in_o be_v to_o annihilate_v ourselves_o before_o god_n and_o like_o job_n place_n ourselves_o if_o it_o be_v requisite_a upon_o a_o dunghill_n to_o attend_v and_o receive_v what_o punishment_n soever_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o inflict_v upon_o we_o be_v it_o not_o reason_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o if_o god_n be_v so_o please_v as_o to_o annihilate_v we_o by_o pain_n and_o temptation_n what_o have_v we_o to_o say_v against_o it_o to_o what_o purpose_n so_o much_o fear_n so_o much_o reluctancy_n if_o god_n will_v punish_v we_o in_o this_o fire_n
this_o love_n which_o operate_v with_o great_a thing_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o elect._n let_v we_o love_v he_o who_o love_v we_o so_o much_o and_o let_v we_o live_v the_o life_n of_o he_o who_o live_v in_o we_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o these_o truth_n just_o may_v we_o be_v astonish_v at_o the_o obstinacy_n and_o blindness_n of_o those_o who_o make_v so_o many_o difficulty_n to_o resign_v themselves_o whole_o both_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n and_o absolute_o to_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o the_o providence_n love_n and_o wisdom_n of_o jesus_n what_o can_v any_o man_n yet_o doubt_v of_o the_o bounty_n and_o love_n of_o god_n distrust_n his_o wisdom_n after_o so_o manifest_a a_o truth_n be_v it_o possible_a a_o christian_n can_v imagine_v that_o he_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o creature_n that_o humane_a prudence_n be_v necessary_a where_o god_n vouchsafe_v by_o his_o bounty_n to_o apply_v and_o employ_v his_o care_n wisdom_n and_o infinite_a goodness_n but_o only_o to_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v with_o a_o application_n worthy_a of_o god_n perfect_a as_o god_n be_v perfect_a good_a as_o god_n be_v good_a accommodate_v himself_o notwithstanding_o to_o the_o commodity_n and_o feebleness_n of_o the_o creature_n if_o we_o adhere_v to_o these_o truth_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o as_o member_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o live_v subject_a to_o his_o will_n abandon_v ourselves_o to_o his_o love_a conduct_n endeavour_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o to_o please_v and_o satisfy_v he_o this_o god_n require_v of_o we_o to_o this_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v and_o therefore_o to_o profit_v by_o this_o three_o motion_n let_v we_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o let_v we_o quit_v the_o care_n of_o ourselves_o a_o care_n that_o nourish_v nothing_o but_o complacency_n and_o self-satisfaction_n which_o altogether_o confide_v in_o the_o disordinate_a love_n of_o ourselves_o let_v we_o resign_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n of_o he_o who_o incessant_o fix_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o infinite_a bounty_n upon_o we_o let_v we_o trust_v in_o he_o who_o have_v a_o heart_n all_o of_o love_n who_o only_o think_v of_o we_o and_o be_v all_o to_o he_o and_o for_o he_o let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o have_v no_o satisfaction_n nor_o complacency_n but_o in_o he_o see_v he_o alone_o according_a to_o the_o prophet_n 31.3_o love_v we_o from_o eternity_n call_v and_o draw_v we_o love_o to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o to_o be_v he_o if_o you_o now_o require_v some_o form_n for_o this_o resignation_n i_o will_v propose_v they_o chap._n viii_o practice_n to_o help_v a_o christian_n to_o live_v in_o subjection_n to_o grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n the_o christian_a who_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o motive_n we_o last_o propose_v must_v weigh_v the_o quality_n he_o have_v in_o be_v a_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o jesus_n be_v his_o head_n will_v unite_v himself_o to_o he_o appropriate_v himself_o to_o he_o possess_v he_o incline_v he_o infuse_v into_o he_o his_o own_o be_v and_o life_n guide_v he_o on_o the_o earth_n as_o well_o as_o redeem_v he_o on_o the_o cross_n and_o by_o a_o particular_a bounty_n love_v he_o with_o the_o same_o love_n that_o he_o love_v himself_o and_o as_o the_o head_n love_v his_o member_n 1._o to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o thought_n the_o christian_a see_v himself_o so_o choose_v unite_a and_o amorous_o draw_v to_o jesus_n christ_n must_v make_v a_o particular_a profession_n and_o protestation_n to_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n to_o renounce_v all_o humane_a prudence_n all_o care_n and_o conduct_v of_o himself_o leave_v himself_o whole_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o power_n providence_n and_o conduct_n of_o jesus_n far_o he_o must_v yield_v up_o all_o the_o right_a that_o god_n his_o creator_n have_v give_v he_o to_o his_o liberty_n to_o his_o life_n to_o his_o action_n and_o to_o all_o inferior_a creature_n put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o who_o he_o must_v depend_v in_o all_o thing_n protest_v that_o he_o will_v use_v they_o no_o far_o than_o as_o dependent_a on_o the_o conduct_n intention_n and_o will_n of_o jesus_n 2._o the_o true_a christian_a must_v make_v a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o rely_v only_o on_o god_n all_o other_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a unto_o he_o whence_o he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o follow_v and_o accept_v with_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n all_o that_o god_n ordain_v and_o to_o establish_v himself_o whole_o in_o this_o confidence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o conformity_n and_o reliance_n on_o the_o conduct_n of_o jesus_n he_o will_v study_v to_o bear_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n a_o contempt_n of_o all_o natural_a prudence_n in_o make_v little_a account_n even_o of_o thing_n that_o depend_v on_o his_o grace_n say_v to_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v only_o rely_v on_o jesus_n who_o be_v his_o all_o and_o that_o whatever_o happen_v supernatural_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o heaven_n will_v never_o fail_v to_o give_v he_o as_o much_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a for_o he_o but_o far_o more_o profitable_o and_o more_o perfect_o then_o humane_a prudence_n can_v do_v 3._o as_o this_o manner_n of_o do_v may_v have_v great_a and_o continual_a opposition_n so_o the_o christian_a who_o desire_v to_o please_v god_n must_v endeavour_v to_o live_v with_o vigilancy_n over_o himself_o and_o particular_o have_v a_o great_a care_n to_o mortify_v the_o assault_n of_o nature_n the_o motion_n of_o the_o humane_a spirit_n and_o the_o application_n and_o agitation_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n all_o which_o oppose_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o because_o nature_n use_v to_o insinuate_v amid_o grace_n and_o disguise_v herself_o dissemble_v to_o be_v what_o she_o be_v not_o we_o not_o know_v it_o and_o even_o contrary_a to_o our_o own_o intention_n to_o prevent_v this_o deceit_n and_o to_o assure_v ourselves_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o dangerous_a yet_o hard_o to_o be_v discover_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o christian_a with_o a_o great_a humility_n and_o a_o desire_v full_a of_o efficacy_n renounce_v all_o the_o motion_n and_o effect_n of_o nature_n and_o give_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o jesus_n after_o all_o which_o he_o must_v yet_o have_v a_o great_a vigilancy_n upon_o the_o bottom_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o soul_n that_o with_o a_o great_a fidelity_n he_o may_v live_v in_o the_o subjection_n he_o ought_v to_o the_o grace_n and_o conduct_v of_o jesus_n to_o help_v we_o in_o this_o practice_n and_o to_o see_v how_o important_a it_o be_v we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o one_o point_n the_o design_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o soul_n be_v reduce_v to_o one_o thing_n only_o which_o it_o be_v their_o aim_n to_o effect_v in_o we_o this_o point_n which_o god_n will_v do_v in_o we_o be_v to_o establish_v his_o sanctification_n glory_n and_o kingdom_n in_o our_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o design_n whereto_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o divine_a operation_n tend_v whence_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o if_o god_n require_v nothing_o of_o we_o nor_o have_v no_o other_o design_n on_o we_o but_o to_o establish_v in_o our_o soul_n his_o empire_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n we_o also_o must_v have_v no_o other_o care_n desire_v or_o application_n then_o to_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o live_v in_o the_o obedience_n and_o conduct_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n and_o as_o all_o the_o design_n of_o god_n unite_v themselves_o in_o this_o one_o point_n so_o the_o christian_a must_v labour_v in_o this_o point_n that_o he_o may_v be_v in_o all_o even_o to_o the_o least_o of_o his_o thought_n and_o action_n and_o small_a motion_n of_o his_o soul_n subject_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n hereby_o i_o mean_v that_o all_o the_o motion_n thought_n and_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a must_v be_v rule_v and_o subject_v to_o the_o love_n power_n will_n and_o conduct_v of_o god_n that_o with_o peace_n and_o inward_a content_n he_o must_v receive_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n and_o walk_v with_o fidelity_n in_o the_o way_n god_n require_v that_o god_n may_v reign_v perfect_o in_o he_o by_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n and_o that_o he_o may_v reign_v here_o in_o all_o those_o way_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v as_o glorious_o as_o he_o reign_v with_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n proportionable_o notwithstanding_o to_o our_o present_a estate_n and_o meanness_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o a_o true_a soul_n that_o have_v true_a faith_n can_v