please_a to_o he_o and_o see_v this_o exercise_n of_o the_o supernatural_a life_n do_v bring_v with_o it_o a_o universal_a peace_n and_o this_o peace_n can_v be_v preserve_v without_o suffer_v content_o all_o injury_n whatsoever_o this_o excellent_a life_n do_v teach_v we_o holy_a patience_n now_o this_o patience_n preserve_v this_o peace_n and_o this_o peace_n bring_v with_o it_o a_o admirable_a liberty_n and_o resolution_n to_o mind_n principal_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a which_o be_v to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o his_o direction_n chap._n x._o our_o great_a happiness_n on_o earth_n be_v to_o profess_v the_o way_n of_o christianity_n i_o have_v a_o great_a resentment_n of_o joy_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o see_v myself_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a i_o have_v a_o sensible_a taste_n of_o this_o happiness_n which_o be_v incomparable_a o_o my_o god_n what_o shall_v i_o return_v unto_o you_o for_o have_v prevent_v i_o with_o this_o signal_n mercy_n why_o have_v you_o choose_v i_o out_o among_o so_o many_o thousand_o alas_o this_o be_v the_o excess_n of_o your_o sole_a bounty_n to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o child_n of_o the_o church_n o_o what_o a_o happiness_n be_v this_o it_o be_v of_o more_o worth_n than_o to_o be_v monarch_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o church_n be_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v of_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o confess_v jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v no_o other_o maxim_n nor_o sentiment_n than_o he_o o_o my_o soul_n let_v we_o then_o live_v as_o become_v our_o profession_n that_o jesusmay_v live_v in_o we_o according_a to_o his_o holy_a will_n and_o inclination_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o person_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o affection_n for_o humiliation_n and_o cross_n to_o be_v well_o content_v not_o to_o thrive_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o advance_v in_o virtue_n by_o opprobrious_a usage_n and_o contradiction_n what_o a_o misery_n be_v it_o to_o see_v we_o live_v so_o little_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o christianity_n we_o account_v it_o a_o honour_n to_o be_v in_o authority_n to_o be_v well_o descend_v to_o have_v a_o generous_a spirit_n but_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n we_o be_v afraid_a to_o own_v it_o by_o our_o action_n o_o the_o beauty_n that_o adorn_v our_o christian_a profession_n how_o wonderful_a be_v it_o and_o yet_o how_o little_o esteem_v by_o we_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o honourable_a and_o happy_a to_o keep_v that_o with_o i_o when_o other_o thing_n be_v go_v and_o vanish_v o_o how_o amiable_a be_v the_o maxim_n of_o a_o supernatural_a life_n in_o what_o a_o excellent_a order_n do_v they_o put_v all_o thing_n they_o give_v to_o every_o one_o what_o be_v their_o due_n to_o god_n all_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o i_o a_o wretched_a sinner_n contempt_n and_o confusion_n for_o i_o ought_v to_o consider_v myself_o as_o a_o centre_n of_o all_o misery_n and_o deserve_a punishment_n god_n be_v the_o centre_n and_o object_n of_o all_o the_o adoration_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n glory_n be_v his_o just_a tribute_n but_o to_o i_o belong_v confusion_n if_o i_o shall_v be_v beat_v disgraceful_o i_o ought_v to_o take_v it_o with_o contentation_n to_o see_v justice_n so_o well_o do_v to_o i_o on_o this_o occasion_n and_o if_o i_o be_v true_o animate_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n i_o ought_v as_o much_o desire_n to_o be_v humble_v as_o worlding_n thirst_v after_o honour_n praise_n and_o preferment_n it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a disorder_n not_o to_o love_v ignominy_n and_o not_o to_o endeavour_v the_o destruction_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n jesus_n have_v build_v his_o mystical_a body_n on_o the_o ruin_n of_o our_o natural_a body_n and_o we_o can_v form_v in_o we_o the_o same_o life_n of_o jesus_n without_o the_o ruin_n of_o we_o that_o be_v to_o say_v our_o natural_a life_n according_a to_o our_o deprave_a inclination_n poverty_n pain_n contempt_n your_o dear_a companion_n good_a jesus_n make_v sometime_o my_o heart_n ache_v and_o then_o again_o they_o refresh_v i_o breathe_v forth_o such_o sweet_a perfume_n as_o cheer_v my_o spirit_n a_o perfume_n that_o purify_v and_o calm_v my_o soul_n into_o a_o fit_a temper_n to_o converse_v with_o you_o i_o will_v now_o wonder_v no_o more_o that_o your_o spouse_n run_v after_o you_o in_o the_o odour_n of_o your_o perfume_n a_o perfume_n that_o do_v strengthen_v i_o to_o accomplish_v the_o desire_n i_o have_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o you_o my_o heart_n dilate_v itself_o with_o hope_n to_o see_v that_o happy_a day_n in_o this_o life_n when_o i_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o all_o molestation_n of_o creature_n and_o have_v some_o participation_n of_o the_o poverty_n and_o abjection_n of_o jesus_n crucify_v we_o can_v live_v here_o without_o some_o director_n or_o other_o for_o either_o the_o humanity_n of_o jesus_n will_v direct_v we_o or_o the_o humanity_n of_o adam_n will_v govern_v we_o if_o we_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christianity_n the_o first_o will_v conduct_v we_o and_o impart_v to_o we_o such_o direction_n as_o his_o holy_a soul_n receive_v from_o the_o divinity_n which_o be_v all_o for_o the_o cross_n and_o humiliation_n if_o we_o love_v only_o a_o human_a life_n the_o other_o will_v guide_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o self-love_n it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o miracle_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o live_v a_o supernatural_a life_n as_o for_o a_o stone_n to_o elevate_v itself_o into_o the_o air_n because_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n have_v make_v the_o soul_n so_o heavy_a that_o of_o herself_o she_o can_v but_o tend_v downward_o to_o sin_n and_o misery_n this_o be_v that_o which_o magnify_v the_o power_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o prodigious_a vanity_n to_o boast_v of_o our_o good_a action_n when_o be_v do_v by_o the_o supernatural_a power_n of_o grace_n they_o be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o human_a nature_n if_o a_o soul_n lose_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n she_o will_v soon_o lose_v herself_o in_o the_o mist_n of_o self-love_n if_o she_o do_v not_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a mortification_n by_o curb_v her_o natural_a appetite_n she_o must_v needs_o fall_v into_o superfluity_n and_o imperfection_n the_o sweetness_n and_o joy_n that_o a_o soul_n receive_v from_o austerity_n cross_n poverty_n denudation_n of_o creature_n make_v her_o spiritual_a peaceful_a cheerful_a and_o afford_v her_o solid_a content_n and_o satisfaction_n the_o content_a and_o delight_n she_o receive_v from_o sensual_a pleasure_n though_o lawful_a as_o meat_n and_o drink_n temporal_a success_n reputation_n etc._n etc._n make_v she_o carnal_a and_o afford_v she_o but_o a_o false_a peace_n and_o vain_a joy_n and_o instead_o of_o elevate_a she_o to_o contemplation_n do_v more_o or_o less_o depress_v she_o to_o sensuality_n chap._n xi_o that_o truth_n be_v only_o find_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n the_o rest_n be_v vanity_n when_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n be_v dart_v into_o a_o soul_n they_o discover_v to_o she_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a indeed_o but_o the_o verity_n of_o christianity_n which_o jesus_n come_v from_o heaven_n to_o teach_v we_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o deceit_n and_o vanity_n o_o what_o happiness_n be_v it_o for_o a_o soul_n to_o be_v thus_o irradiate_v then_o she_o begin_v to_o know_v how_o she_o have_v be_v envelop_v with_o darkness_n and_o dwell_v in_o obscurity_n o_o what_o joy_n do_v now_o refresh_v she_o how_o rich_a and_o glorious_a be_v she_o in_o perceive_v that_o what_o she_o think_v to_o be_v true_a riches_n glory_n and_o joy_n be_v false_a and_o counterfeit_a and_o in_o reality_n but_o poverty_n infamy_n and_o sorrow_n these_o heavenly_a illustration_n do_v open_a her_o eye_n to_o see_v perfect_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n which_o now_o she_o value_v not_o but_o jesus_n be_v her_o only_a joy_n her_o life_n and_o verity_n whatsoever_o be_v not_o christian_n that_o be_v to_o say_v according_a to_o the_o maxim_n of_o christianity_n she_o esteem_v now_o as_o folly_n death_n and_o perdition_n and_o what_o to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n be_v folly_n death_n and_o perdition_n she_o account_v to_o be_v wisdom_n life_n and_o the_o great_a gain_n o_o when_o the_o ray_n of_o this_o light_n do_v pierce_v a_o soul_n how_o on_o a_o sudden_a become_v she_o know_v content_a and_o elevate_v it_o be_v hardly_o credible_a how_o much_o such_o a_o soul_n be_v alienate_v from_o herself_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o god_n she_o see_v so_o much_o wisdom_n in_o the_o folly_n of_o saint_n and_o so_o much_o beauty_n in_o their_o misery_n that_o all_o the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n can_v win_v her_o affection_n for_o have_v be_v take_v
too_o much_o rely_v on_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v on_o the_o mean_v we_o use_v for_o our_o proficiency_n as_o the_o reading_z of_o good_a book_n conference_n sermon_n meditation_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o be_v very_o good_a when_o they_o be_v do_v with_o great_a confidence_n in_o god_n and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o nothing_o but_o a_o almighty_a hand_n can_v pluck_v we_o out_o of_o the_o depth_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o crown_v we_o with_o glory_n god_n be_v a_o infinite_a good_a in_o who_o all_o fullness_n dwell_v and_o whatever_o good_a be_v in_o the_o creature_n be_v but_o emenation_n from_o he_o the_o creature_n of_o itself_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a vacuum_n and_o privation_n of_o goodness_n as_o we_o can_v conceive_v a_o great_a fullness_n than_o be_v in_o god_n so_o we_o can_v imagine_v a_o more_o extreme_a indigency_n than_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v god_n and_o all_o goodness_n and_o to_o be_v a_o creature_n and_o nothing_o the_o one_o be_v all_o abundance_n the_o other_o all_o poverty_n every_o one_o grant_v this_o truth_n but_o without_o serious_a reflection_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n we_o have_v no_o true_a self-denial_n and_o diffidence_n in_o our_o own_o ability_n and_o as_o much_o as_o we_o rely_v on_o ourselves_o we_o hinder_v the_o operation_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o o_o my_o god_n i_o be_o content_a with_o my_o poverty_n because_o it_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o your_o riches_n i_o shall_v forget_v what_o i_o be_o if_o i_o be_v not_o full_a of_o want_n and_o imperfection_n i_o be_o well_o please_v that_o you_o be_v all_o and_o i_o be_o nothing_o but_o what_o you_o vouchsafe_v to_o bestow_v on_o i_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n can_v only_o proportional_o communicate_v to_o each_o other_o their_o infinite_a perfection_n ay_o poor_a creature_n can_v give_v nothing_o to_o god_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o he_o the_o best_a i_o can_v do_v be_v to_o acknowledge_v my_o inability_n and_o weakness_n neither_o can_v i_o do_v this_o without_o his_o grace_n which_o also_o he_o give_v unto_o i_o there_o be_v so_o infinite_a a_o disproportion_n between_o god_n and_o a_o creature_n that_o if_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o my_o life_n for_o god_n sake_n it_o will_v be_v less_o than_o if_o a_o pismire_n shall_v die_v for_o the_o great_a monarch_n whatever_o the_o glorious_a angel_n or_o saint_n in_o heaven_n or_o his_o servant_n on_o earth_n can_v do_v for_o god_n add_v nothing_o to_o he_o we_o can_v dive_v into_o the_o full_a depth_n of_o our_o nothing_n god_n only_o know_v it_o and_o what_o we_o discover_v by_o it_o be_v by_o the_o illuminate_a ray_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o understand_v this_o well_o we_o must_v know_v that_o god_n be_v not_o glorify_v by_o our_o good_a action_n but_o inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n from_o whence_o they_o receive_v the_o tincture_n of_o goodness_n and_o he_o magnify_v his_o bounty_n and_o mercy_n by_o accept_v and_o reward_v our_o small_a performance_n so_o that_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n he_o bestow_v upon_o we_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o other_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o pure_a goodness_n it_o be_v very_o advantageous_a for_o a_o soul_n thus_o to_o know_v she_o own_o nothing_o for_o it_o make_v she_o a_o martyr_n of_o love_n and_o love_a god_n will_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o he_o and_o by_o this_o knowledge_n see_v that_o of_o herself_o she_o can_v do_v nothing_o so_o that_o hang_v as_o it_o be_v between_o will_n and_o weakness_n she_o breathe_v forth_o such_o desire_n as_o do_v st._n austin_n if_o i_o be_v god_n and_o you_o a_o creature_n i_o will_v willing_o become_v a_o creature_n that_o you_o may_v be_v god_n but_o perceive_v this_o to_o be_v a_o impossible_a imagination_n this_o poor_a soul_n increase_v her_o martyrdom_n and_o die_v of_o love_n because_o not_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o her_o belove_a yet_o this_o one_o consolation_n do_v revive_v she_o in_o that_o though_o she_o can_v do_v nothing_o her_o well-beloved_a can_v do_v all_o and_o take_v delight_n in_o what_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o any_o thing_n she_o repose_v quiet_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n who_o be_v her_o all_o and_o final_a happiness_n chap._n vii_o that_o god_n be_v glorify_v by_o our_o annihilation_n nothing_o but_o divine_a faith_n can_v teach_v we_o to_o love_v mortification_n and_o the_o annihilation_n of_o ourselves_o natural_a and_o worldly_a wisdom_n can_v relish_v it_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v consult_v or_o hearken_v to_o be_v but_o blind_a guide_n in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o the_o sin_n of_o pride_n have_v ruin_v the_o glory_n and_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o that_o can_v be_v reestablish_v but_o by_o our_o ruin_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o we_o be_v mortify_v and_o dead_a to_o ourselves_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o god_n be_v revive_v in_o we_o poor_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v we_o afflict_v ourselves_o because_o we_o be_v so_o weak_a and_o good_a for_o nothing_o without_o talent_n without_o knowledge_n that_o leave_v to_o ourselves_o all_o thing_n go_v wrong_a with_o we_o o_o that_o we_o will_v learn_v to_o be_v content_a with_o these_o misery_n that_o we_o may_v thereby_o arrive_v to_o the_o happy_a state_n of_o annihilation_n we_o may_v then_o bring_v as_o much_o glory_n to_o god_n as_o by_o great_a performance_n for_o in_o all_o these_o privation_n the_o soul_n find_v no_o reliance_n or_o consolation_n in_o herself_o or_o in_o any_o other_o creature_n but_o in_o god_n alone_o holy_a job_n never_o bring_v more_o glory_n to_o god_n than_o when_o he_o be_v plunge_v in_o the_o abyss_n of_o humiliation_n on_o a_o dunghill_n god_n glorify_v himself_o in_o heaven_n by_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o creature_n here_o on_o earth_n by_o their_o humiliation_n do_v we_o not_o see_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n do_v prescribe_v to_o his_o son_n this_o way_n of_o honour_v he_o on_o earth_n have_v not_o our_o bless_a saviour_n teach_v we_o by_o his_o word_n and_o action_n in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o self-denial_n and_o think_v we_o to_o find_v out_o a_o better_a way_n to_o glorify_v god_n than_o what_o our_o divine_a master_n have_v set_v before_o we_o there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o a_o creature_n can_v more_o pure_o glorify_v the_o creator_n than_o by_o a_o willing_a submission_n to_o that_o self-destruction_n which_o god_n work_v in_o we_o for_o where_o there_o be_v the_o least_o of_o the_o creature_n there_o be_v most_o of_o god_n but_o in_o this_o god_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n work_v all_o and_o the_o creature_n yield_v obedience_n to_o his_o operation_n to_o bear_v patient_o the_o deprivation_n of_o light_n and_o sweetness_n and_o sensible_a influence_n in_o heaven_n in_o our_o recollection_n may_v do_v we_o more_o good_a than_o the_o most_o illuminate_v and_o gustful_a prayer_n to_o be_v abandon_v and_o forsake_v by_o our_o friend_n and_o bear_v it_o with_o patience_n and_o resignation_n may_v more_o profit_v we_o than_o their_o friendship_n and_o service_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o loss_n of_o other_o thing_n because_o in_o dereliction_n and_o deprivation_n we_o seek_v god_n with_o a_o more_o purify_a intention_n there_o be_v less_o of_o self_n in_o it_o have_v not_o the_o satisfaction_n to_o act_v but_o only_o to_o receive_v the_o loss_n of_o what_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o mere_o because_o it_o please_v god_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o for_o his_o great_a glory_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n to_o consider_v the_o blindness_n wherein_o i_o have_v live_v o_o how_o hard_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o human_a reason_n to_o apprehend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a it_o teach_v we_o to_o crucify_v and_o deny_v ourselves_o which_o be_v what_o natural_o we_o fear_v and_o dread_n the_o measure_n of_o god_n love_n to_o a_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o its_o degree_n of_o humiliation_n which_o be_v a_o way_n without_o all_o exception_n see_v the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o that_o whosoever_o do_v not_o deny_v himself_o and_o all_o worldly_a thing_n can_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n o_o dear_a jesus_n humble_v for_o we_o i_o see_v the_o way_n wherein_o you_o have_v walk_v and_o that_o i_o must_v take_v up_o my_o cross_n to_o follow_v you_o i_o be_o content_a to_o accept_v it_o and_o be_o willing_a to_o be_v your_o disciple_n be_v it_o then_o that_o my_o body_n be_v afflict_v with_o sickness_n my_o good_n lose_v my_o honour_n in_o the_o dust_n and_o i_o become_v as_o i_o deserve_v of_o little_a or_o no_o esteem_n and_o repute_v be_v it_o
by_o this_o fault_n i_o may_v see_v my_o nothing_o my_o weakness_n my_o inclination_n to_o evil_a more_o clear_o than_o former_o i_o be_v miserable_a and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v it_o i_o be_v frailty_n itself_o and_o i_o do_v not_o perceive_v it_o but_o 〈…〉_o acknowledge_v my_o vileness_n though_o i_o can_v 〈◊〉_d fathom_v the_o depth_n thereof_o 〈…〉_o i_o be_o well-pleased_a that_o this_o fault_n happen_v 〈◊〉_d presence_n of_o my_o friend_n who_o will_v thereâ—â—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d â—ow_o what_o i_o be_o it_o much_o displease_v i_o to_o 〈◊〉_d offend_v god_n by_o be_v so_o faithless_a to_o his_o â—â—â—ces_n but_o i_o joy_v in_o this_o that_o i_o be_o well-pleased_a â—â—th_v my_o humiliation_n it_o be_v a_o good_a hap_n to_o be_v deâ—â—â—sed_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o other_o and_o do_v relish_v â—weet_a to_o such_o who_o desire_v to_o repair_v the_o injury_n â—hey_n have_v do_v to_o god_n by_o sin_v against_o he_o to_o be_v powerful_o convince_v of_o our_o pure_a nothing_o and_o great_a frailty_n be_v the_o profit_n we_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o our_o imperfection_n how_o profitable_a be_v the_o discovery_n of_o my_o misery_n to_o i_o see_v it_o make_v clear_a unto_o i_o all_o these_o verity_n this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o i_o be_o nothing_o but_o infirmity_n and_o corruption_n and_o more_o than_o i_o can_v comprehend_v and_o for_o the_o love_n i_o ought_v to_o have_v for_o truth_n by_o a_o voluntary_a acquiescence_n i_o love_v and_o adore_v divine_a providence_n which_o have_v bring_v i_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o own_o nothing_o i_o acknowledge_v myself_o to_o be_v miserable_a and_o be_o please_v the_o world_n shall_v know_v it_o and_o use_v i_o according_a to_o this_o verity_n it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o complain_v of_o whatsoever_o injury_n be_v do_v we_o by_o word_n or_o deed_n for_o it_o be_v always_o less_o than_o we_o deserve_v it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o christianity_n and_o a_o great_a truth_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v abjection_n jesus_n have_v love_v it_o by_o his_o father_n order_n and_o he_o be_v the_o grand_a exemplar_n we_o must_v imitate_v it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o after_o our_o fail_n we_o ought_v to_o comfort_v ourselves_o with_o the_o love_n of_o abjection_n and_o make_v use_n of_o our_o infirmity_n to_o please_v 〈◊〉_d just_a as_o when_o a_o ship_n be_v break_v by_o a_o temâ—â—â—_n we_o get_v some_o shatter_v plank_a to_o save_v we_o 〈◊〉_d perish_v it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o since_o this_o lapse_n i_o perceâ—â—â—_n better_o than_o ever_o the_o bounty_n the_o power_n anâ—_n mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o i_o and_o all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n appear_v unto_o i_o beam_a forth_o more_o splendour_n of_o glory_n just_o as_o the_o moon_n never_o make_v more_o evident_a the_o dependence_n she_o have_v upon_o the_o sun_n than_o in_o eclipse_n it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o a_o soul_n sensible_a of_o her_o infirmity_n be_v content_a with_o her_o talon_n without_o disquiet_v herself_o to_o attain_v the_o perfection_n of_o great_a saint_n whereoâ—_n she_o acknowledge_v herself_o unworthy_a and_o if_o god_n be_v please_v to_o communicate_v unto_o her_o great_a grace_n she_o will_v not_o grow_v proud_a as_o well_o know_v she_o own_o weakness_n but_o rejoice_v in_o this_o that_o god_n thereby_o may_v be_v more_o honour_a it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o be_v convince_v of_o she_o own_o unworthiness_n she_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o herself_o but_o in_o god_n alone_o to_o who_o entire_o she_o give_v up_o herself_o to_o deal_v with_o she_o as_o he_o please_v in_o mercy_n or_o justice_n she_o wonder_v not_o to_o see_v herself_o leave_v and_o abandon_v to_o sin_n because_o she_o know_v she_o deserve_v no_o better_a and_o then_o bless_v the_o divine_a mercy_n for_o not_o deal_v with_o her_o according_a to_o her_o merit_n it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o a_o soul_n grieve_v to_o have_v displease_v god_n will_v be_v content_a to_o be_v real_o reduce_v to_o her_o first_o nothing_o iâ—_n such_o be_v the_o divine_a pleasure_n for_o though_o she_o know_v be_v so_o bring_v to_o nothing_o she_o can_v be_v capable_a to_o please_v god_n or_o enjoy_v he_o notwithstanding_o such_o be_v the_o love_n she_o have_v for_o the_o divine_a will_n that_o she_o will_v have_v that_o do_v though_o she_o perish_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o be_v content_a with_o our_o own_o baseness_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a mercy_n god_n can_v do_v for_o a_o soul_n for_o hereby_o she_o draw_v salvation_n from_o perdition_n as_o god_n know_v how_o to_o advance_v his_o glory_n by_o our_o sin_n a_o soul_n thus_o enlighten_v be_v content_a to_o be_v set_v on_o the_o dunghill_n of_o her_o misery_n surround_v with_o humiliation_n for_o her_o fault_n as_o job_n be_v with_o affliction_n and_o behold_v herself_o as_o it_o be_v the_o queen_n of_o infirmity_n and_o abjection_n she_o be_v please_v therewith_o see_v she_o may_v thereby_o honour_v and_o magnify_v the_o divine_a goodness_n if_o a_o soul_n be_v miserable_a by_o fall_v into_o sin_n she_o be_v rich_a in_o possess_v the_o treasure_n of_o humiliation_n after_o her_o fail_n but_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n hide_v to_o most_o man_n who_o do_v not_o discover_v this_o advanrage_v they_o be_v poor_a and_o yet_o have_v a_o treasure_n in_o their_o field_n which_o they_o may_v have_v for_o dig_v jesus_n poor_a and_o abject_a for_o love_v of_o i_o leave_v i_o not_o to_o myself_o lift_v up_o my_o soul_n after_o her_o fall_n and_o gâ—ve_v she_o some_o of_o that_o cordial_a water_n which_o be_v call_v the_o love_n of_o abjection_n that_o chase_v away_o the_o vain_a vapour_n of_o self-love_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v darken_v and_o lose_v courage_n glorify_v your_o power_n in_o my_o infirmity_n be_v please_v to_o condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o receive_v i_o return_v into_o the_o arm_n of_o your_o mercy_n and_o grant_v i_o may_v die_v unto_o myself_o that_o i_o may_v live_v in_o your_o embrace_n methinks_v dear_a jesus_n i_o already_o feel_v your_o tenderness_n unto_o i_o your_o divine_a love_n vouchsafe_v i_o a_o relish_n of_o the_o sweet_n of_o paradise_n my_o eye_n be_v bathe_v in_o tear_n of_o contentment_n my_o heart_n be_v dilate_v and_o love_n do_v firm_o unite_v i_o to_o you_o wherefore_o do_v you_o vouchsafe_v the_o kiss_n of_o peace_n so_o soon_o to_o such_o a_o wretch_n as_o i_o be_o why_o do_v you_o not_o leave_v i_o in_o bitterness_n of_o soul_n and_o trouble_v of_o spirit_n as_o a_o just_a chastisement_n for_o my_o sin_n your_o mercy_n will_v not_o so_o deal_v with_o i_o but_o by_o wonderful_a prevention_n of_o love_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o infirmity_n you_o redouble_v your_o favour_n and_o consolation_n o_o that_o i_o be_v all_o love_n to_o serve_v you_o whole_o by_o way_n of_o gratitude_n i_o will_v have_v all_o the_o world_n to_o see_v my_o infidelity_n to_o the_o end_n your_o mercy_n may_v shine_v more_o glorious_a i_o know_v that_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o sin_n have_v so_o freeze_v my_o heart_n as_o in_o a_o manner_n to_o make_v i_o liveless_a but_o o_o my_o jesus_n you_o have_v provide_v a_o excellent_a remedy_n see_v the_o flame_n of_o divine_a love_n have_v set_v i_o all_o on_o fire_n to_o do_v your_o will_n it_o be_v a_o great_a favour_n to_o be_v in_o this_o temper_n of_o soul_n but_o dear_a jesus_n stay_v not_o here_o visit_v my_o heart_n again_o with_o the_o feeling_n of_o your_o humiliation_n that_o your_o inscrutable_a abjection_n may_v be_v its_o centre_n and_o render_v it_o in_o some_o sort_n conformable_a to_o you_o and_o do_v this_o miracle_n of_o your_o grace_n that_o this_o faithless_a heart_n may_v become_v a_o divine_a heart_n by_o the_o infinite_a merit_n of_o your_o most_o precious_a blood_n chap._n xvii_o consideration_n upon_o the_o vileness_n of_o this_o corruptible_a body_n how_o be_v a_o soul_n please_v to_o know_v that_o her_o body_n must_v return_v to_o dust_n this_o humiliation_n be_v the_o object_n of_o her_o complacency_n when_o the_o illustration_n of_o a_o divine_a light_n clear_v up_o the_o understanding_n than_o she_o know_v that_o perfection_n consist_v in_o a_o tendence_n to_o humiliation_n wherein_o she_o meet_v with_o the_o exaltation_n of_o god_n by_o the_o admirable_a contrivance_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n o_o dust_n and_o ash_n you_o may_v be_v terrible_a to_o worldly_a soul_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a you_o bring_v joy_n to_o those_o who_o walk_v by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o conduct_n of_o grace_n love_v dear_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n and_o life_n eternal_a the_o loss_n of_o worldly_a interest_n honour_n contentment_n be_v painful_a to_o nature_n too_o much_o attach_v to_o herself_o but_o a_o soul_n elevate_v by_o grace_n rejoice_v at_o the_o loss_n of_o her_o own_o
sufficient_o and_o few_o that_o practice_n it_o in_o purity_n and_o real_o aspire_v to_o form_v the_o true_a image_n of_o jesus_n in_o they_o in_o my_o second_o prayer_n i_o do_v apply_v myself_o to_o consider_v how_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_o in_o the_o midst_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o be_v a_o mediator_n between_o his_o eternal_a father_n and_o we_o sinner_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o father_n but_o by_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o happiness_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sad_a case_n that_o man_n shall_v so_o much_o go_v astray_o this_o be_v a_o low_a and_o humble_a way_n and_o they_o puff_v up_o with_o pride_n will_v march_v over_o mountain_n in_o way_n above_o they_o this_o be_v a_o poor_a penitential_a suffer_v way_n and_o they_o be_v for_o a_o way_n easy_a delicious_a rich_a and_o commodious_a be_v it_o possible_a to_o come_v to_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n except_o we_o will_v march_v by_o the_o way_n of_o his_o son_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o take_v our_o own_o way_n at_o every_o step_n we_o go_v far_o from_o he_o o_o my_o god_n how_o long_o shall_v my_o soul_n lag_v behind_o mere_o in_o a_o way_n of_o nature_n when_o shall_v we_o o_o my_o soul_n enter_v into_o disposition_n true_o christian_n and_o conform_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o supernatural_a life_n o_o jesus_n my_o saviour_n redeemer_n my_o exemplar_n my_o way_n my_o light_n it_o be_v only_o by_o follow_v you_o and_o your_o divine_a maxim_n that_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o light_n of_o life_n of_o necessity_n than_o we_o must_v pass_v by_o jesus_n crucify_a to_o come_v to_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o father_n and_o enjoy_v jesus_n glorify_v we_o must_v take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o if_o we_o will_v enter_v into_o glory_n my_o three_o prayer_n be_v a_o continuation_n of_o like_a thought_n i_o than_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v no_o enter_v into_o society_n with_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n or_o arrive_v to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o prayer_n as_o thereby_o we_o may_v live_v in_o they_o a_o divine_a life_n but_o by_o enter_v into_o communication_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o conform_v our_o life_n to_o his_o example_n this_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n without_o exception_n the_o life_n of_o jesus_n be_v a_o severe_a self-denying_a life_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o austerity_n as_o may_v not_o ruin_v our_o health_n or_o dull_a the_o spirit_n but_o humble_a the_o body_n to_o elevate_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o word_n we_o must_v daily_o endeavour_v to_o humble_a and_o annihilate_v ourselves_o have_v only_o in_o our_o eye_n the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o eternal_a father_n can_v take_v delight_n in_o any_o soul_n that_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o resemble_v his_o son_n it_o concern_v we_o therefore_o to_o examine_v our_o heart_n to_o see_v how_o they_o stand_v affect_v to_o suffering_n on_o all_o occasion_n if_o we_o can_v relish_v they_o but_o fly_v and_o complain_v it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v nature_n do_v possess_v we_o and_o not_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n water_n in_o a_o glass_n remain_v quiet_a but_o if_o it_o find_v the_o least_o passage_n it_o tend_v to_o its_o own_o element_n from_o whence_o it_o can_v only_o be_v keep_v by_o force_n in_o like_a manner_n a_o soul_n that_o have_v overture_n of_o suffering_n afford_v she_o will_v find_v a_o inclination_n to_o embrace_v they_o if_o jesus_n crucify_a be_v her_o centre_n it_o matter_n not_o by_o what_o mean_v these_o occasion_n to_o suffer_v happen_v whether_o by_o the_o imprudence_n of_o friend_n or_o the_o malice_n of_o enemy_n or_o her_o own_o neglect_n or_o any_o other_o accident_n she_o lay_v hold_v on_o the_o occasion_n to_o unite_v herself_o to_o the_o abjection_n of_o jesus_n as_o to_o her_o centre_n happy_a be_v that_o soul_n which_o be_v in_o this_o temper_n grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n have_v wrought_v it_o in_o she_o in_o my_o four_o prayer_n i_o go_v on_o to_o entertain_v myself_o with_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n i_o admire_v that_o be_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n he_o descend_v to_o our_o misery_n that_o he_o may_v glorify_v his_o father_n in_o a_o new_a manner_n by_o purchase_v for_o he_o such_o holy_a soul_n who_o be_v animate_v with_o his_o spirit_n after_o his_o example_n will_v be_v in_o love_n with_o suffering_n for_o god_n sake_n i_o see_v clear_o how_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o eternal_a birth_n be_v most_o glorious_a with_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o how_o he_o become_v man_n to_o be_v capable_a of_o suffering_n for_o our_o sake_n and_o that_o we_o must_v follow_v jesus_n in_o his_o humiliation_n if_o we_o will_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o glory_n o_o what_o dark_a soul_n have_v they_o who_o see_v not_o these_o glorious_a truth_n we_o live_v here_o a_o sensualor_n worldly_a life_n or_o at_o most_o do_v follow_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n rare_o do_v we_o live_v a_o christian_n and_o very_o rare_o a_o divine_a life_n a_o thousand_o time_n happy_a be_v they_o who_o dear_a jesus_n be_v enlighten_v by_o you_o the_o true_a light_n of_o the_o world_n jesus_n christ_n clothe_v himself_o with_o a_o mortal_a body_n that_o he_o may_v suffer_v and_o be_v sacrifice_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o bear_v part_n with_o he_o the_o saint_n who_o have_v know_v and_o taste_v of_o his_o spirit_n have_v martyr_a their_o body_n by_o a_o thousand_o austerity_n other_o have_v waste_v away_o by_o degree_n in_o the_o flame_n of_o divine_a love_n all_o have_v be_v desirous_a to_o suffer_v more_o or_o less_o but_o we_o be_v afraid_a to_o hurt_v ourselves_o and_o be_v too_o apprehensive_a to_o endamage_v our_o health_n for_o who_o do_v we_o keep_v our_o embrace_n or_o for_o what_o be_v it_o that_o we_o be_v so_o desirous_a to_o live_v long_o upon_o earth_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a fear_n to_o think_v we_o shall_v shorten_v our_o day_n by_o our_o endeavour_v to_o live_v a_o divine_a life_n in_o our_o mortal_a body_n seven_o day_n i_o begin_v my_o first_o prayer_n by_o a_o peculiar_a instinct_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n bring_v often_o to_o my_o mind_n those_o precious_a word_n of_o st._n paul_n god_n have_v send_v the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o our_o heart_n cry_v abba_n father_n and_o then_o i_o find_v that_o a_o soul_n assist_v with_o the_o extraordinary_a infusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v elevate_v above_o herself_o which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n free_o communicate_v whereby_o she_o see_v and_o taste_v the_o ineffable_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n o_o what_o a_o gracious_a gift_n be_v this_o what_o a_o great_a favour_n be_v it_o when_o god_n be_v please_v thus_o to_o communicate_v himself_o unto_o we_o it_o than_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o the_o faculty_n of_o my_o soul_n cease_v their_o ordinary_a operation_n and_o the_o obscurity_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v vanish_v this_o divine_a wisdom_n elevate_a they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n which_o they_o can_v conceive_v who_o know_v not_o by_o experience_n to_o a_o very_a sublime_a way_n of_o work_v much_o above_o their_o ordinary_a proceed_n the_o soul_n stand_v wonder_v at_o it_o and_o can_v hardly_o believe_v she_o can_v arrive_v to_o such_o a_o point_n of_o perfection_n then_o a_o divine_a light_n give_v i_o to_o see_v at_o once_o my_o unworthiness_n to_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n to_o bestow_v they_o on_o i_o and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n whereby_o they_o be_v purchase_v i_o be_v much_o amaze_v that_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v so_o great_a favour_n to_o so_o wretched_a a_o sinner_n and_o i_o do_v melt_v in_o acknowledgement_n be_v humble_v in_o myself_o with_o a_o entire_a confidence_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n i_o continue_v my_o second_o prayer_n and_o this_o divine_a light_n increase_v in_o my_o soul_n and_o discover_v the_o favour_n god_n vouchsafe_v to_o soul_n of_o which_o there_o be_v many_o degree_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o purity_n of_o heart_n 1._o they_o see_v the_o deformity_n of_o sin_n clear_a enough_o to_o conceive_v a_o horror_n and_o detestation_n of_o it_o and_o know_v confuse_o the_o christian_a virtue_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o sacred_a humanity_n and_o divinity_n 2._o they_o see_v more_o clear_o some_o christian_a principle_n as_o a_o eternity_n of_o a_o happy_a or_o miserable_a condition_n after_o this_o life_n that_o our_o salvation_n be_v our_o principal_n concern_v and_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a aend_v that_o all_o
and_o redeemer_n to_o lie_v out_o thyself_o upon_o the_o creature_n and_o not_o correspond_v to_o his_o inspiration_n who_o call_v thou_o to_o himself_o what_o a_o horrible_a infidelity_n will_v this_o be_v let_v we_o not_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o who_o we_o be_v seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n the_o subject_n of_o my_o three_o prayer_n be_v the_o admirable_a oeconomy_n of_o the_o incarnation_n in_o that_o by_o the_o excess_n of_o love_n and_o goodness_n god_n be_v make_v man_n and_o man_n become_v god_n i_o have_v profound_a veneration_n for_o the_o adorable_a humanity_n absorb_v in_o the_o divinity_n and_o with_o a_o amorous_a confidence_n behold_v the_o divinity_n as_o it_o be_v annihilate_v in_o the_o humanity_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o as_o a_o tabernacle_n of_o honour_n where_o god_n dwell_v with_o infinite_a delight_n this_o humanity_n also_o in_o a_o manner_n divinize_v take_v infinite_a delight_n in_o the_o divinity_n from_o whence_o it_o receive_v wonderful_a impression_n of_o annihilation_n to_o be_v poor_a abject_a and_o despise_v crucify_a for_o after_o god_n be_v make_v man_n he_o inspire_v the_o humanity_n with_o ardent_a desire_n and_o love_n of_o suffering_n for_o we_o man_n and_o our_o salvation_n o_o jesus_n when_o you_o communicate_v yourself_o to_o a_o soul_n she_o receive_v impression_n from_o you_o which_o incline_v she_o to_o a_o love_n of_o contempt_n and_o suffering_n and_o when_o a_o soul_n feel_v in_o herself_o the_o great_a propension_n to_o suffering_n and_o self-denial_n it_o be_v then_o she_o most_o participate_v of_o your_o communication_n and_o have_v the_o great_a assurance_n of_o they_o for_o o_o good_a jesus_n your_o spirit_n be_v full_a of_o such_o impression_n from_o the_o divinity_n and_o the_o soul_n where_o you_o reign_v as_o king_n do_v infallible_o receive_v the_o like_a impression_n from_o your_o presence_n in_o my_o four_o prayer_n i_o be_v touch_v with_o a_o great_a desire_n to_o leave_v this_o mortal_a life_n so_o full_a of_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o deprive_v of_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n of_o god_n my_o saviour_n oh_o how_o irksome_a be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o contemplate_v at_o leisure_n this_o infinite_a beauty_n this_o essence_n full_a of_o infinite_a perfection_n this_o only_a true_a object_n of_o the_o love_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n o_o when_o shall_v i_o be_v deliver_v from_o this_o prison_n of_o flesh_n that_o i_o may_v behold_v jesus_n the_o light_n of_o my_o eye_n and_o joy_n of_o my_o heart_n must_v i_o yet_o continue_v long_o in_o this_o banishment_n what_o a_o cross_n be_v it_o to_o live_v here_o what_o a_o punishment_n be_v the_o delay_n death_n how_o welcome_a will_v thou_o be_v in_o my_o embrace_n we_o must_v languish_v with_o love_n after_o the_o infinite_a beauty_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o sigh_v to_o enjoy_v he_o o_o my_o soul_n do_v not_o amuse_v thyself_o with_o creature_n love_v the_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o highway_n to_o happiness_n be_v it_o possible_a to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o love_v he_o and_o to_o languish_v with_o desire_n to_o enjoy_v he_o to_o stand_v much_o in_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v a_o sign_n we_o have_v little_a desire_n to_o see_v the_o infinite_a beauty_n of_o god_n see_v death_n only_o open_v the_o gate_n of_o paradise_n o_o death_n thou_o be_v desirable_a come_v and_o put_v i_o in_o possession_n of_o the_o object_n of_o my_o love_n that_o i_o may_v live_v with_o jesus_n who_o be_v the_o source_n of_o life_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o the_o interim_n o_o my_o soul_n let_v we_o have_v neither_o love_n nor_o life_n nor_o operation_n but_o what_o be_v in_o he_o and_o for_o he_o our_o sovereign_a happiness_n vivit_fw-la in_o i_o christus_fw-la eight_o day_n jesus_n our_o light_n jesus_n be_v present_a to_o i_o in_o my_o first_o prayer_n as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n which_o discover_v to_o i_o such_o a_o beauty_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n with_o ray_n of_o a_o new_a light_n that_o i_o see_v more_o than_o ever_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o strange_a sottishness_n of_o such_o man_n who_o prefer_v the_o darkness_n of_o falsehood_n before_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n insanias_fw-la falsas_fw-la the_o beam_n of_o this_o light_a work_n wonder_n in_o a_o soul_n for_o it_o leave_v such_o impression_n as_o bring_v she_o to_o know_v truth_n in_o another_o manner_n then_o by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n or_o faith_n either_o if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o closet_n of_o some_o great_a king_n in_o the_o dark_a we_o know_v well_o there_o be_v excellent_a piece_n there_o we_o may_v know_v their_o number_n bigness_n and_o value_n of_o the_o precious_a stone_n the_o rareness_n of_o the_o paint_n and_o what_o else_o we_o see_v not_o but_o when_o once_o the_o least_o light_n of_o day_n appear_v than_o we_o begin_v to_o have_v a_o view_n of_o all_o their_o riches_n beauty_n and_o excellency_n and_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o closet_n salute_v our_o eye_n and_o in_o admiration_n thereof_o we_o be_v take_v with_o it_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o give_v we_o a_o sight_n of_o his_o divine_a beauty_n discover_v they_o to_o a_o soul_n by_o the_o least_o ray_n of_o his_o heavenly_a light_n than_o the_o soul_n be_v wonderful_o affect_v and_o be_v more_o than_o ever_o transport_v with_o admiration_n look_v upon_o all_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n as_o nothing_o i'faith_o indeed_o give_v we_o a_o certain_a assurance_n of_o her_o object_n but_o leave_v in_o obscurity_n but_o one_o sole_a ray_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o jesus_n when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o dart_v it_o into_o a_o soul_n do_v confirm_v fortify_v encourage_v and_o refresh_v she_o with_o illustration_n extraordinary_a and_o sovereign_a consolation_n accedite_fw-la ad_fw-la eum_fw-la &_o illuminamini_fw-la we_o can_v approach_v to_o jesus_n and_o not_o be_v enlighten_v i_o come_v to_o know_v in_o my_o second_o prayer_n that_o when_o jesus_n be_v please_v to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o a_o soul_n he_o infuse_v a_o light_n into_o she_o which_o give_v she_o a_o marvellous_a facility_n to_o believe_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o word_n incarnate_a she_o have_v a_o certainty_n and_o as_o it_o be_v experience_n that_o his_o thought_n his_o word_n his_o action_n his_o proceed_n his_o doctrine_n his_o suffering_n be_v divine_a and_o bring_v a_o sovereign_a honour_n to_o the_o divinity_n o_o science_n of_o jesus_n how_o be_v thou_o sweet_a and_o admirable_a all_o other_o knowledge_n in_o respect_n of_o thou_o be_v but_o ignorance_n and_o vanity_n i_o have_v by_o the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n have_v some_o little_a experience_n to_o know_v jesus_n in_o this_o manner_n but_o i_o can_v express_v it_o the_o more_o this_o knowledge_n increase_v the_o less_o be_v it_o explicable_a the_o profound_a attention_n to_o jesus_n do_v so_o take_v up_o my_o spirit_n that_o it_o take_v away_o my_o speech_n it_o call_v i_o from_o all_o creature_n to_o converse_v with_o he_o alone_o and_o draw_v i_o out_o of_o myself_o to_o be_v ravish_v with_o he_o o_o world_n how_o blind_a be_v thou_o not_o to_o see_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o abject_a state_n of_o jesus_n his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o maxim_n be_v the_o only_a true_a light_n all_o that_o thou_o have_v o_o ignorant_a world_n seduce_v by_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n be_v but_o mere_a darkness_n thy_o opinion_n thy_o employment_n thy_o hope_n thy_o fear_n thy_o desire_n thy_o entertainment_n be_v but_o darkness_n and_o disorder_n thou_o stumble_v almost_o at_o every_o step_n because_o thou_o walk_v in_o darkness_n out_o of_o which_o thou_o can_v never_o get_v but_o by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o corporal_a light_n to_o the_o world_n so_o christ_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o spiritual_a light_n and_o who_o his_o grace_n and_o doctrine_n do_v not_o enlighten_v they_o wander_v in_o darkness_n ego_fw-la sum_fw-la lux_fw-la mundi_fw-la qui_fw-la sequitur_fw-la i_o non_fw-la ambulat_fw-la in_o tenebris_fw-la my_o three_o prayer_n pass_v in_o continual_a astonishment_n in_o that_o i_o have_v so_o little_o know_v jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o that_o extreme_a blindness_n wherein_o i_o have_v live_v at_o present_a i_o have_v almost_o a_o continual_a sight_n and_o a_o sweet_a and_o forceable_a inclination_n to_o regard_v this_o admirable_a object_n so_o that_o i_o think_v every_o moment_n lose_v which_o be_v not_o so_o employ_v to_o behold_v he_o with_o amorous_a affection_n be_v a_o cure_n for_o all_o my_o evil_n for_o when_o my_o soul_n be_v afflict_v with_o fear_n of_o lose_v god_n favour_n or_o with_o experience_n of_o her_o misery_n or_o with_o difficulty_n about_o perfection_n one_o
this_o interiour_n poverty_n and_o dereliction_n find_v that_o she_o have_v a_o call_n to_o interiour_n suffering_n she_o ought_v not_o to_o seek_v after_o sensible_a thing_n to_o raise_v she_o to_o god_n but_o courageous_o bear_v this_o interiour_n cross_n as_o long_o as_o it_o please_v her_o divine_a bridegroom_n to_o continue_v her_o trial_n this_o state_n be_v bitter_a indeed_o but_o withal_o purify_n and_o make_v a_o soul_n capable_a of_o more_o intimate_a union_n with_o god_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o sacred_a darkness_n of_o prayer_n on_o st._n mary_n magdalen_n day_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o my_o prayer_n change_v and_o become_v more_o simple_a more_o strong_a and_o elevate_v my_o spirit_n go_v on_o know_v god_n not_o by_o light_n or_o gust_n of_o devotion_n but_o by_o a_o certain_a darkness_n wherewith_o god_n be_v surround_v as_o with_o a_o cloud_n this_o darkness_n make_v i_o see_v that_o god_n can_v be_v know_v but_o be_v infinite_o above_o our_o understanding_n which_o can_v better_v know_v he_o then_o by_o acknowledge_v we_o can_v know_v he_o as_o he_o be_v at_o other_o time_n gust_n and_o light_n be_v instrumental_a to_o unite_v i_o to_o god_n but_o now_o this_o darkness_n only_o be_v my_o guide_n and_o my_o soul_n find_v herself_o lose_v in_o a_o profound_a ignorance_n of_o god_n yet_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o know_v he_o better_o than_o ever_o and_o i_o have_v no_o difficulty_n to_o contemplate_v god_n in_o this_o manner_n which_o leave_v in_o i_o deep_a impression_n of_o the_o divinity_n do_v also_o augment_v my_o interiour_n disposition_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o such_o like_a matter_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o at_o this_o time_n my_o prayer_n become_v more_o continual_a and_o i_o be_v much_o encourage_v with_o that_o say_n of_o st._n denis_n that_o this_o ignorance_n be_v the_o best_a and_o high_a knowledge_n we_o have_v here_o of_o god_n i_o therefore_o ready_o make_v my_o address_n to_o god_n in_o the_o aforesaid_a manner_n understand_v well_o that_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o god_n by_o this_o way_n be_v great_a than_o that_o we_o learn_v by_o discourse_n or_o light_n or_o gust_n in_o prayer_n to_o know_v we_o can_v know_v god_n be_v to_o know_v he_o as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v be_v know_v in_o this_o life_n his_o grandeur_n be_v infinite_o above_o our_o understanding_n and_o that_o our_o understanding_n may_v live_v whole_o to_o god_n it_o must_v die_v to_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o god_n who_o we_o see_v by_o naked_a faith_n in_o a_o luminous_a obscurity_n by_o this_o way_n god_n be_v more_o know_v and_o love_v than_o by_o many_o light_n and_o affection_n all_o which_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o obscurity_n of_o this_o sacred_a darkness_n which_o make_v a_o soul_n see_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v incomprehensible_a many_o good_a effect_n arise_v from_o hence_o as_o a_o profound_a joy_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n a_o firmness_n in_o our_o good_a resolution_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n a_o great_a love_n of_o self-denial_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o unspeakable_a humiliation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n one_o of_o the_o sure_a mark_n to_o know_v whether_o this_o prayer_n of_o darkness_n come_v from_o god_n be_v to_o see_v whether_o it_o leave_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o infidelity_n for_o the_o more_o we_o possess_v god_n the_o better_a we_o see_v the_o least_o imperfection_n as_o for_o example_n whether_o our_o intention_n be_v pure_a or_o nature_n have_v some_o interest_n with_o grace_n whether_o we_o too_o easy_o leave_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o other_o thing_n whether_o we_o comply_v with_o god_n inspiration_n or_o commit_v infidelity_n these_o and_o such_o like_o be_v clear_o see_v by_o this_o mean_n do_v much_o humble_v we_o and_o make_v we_o careful_a to_o amend_v they_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o disposition_n know_v nothing_o of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o lose_v herself_o in_o this_o darkness_n that_o surround_v his_o grandeurs_n this_o view_n with_o a_o view_n see_v nothing_o distinct_o of_o god_n in_o particalar_n but_o be_v a_o know_a ignorance_n of_o what_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o for_o though_o the_o excessive_a glory_n of_o this_o divine_a sun_n make_v his_o light_n inaccessible_a to_o our_o weak_a eye_n yet_o this_o darkness_n pierce_v our_o interiour_n and_o we_o know_v god_n in_o a_o transcendent_a manner_n by_o strong_a impression_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o be_v raise_v to_o a_o most_o intimate_a union_n with_o he_o god_n require_v of_o a_o soul_n great_a purity_n in_o this_o state_n this_o then_o be_v a_o excellent_a manner_n to_o take_v up_o our_o thought_n with_o god_n in_o our_o address_n to_o he_o by_o annihilate_v all_o our_o light_n and_o knowledge_n to_o get_v into_o this_o sacred_a darkness_n that_o surround_v his_o glory_n that_o be_v thus_o dead_a to_o our_o own_o ability_n we_o may_v confess_v that_o god_n be_v as_o much_o above_o our_o understanding_n as_o he_o be_v amiable_a above_o our_o affection_n thus_o to_o know_v god_n and_o confess_v he_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n and_o to_o love_n god_n and_o acknowledge_v we_o can_v love_v he_o according_a to_o his_o perfection_n be_v to_o live_v dead_a to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o ability_n and_o such_o god_n love_v best_a and_o know_v with_o approbation_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o light_n of_o prayer_n god_n sometime_o in_o prayer_n discover_v himself_o to_o a_o soul_n as_o the_o sun_n fill_v she_o with_o light_n by_o which_o and_o in_o which_o he_o be_v know_v and_o all_o other_o thing_n she_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o or_o which_o the_o omniscient_a be_v please_v to_o manifest_v to_o she_o we_o see_v well_o enough_o this_o light_n by_o which_o we_o know_v god_n but_o god_n himself_o be_v inaccessible_a as_o we_o behold_v the_o light_n of_o the_o natural_a sun_n and_o not_o the_o body_n thereof_o which_o blind_v our_o eye_n and_o by_o the_o benefit_n of_o its_o beam_n the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v make_v visible_a to_o we_o one_o bear_v blind_a imagine_v that_o if_o he_o can_v see_v the_o light_n he_o may_v see_v the_o sun_n but_o he_o will_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o this_o light_n will_v only_o serve_v to_o make_v he_o clear_o see_v that_o he_o can_v behold_v the_o sun_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o excessive_a brightness_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n when_o we_o be_v in_o interiour_n darkness_n we_o think_v we_o can_v know_v god_n better_o in_o the_o light_n and_o when_o this_o light_n come_v it_o only_o serve_v to_o let_v we_o see_v that_o god_n can_v be_v know_v by_o we_o in_o mortal_a body_n when_o in_o prayer_n i_o have_v a_o view_n of_o god_n or_o some_o of_o his_o perfection_n of_o jesus_n or_o some_o of_o his_o disposition_n or_o maxim_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o all_o these_o object_n have_v a_o particular_a light_n in_o they_o which_o serve_v much_o to_o discover_v their_o excellency_n to_o the_o soul_n but_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o these_o verity_n namely_o we_o must_v slay_v from_o evil_a and_o do_v good_a hate_v sin_n and_o embrace_v virtue_n and_o such_o like_a as_o consider_v bare_o in_o themselves_o have_v no_o particular_a light_n in_o they_o to_o manifest_v their_o goodness_n but_o their_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n be_v discover_v to_o we_o by_o help_n of_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n as_o those_o body_n which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o sun_n see_v not_o themselves_o but_o by_o the_o light_n thereof_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o believe_v it_o be_v best_a for_o a_o soul_n to_o take_v up_o her_o thought_n with_o god_n and_o those_o verity_n that_o regard_v he_o or_o with_o jesus_n and_o christian_a truth_n as_o resident_a in_o this_o sacred_a breast_n by_o this_o mean_v the_o heart_n and_o affection_n will_v be_v much_o inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o adore_v and_o serve_v he_o and_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o sort_n of_o prayer_n be_v simple_a and_o do_v not_o put_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o labour_n of_o much_o discourse_n for_o any_o divine_a perfection_n and_o the_o exterior_a effect_n thereof_o be_v see_v by_o she_o at_o once_o by_o a_o singular_a act_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o she_o may_v consider_v the_o omnipotency_n by_o its_o self_n or_o together_o with_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n she_o may_v behold_v and_o adore_v the_o divine_a providence_n by_o itself_o together_o with_o its_o admirable_a effect_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o universe_n the_o soul_n herein_o need_v not_o multiply_v discourse_n but_o may_v behold_v all_o this_o at_o one_o prospect_n when_o we_o meditate_v on_o any_o christian_a verity_n as_o for_o example_n the_o excellency_n of_o poverty_n without_o the_o relation_n it_o
have_v to_o jesus_n the_o soul_n lose_v the_o sight_n thereof_o fall_v into_o distraction_n be_v carry_v insensible_o to_o a_o different_a matter_n but_o when_o she_o consider_v poverty_n as_o enshrine_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o jesus_n and_o practise_v by_o he_o she_o be_v take_v up_o with_o jesus_n which_o be_v much_o better_a and_o so_o this_o digression_n prove_v profitable_a and_o she_o gain_v by_o this_o loss_n it_o be_v the_o same_o when_o we_o meditate_v on_o any_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o fall_v from_o our_o first_o subject_n we_o be_v happy_o lose_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o divinity_n where_o we_o find_v no_o love_n but_o of_o god_n himself_o o_o happy_a loss_n there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n more_o necessary_a for_o we_o than_o of_o our_o misery_n and_o imperfection_n because_o that_o or_o nothing_o will_v well_o ground_v we_o in_o humility_n without_o which_o we_o can_v raise_v virtue_n to_o any_o height_n in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n we_o may_v get_v this_o knowledge_n two_o manner_n of_o way_n either_o direct_o by_o consider_v they_o in_o themselves_o vir_fw-la videns_fw-la paupertatem_fw-la meam_fw-la or_o by_o consider_v the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o the_o light_n whereof_o by_o reflection_n we_o discover_v our_o own_o misery_n and_o imperfection_n the_o first_o manner_n be_v somewhat_o like_o a_o winters-day_n wherein_o we_o feel_v nothing_o but_o cold_a and_o see_v nothing_o but_o sterility_n yet_o it_o afford_v light_a enough_o to_o work_v in_o we_o a_o low_a esteem_n of_o ourselves_o but_o this_o humility_n oftentimes_o cause_v in_o the_o soul_n disquiet_v dependency_n and_o discouragement_n the_o other_o manner_n resemble_v a_o fair_a summersday_n which_o be_v more_o warm_a and_o lightsome_a and_o full_a of_o refreshment_n the_o sight_n of_o our_o misery_n by_o this_o way_n be_v more_o advantageous_a and_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o more_o generous_a humility_n and_o full_a of_o confidence_n in_o god_n for_o the_o view_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o direct_a work_n of_o the_o soul_n raise_v in_o she_o a_o holy_a fire_n which_o inflame_v her_o affection_n towards_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o her_o misery_n behold_v now_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v a_o great_a secret_a in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n to_o behold_v all_o thing_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a light_n and_o never_o to_o forsake_v he_o because_o in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o we_o can_v best_o know_v and_o do_v our_o duty_n after_o that_o a_o soul_n be_v habituate_v to_o march_v through_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n and_o purity_n she_o get_v so_o great_a a_o facility_n to_o converse_v with_o god_n that_o it_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o she_o to_o descend_v to_o creature_n know_v by_o experience_n that_o he_o only_o be_v her_o centre_n where_o she_o find_v true_a repose_n and_o her_o only_a light_n to_o conduct_v she_o to_o happiness_n the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o grand_a exemplar_n do_v not_o only_o abide_v in_o god_n by_o apostatical_a union_n but_o all_o his_o thought_n and_o affection_n be_v absorb_v in_o the_o divinity_n which_o replenish_v this_o admirable_a creature_n with_o grace_n light_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o man._n he_o finish_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o mortal_a life_n but_o still_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o plunge_v in_o the_o divinity_n wherein_o he_o behold_v what_o he_o come_v to_o do_v upon_o earth_n let_v we_o follow_v his_o example_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v from_o god_n a_o light_n to_o conduct_v we_o which_o ordinary_o be_v communicate_v to_o we_o in_o prayer_n accedite_fw-la ad_fw-la eum_fw-la &_o illuminamini_fw-la draw_v near_o to_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v enlighten_v chap._n xii_o of_o passive_a prayer_n passive_a prayer_n be_v after_o this_o manner_n we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o god_n in_o his_o perfection_n or_o of_o jesus_n in_o his_o state_n or_o of_o some_o christian_a verity_n by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n abide_v in_o a_o perfect_a repose_n gentle_o receive_v the_o divine_a impression_n which_o enter_v with_o so_o much_o conviction_n that_o she_o be_v present_o warm_v and_o inflame_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o virtue_n and_o though_o she_o do_v not_o distinct_o practice_v their_o interior_a act_n yet_o she_o feel_v a_o delightful_a joy_n by_o the_o sweetness_n of_o those_o impression_n and_o find_v herself_o well_o aispose_v to_o be_v faithful_a to_o they_o on_o all_o occasion_n in_o meditation_n god_n work_v with_o we_o but_o we_o in_o a_o manner_n do_v all_o in_o passive_a prayer_n we_o cooperate_v with_o god_n but_o in_o a_o manner_n the_o whole_a work_n be_v he_o we_o must_v not_o easy_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o passive_a prayer_n to_o be_v dispose_v thereto_o require_v great_a purity_n and_o long_a practice_n of_o prayer_n with_o the_o advice_n of_o a_o good_a director_n and_o in_o the_o interim_n to_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o meditation_n a_o soul_n elevate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o passive_a prayer_n find_v herself_o unite_v to_o god_n without_o any_o labour_n of_o she_o own_o and_o receive_v from_o he_o many_o light_n and_o illustration_n desire_n and_o affection_n according_a to_o his_o various_a working_n in_o she_o then_o the_o soul_n pure_o adhere_v to_o grace_n hold_v close_o to_o the_o infusion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o follow_v the_o divine_a motion_n by_o the_o annihilation_n of_o her_o proper_a operation_n when_o she_o be_v thus_o passive_a and_o dead_a to_o herself_o her_o state_n change_v not_o although_o her_o ordinary_a disposition_n may_v alter_v for_o than_o she_o receive_v with_o equal_a contentment_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n darkness_n as_o light_n aridity_n as_o comfort_n poverty_n as_o abundance_n in_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o will_v nothing_o but_o what_o please_v god_n with_o a_o entire_a indifferency_n and_o a_o perfect_a death_n to_o her_o own_o operation_n it_o be_v observable_a in_o this_o passive_a state_n that_o the_o soul_n sometime_o remain_v in_o union_n with_o god_n and_o contemplation_n of_o his_o divine_a perfection_n keep_v herself_o in_o a_o profound_a repose_n as_o it_o be_v without_o action_n and_o at_o other_o time_n she_o act_v by_o she_o own_o faculty_n as_o it_o please_v god_n to_o excite_v she_o to_o these_o act_n her_o only_a business_n be_v to_o submit_v perfect_o to_o the_o motion_n of_o grace_n and_o she_o act_v as_o grace_n excite_v she_o do_v not_o leave_v her_o state_n of_o passivity_n see_v she_o only_o move_v herself_o according_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n a_o soul_n can_v arrive_v to_o this_o passive_a state_n unless_o she_o be_v dead_a to_o herself_o unless_o she_o be_v advance_v in_o virtue_n unless_o her_o interiour_n peace_n be_v great_a and_o stable_a unless_o her_o prayer_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n continual_a and_o unless_o she_o be_v purify_v from_o all_o voluntary_a defect_n for_o how_o can_v god_n in_o such_o a_o gracious_a manner_n visit_v a_o soul_n which_o be_v free_a from_o disquiet_n and_o ordinary_a imperfection_n how_o can_v she_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n among_o the_o noise_n of_o creature_n if_o they_o live_v in_o she_o with_o any_o affection_n to_o put_v ourselves_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o do_v with_o we_o what_o he_o please_v in_o our_o address_n to_o he_o we_o must_v be_v exact_o attentive_a to_o his_o order_n which_o he_o will_v interior_o make_v know_v to_o we_o either_o by_o illustration_n in_o our_o understanding_n or_o instinct_n and_o motion_n in_o our_o will._n perfect_a purity_n of_o heart_n require_v that_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o eye_n to_o her_o own_o interest_n but_o sole_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n her_o principal_a care_n must_v only_o be_v to_o regard_v he_o to_o love_v and_o serve_v he_o without_o curious_o examine_v his_o gift_n and_o grace_n she_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o in_o passive_a prayer_n there_o be_v many_o way_n to_o come_v to_o god_n and_o divers_a manner_n to_o sacrifice_v ourselves_o to_o divine_a love_n some_o spend_v themselves_o in_o do_v good_a to_o their_o neighbour_n other_o in_o suffer_v for_o their_o faith_n by_o the_o cruelty_n of_o tyrant_n some_o by_o mortification_n and_o penance_n other_o by_o ardour_n of_o love_n in_o prayer_n the_o soul_n must_v be_v indifferent_a to_o be_v sacrifice_v by_o love_n what_o way_n best_o please_v god_n the_o divine_a will_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o her_o choice_n and_o not_o the_o beauty_n or_o perfection_n of_o the_o state_n so_o that_o when_o she_o know_v it_o be_v god_n will_n a_o less_o elevate_a condition_n be_v please_v to_o she_o god_n be_v our_o father_n and_o directour_n operate_n in_o we_o in_o different_a manner_n sometime_o he_o infuse_v more_o
to_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o prayer_n and_o without_o a_o special_a vocation_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o but_o to_o the_o more_o ordinary_a way_n of_o devotion_n whether_o we_o converse_v with_o god_n by_o discursive_a consideration_n to_o raise_v our_o affection_n take_v some_o book_n to_o our_o assistance_n or_o whether_o we_o call_v to_o mind_v some_o subject_n wherein_o we_o former_o have_v find_v some_o gust_n and_o spiritual_a advantage_n let_v this_o be_v do_v with_o humility_n dependence_n and_o fidelity_n for_o a_o soul_n have_v no_o call_n from_o god_n to_o a_o more_o elevate_a prayer_n if_o she_o cease_v she_o own_o operation_n she_o cease_v to_o pray_o and_o fall_v into_o distraction_n or_o be_v guilty_a of_o idleness_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o she_o when_o she_o be_v raise_v from_o meditation_n by_o the_o working_n of_o god_n in_o she_o to_o prayer_n of_o contemplation_n it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o soul_n have_v place_v herself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o think_v on_o the_o subject_a she_o have_v prepare_v aught_o to_o meditate_v thereon_o with_o great_a attention_n of_o spirit_n but_o if_o god_n please_v to_o take_v her_o thought_n up_o with_o something_o else_o she_o ought_v without_o any_o disturbance_n leave_v she_o own_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n for_o when_o god_n be_v thus_o please_v to_o possess_v a_o soul_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o grace_n she_o ought_v to_o put_v no_o obstacle_n thereto_o which_o we_o do_v too_o often_o by_o our_o industry_n which_o seem_v to_o we_o necessary_a and_o without_o which_o we_o believe_v we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o when_o as_o then_o we_o shall_v give_v way_n to_o those_o divine_a operation_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v become_v more_o efficacious_a otherwise_o we_o have_v less_o respect_n for_o god_n than_o we_o will_v have_v for_o some_o earthly_a prince_n to_o who_o we_o speak_v with_o much_o reverence_n as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o audience_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o think_v good_a to_o speak_v we_o present_o be_v silent_a and_o give_v ear_n to_o his_o word_n with_o much_o attention_n and_o respect_n not_o presume_v in_o the_o least_o sort_n to_o interrupt_v he_o our_o principal_a affair_n be_v to_o serve_v god_n the_o vnum_fw-la necessarium_fw-la recommend_v to_o we_o by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o not_o to_o distract_v ourselves_o with_o too_o many_o exterior_a employment_n though_o good_a and_o lawful_a because_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v bind_v with_o a_o chain_n of_o gold_n it_o be_v no_o more_o at_o liberty_n to_o converse_v with_o god_n than_o if_o it_o be_v fetter_v with_o link_n of_o iron_n wherefore_o whatever_o we_o can_v do_v for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n let_v we_o do_v it_o with_o willingness_n of_o heart_n according_a to_o our_o talent_n and_o ability_n but_o above_o all_o we_o must_v have_v a_o esteem_n of_o prayer_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o practice_v it_o be_v firm_o persuade_v there_o be_v nothing_o whereby_o we_o can_v better_o serve_v god_n or_o more_o profit_n ourselves_o in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n for_o my_o part_n i_o in_o some_o sort_n more_o value_n prayer_n though_o imperfect_a than_o the_o best_a action_n that_o carry_v more_o of_o outward_a splendour_n and_o and_o seem_v more_o glorious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n we_o must_v therefore_o never_o be_v disgu_v with_o prayer_n nor_o quit_v the_o frequent_a exercise_n thereof_o because_o we_o to_o our_o think_n make_v little_a advancement_n therein_o but_o persevere_v faithful_o to_o practice_v it_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n we_o can_v and_o expect_v with_o patience_n the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n if_o we_o do_v our_o endeavour_n we_o have_v discharge_v our_o duty_n and_o obligation_n the_o servant_n that_o have_v but_o one_o talon_n be_v blame_v by_o his_o lord_n because_o he_o do_v not_o improve_v it_o by_o his_o industry_n when_o my_o soul_n be_v not_o in_o a_o temper_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n i_o use_v short_a reflection_n to_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o be_v most_o distasteful_a to_o i_o and_o i_o make_v a_o resolution_n to_o do_v it_o or_o set_v upon_o it_o present_o if_o i_o can_v as_o to_o converse_v with_o one_o from_o who_o i_o have_v a_o aversion_n or_o make_v some_o visit_n where_o i_o know_v i_o shall_v be_v much_o mortify_v that_o i_o may_v conquer_v myself_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o raise_v a_o continual_a war_n within_o i_o i_o have_v oftentimes_o by_o this_o facilit_v the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n god_n be_v please_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o dispose_v our_o heart_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o we_o offer_v violence_n to_o ourselves_o to_o surmount_v all_o difficulty_n chap._n viii_o how_o to_o pass_v from_o ordinary_a prayer_n to_o contemplation_n a_o soul_n that_o do_v not_o nourish_v in_o herself_o any_o voluntary_a imperfection_n have_v efficacious_a desire_n to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n aught_o to_o be_v passive_a to_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o aspire_v after_o great_a simplicity_n by_o give_v a_o check_n to_o the_o discourse_n of_o her_o understanding_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o act_n in_o her_o will_n and_o affection_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o she_o ought_v to_o exercise_v herself_o in_o meditation_n and_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o prayer_n till_o god_n be_v please_v to_o raise_v she_o to_o contemplation_n but_o withal_o she_o must_v elevate_v herself_o as_o soon_o as_o she_o feel_v interior_a attract_v and_o shun_v a_o false_a humility_n which_o hinder_v we_o to_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n who_o communicate_v his_o grace_n to_o the_o perfect_a to_o augment_v their_o purity_n and_o to_o the_o imperfect_a to_o purify_v their_o soul_n from_o terrene_a desire_n in_o my_o judgement_n it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n to_o receive_v with_o humility_n the_o impression_n of_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o divine_a sun_n who_o ride_v in_o the_o interiour_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v he_o that_o can_v enlighten_v we_o without_o the_o succour_n of_o our_o discourse_n who_o inflame_v we_o with_o divine_a love_n without_o trouble_v our_o will_n with_o the_o production_n of_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o act_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n almost_o imperceptible_o make_v all_o virtue_n to_o grow_v ripe_a in_o we_o and_o arrive_v to_o perfection_n if_o a_o soul_n make_v it_o her_o work_n to_o mortify_v all_o her_o imperfection_n and_o desire_n to_o live_v a_o suffer_a life_n for_o prayer_n she_o need_v not_o much_o trouble_v herself_o god_n will_v do_v her_o work_n for_o she_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n above_o her_o hope_n and_o understanding_n god_n do_v not_o work_v this_o but_o in_o such_o a_o soul_n that_o free_o put_v herself_o into_o his_o hand_n with_o all_o submissive_a humility_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o he_o in_o this_o state_n of_o prayer_n the_o subject_n prepare_v for_o our_o exercise_n sometime_o may_v be_v useful_a sometime_o god_n suggest_v some_o other_o matter_n as_o he_o see_v best_o and_o the_o soul_n must_v peaceable_o comply_v with_o his_o communication_n we_o can_v give_v certain_a rule_n to_o such_o who_o be_v in_o this_o state_n of_o prayer_n god_n work_v in_o they_o as_o he_o please_v in_o different_a manner_n all_o the_o counsel_n can_v be_v give_v be_v to_o keep_v themselves_o in_o a_o entire_a indifferency_n to_o illustration_n or_o privation_n to_o sweetness_n or_o rigour_n nevertheless_o i_o believe_v we_o may_v profitable_o descend_v to_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o prayer_n when_o we_o have_v no_o overture_n to_o one_o more_o elevate_v but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v till_o we_o often_o knock_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o mercy_n with_o a_o holy_a importunity_n but_o if_o the_o bridegroom_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o please_v to_o vouchsafe_v we_o a_o kiss_n of_o his_o lip_n by_o contemplation_n let_v we_o keep_v ourselves_o at_o his_o foot_n by_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o meditation_n it_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o elevate_v a_o soul_n to_o a_o more_o perfect_a union_n with_o god_n to_o have_v in_o memory_n many_o universal_a verity_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o sacred_a humanity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 1._o as_o that_o god_n be_v omnipotent_a and_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n 2._o that_o his_o love_n to_o we_o be_v from_o eternity_n and_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o divine_a providence_n be_v watchful_a over_o we_o to_o conduct_v we_o to_o happiness_n 3._o that_o god_n be_v love_n require_v nothing_o of_o we_o but_o love_n and_o affection_n 4._o that_o god_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o can_v find_v no_o true_a repose_n but_o in_o he_o alone_o 5._o that_o grace_n and_o truth_n be_v
by_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o attain_v salvation_n 6._o that_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o pure_a love_n of_o the_o divine_a person_n be_v the_o true_a model_n of_o perfect_a prayer_n these_o deep_o consider_v be_v very_o instrumental_a to_o elevate_v a_o contemplative_a soul_n to_o so_o high_a a_o pitch_n that_o sometimos_fw-la she_o in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n participate_v of_o that_o life_n eternal_a which_o be_v in_o god_n himself_o i_o have_v make_v a_o resolution_n to_o desire_v of_o god_n that_o my_o prayer_n may_v be_v altogether_o intellectual_a to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v not_o feel_v such_o sensible_a gust_n of_o heavenly_a consolation_n which_o prejudice_n nature_n these_o be_v but_o sweet_a baiâ—s_n for_o self-love_n which_o sully_n the_o purity_n of_o prayer_n and_o diminish_v the_o contemplative_a attention_n which_o continue_v more_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a when_o keep_v on_o the_o point_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o the_o fire_n of_o divine_a love_n burn_v bright_a and_o with_o more_o constant_a flame_n this_o be_v that_o continual_a union_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o perfection_n and_o whatever_o hinder_v this_o aught_o to_o be_v suspect_v as_o be_v sensible_a gust_n of_o devotion_n in_o inferior_a nature_n o_o my_o soul_n let_v we_o therefore_o entire_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n to_o receive_v from_o he_o such_o impression_n as_o he_o think_v best_o let_v our_o chief_a care_n be_v full_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o he_o and_o to_o be_v disengage_v from_o all_o worldly_a thing_n and_o accept_v with_o thankfulness_n whatever_o he_o give_v we_o if_o he_o give_v we_o nothing_o let_v nothing_o content_v we_o and_o peaceable_o acquiesce_v in_o union_n with_o his_o divine_a will._n a_o soul_n faithful_a in_o the_o state_n of_o privation_n will_v soon_o or_o late_a as_o god_n see_v best_a be_v raise_v to_o pure_a union_n and_o enjoyment_n on_o the_o lofty_a wing_n of_o contemplation_n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n this_o prayer_n be_v a_o bare_a reflection_n or_o simple_a remembrance_n of_o god_n who_o be_v believe_v by_o naked_a faith_n as_o he_o be_v see_v and_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n it_o be_v the_o same_o object_n here_o and_o there_o but_o know_v by_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o different_a manner_n the_o way_n of_o know_v god_n here_o be_v but_o learned_a ignorance_n earth_n be_v the_o land_n of_o believe_v heaven_n of_o see_v to_o see_v god_n as_o we_o be_v see_v of_o he_o and_o understand_v all_o divine_a mystery_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n here_o we_o must_v walk_v by_o the_o obscurity_n of_o faith_n this_o faith_n must_v be_v naked_a without_o image_n or_o representation_n simple_a and_o without_o discourse_n universal_a without_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o particular_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o will_n be_v conform_v to_o that_o of_o the_o understanding_n naked_a simple_a universal_a spiritual_a independent_a on_o the_o sense_n we_o must_v expect_v great_a combat_n in_o this_o way_n from_o our_o spirit_n which_o will_v still_o be_v work_v and_o rely_v on_o creature_n but_o though_o it_o be_v much_o distaste_v by_o the_o understand_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o she_o must_v strive_v to_o die_v to_o her_o own_o operation_n and_o willing_o entertain_v what_o help_v she_o in_o this_o combat_n as_o aridity_n privation_n desolation_n which_o at_o last_o leave_v the_o soul_n in_o exercise_n of_o pure_a faith_n whereby_o god_n be_v know_v in_o a_o high_a manner_n than_o those_o light_n which_o serve_v as_o a_o medium_fw-la between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n for_o this_o union_n of_o our_o spirit_n with_o god_n by_o pure_a faith_n be_v immediate_a and_o so_o more_o elevate_v the_o will_v also_o must_v die_v to_o what_o ever_o be_v not_o god_n to_o live_v only_o in_o he_o and_o to_o he_o by_o pure_a love_n for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o will_n be_v this_o death_n and_o this_o death_n be_v not_o ordinary_o wrought_v but_o by_o privation_n this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n be_v uniform_a and_o not_o much_o liable_a to_o alteration_n nor_o bring_v any_o damage_n to_o the_o body_n for_o nature_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o it_o be_v not_o procurable_a by_o great_a endeavour_n of_o humane_a industry_n but_o depend_v pure_o on_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o give_v it_o when_o and_o to_o who_o he_o please_v it_o be_v true_a this_o pure_a and_o naked_a contemplation_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n be_v give_v but_o rare_o and_o to_o those_o who_o have_v pass_v through_o many_o purgatory_n and_o state_n of_o penance_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o it_o in_o the_o beginning_n it_o dart_v into_o the_o soul_n but_o transient_a irradiation_n like_o flash_n of_o lightning_n if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o continue_v about_o half_a a_o hour_n it_o be_v very_o much_o however_o they_o work_v in_o the_o soul_n very_o great_a effect_n one_o of_o the_o principal_n be_v that_o this_o light_n of_o faith_n discover_v to_o we_o the_o verity_n of_o divine_a mystery_n imperfection_n and_o the_o perfection_n we_o want_v and_o practical_a virtue_n and_o all_o this_o at_o once_o not_o successive_o one_o after_o another_o by_o discourse_n which_o can_v never_o arrive_v to_o produce_v a_o knowledge_n so_o clear_a and_o universal_a but_o indeed_o the_o understanding_n have_v much_o ado_n to_o die_v to_o its_o own_o operation_n and_o not_o act_v by_o humane_a light_n by_o be_v whole_o give_v up_o to_o the_o obscurity_n of_o faith_n however_o this_o must_v be_v do_v to_o be_v right_o dispose_v for_o divine_a operation_n there_o be_v divers_a degree_n of_o contemplation_n but_o what_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o must_v be_v receive_v with_o submissive_a thankfulness_n while_o we_o live_v in_o mortal_a body_n we_o shall_v have_v always_o something_o to_o purify_v and_o therefore_o always_o something_a to_o suffer_v three_o part_n of_o our_o life_n pass_v away_o in_o a_o suffer_a condition_n in_o a_o state_n of_o obscurity_n the_o soul_n be_v intimate_o unite_v to_o god_n although_o she_o be_v not_o sensible_a thereof_o i_o be_o much_o take_v with_o the_o way_n of_o pure_a faith_n in_o prayer_n whereby_o the_o soul_n know_v god_n as_o much_o as_o she_o can_v do_v in_o this_o life_n and_o though_o it_o be_v obscure_a it_o matter_n not_o be_v sure_a and_o certain_a for_o my_o part_n take_v as_o much_o as_o you_o will_v of_o my_o light_n of_o reason_n if_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n increase_v thereby_o o_o how_o beautiful_a be_v pure_a and_o naked_a faith_n it_o much_o conduce_v to_o spiritualise_v a_o soul_n to_o live_v continual_o by_o faith_n to_o esteem_v and_o love_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v and_o love_n man_n rare_o will_v relinquish_v his_o reason_n and_o nevertheless_o he_o must_v raise_v himself_o above_o it_o or_o drag_v on_o the_o earth_n with_o imperfection_n faith_n be_v a_o participation_n of_o the_o eternal_a wisdom_n she_o only_o conduct_n we_o with_o true_a assurance_n for_o her_o light_n though_o dark_a be_v certain_a and_o their_o obscurity_n do_v incomparable_o transcend_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o natural_a reason_n moreover_o to_o make_v prayer_n more_o intellectual_a and_o that_o nature_n may_v have_v no_o hand_n in_o it_o we_o must_v leave_v off_o some_o thing_n which_o usual_o do_v raise_v our_o heart_n to_o god_n with_o a_o sensible_a devotion_n as_o music_n rich_a ornament_n devout_a picture_n in_o church_n and_o the_o like_a this_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n and_o some_o time_n after_o but_o when_o a_o soul_n have_v attain_v purity_n of_o prayer_n there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o take_v her_o nourishment_n that_o be_v her_o knowledge_n and_o love_n but_o from_o pure_a faith_n and_o supernatural_a light_n infuse_v into_o she_o when_o we_o take_v not_o good_a heed_n we_o keep_v not_o ourselves_o sufficient_o passive_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n but_o we_o go_v a_o bege_n for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o sensible_a object_n when_o god_n himself_o will_v nourish_v she_o with_o more_o purify_a knowledge_n and_o divine_a love_n why_o shall_v we_o hanker_v after_o sensible_a gust_n of_o devotion_n see_v nature_n be_v common_o too_o much_o take_v with_o they_o to_o the_o damage_n of_o naked_a faith_n and_o the_o hindrance_n of_o our_o pure_a union_n with_o god_n which_o require_v a_o total_a denudation_n of_o all_o creature_n notwithstanding_o when_o god_n try_v we_o with_o dereliction_n and_o give_v we_o not_o admittance_n into_o his_o presence_n but_o by_o thing_n sensible_a and_o discursive_a prayer_n we_o must_v humble_o comply_v with_o this_o state_n and_o not_o pretend_v to_o high_a elevation_n in_o our_o address_n to_o he_o yet_o if_o a_o soul_n in_o