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
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
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
and_o miserable_a i_o have_v so_o little_a strength_n that_o my_o suffering_n do_v stifle_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n presence_n in_o i_o and_o the_o sensibility_n of_o they_o do_v eclipse_v the_o other_o and_o because_o i_o think_v that_o this_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v find_v but_o in_o a_o soul_n exempt_a from_o all_o sort_n of_o suffering_n when_o sadness_n or_o pain_n or_o trouble_n do_v seize_v upon_o i_o i_o get_v free_a as_o soon_o as_o possible_a to_o regain_v my_o former_a state_n of_o enjoyment_n but_o i_o see_v my_o error_n for_o now_o these_o suffering_n shall_v become_v the_o mean_n to_o unite_v i_o more_o strict_o to_o god_n i_o be_o content_a with_o they_o and_o will_v offer_v they_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o that_o hide_a majesty_n who_o be_v real_o present_a in_o my_o soul_n for_o i_o conceive_v that_o the_o sacred_a humanity_n of_o jesus_n hypostatical_o unite_v to_o the_o word_n have_v god_n most_o intimate_o present_v remain_v in_o this_o union_n in_o a_o state_n of_o enjoyment_n and_o suffer_v also_o as_o man_n he_o offer_v up_o to_o the_o divinity_n a_o continual_a sacrifice_n of_o his_o humiliation_n poverty_n and_o suffering_n and_o the_o divinity_n impart_v to_o he_o a_o wonderful_a enjoyment_n of_o sweetness_n by_o his_o presence_n and_o in_o this_o manner_n god_n be_v yet_o glorify_v in_o a_o soul_n he_o bestow_v upon_o she_o a_o profound_a peace_n in_o the_o superior_a faculty_n by_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v mortify_v in_o the_o inferior_a part_n she_o make_v a_o perpetual_a homage_n of_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n by_o offer_v up_o her_o suffer_v to_o he_o a_o soul_n in_o this_o state_n be_v a_o excellent_a image_n of_o jesus_n as_o both_o traveller_n and_o comprehensour_n god_n do_v not_o always_o manifest_v his_o presence_n to_o a_o soul_n by_o abundance_n of_o divine_a irradiation_n but_o sometime_o by_o a_o sensible_a peacefulness_n which_o gentle_o touch_v the_o heart_n and_o unite_v it_o to_o god_n in_o this_o the_o intellectual_a faculty_n do_v nothing_o but_o bare_o eye_n god_n and_o now_o and_o then_o the_o heart_n breathe_v forth_o some_o amorous_a aspiration_n as_o o_o what_o a_o happiness_n be_v it_o to_o have_v god_n present_a without_o a_o possibility_n of_o separation_n what_o can_v i_o desire_v more_o then_o to_o have_v the_o possession_n of_o god_n o_o my_o god_n be_v my_o portion_n and_o my_o heritage_n for_o ever_o sometime_o also_o the_o soul_n receive_v a_o certain_a prospect_n of_o the_o grandeur_n of_o god_n present_a which_o work_v in_o her_o adoration_n and_o humiliation_n sometime_o the_o soul_n be_v move_v with_o such_o sensible_a touch_n that_o she_o experimental_o find_v god_n present_a in_o she_o whereby_o she_o melt_v into_o affection_n respect_n and_o love_n and_o praise_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o thereupon_o enjoy_v a_o peace_n that_o pass_v our_o understanding_n cross_n and_o suffering_n may_v bring_v a_o soul_n in_o time_n to_o a_o more_o union_n with_o god_n though_o not_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o enjoyment_n a_o union_n so_o much_o the_o more_o excellent_a by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o it_o be_v imperceptible_a to_o the_o soul_n who_o seek_v she_o own_o satisfaction_n have_v some_o mixture_n of_o self-love_n in_o the_o sweet_n of_o enjoyment_n but_o can_v happen_v in_o the_o crucify_a union_n which_o join_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v hardly_o perceptible_a that_o state_n be_v most_o perfect_a which_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o great_a interiour_n purity_n but_o this_o can_v take_v up_o a_o mansion_n in_o our_o heart_n without_o a_o entire_a death_n to_o all_o creature_n now_o in_o the_o crucify_a union_n the_o soul_n be_v only_o attach_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o not_o reflect_v on_o her_o own_o operation_n and_o so_o take_v no_o self-satisfaction_n from_o they_o she_o think_v all_o be_v lose_v and_o that_o she_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n she_o passionate_o desire_v what_o great_a pity_n be_v it_o to_o love_v and_o not_o to_o know_v it_o nevertheless_o this_o soul_n that_o seem_v to_o herself_o in_o so_o sad_a a_o condition_n be_v a_o delightful_a object_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n who_o see_v in_o she_o the_o love_n only_o of_o his_o interest_n in_o that_o she_o be_v content_a with_o a_o total_a denudation_n and_o confess_v she_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o god_n grace_n wherewith_o she_o behold_v other_o adorn_v and_o admire_v their_o beauty_n perceive_v not_o all_o this_o while_n what_o she_o be_v herself_o and_o this_o ignorance_n of_o her_o own_o state_n possess_v her_o spirit_n by_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o she_o own_o indignity_n she_o easy_o conclude_v that_o she_o be_v a_o miserable_a creature_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o discouragement_n and_o sadness_n set_v upon_o a_o soul_n in_o this_o disposition_n at_o least_o to_o affect_v the_o inferior_a part_n i_o clear_o see_v that_o this_o union_n crucify_a do_v advance_v we_o in_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o state_n of_o christ_n suffer_v which_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n a_o soul_n can_v pretend_v to_o in_o this_o life_n of_o mortality_n see_v this_o put_v we_o in_o a_o condition_n of_o most_o express_v our_o love_n to_o god_n this_o great_a truth_n well_o consider_v will_v wonderful_o comfort_v a_o soul_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o jesus_n crucify_a the_o crucify_a union_n carry_v mortification_n to_o the_o marrow_n of_o the_o soul_n make_v it_o die_v to_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o god_n see_v that_o she_o live_v by_o the_o privation_n of_o all_o creature_n but_o the_o sensible_a union_n do_v nourish_v itself_o by_o reflection_n upon_o such_o a_o state_n which_o will_v indeed_o purify_v a_o soul_n from_o worldly_a affection_n however_o she_o will_v go_v on_o but_o slow_o to_o the_o purity_n of_o perfection_n if_o god_n be_v not_o very_o merciful_a unto_o she_o o_o my_o god_n how_o ought_v we_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o whole_o though_o in_o the_o dark_a to_o the_o conduct_n of_o your_o divine_a providence_n it_o be_v your_o wisdom_n to_o lead_v we_o through_o obscurity_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v deny_v our_o own_o judgement_n which_o be_v no_o lover_n of_o mortification_n o_o how_o this_o insensibility_n do_v purify_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o will_n which_o can_v relish_v in_o this_o state_n of_o denudation_n any_o thing_n but_o only_o your_o good_a pleasure_n the_o soul_n in_o this_o crucify_a union_n have_v the_o advantage_n to_o know_v how_o tender_o jesus_n christ_n love_v she_o in_o his_o abandonment_n and_o humiliation_n he_o make_v we_o to_o suffer_v this_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o greatness_n of_o that_o and_o this_o experimental_a knowledge_n discover_v to_o we_o how_o much_o jesus_n suffer_v in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o put_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o disposition_n to_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o humiliation_n and_o see_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n to_o we_o be_v most_o manifest_v by_o his_o suffering_n for_o we_o so_o our_o love_n to_o he_o be_v great_a by_o our_o suffering_n for_o he_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o this_o crucify_a union_n be_v to_o have_v no_o sight_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o state_n which_o once_o be_v perceive_v begin_v to_o lessen_v our_o holy_a suffering_n chap._n vii_o that_o the_o divine_a presence_n make_v we_o to_o love_v prayer_n or_o action_n as_o best_o please_v god_n i_o find_v the_o life_n of_o man_n to_o be_v poor_a and_o miserable_a we_o see_v not_o god_n unless_o surround_v with_o cloud_n our_o true_a life_n consist_v in_o a_o holy_a converse_n with_o god_n present_a whereby_o a_o soul_n enjoy_v a_o delightful_a repose_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o peace_n unspeakable_a and_o be_v ravish_v with_o such_o lovely_a sweet_n do_v melt_v into_o enjoyment_n which_o transcend_v infinite_o all_o earthly_a pleasure_n in_o this_o disposition_n a_o soul_n do_v not_o relish_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n ordinary_a discourse_n though_o never_o so_o harmless_a be_v troublesome_a to_o she_o yea_o the_o occasion_n to_o help_v our_o neighbour_n though_o good_a and_o holy_a be_v not_o then_o convenient_a nor_o please_v to_o she_o she_o be_v all_o for_o to_o be_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o jesus_n with_o mary_n magdalen_n in_o a_o perfect_a repose_n and_o let_v martha_n go_v about_o her_o business_n notwithstanding_o god_n make_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o sometime_o we_o must_v go_v out_o from_o this_o in_o time_n presence_n and_o undertake_v exterior_a action_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o glory_n ingredi_fw-la &_o egredi_fw-la and_o this_o be_v the_o life_n of_o a_o holy_a soul_n she_o go_v out_o by_o
that_o purity_n wherewith_o i_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o who_o be_v essential_o good_a and_o perfect_a i_o know_v god_n be_v a_o jealous_a god_n who_o will_v admit_v no_o rival_n in_o his_o love_n and_o that_o with_o great_a reason_n because_o he_o be_v only_o true_o amiable_a as_o our_o sovereign_a good_a o_o that_o he_o be_v love_v according_a to_o his_o beauty_n my_o soul_n be_v inflame_v with_o a_o great_a desire_n to_o disengage_v herself_o from_o all_o creature_n that_o i_o may_v whole_o be_v busy_v about_o god_n alone_o i_o see_v clear_o that_o this_o be_v my_o principal_n concern_v and_o not_o to_o meddle_v with_o other_o affair_n without_o necessity_n for_o a_o soul_n who_o god_n attract_v to_o a_o sublime_a union_n with_o himself_o must_v cut_v off_o abundance_n of_o superfluous_a thought_n discourse_n and_o occupation_n or_o else_o she_o will_v be_v liable_a to_o a_o thousand_o amusement_n for_o my_o part_n i_o often_o say_v to_o myself_o come_v my_o soul_n let_v we_o to_o our_o principal_a work_n and_o let_v the_o rest_n alone_o that_o do_v but_o estrange_v we_o from_o our_o happiness_n we_o must_v live_v a_o life_n more_o retire_v than_o ordinary_a with_o great_a silence_n and_o attention_n to_o god_n and_o holy_a duty_n this_o life_n will_v seem_v a_o little_a abject_a and_o will_v not_o be_v so_o please_v to_o many_o who_o be_v for_o unprofitable_a recreation_n but_o will_v be_v amiable_a to_o such_o who_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a love_n in_o a_o belove_a retirement_n for_o they_o have_v tltogether_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o love_v nothing_o but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o holy_a will_n this_o perfect_a abandon_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o pure_a love_n and_o this_o pure_a love_n can_v reign_v in_o our_o heart_n without_o a_o generous_a mortification_n to_o all_o creature_n and_o a_o freedom_n from_o a_o attach_n to_o imperfection_n this_o death_n do_v work_v but_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o love_n to_o suffering_n which_o suffering_n for_o god_n wonderful_o unite_v we_o to_o he_o with_o the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n purity_n love_n suffer_v god_n what_o will_v we_o more_o if_o providence_n so_o order_n i_o shall_v free_o forsake_v my_o solitude_n though_o most_o dear_a to_o i_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o die_v to_o all_o thing_n to_o apply_v myself_o whole_o to_o god_n pleasure_n and_o sacrifice_n myself_o and_o whatever_o i_o have_v to_o his_o holy_a will._n have_v he_o a_o mind_n to_o reduce_v i_o to_o my_o first_o nothing_o if_o he_o will_v have_v it_o so_o i_o be_o content_a will_v he_o have_v i_o in_o a_o suffer_a condition_n he_o will_v be_v do_v neither_o will_v i_o complain_v but_o have_v recourse_n to_o jesus_n suffer_v for_o i_o on_o the_o cross_n and_o rest_v content_v with_o his_o good_a pleasure_n a_o soul_n that_o love_v god_n and_o his_o will_n more_o than_o the_o creature_n be_v content_a and_o peaceable_a in_o all_o event_n see_v faith_n assure_v she_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v accomplish_v therein_o she_o embrace_v misery_n and_o affliction_n as_o proper_a mean_n for_o her_o sanctification_n and_o discover_v more_o clear_o therein_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n then_o in_o prosperity_n o_o my_o soul_n we_o must_v now_o give_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o good_a earnest_n indeed_o by_o embrace_v contempt_n and_o poverty_n forsake_v the_o vain_a respect_n of_o the_o world_n and_o sensual_a delight_n to_o expose_v a_o penitent_a poor_a hide_a abject_a life_n so_o contrary_a to_o worldly_a man_n methinks_v hitherto_o i_o have_v have_v but_o idea_n now_o i_o desire_v to_o fall_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o perfection_n after_o the_o example_n of_o st._n elizabeth_n while_o she_o be_v a_o princess_n how_o do_v she_o abhor_v the_o life_n of_o worldling_n and_o what_o love_n have_v she_o for_o a_o poor_a abject_a life_n o_o my_o god_n when_o shall_v i_o give_v you_o the_o practice_n of_o so_o many_o excellent_a truth_n whereof_o you_o have_v give_v i_o the_o knowledge_n by_o heavenly_a illumination_n o_o my_o god_n speak_v powerful_a to_o my_o heart_n and_o make_v i_o faithful_a in_o my_o obedience_n take_v from_o i_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o attach_v i_o entire_o to_o your_o good_a pleasure_n chap._n xii_o we_o ought_v to_o comport_v ourselves_o with_o a_o respectful_a reverence_n in_o god_n presence_n a_o soul_n that_o see_v god_n present_a with_o she_o by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n will_v often_o time_n feel_v in_o herself_o the_o great_a veneration_n she_o have_v for_o so_o infinite_a a_o majesty_n and_o benefactor_n she_o can_v but_o have_v a_o respectful_a regard_n for_o all_o the_o inspiration_n and_o secret_a advice_n conduce_v to_o perfection_n all_o good_a desire_n which_o come_v from_o god_n yea_o she_o have_v a_o reverence_n and_o love_n for_o cross_n that_o come_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o her_o sovereign_a good_a the_o soul_n in_o this_o state_n be_v peaceable_a and_o may_v so_o continue_v a_o long_a time_n o_o my_o soul_n remember_v this_o well_o and_o when_o any_o thing_n come_v into_o thy_o thought_n which_o thou_o believe_v to_o be_v a_o inspiration_n cherish_v it_o with_o great_a respect_n and_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o design_n of_o god_n upon_o thou_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o manifestation_n o_o what_o irreverence_n will_v thou_o be_v guilty_a of_o not_o to_o be_v faithful_a in_o such_o case_n above_o all_o be_v content_a to_o look_v upon_o cross_n and_o humiliation_n with_o respect_n and_o love_n and_o hold_v thyself_o happy_a to_o be_v account_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n vobis_fw-la datum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o jesum_fw-la credatis_fw-la &_o pro_fw-la eo_fw-la patiamini_fw-la god_n be_v please_v to_o manifest_v to_o i_o with_o what_o disposition_n i_o ought_v to_o walk_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o in_o his_o way_n namely_o humility_n patience_n longanimity_n simplicity_n and_o purity_n when_o we_o find_v ourselves_o in_o good_a disposition_n of_o heart_n humility_n make_v a_o soul_n to_o esteem_v it_o high_o be_v it_o never_o so_o small_a and_o think_v herself_o happy_a to_o have_v it_o because_o she_o deserve_v nothing_o yea_o be_v rather_o worthy_a of_o eternal_a punishment_n this_o will_v free_v we_o from_o sadness_n and_o discouragement_n when_o we_o see_v other_o glitter_v with_o great_a grace_n and_o pull_v down_o our_o pride_n from_o exalt_v ourselves_o high_a than_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v moreover_o by_o patience_n the_o soul_n be_v well_o compose_v and_o labour_n after_o perfection_n with_o courage_n and_o perseverance_n be_v the_o time_n never_o so_o long_o before_o god_n bestow_v on_o she_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n by_o longanimity_n the_o soul_n suffer_v and_o support_v herself_o in_o her_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n so_o that_o self-love_n shall_v not_o discourage_v she_o in_o her_o endeavour_n simplicity_n make_v she_o still_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o god_n and_o to_o follow_v his_o conduct_n whereby_o at_o length_n she_o arrive_v to_o purity_n our_o chief_a work_n must_v be_v to_o do_v penance_n with_o all_o humility_n and_o if_o god_n give_v we_o not_o the_o gift_n of_o sublime_a prayer_n and_o eminent_a virtue_n to_o abide_v peaceable_a in_o that_o little_a we_o have_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v favour_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n what_o we_o ordinary_o want_v be_v a_o noble_a generosity_n to_o support_v cross_n and_o surmount_v the_o contradiction_n we_o meet_v with_o from_o nature_n in_o the_o occasion_n of_o fidelity_n these_o difficulty_n make_v we_o timorous_a and_o fearful_a but_o we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o be_v feeble_a that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o we_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a then_o be_o i_o strong_a say_v st._n paul_n virtus_n in_o infirmitate_fw-la perficitur_fw-la this_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o weakness_n do_v wonderful_o humble_v we_o and_o open_v our_o eye_n to_o see_v our_o own_o poverty_n and_o the_o great_a need_n we_o have_v to_o rely_v on_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n i_o find_v that_o god_n require_v of_o i_o to_o be_v faithful_a in_o these_o follow_a practice_n 1._o first_o i_o must_v be_v very_o indifferent_a to_o whatsoever_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o do_v with_o i_o and_o to_o be_v content_a either_o with_o action_n or_o suffer_v be_v attent_a whole_o to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n why_o therefore_o shall_v i_o long_o after_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o because_o great_a and_o glorious_a it_o be_v enough_o for_o i_o to_o bless_v god_n for_o they_o and_o be_v faithful_a to_o my_o own_o with_o peace_n and_o contentedness_n see_v our_o happiness_n consist_v in_o serve_v god_n in_o what_o manner_n he_o please_v 2._o when_o i_o find_v myself_o in_o
co-operation_n o_o how_o do_v i_o discover_v clear_o the_o abuse_n most_o man_n commit_v by_o profane_v the_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o employ_v they_o about_o vanity_n and_o unprofitable_a curiosity_n as_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n our_o worldly_a affair_n we_o see_v not_o except_v in_o a_o retreat_n and_o solitude_n how_o worldly_a business_n hinder_v the_o actual_a knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n wherein_o consist_v the_o true_a life_n of_o our_o soul_n o_o the_o happy_a condition_n of_o true_a solitary_n o_o how_o great_a wisdom_n be_v it_o to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o worldly_a affair_n the_o better_a to_o mind_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a that_o be_v to_o live_v a_o life_n divine_a for_o which_o we_o be_v create_v let_v we_o o_o my_o soul_n fly_v from_o distraction_n and_o the_o amusement_n of_o affair_n which_o engage_v we_o in_o a_o thousand_o discourse_n vanity_n extravagancy_n and_o weakness_n let_v we_o be_v faithful_a o_o my_o soul_n and_o give_v ourselves_o up_o whole_o to_o god_n that_o we_o may_v live_v up_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n in_o my_o three_o prayer_n this_o truth_n make_v deep_a impression_n on_o i_o that_o the_o most_o sacred_a trinity_n make_v man_n after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o afterward_o be_v disfigure_v by_o sin_n the_o same_o adorable_a trinity_n vouchsafe_v to_o imprint_v it_o anew_o and_o more_o exact_o in_o our_o holy_a baptism_n when_o we_o be_v baptise_a in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o owe_v our_o christianity_n to_o this_o impression_n of_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n we_o enter_v not_o into_o the_o church_n but_o by_o this_o great_a and_o ineffable_a mystery_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o catholic_n faith_n i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n bring_v forth_o any_o thing_n create_v of_o a_o more_o noble_a production_n than_o a_o christian_a the_o whole_a machine_n of_o the_o world_n be_v less_o considerable_a for_o the_o order_n thereof_o be_v only_o natural_a but_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o supernatural_a work_n wherein_o it_o seem_v the_o most_o sacred_a trinity_n take_v delight_n to_o be_v bear_v as_o it_o be_v anew_o by_o imprint_v his_o image_n in_o our_o soul_n shall_v we_o deface_v this_o image_n to_o make_v our_o soul_n deform_v by_o some_o monstruous_a resemblance_n yet_o this_o be_v that_o we_o do_v o_o my_o soul_n when_o instead_o of_o careful_o preserve_v the_o image_n of_o the_o most_o sacred_a trinity_n imprint_v on_o we_o by_o baptism_n not_o consider_v the_o great_a honour_n and_o happiness_n we_o receive_v thereby_o we_o deform_v ourselves_o by_o sin_n and_o deface_v this_o image_n with_o unclean_a resemblance_n o_o my_o soul_n when_o shall_v we_o be_v purify_v fly_v from_o the_o world_n and_o betake_v thyself_o to_o a_o holy_a solitude_n for_o my_o four_o prayer_n god_n be_v please_v to_o inspire_v i_o with_o this_o thought_n that_o my_o conversation_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o heaven_n already_o that_o be_v in_o god_n for_o it_o be_v god_n be_v our_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v in_o he_o i_o ought_v to_o take_v up_o my_o mansion_n see_v i_o be_v create_v to_o consider_v his_o eternal_a and_o temporal_a affair_n and_o to_o contemplate_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n i_o call_v the_o eternal_a affair_n of_o god_n his_o divine_a interiour_n operation_n the_o generation_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o infinite_a complacency_n which_o he_o take_v in_o his_o incomprehensible_a beauty_n and_o grandeur_n the_o eternal_a design_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o word_n make_v flesh_n which_o be_v to_o be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n in_o which_o however_o he_o take_v a_o infinite_a satisfaction_n from_o all_o eternity_n i_o call_v the_o temporal_a affair_n of_o god_n the_o execution_n of_o his_o divine_a decree_n touch_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o passion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o justification_n and_o reprobation_n of_o man_n god_n before_o all_o time_n have_v infinite_a sally_n in_o himself_o by_o the_o production_n of_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n have_v in_o time_n have_v sally_n out_o of_o himself_o full_a of_o wonder_n and_o admiration_n o_o my_o god_n how_o a_o soul_n enlighten_v from_o heaven_n find_v great_a joy_n and_o content_v in_o contemplate_v these_o eternal_a and_o temporal_a verity_n out_o of_o which_o all_o be_v but_o deceit_n and_o vanity_n but_o how_o low_o spirit_v be_v they_o who_o never_o attempt_v the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o truth_n for_o my_o part_n i_o will_v never_o more_o stand_v in_o admiration_n to_o see_v the_o holy_a hermit_n forsake_v the_o world_n with_o intention_n never_o more_o to_o return_v to_o earthly_a matter_n when_o once_o they_o have_v discover_v the_o truth_n and_o beauty_n of_o thing_n eternal_a and_o divine_a o_o my_o god_n make_v i_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n that_o i_o may_v live_v to_o you_o alone_o and_o my_o thought_n may_v be_v only_o take_v up_o with_o your_o perfection_n second_o day_n behold_v what_o sudden_o come_v into_o my_o mind_n about_o this_o great_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n i_o be_o wonderful_o content_a to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o inability_n to_o understand_v it_o in_o that_o the_o power_n of_o my_o soul_n be_v lead_v captive_a by_o faith_n surround_v with_o cloud_n this_o inability_n this_o obscurity_n this_o captivity_n be_v please_v to_o i_o and_o for_o the_o future_a i_o will_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n upon_o earth_n to_o please_v god_n then_o by_o submit_v our_o understanding_n and_o will_n to_o his_o revelation_n yea_o i_o do_v more_o value_v this_o captivity_n to_o faith_n in_o believe_v what_o i_o see_v not_o than_o all_o splendour_n imaginable_a how_o be_v this_o submission_n of_o our_o spirit_n natural_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a please_v to_o god_n how_o much_o hereby_o do_v we_o honour_v and_o glorify_v he_o o_o glorious_a saint_n with_o all_o due_a reverence_n i_o challenge_v you_o to_o be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o your_o eternal_a splendour_n than_o i_o be_o with_o these_o cloud_n of_o holy_a faith_n if_o you_o be_v content_a i_o be_o no_o less_o to_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o willing_o to_o captivate_v my_o understanding_n to_o the_o high_a mystery_n god_n have_v reveal_v and_o that_o which_o fill_v i_o with_o joy_n and_o make_v i_o happy_a before_o i_o come_v to_o heaven_n be_v to_o find_v my_o will_n in_o perfect_a submission_n to_o my_o god_n and_o to_o the_o mean_a creature_n for_o love_n of_o he_o o_o bless_a soul_n i_o be_o a_o little_a too_o bold_a with_o you_o yet_o i_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o you_o well_o know_v it_o i_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o this_o submission_n be_v the_o way_n to_o practice_v it_o a_o way_n sure_a and_o excellent_a in_o my_o second_o prayer_n i_o yet_o find_v my_o soul_n take_v up_o with_o the_o grandeur_n of_o this_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n and_o be_v almost_o lose_v in_o this_o ocean_n of_o infinite_a wonder_n be_v full_a of_o faith_n and_o sweetness_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o adorable_a perfection_n though_o all_o surround_v with_o cloud_n of_o darkness_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o this_o mystery_n present_v itself_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n her_o light_n be_v obscure_v and_o cast_v our_o spirit_n into_o a_o thick_a darkness_n which_o yet_o bring_v with_o it_o a_o light_n to_o see_v what_o reason_n can_v nox_fw-la illuminatio_fw-la mea_fw-la my_o night_n have_v some_o day_n and_o i_o perceive_v the_o infinite_a distance_n between_o the_o creator_n and_o his_o creature_n and_o be_v plunge_v into_o the_o abiss_n of_o my_o own_o nothingness_n i_o acknowledge_v o_o my_o god_n and_o adore_v your_o grandeur_n and_o perfection_n i_o admire_v i_o love_v i_o obey_v o_o my_o god_n i_o adore_v and_o believe_v steadfast_o what_o you_o be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o your_o church_n i_o neither_o know_v nor_o comprehend_v nor_o desire_v it_o but_o be_o content_a with_o my_o ignorance_n and_o submission_n let_v we_o o_o my_o soul_n abide_v as_o low_a and_o abject_a as_o grace_n can_v make_v we_o for_o nothing_o render_v we_o more_o please_v to_o god_n than_o profound_a humility_n and_o annihilation_n god_n who_o be_v infinite_o delight_v to_o dwell_v in_o his_o own_o grandeur_n be_v also_o well_o please_v to_o see_v a_o abject_a creature_n content_a with_o its_o own_o nothing_o it_o be_v a_o error_n in_o spirituality_n and_o savour_v of_o self-love_n to_o shun_v abjection_n under_o pretence_n to_o advance_v ourselves_o in_o divine_a love_n o_o my_o soul_n let_v we_o comply_v with_o god_n will_n and_o march_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o abjection_n if_o god_n be_v please_v
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
so_o complete_a a_o sacrifice_n as_o on_o the_o altar_n of_o interior_a cross_n whether_o they_o come_v from_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n from_o other_o or_o ourselves_o it_o matter_n not_o much_o who_o make_v the_o cross_n on_o which_o we_o suffer_v be_v they_o friend_n or_o enemy_n god_n or_o ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v but_o suffer_v it_o be_v sufficient_a and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v joyful_a or_o at_o least_o content_a to_o see_v ourselves_o crucify_v some_o way_n or_o other_o and_o as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v exile_n here_o we_o shall_v hardly_o be_v without_o some_o cross_n a_o soul_n that_o have_v once_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o god_n find_v it_o a_o cross_a to_o be_v take_v up_o too_o much_o with_o worldly_a business_n yea_o even_o to_o satisfy_v necessity_n become_v troublesome_a to_o she_o she_o find_v a_o cross_n when_o she_o be_v put_v to_o appease_v the_o sedition_n of_o her_o passion_n when_o she_o perceive_v the_o eye_n of_o contemplation_n darken_v by_o her_o imperfection_n when_o she_o be_v overburdened_a with_o the_o weight_n of_o her_o mortal_a body_n tend_v to_o corruption_n all_o these_o misery_n be_v cross_n to_o she_o hinder_v her_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n but_o a_o saithful_a soul_n to_o accomplish_v the_o will_n of_o god_n do_v bear_v they_o courageous_o it_o much_o concern_v we_o to_o desire_v of_o god_n a_o particular_a light_n and_o grace_n to_o see_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o cross_n that_o we_o may_v love_v to_o suffer_v we_o complain_v of_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o rigour_n of_o our_o banishment_n because_o we_o discern_v not_o that_o secret_a virtue_n which_o privation_n and_o cross_n have_v to_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n it_o be_v great_a and_o powerful_a though_o little_o know_v and_o less_o seek_v after_o by_o reason_n it_o be_v not_o so_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a as_o that_o force_n which_o cease_v our_o spirit_n in_o the_o light_n of_o enjoyment_n but_o it_o suffice_v i_o my_o god_n that_o i_o be_o unite_v to_o you_o i_o desire_v not_o the_o please_a sentiment_n of_o union_n because_o purity_n there_o be_v not_o so_o eminent_a the_o mercy_n of_o god_n do_v triumph_n in_o the_o state_n of_o light_n and_o sweetness_n and_o this_o be_v the_o time_n to_o glorify_v his_o goodness_n the_o justice_n of_o god_n appear_v more_o visible_a in_o the_o state_n of_o obscurity_n and_o suffering_n and_o this_o be_v the_o time_n to_o magnify_v his_o greatness_n and_o what_o contentment_n be_v it_o to_o a_o soul_n to_o know_v that_o let_v her_o condition_n be_v what_o it_o will_v the_o divine_a perfection_n may_v be_v glorify_v by_o she_o when_o god_n in_o a_o manner_n leave_v we_o to_o ourselves_o our_o weakness_n appear_v so_o great_a that_o the_o least_o stroke_n of_o adversity_n quite_o cast_v we_o down_o at_o other_o time_n when_o we_o be_v support_v by_o the_o almighty_a a_o army_n in_o battle_n array_n can_v never_o daunt_v we_o let_v we_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o grace_n when_o she_o invite_v we_o to_o reflect_v on_o such_o like_a disposition_n for_o the_o soul_n will_v thereby_o know_v her_o extreme_a dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o her_o own_o infinite_a frailty_n her_o confidence_n in_o god_n will_v be_v re-doubled_n and_o her_o diffidence_n in_o herself_o will_v be_v augment_v and_o she_o will_v know_v by_o experience_n that_o god_n mortify_v and_o quicken_v when_o he_o please_v and_o that_o he_o be_v our_o only_a supporter_n to_o be_v then_o in_o continual_a union_n with_o god_n the_o soul_n must_v necessary_o have_v a_o perfect_a indifferency_n to_o every_o state_n and_o a_o resolute_a will_n to_o be_v whole_o for_o god_n illustration_n indeed_o make_v the_o soul_n more_o attentive_a but_o not_o more_o unite_v for_o a_o love_a soul_n in_o suffering_n adhere_v to_o god_n more_o close_o than_o in_o the_o great_a light_n of_o prayer_n let_v we_o not_o then_o measure_v the_o union_n by_o enjoyment_n but_o by_o suffer_v for_o the_o more_o the_o soul_n suffer_v for_o god_n the_o more_o intimate_o be_v she_o unite_v to_o he_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o supernatural_a life_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o make_v cross_n the_o heavy_a they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o more_o acceptable_a i_o know_v a_o soul_n that_o suffer_v extraordinary_a pain_n of_o all_o sort_n but_o it_o be_v with_o aridity_n of_o spirit_n see_v only_o the_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o without_o discover_v the_o beauty_n of_o suffering_n unless_o when_o they_o have_v leave_v she_o god_n be_v not_o willing_a she_o shall_v receive_v consolation_n from_o such_o a_o sight_n which_o may_v much_o diminish_v the_o purity_n of_o her_o love_n chap._n x._o the_o great_a fruit_n we_o may_v reap_v from_o interiour_n cross_n i_o think_v that_o on_o this_o day_n of_o particular_a devotion_n i_o shall_v have_v be_v all_o on_o a_o flame_n with_o divine_a love_n but_o i_o have_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n always_o distract_v in_o my_o prayer_n though_o i_o have_v my_o book_n in_o my_o hand_n my_o spirit_n not_o be_v in_o a_o temper_n for_o interiour_n exercise_n to_o speak_v truth_n i_o find_v myself_o much_o change_v it_o please_a god_n that_o have_v not_o correspond_v to_o my_o state_n of_o light_n and_o sweetness_n his_o justice_n shall_v put_v i_o into_o this_o rigour_n and_o obscurity_n and_o bless_v be_v his_o name_n for_o evermore_o what_o augment_v my_o sorrow_n be_v that_o i_o have_v not_o be_v faithful_a to_o many_o opportunity_n of_o practise_v great_a virtue_n at_o other_o time_n i_o have_v find_v all_o thing_n help_v i_o towards_o god_n now_o every_o thing_n divert_v i_o insomuch_o that_o the_o fire_n of_o love_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n whole_o extinguish_v with_o the_o wave_n of_o temptation_n methinks_v i_o find_v myself_o in_o a_o abandonment_n so_o great_a as_o if_o i_o never_o enjoy_v consolation_n be_v to_o begin_v any_o good_a work_n i_o feel_v a_o tepidity_n and_o repugnance_n to_o it_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o poverty_n do_v horrible_o affright_v i_o to_o be_v despise_v to_o want_v accommodation_n to_o suffer_v pain_n be_v terrible_a unto_o i_o it_o increase_v this_o bitterness_n in_o that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n do_v not_o comfort_v i_o as_o former_o so_o that_o it_o must_v go_v very_o ill_o with_o i_o if_o some_o powerful_a hand_n come_v not_o into_o my_o succour_n and_o what_o make_v my_o condition_n more_o deplorable_a be_v that_o i_o be_o so_o sensible_a of_o the_o privation_n of_o earthly_a thing_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o his_o grace_n that_o do_v afflict_v i_o that_o methinks_v will_v afford_v some_o consolation_n i_o now_o in_o a_o manner_n make_v no_o prayer_n that_o be_v my_o prayer_n be_v as_o good_a as_o nothing_o i_o be_o full_a of_o distraction_n when_o i_o communicate_v i_o be_o apt_a to_o fall_v into_o passion_n on_o every_o occasion_n the_o least_o thing_n do_v much_o trouble_v i_o this_o day_n i_o have_v some_o good_a interval_n during_o which_o i_o be_v take_v up_o with_o these_o thought_n what_o be_v man_n o_o my_o god_n when_o you_o cease_v to_o visit_v he_o how_o great_a be_v his_o poverty_n his_o want_n and_o his_o misery_n i_o shall_v never_o have_v believ_n do_v it_o if_o i_o have_v not_o know_v it_o by_o experience_n in_o this_o small_a time_n that_o you_o have_v leave_v i_o to_o myself_o o_o my_o soul_n how_o great_a be_v thy_o weakness_n how_o profound_a be_v thy_o own_o nothing_o and_o almost_o incredible_a lay_v it_o up_o well_o now_o in_o thy_o memory_n and_o never_o forget_v it_o what_o can_v i_o do_v o_o my_o god_n without_o you_o my_o spirit_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o dark_a dungeon_n and_o my_o heart_n be_v a_o recepticle_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_a sentiment_n and_o extravagant_a thought_n no_o inclination_n to_o good_a but_o strong_a effort_n to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a alas_o it_o be_v now_o i_o find_v by_o experience_n the_o absolute_a dependence_n i_o have_v upon_o you_o more_o than_o a_o shadow_n on_o the_o body_n or_o the_o light_n on_o the_o sun_n i_o be_v never_o so_o annihilate_v and_o plunge_v in_o my_o own_o nothing_o as_o now_o i_o can_v see_v no_o stability_n either_o in_o myself_o or_o any_o creature_n the_o whole_a world_n can_v uphold_v he_o who_o you_o have_v forsake_v o_o how_o vain_a be_v the_o consolation_n of_o creature_n when_o that_o of_o the_o creator_n fail_v we_o dare_v i_o hereafter_o think_v myself_o worthy_a of_o the_o least_o sentiment_n of_o grace_n that_o have_v have_v the_o experience_n of_o my_o excessive_a misery_n very_o if_o god_n shall_v plunge_v i_o into_o hell_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v astonish_v at_o it_o but_o rather_o admire_v his_o mercy_n for_o bear_v so_o long_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
nothing_o to_o work_v this_o amorous_a tendency_n towards_o god_n not_o but_o that_o sometime_o it_o present_v some_o excellent_a truth_n to_o quicken_v love_n but_o yet_o that_o truth_n be_v there_o without_o it_o i_o admire_v that_o after_o the_o visit_n of_o friend_n i_o always_o find_v my_o will_n convert_v to_o god_n the_o only_a centre_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o this_o amorous_a inclination_n be_v entertain_v and_o preserve_v in_o i_o i_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o in_o this_o state_n my_o soul_n be_v well_o dispose_v to_o practice_v all_o sort_n of_o virtue_n though_o she_o make_v thereof_o no_o formal_a resolution_n after_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o prayer_n the_o soul_n be_v extreme_o in_o love_n with_o mortification_n and_o self-denial_n desire_v nothing_o but_o god_n alone_o she_o understand_v also_o that_o she_o can_v persevere_v in_o this_o happy_a state_n without_o a_o constant_a love_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o which_o she_o daily_o become_v more_o amorous_a i_o begin_v this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n without_o any_o other_o preparation_n than_o purity_n of_o heart_n as_o soon_o as_o i_o find_v myself_o in_o such_o a_o disposition_n for_o god_n love_v the_o soul_n do_v sometime_o prevent_v she_o before_o she_o perceive_v it_o i_o continue_v herein_o i_o think_v without_o any_o industry_n or_o trouble_n provide_v my_o soul_n be_v but_o amorous_a of_o perfect_a purity_n and_o faithful_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o mortification_n if_o i_o deeeive_v not_o myself_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o vouchsafe_v i_o this_o mercy_n and_o it_o concern_v i_o to_o be_v thankful_a and_o desire_v the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o assist_v i_o with_o his_o grace_n that_o my_o infidelity_n may_v not_o deprive_v i_o of_o this_o state_n and_o favour_n chap._n xviii_o of_o interiour_n silence_n where_o god_n speak_v and_o be_v hear_v we_o can_v never_o arrive_v to_o this_o happy_a state_n of_o interiour_n silence_n where_o be_v the_o most_o secret_a communication_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n except_o we_o pass_v through_o three_o trial_n wherein_o we_o find_v much_o trouble_n and_o bitterness_n the_o first_o be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o exterior_a sense_n whereby_o all_o sensible_a object_n become_v in_o a_o manner_n distasteful_a to_o the_o soul_n for_o as_o long_o as_o she_o do_v amuse_v herself_o with_o any_o sensual_a delight_n she_o can_v never_o arise_v to_o this_o elevation_n this_o general_a mortification_n be_v so_o difficult_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o devotee_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v conquer_v herein_o and_o pass_v no_o further_o the_o second_o be_v the_o annihilation_n of_o the_o working_n of_o their_o interiour_n sense_n wherein_o we_o have_v such_o difficulty_n to_o conquer_v that_o unless_o god_n who_o conduct_n soul_n by_o his_o divine_a motion_n do_v strengthen_v they_o in_o this_o combat_n and_o bring_v about_o this_o interiour_n death_n by_o the_o secret_a working_n of_o his_o grace_n they_o will_v quick_o loose_v courage_n in_o this_o attempt_n the_o three_o trial_n be_v yet_o more_o laborious_a for_o we_o must_v mortify_v the_o operation_n of_o our_o spiritual_a faculty_n the_o memory_n understanding_n and_o will_v than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o difficult_a it_o be_v a_o long_a time_n before_o the_o soul_n can_v understand_v how_o this_o must_v be_v do_v and_o long_o before_o she_o can_v bring_v it_o about_o and_o except_o god_n be_v please_v to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o soul_n those_o help_v she_o receive_v from_o she_o own_o light_n and_o affection_n she_o will_v never_o compass_v it_o in_o this_o combat_n the_o soul_n meet_v with_o a_o thousand_o temptation_n as_o that_o we_o do_v but_o loose_v our_o time_n that_o it_o be_v no_o better_o than_o pure_a idleness_n and_o much_o hindrance_n sometime_o from_o director_n who_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o this_o way_n can_v understand_v it_o much_o less_o approve_v it_o happy_a be_v the_o soul_n that_o meet_v with_o a_o director_n to_o strenghthen_v and_o encourage_v she_o in_o the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o passage_n otherwise_o she_o will_v never_o arrive_v to_o this_o sacred_a silence_n unless_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a grace_n and_o favour_n the_o soul_n then_o thus_o dead_a and_o annihilate_v enter_v into_o this_o sacred_a silence_n the_o beginning_n whereof_o be_v somewhat_o bitter_a though_o with_o a_o mixture_n of_o sweetness_n by_o a_o certain_a experience_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v elevate_v above_o all_o natural_a light_n to_o behold_v god_n by_o the_o single_a light_n of_o faith_n be_v assist_v by_o another_o light_n that_o seem_v to_o participate_v of_o faith_n and_o glory_n for_o it_o have_v something_o of_o the_o ray_n of_o glory_n not_o that_o it_o be_v real_o either_o this_o or_o that_o but_o a_o resemblance_n of_o they_o wonderful_n be_v the_o effect_n which_o god_n produce_v in_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o state_n of_o interiour_n silence_n for_o he_o deal_v with_o she_o as_o a_o painter_n do_v with_o a_o blank_a prepare_v for_o his_o work_n where_o he_o draw_v divers_a line_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o he_o god_n sometime_o make_v a_o silence_n in_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n keep_v they_o bind_v in_o the_o dark_a but_o in_o a_o disposition_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v with_o they_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o little_a busy_a to_o see_v what_o be_v do_v but_o be_v check_v be_v quiet_a and_o the_o soul_n have_v nothing_o to_o rely_v upon_o be_v annihilate_v in_o herself_o rest_v sole_o on_o god_n repose_v herself_o in_o he_o with_o patience_n and_o humility_n otherwhile_o god_n put_v the_o soul_n without_o any_o operation_n of_o her_o own_o in_o great_a repose_n and_o quiet_a neither_o willing_a nor_o apply_v herself_o to_o any_o thing_n in_o particular_a but_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o god_n manifest_v to_o be_v his_o will._n and_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o most_o usual_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o state_n of_o interiour_n silence_n at_o other_o time_n the_o soul_n feel_v such_o a_o fullness_n of_o god_n that_o she_o seem_v whole_o to_o possess_v he_o insomuch_o that_o the_o sense_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o gust_n and_o sweetness_n communicate_v to_o they_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o interim_n whole_o mortify_v by_o a_o constant_a readiness_n to_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n at_o other_o time_n the_o soul_n be_v whole_o take_v captive_a by_o divine_a love_n which_o give_v she_o a_o relish_n of_o her_o sovereign_a good_a all_o other_o thing_n how_o excellent_a soever_o they_o may_v seem_v be_v but_o bitter_a to_o she_o the_o understanding_n here_o make_v no_o use_n of_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n but_o god_n be_v please_v to_o infuse_v certain_a manifestation_n quick_a and_o sudden_a which_o work_n so_o secret_o such_o change_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o she_o can_v perceive_v till_o they_o be_v do_v at_o other_o time_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o doubt_n or_o trouble_v with_o some_o disorder_n or_o discourage_v by_o she_o own_o weakness_n she_o find_v god_n show_v himself_o present_a with_o she_o to_o instruct_v to_o quicken_v to_o strengthen_v to_o succour_v she_o according_a to_o her_o present_a necessity_n the_o soul_n in_o this_o state_n be_v dispose_v to_o whatsoever_o god_n please_v desire_v nothing_o require_v of_o she_o god_n work_v his_o will_n in_o she_o and_o she_o be_v humble_a and_o faithful_a and_o altogether_o submissive_a and_o pliable_a to_o his_o operation_n thus_o the_o soul_n must_v stand_v affect_v in_o respect_n of_o god_n but_o she_o can_v never_o come_v to_o this_o without_o great_a combat_n continual_a death_n and_o long_a suffering_n however_o all_o the_o cross_n can_v be_v endure_v in_o this_o world_n be_v but_o a_o cheap_a rate_n to_o purchase_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n but_o for_o a_o moment_n in_o this_o state_n of_o interiour_n silence_n the_o soul_n can_v prescribe_v any_o law_n to_o herself_o in_o her_o spiritual_a exercise_n but_o wait_v with_o all_o humility_n to_o receive_v what_o god_n shall_v give_v she_o and_o be_v faithful_a in_o correspond_v thereto_o sometime_o she_o suffer_v sometime_o she_o act_v either_o in_o this_o or_o that_o manner_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a impression_n chap._n xiii_o of_o most_o purify_a contemplation_n on_o st._n alexius_n day_n our_o saviour_n give_v i_o knowledge_n of_o a_o state_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o at_o present_a i_o must_v constant_o exercise_v myself_o as_o some_o servant_n of_o god_n advise_v i_o but_o the_o reason_n they_o tell_v i_o i_o understand_v not_o my_o prayer_n then_o be_v a_o denudation_n of_o all_o creature_n where_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o she_o do_v nothing_o but_o enter_v into_o possession_n of_o god_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n who_o work_v in_o she_o what_o
grace_n and_o gift_n from_o god_n ought_v not_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o abundance_n of_o such_o favour_n but_o her_o whole_a content_a aught_o to_o be_v in_o the_o pleasure_n that_o god_n take_v to_o be_v so_o bountiful_a to_o his_o creature_n so_o unworthy_a of_o his_o blessing_n wretched_a be_v that_o man_n who_o have_v less_o care_n of_o his_o soul_n than_o his_o body_n love_v more_o to_o follow_v the_o inclination_n of_o sensuality_n than_o the_o inspiration_n of_o grace_n wretched_a be_v he_o who_o be_v all_o for_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n a_o good_a house_n good_a apparel_n good_a provision_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v content_a to_o have_v a_o bad_a soul_n wretched_a be_v he_o who_o by_o his_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n make_v himself_o the_o most_o contemptible_a thing_n of_o his_o whole_a family_n for_o he_o who_o forsake_v god_n to_o follow_v his_o sensuality_n be_v in_o worse_a state_n than_o the_o mean_a creature_n o_o sad_a condition_n believe_v it_o be_v far_o more_o easy_a to_o command_v our_o passion_n than_o obey_v they_o to_o conquer_v our_o natural_a inclination_n than_o to_o satisfy_v they_o and_o therefore_o more_o pleasant_a to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n than_o perdition_n it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a punishment_n to_o suffer_v the_o continual_a lash_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n a_o unspeakable_a torment_n to_o have_v our_o heart_n always_o terrify_v with_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n hang_v over_o our_o head_n with_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o the_o horror_n of_o hell_n which_o can_v be_v avoid_v by_o such_o who_o neglect_v the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n to_o become_v slave_n to_o the_o world_n and_o our_o passion_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n most_o cruel_a and_o ungrateful_a tyrant_n and_o to_o have_v no_o repose_n nor_o contentment_n not_o one_o only_a moment_n of_o true_a solid_a joy_n be_v to_o suffer_v a_o hell_n in_o time_n before_o that_o of_o eternity_n we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o way_n of_o heaven_n the_o yoke_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v easie_n his_o burden_n light_n his_o will_n be_v lovely_a his_o help_n be_v powerful_a and_o the_o consolation_n wherewith_o he_o refresh_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o servant_n so_o abundant_a that_o they_o be_v far_o more_o happy_a with_o their_o cross_n than_o carnal_a man_n with_o all_o their_o worldly_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n chap._n vi_o how_o to_o comport_v ourselves_o well_o in_o superiority_n jesus_n be_v your_o light_n and_o your_o guide_n and_o your_o support_n in_o superiority_n to_o be_v in_o this_o condition_n seem_v to_o some_o troublesome_a and_o insupportable_a because_o thing_n do_v not_o succeed_v as_o they_o desire_v but_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o subject_n who_o may_v have_v be_v better_o govern_v by_o a_o person_n more_o capable_a and_o advance_v in_o perfection_n it_o be_v indeed_o well_o say_v and_o the_o pretence_n be_v specious_a and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o may_v proceed_v from_o self-love_n and_o desire_v of_o our_o own_o excellence_n prostrate_v thyself_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o if_o he_o dart_v into_o thy_o soul_n divine_a irradiation_n thou_o will_v discover_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v herein_o that_o little_a resignation_n we_o have_v to_o the_o ordination_n of_o god_n create_v these_o trouble_n in_o we_o god_n only_o expect_v from_o we_o such_o a_o certain_a measure_n of_o glory_n and_o we_o be_v for_o render_v more_o than_o he_o require_v of_o we_o it_o be_v our_o happiness_n not_o to_o conform_v our_o will_n to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n touch_v the_o manner_n of_o glorify_v himself_o what_o please_v he_o do_v not_o content_v we_o he_o will_v have_v we_o glorify_v he_o by_o suffer_v and_o we_o be_v for_o action_n we_o be_v for_o give_v alm_n and_o he_o for_o receive_v in_o a_o word_n we_o do_v not_o entire_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o pure_a will_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o perplex_v and_o disquiet_v ourselves_o with_o the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o those_o with_o who_o we_o live_v and_o be_v under_o our_o charge_n they_o be_v mortal_a and_o infirm_a creature_n and_o not_o angel_n and_o to_o expect_v they_o shall_v be_v faultless_a be_v to_o look_v for_o impossibility_n and_o flatter_v our_o impatience_n which_o will_v have_v no_o occasion_n of_o displeasure_n this_o be_v but_o to_o afflict_v ourselves_o for_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o own_o esteem_n which_o appear_v by_o our_o ill_a conduct_n in_o such_o small_a matter_n and_o yet_o we_o pretend_v only_o to_o seek_v god_n honour_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n those_o who_o true_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n sometime_o be_v trouble_v but_o it_o be_v a_o displeasure_n join_v with_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n yea_o abound_v with_o influence_n of_o heaven_n and_o divine_a love_n a_o displeasure_n that_o rather_o increase_v than_o take_v away_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o dispose_v she_o to_o a_o perfect_a union_n with_o god_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n i_o know_v no_o better_a mean_n to_o be_v humble_v in_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o other_o than_o the_o miscarriage_n that_o arrive_v by_o our_o manifold_a imperfection_n if_o i_o do_v a_o good_a action_n for_o which_o other_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o i_o i_o shall_v not_o seem_v so_o to_o myself_o but_o if_o i_o shall_v fall_v into_o a_o gross_a imperfection_n which_o neither_o i_o nor_o other_o discover_v how_o shall_v i_o be_v ashamed_a and_o learn_v thereby_o a_o lesson_n of_o mortification_n when_o nature_n be_v surprise_v and_o as_o it_o be_v amaze_v to_o see_v she_o own_o frailty_n what_o prop_n can_v she_o find_v to_o uphold_v her_o ambition_n she_o must_v needs_o be_v humble_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o so_o draw_v much_o good_a from_o evil_n who_o be_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v presume_v to_o think_v that_o out_o pain_n and_o industry_n can_v add_v any_o thing_n to_o augment_v god_n glory_n know_v we_o not_o that_o he_o be_v self-sufficient_a by_o reason_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o so_o replenish_v with_o his_o own_o glory_n that_o all_o the_o glory_n creature_n can_v render_v to_o he_o be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n alas_o the_o great_a saint_n in_o this_o respect_n can_v true_o say_v they_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n all_o creature_n be_v oblige_v to_o serve_v their_o creator_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o not_o to_o do_v it_o make_v they_o guilty_a but_o this_o bring_v no_o profit_n to_o god_n who_o be_v no_o less_o nor_o more_o happy_a in_o himself_o thereby_o but_o only_o from_o hence_o it_o proceed_v that_o he_o bestow_v on_o his_o servant_n great_a and_o glorious_a reward_n for_o my_o part_n i_o will_v never_o afflict_v myself_o nor_o be_v discourage_v for_o not_o do_v all_o the_o good_a i_o desire_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v in_o the_o charge_n incumbent_a on_o i_o but_o instead_o of_o be_v trouble_v with_o my_o own_o insufficiency_n i_o will_v rejoice_v in_o the_o all-sufficiency_n of_o god_n o_o my_o god_n what_o complacency_n do_v i_o take_v to_o see_v you_o so_o rich_a and_o so_o all-sufficient_a i_o be_o well_o content_a with_o my_o weakness_n see_v they_o make_v it_o more_o evident_a that_o you_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o your_o creature_n o_o beautiful_a sun_n enrich_v with_o a_o infinite_a light_n live_v happy_a in_o yourself_o absorp_v in_o your_o own_o beam_n nothing_o can_v alter_v your_o felicity_n for_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n though_o they_o offend_v you_o yet_o do_v not_o hurt_v you_o no_o more_o than_o dirt_n cast_v against_o the_o sun_n will_v darken_v his_o splendour_n in_o his_o highnoon_n glory_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o defect_n in_o myself_o and_o the_o fault_n i_o have_v not_o hinder_v in_o other_o either_o for_o want_v of_o zeal_n or_o capacity_n i_o will_v exercise_v my_o mind_n in_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o o_o my_o god_n your_o beauty_n be_v not_o sully_v hereby_o nor_o your_o glory_n darken_v nor_o your_o mercy_n diminish_v i_o know_v it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o be_v sorry_a for_o what_o sin_n offend_v your_o majesty_n but_o likewise_o i_o ought_v to_o rejoice_v that_o you_o be_v immutable_a in_o yourself_o and_o your_o blessedness_n can_v be_v disturb_v by_o our_o iniquity_n chap._n vii_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v our_o intention_n purify_v from_o all_o self-interest_n the_o soul_n that_o seek_v pure_o to_o please_v god_n aught_o to_o be_v content_a with_o all_o design_n of_o providence_n whatsoever_o whether_o of_o mercy_n or_o justice_n give_v herself_o up_o whole_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o
god_n to_o deal_v with_o she_o as_o seem_v best_a please_v to_o he_o for_o aught_o she_o know_v it_o be_v best_o for_o she_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o therefore_o she_o willing_o submit_v to_o god_n chastisement_n rejoice_v thereat_o and_o bless_v he_o for_o they_o yea_o if_o she_o may_v but_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n thereby_o she_o be_v content_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n in_o this_o state_n her_o love_n be_v whole_o centre_v in_o god_n and_o she_o give_v herself_o up_o to_o the_o rigour_n of_o justice_n that_o she_o may_v be_v entir_o sacrifice_v to_o god_n glory_n which_o be_v a_o intention_n pure_a from_o all_o self-interest_n a_o indifferency_n to_o any_o state_n do_v possess_v that_o soul_n which_o have_v a_o well_o purify_v intention_n with_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o remain_v content_a with_o her_o present_a condition_n be_v satisfy_v with_o whatsoever_o portion_n of_o grace_n she_o have_v receive_v with_o profound_a humility_n and_o mortification_n be_v thus_o dispose_v she_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o please_v god_n and_o do_v that_o faithful_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n obtain_v wonderful_a peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_z will_v nothing_o but_o what_o god_n will_v require_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o mortification_n and_o be_v dead_a to_o all_o greature_n for_o this_o be_v the_o highway_n to_o the_o purity_n of_o divine_a love_n what_o do_v the_o ancient_a hermit_n search_n for_o in_o the_o desert_n but_o by_o a_o perfect_a denudation_n of_o all_o creature_n to_o arrive_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o divine_a love_n let_v we_o fear_v and_o sigh_v to_o see_v ourselves_o so_o engage_v and_o beset_v with_o several_a temptation_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n but_o some_o or_o other_o may_v cease_v upon_o we_o and_o rob_v we_o of_o that_o perfect_a poverty_n of_o spirit_n which_o put_v we_o in_o full_a possession_n of_o god_n alone_o it_o be_v a_o special_a favour_n of_o god_n to_o have_v a_o vocation_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o abject_a state_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a grace_n when_o god_n conduct_n we_o to_o they_o by_o a_o happy_a necessity_n with_o little_a noise_n or_o stir_v to_o call_v the_o eye_n of_o other_o upon_o we_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o if_o the_o soul_n consent_v pure_o to_o the_o ordination_n and_o event_n of_o divine_a providence_n chap._n viii_o a_o conference_n clear_v many_o difficulty_n touch_v prayer_n qu_n in_o what_o consist_v precise_o good_a mental_a prayer_n i_o find_v many_o sort_n thereof_o in_o book_n the_o saint_n have_v practise_v it_o with_o much_o difference_n and_o yet_o all_o so_o good_a that_o i_o be_o take_v with_o they_o to_o which_o of_o they_o shall_v i_o betake_v myself_o ans_fw-fr the_o way_n of_o soul_n in_o mental_a prayer_n be_v so_o wonderful_a various_a that_o it_o be_v best_a for_o every_o one_o to_o hold_v to_o that_o which_o they_o find_v most_o proper_a for_o they_o or_o else_o they_o will_v loose_v their_o time_n in_o a_o wilderness_n of_o thought_n without_o spiritual_a profit_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o mystical_a author_n we_o seldom_o meet_v with_o what_o be_v proper_a for_o every_o soul_n and_o though_o we_o find_v very_o sublime_a and_o solid_a verity_n concern_v prayer_n in_o the_o write_n of_o st._n teresa_n bless_a john_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr croix_n and_o other_o yet_o they_o have_v but_o describe_v their_o own_o experience_n and_o not_o how_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o other_o soul_n unless_o a_o light_a discovery_n in_o some_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o their_o illumination_n such_o instruction_n be_v good_a to_o read_v but_o not_o exact_o to_o be_v follow_v so_o as_o to_o conform_v ourselves_o entire_o to_o their_o manner_n of_o prayer_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o such_o book_n matter_n very_o profitable_a and_o it_o be_v time_n well_o spend_v in_o spiritual_a lecture_n and_o not_o without_o delight_n to_o virtuous_a soul_n qu._n from_o whence_o proceed_v these_o different_a manner_n of_o prayer_n seeing_z there_o be_v but_o one_o sovereign_a and_o single_a verity_n in_o god_n to_o be_v know_v one_o sovereign_a good_a to_o be_v love_v and_o charity_n be_v of_o the_o selfsame_a nature_n in_o all_o soul_n one_o will_v think_v there_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o great_a conformity_n among_o all_o those_o who_o know_v and_o love_n god_n ans_fw-fr that_o which_o make_v so_o many_o different_a manner_n of_o prayer_n arise_v from_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o know_v god_n some_o converse_v with_o he_o by_o meditation_n and_o humane_a ratiocination_n other_o receive_v from_o god_n heavenly_a irradiation_n above_o the_o power_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o he_o manifest_v himself_o immediate_o to_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o sun_n by_o his_o beam_n other_o contemplate_n god_n by_o the_o obscure_a light_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o ineffable_a manner_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o see_v he_o without_o see_v he_o these_o different_a manner_n of_o treat_v with_o god_n make_v not_o only_o different_a manner_n of_o prayer_n but_o cause_n also_o much_o diversity_n in_o every_o manner_n for_o example_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n which_o seem_v more_o simple_a than_o the_o other_o there_o be_v many_o degree_n which_o represent_v to_o the_o soul_n different_a view_v of_o god_n and_o divine_a matter_n when_o faith_n be_v seat_v in_o a_o understanding_n well_o purify_v from_o image_n and_o alien_a representation_n she_o than_o discover_v god_n more_o sublime_o as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o though_o but_o in_o a_o manner_n negative_a general_a and_o confuse_a yet_o efficacious_a to_o work_v in_o the_o heart_n a_o great_a esteem_n of_o god_n and_o ardent_a charity_n all_o book_n and_o sermon_n and_o conference_n will_v not_o satisfy_v a_o soul_n advance_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o know_v god_n for_o those_o manner_n of_o speak_v and_o conceive_v god_n seem_v to_o she_o too_o full_a of_o imperfection_n i'faith_o whole_o purify_v content_v herself_o with_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n which_o discover_v god_n in_o his_o infinity_o although_o but_o obscure_o and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o faith_n be_v more_o or_o less_o pure_a and_o simple_a these_o discovery_n be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a qu._n be_v all_o sort_n of_o people_n capable_a of_o these_o sublime_a manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o if_o any_o one_o desire_n to_o attain_v they_o by_o what_o mean_n must_v he_o go_v about_o it_o ans_fw-fr the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o proper_a for_o all_o people_n yea_o some_o great_a saint_n have_v never_o have_v it_o as_o some_o good_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v become_v holy_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o active_a life_n which_o will_v not_o afford_v they_o much_o time_n for_o contemplation_n and_o accustom_a themselves_o to_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o meditation_n which_o be_v good_a and_o advantageous_a for_o such_o soul_n who_o god_n call_v not_o to_o a_o more_o sublime_a way_n those_o who_o god_n favour_v with_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n do_v possess_v a_o inestimable_a treasure_n and_o with_o this_o only_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o source_n of_o many_o more_o they_o be_v rich_a enough_o though_o never_o so_o poor_a in_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o see_v it_o be_v the_o mere_a gift_n of_o god_n i_o account_v it_o folly_n and_o rashness_n to_o think_v we_o can_v bring_v ourselves_o to_o the_o sublime_a state_n of_o contemplation_n unless_o god_n elevate_v we_o by_o his_o immediate_a work_n and_o special_a favour_n all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v therein_o be_v to_o dispose_v ourselves_o by_o correspond_v faithful_o to_o the_o motion_n of_o grace_n by_o die_v daily_o to_o our_o natural_a inclination_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o mortification_n and_o leave_v god_n to_o do_v the_o rest_n except_o god_n build_v the_o house_n they_o labour_v in_o vain_a who_o think_v to_o raise_v the_o edifice_n by_o their_o own_o ability_n qu._n a_o soul_n establish_v in_o a_o sublime_a manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o have_v a_o long_a time_n practise_v it_o can_v she_o easy_o fall_v from_o this_o state_n ans_fw-fr if_o such_o a_o soul_n give_v herself_o over_o to_o her_o sensual_a inclination_n and_o commit_v gross_a imperfection_n become_v faithless_a to_o god_n holy_a inspiration_n she_o may_v fall_v from_o it_o but_o it_o be_v very_o credible_a she_o will_v return_v to_o it_o for_o she_o can_v long_o endure_v the_o loss_n of_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n without_o force_v herself_o by_o her_o humiliation_n and_o penitence_n to_o recover_v her_o former_a state_n and_o as_o much_o as_o she_o die_v to_o all_o creature_n so_o much_o she_o advance_v to_o god_n but_o she_o can_v never_o attain_v it_o without_o practice_n a_o fidelity_n and_o therefore_o it_o high_o concern_v she_o to_o free_v herself_o from_o too_o many_o worldly_a affair_n and_o love_v retirement_n notwithstanding_o those_o which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o as_o belong_v to_o our_o duty_n will_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o arise_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o prayer_n as_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o we_o from_o all_o eternity_n qu._n the_o most_o elevate_a and_o perfect_a prayer_n be_v not_o without_o darkness_n and_o privation_n and_o sometime_o perplex_v with_o interiour_n cross_n and_o desolation_n but_o be_v there_o not_o a_o state_n of_o light_n and_o enjoyment_n to_o be_v attain_v here_o wherein_o the_o soul_n may_v possess_v god_n clear_o and_o peaceable_o without_o any_o disturbance_n ans_fw-fr no_o the_o permanent_a state_n of_o enjoyment_n be_v reserve_v for_o heaven_n in_o this_o life_n indeed_o we_o be_v visit_v without_o divine_a irradiation_n and_o glimmering_n of_o glory_n but_o they_o be_v only_o now_o and_o then_o and_o transient_a the_o term_n of_o this_o life_n be_v work_v time_n and_o not_o of_o rest_n for_o acquisition_n not_o possession_n where_o the_o soul_n may_v daily_o purchase_v new_a grace_n and_o advance_v herself_o in_o prayer_n according_a to_o her_o progress_n in_o virtue_n and_o purity_n by_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o call_v of_o god_n on_o all_o occasion_n god_n usual_a way_n be_v to_o make_v soul_n pass_v through_o darkness_n temptation_n dereliction_n desolation_n exterior_a and_o interiour_n suffering_n to_o come_v to_o a_o good_a stock_n of_o virtue_n and_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o purity_n which_o raise_v they_o to_o a_o more_o sublime_a state_n of_o prayer_n and_o be_v exercise_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o raise_v they_o near_o to_o heaven_n by_o spiritual_a ascension_n they_o at_o length_n leave_v time_n to_o meet_v with_o eternity_n neither_o must_v we_o wonder_v to_o see_v the_o way_n of_o the_o just_a thus_o beset_v with_o thorn_n and_o briar_n for_o this_o be_v expedient_a to_o advance_v they_o in_o perfection_n and_o divine_a love_n qu._n how_o much_o time_n must_v we_o employ_v daily_o in_o prayer_n if_o we_o mean_v to_o profit_v thereby_o so_o as_o to_o attain_v perfection_n ans_fw-fr we_o can_v much_o advance_v in_o prayer_n without_o a_o long_a and_o constant_a usuage_n of_o this_o divine_a exercise_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o do_v good_a work_n but_o we_o must_v spend_v some_o hour_n in_o our_o daily_a devotion_n it_o be_v by_o prayer_n we_o advance_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o not_o otherwise_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o employ_v much_o time_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o if_o god_n call_v we_o to_o it_o and_o not_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o active_a way_n let_v we_o not_o be_v too_o solicitous_a to_o discharge_v our_o other_o obligation_n for_o a_o soul_n in_o the_o state_n of_o continual_a prayer_n perform_v ready_o what_o she_o ought_v on_o all_o occasion_n when_o the_o time_n come_v for_o confession_n she_o be_v present_o all_o dolorous_a love_n &_o contrition_n when_o she_o communicate_v she_o be_v all_o humility_n all_o desire_n and_o flame_a affection_n when_o she_o be_v to_o correct_v she_o be_v all_o sweetness_n and_o charity_n when_o she_o be_v to_o help_v her_o neighbour_n she_o be_v all_o zeal_n and_o love_n when_o she_o must_v act_v for_o god_n she_o have_v a_o intention_n purify_v from_o all_o self-interest_n and_o all_o this_o she_o perform_v in_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v without_o distinct_a act_n but_o habitual_o and_o in_o a_o excellent_a sublime_a manner_n by_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o not_o by_o meditation_n or_o consideration_n which_o be_v mean_n only_o to_o find_v god_n a_o soul_n that_o thus_o once_o have_v lay_v hold_n on_o god_n do_v take_v her_o repose_n and_o rest_n in_o he_o make_v it_o her_o only_a business_n to_o love_n and_o worship_n he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n finis_fw-la
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