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jesus_n christ_n teach_v that_o we_o must_v wait_v upon_o he_o for_o this_o grace_n necessary_a to_o accomplish_v his_o command_n who_o require_v of_o we_o a_o life_n so_o pure_a and_o perfect_a oblige_v himself_o to_o give_v we_o necessary_a grace_n to_o arrive_v unto_o it_o since_o that_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o that_o which_o he_o teach_v in_o brief_a we_o see_v how_o much_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o require_v this_o grace_n to_o search_v after_o it_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o unto_o it_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o become_v worthy_a of_o it_o we_o must_v not_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o important_a as_o this_o of_o our_o salvation_n demur_v in_o consideration_n of_o our_o impotency_n or_o experience_n of_o our_o own_o incapacity_n but_o raise_v ourselves_o above_o ourselves_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v hope_v in_o he_o who_o command_v nothing_o impossible_a who_o give_v grace_n abundant_o to_o accomplish_v what_o he_o demand_v these_o be_v the_o 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a_o spiritual_a treasure_n contain_v our_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o the_o virtue_n necessary_a to_o a_o perfect_a christian._n author_n write_v in_o french_a by_o john_n quarre_n english_v by_o sir_n thomas_z stanley_z kt._n the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v by_o t._n r._n for_o thomas_n dring_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n near_o saint_n dunstan_n church_n 1664._o to_z the_o lady_z stanley_z madam_n what_o you_o here_o receive_v be_v due_a only_a to_o yourself_o it_o be_v the_o product_n of_o that_o contemplative_a retirement_n to_o which_o my_o dear_a father_n resign_v the_o two_o late_a year_n of_o his_o life_n the_o author_n be_v high_o esteem_v in_o his_o own_o country_n and_o have_v meet_v with_o so_o good_a reception_n in_o we_o also_o that_o he_o already_o see_v a_o second_o impression_n which_o in_o this_o age_n not_o a_o little_a commend_v a_o treatise_n of_o this_o nature_n upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o be_v solicit_v by_o the_o stationer_n to_o 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that_o may_v be_v despise_v all_o ornament_n of_o word_n since_o truth_n have_v so_o much_o lustre_n of_o itself_o as_o she_o need_v not_o borrow_v of_o other_o the_o world_n perhaps_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o it_o or_o suffer_v it_o to_o speak_v will_v not_o understand_v it_o for_o its_o doctrine_n be_v too_o divine_a its_o principle_n too_o high_a that_o which_o it_o propose_v be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o world_n profess_v and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o many_o will_v dispute_v it_o consider_v that_o falsehood_n and_o malice_n have_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o great_a part_n as_o love_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n and_o unwilling_a to_o consent_v to_o truth_n we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n so_o corrupt_a that_o even_a christian_n many_o time_n fear_v to_o be_v good_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v persecute_v and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o appear_v virtuous_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v deride_v hardly_o can_v it_o promise_v itself_o a_o better_a reception_n among_o they_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o piety_n for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o seek_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o most_o holy_a thing_n self-love_n have_v such_o absolute_a power_n over_o soul_n that_o they_o flatter_v themselves_o in_o every_o thing_n believe_v all_o to_o be_v good_a which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n seem_a devotion_n have_v so_o much_o applause_n among_o man_n that_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o persuade_v the_o contrary_n so_o that_o our_o perfect_a christian_a who_o speak_v here_o pure_o of_o truth_n and_o true_o of_o piety_n can_v easy_o avoid_v the_o various_a censure_n of_o man_n for_o as_o he_o speak_v christianly_o for_o his_o stile_n be_v in_o the_o spirit_n so_o he_o condemn_v free_o all_o that_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o god_n in_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o may_v appear_v strange_a and_o those_o who_o confide_v too_o much_o in_o themselves_o esteem_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o action_n will_v soon_o condemn_v this_o manner_n of_o discourse_n but_o what_o remedy_n shall_v we_o therefore_o injure_v truth_n no_o she_o will_v appear_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o world_n and_o although_o she_o may_v meet_v with_o spirit_n little_a capable_a to_o receive_v she_o yet_o it_o be_v always_o good_a to_o expose_v the_o image_n to_o the_o view_n even_o of_o her_o great_a enemy_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o will_v be_v force_v see_v she_o to_o confess_v they_o have_v no_o virtue_n that_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o night_n of_o untruth_n and_o perhaps_o they_o will_v apprehend_v their_o own_o misery_n and_o be_v afraid_a to_o loose_v themselves_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o think_v themselves_o already_o arrive_v at_o the_o high_a point_n of_o perfection_n flatter_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o esteem_n when_o they_o shall_v here_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n the_o purity_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o admire_v the_o design_n of_o god_n upon_o soul_n and_o see_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o perfect_a christian_a they_o will_v open_v those_o eye_n which_o self-love_n have_v bewitch_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o their_o action_n come_v far_o short_a of_o their_o own_o esteem_n of_o they_o and_o then_o humble_v themselves_o even_o to_o the_o centre_n of_o their_o nothing_o they_o will_v resolve_v to_o seek_v god_n to_o serve_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n after_o a_o manner_n worthy_a of_o god_n however_o they_o who_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v this_o little_a work_n will_v see_v that_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o to_o their_o great_a mischief_n and_o will_v learn_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o small_a matter_n to_o gain_v heaven_n for_o to_o such_o only_o be_v paradise_n open_a and_o that_o there_o be_v require_v more_o purity_n and_o virtue_n than_o we_o ordinary_o propose_v for_o if_o the_o life_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a be_v a_o life_n of_o god_n in_o man_n if_o true_a perfection_n be_v a_o amorous_a possession_n of_o god_n what_o purity_n what_o virtue_n must_v there_o be_v in_o he_o who_o will_v possess_v so_o rich_a a_o treasure_n &_o pretend_v to_o a_o estate_n of_o divine_a this_o be_v a_o point_n you_o must_v consider_v of_o friendly_a reader_n as_o be_v that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o your_o action_n for_o if_o you_o will_v open_v your_o eye_n to_o see_v what_o god_n require_v of_o you_o if_o you_o will_v rest_v your_o thought_n upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n you_o will_v learn_v that_o your_o heart_n must_v be_v the_o throne_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n who_o will_v establish_v his_o kingdom_n therein_o your_o soul_n a_o heaven_n where_o god_n will_v glorify_v himself_o your_o life_n the_o life_n of_o god_n who_o live_v in_o you_o that_o you_o may_v reign_v with_o he_o to_o conclude_v you_o shall_v know_v that_o you_o be_v only_o in_o the_o world_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o do_v his_o will_n in_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o spirit_n always_o holy_a be_v not_o this_o a_o affair_n of_o great_a importance_n if_o for_o your_o satisfaction_n and_o profit_n you_o desire_v to_o comprehend_v what_o i_o say_v and_o to_o know_v the_o motive_n and_o obligation_n that_o you_o have_v to_o love_v and_o serve_v god_n perfect_o read_v the_o two_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n the_o three_o and_o four_o show_v you_o the_o way_n you_o must_v keep_v and_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o live_v a_o good_a christian_a the_o last_o give_v you_o a_o pattern_n of_o true_a piety_n read_v and_o you_o shall_v learn_v how_o to_o be_v a_o good_a christian._n a_o table_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n treat_v of_o in_o this_o book_n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a prerogative_n whereunto_o man_n be_v
believe_v little_a doubt_v of_o all_o thing_n live_v a_o life_n more_o like_a philosopher_n than_o christian_n and_o make_v no_o great_a account_n of_o a_o thousand_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v useful_a in_o christianity_n to_o remedy_v this_o they_o must_v learn_v that_o faith_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v the_o only_a rule_n and_o guide_v of_o our_o action_n and_o life_n in_o such_o manner_n that_o to_o go_v out_o of_o this_o rule_n and_o conduct_v either_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o leave_v be_v always_o to_o err_v from_o the_o right_a way_n 2._o consider_v what_o we_o have_v now_o say_v of_o truth_n we_o clear_o see_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o take_v truth_n for_o our_o object_n and_o conduct_v all_o other_o spirit_n be_v deceitful_a and_o lie_a whence_o it_o follow_v that_o soul_n that_o will_v live_v in_o christian_a perfection_n must_v commence_v by_o this_o exercise_n and_o must_v necessary_o lay_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o virtue_n if_o they_o will_v obtain_v any_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o door_n whereby_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o be_v make_v child_n of_o the_o church_n so_o must_v she_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o the_o spirit_n wherewith_o he_o live_v and_o endeavour_n to_o acquire_v virtue_n where_o we_o must_v mark_v in_o the_o conduct_n of_o soul_n how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o accustom_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o first_o lesson_n we_o must_v propose_v to_o they_o in_o this_o point_n wherein_o we_o must_v keep_v and_o exercise_v they_o as_o that_o which_o be_v only_o profitable_a and_o without_o which_o nothing_o be_v stable_a or_o true_a not_o to_o entertain_v and_o amuse_v i_o dare_v not_o say_v to_o deceive_v they_o by_o so_o much_o prudence_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o so_o many_o humane_a reason_n and_o by_o the_o example_n and_o action_n of_o man_n a_o hard_a case_n that_o the_o devout_a of_o this_o age_n take_v so_o much_o care_n to_o recommend_v and_o obtain_v moral_a and_o civil_a virtue_n and_o mention_v not_o nor_o consider_v but_o superficial_o the_o divine_a and_o necessary_a let_v we_o learn_v and_o say_v with_o jesus_n christ_n that_o truth_n alone_o shall_v save_v we_o and_o that_o truth_n must_v be_v the_o foundation_n &_o establishment_n of_o our_o life_n if_o we_o will_v live_v true_a christian_n hence_o the_o soul_n that_o will_v arrive_v to_o christian_n perfection_n must_v shut_v her_o ear_n divert_v her_o thought_n from_o all_o that_o the_o humane_a spirit_n reason_n and_o self-love_n can_v inward_o represent_v and_o must_v not_o hearken_v to_o they_o who_o regard_v not_o god_n pure_o but_o measure_v the_o greatness_n of_o heaven_n with_o the_o eye_n of_o flesh_n by_o the_o smallness_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o speak_v of_o virtue_n and_o christian_n perfection_n according_a to_o their_o own_o sense_n more_o like_a philosopher_n than_o christian_n such_o person_n by_o their_o discourse_n and_o conference_n study_v to_o destroy_v the_o maxim_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o establish_v humane_a prudence_n and_o use_v their_o uttermost_a to_o abase_v virtue_n and_o make_v it_o humane_a in_o a_o word_n they_o only_o labour_v to_o make_v man_n reasonable_a not_o to_o make_v he_o a_o perfect_a christian_n upon_o such_o occasion_n the_o soul_n that_o seek_v true_a perfection_n and_o will_v follow_v jesus_n christ_n must_v stand_v upon_o her_o guard_n and_o avoid_v such_o person_n and_o with_o great_a care_n must_v prevent_v humane_a prudence_n from_o annihilate_v in_o her_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n if_o it_o happen_v that_o a_o soul_n see_v herself_o among_o such_o person_n and_o shall_v understand_v their_o discourse_n to_o be_v such_o it_o will_v be_v good_a at_o that_o instant_n by_o a_o sweet_a elevation_n of_o spirit_n to_o give_v herself_o to_o god_n and_o renew_v if_o she_o can_v her_o esteem_n of_o truth_n in_o a_o thought_n of_o god_n renounce_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o humane_a spirit_n and_o protest_v that_o she_o will_v receive_v no_o other_o conduct_n or_o light_v then_o that_o of_o faith_n nor_o other_o interior_a disposition_n than_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n that_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o soul_n remain_v in_o fear_n or_o trouble_v of_o spirit_n or_o feel_v the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n to_o diminish_v in_o she_o than_o she_o shall_v give_v herself_o more_o strong_o to_o god_n and_o recollect_v herself_o she_o shall_v with_o a_o humble_a spirit_n stir_v up_o in_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n a_o confidence_n in_o god_n alone_o and_o a_o diffidence_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o fine_a she_o shall_v divert_v herself_o from_o all_o thought_n which_o trouble_v the_o repose_n of_o her_o spirit_n and_o captivate_v her_o judgement_n her_o reason_n and_o humane_a essence_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n she_o shall_v undergo_v with_o a_o humble_a patience_n the_o pain_n which_o she_o feel_v content_v herself_o by_o a_o act_n of_o her_o will_n to_o subject_v her_o spirit_n to_o all_o that_o jesus_n have_v say_v without_o regard_v any_o other_o thing_n and_o in_o this_o manner_n she_o shall_v keep_v herself_o unite_v with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o a_o secret_a silence_n shall_v employ_v herself_o in_o he_o not_o about_o the_o business_n in_o question_n this_o act_n be_v heroic_a because_o his_o disposition_n be_v hard_a and_o strike_v our_o sense_n rude_o and_o sometime_o it_o be_v painful_a but_o it_o be_v withal_o certain_a and_o please_a to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o painful_a otherwise_o then_o as_o our_o reason_n our_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o our_o own_o interest_n be_v live_v in_o we_o if_o we_o will_v annihilate_v all_o that_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a for_o to_o overcome_v and_o to_o believe_v rather_o in_o jesus_n christ_n then_o in_o man_n and_o our_o own_o sense_n yet_o must_v we_o not_o whatsoever_o difficulty_n we_o meet_v with_o neglect_v this_o labour_n for_o as_o the_o soul_n have_v nothing_o more_o assure_v than_o faith_n nothing_o more_o profitable_a or_o more_o powerful_a than_o truth_n so_o the_o devil_n fail_v not_o also_o all_o the_o way_n that_o he_o can_v to_o draw_v we_o from_o the_o conduct_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o annihilate_v in_o we_o the_o light_n and_o to_o force_v we_o from_o the_o adherence_n to_o truth_n if_o not_o all_o at_o once_o yet_o at_o least_o by_o little_a and_o little_a the_o soul_n therefore_o must_v take_v heed_n she_o be_v not_o here_o deceive_v see_v all_o her_o happiness_n consist_v in_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o with_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o exercise_n be_v important_a let_v we_o see_v how_o we_o be_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o therein_o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o use_n of_o faith_n and_o how_o we_o may_v practice_v it_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v guide_v two_o way_n by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v weak_a and_o deceitful_a ever_o fallible_a and_o by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v infallible_a powerful_a certain_a proportion_v to_o that_o state_n of_o glory_n whereat_o we_o aim_v it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a light_n give_v by_o god_n to_o guide_v we_o to_o heaven_n the_o first_o be_v common_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o world_n by_o st._n paul_n 9.8_o style_v child_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o second_o proper_a to_o soul_n which_o live_v perfect_a christian_n who_o resign_v themselves_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o his_o conduct_n who_o trust_v only_o in_o god_n adhere_v to_o nothing_o but_o to_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o word_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o live_v and_o guide_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o faith_n light_v much_o above_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n to_o this_o end_n be_v he_o make_v a_o christian._n it_o be_v true_a the_o way_n of_o faith_n be_v hard_a because_o it_o captivate_v the_o judgement_n it_o be_v above_o our_o sense_n it_o combat_n humane_a reason_n it_o be_v hide_v and_o very_o spiritual_a yet_o must_v we_o nevertheless_o follow_v and_o embrace_v it_o because_o jesus_n christ_n give_v it_o because_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a because_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o way_n of_o god_n who_o lead_v man_n in_o this_o world_n through_o obscurity_n have_v reserve_v knowledge_n and_o light_n for_o heaven_n there_o be_v who_o will_v think_v that_o the_o soul_n may_v
from_o all_o thing_n without_o doubt_n if_o god_n operate_v you_o shall_v see_v all_o these_o effect_n and_o therefore_o the_o soul_n that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v narrow_o look_v into_o all_o this_o and_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a vigilancy_n to_o become_v faithful_a and_o attentive_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n in_o she_o on_o one_o side_n to_o correspond_v thereto_o and_o to_o labour_v after_o the_o manner_n god_n inspire_v she_o with_o on_o the_o other_o to_o annihilate_v herself_o not_o the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o if_o we_o oppose_v not_o ourselves_o to_o grace_n and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o if_o we_o do_v not_o annihilate_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o we_o god_n will_v certain_o work_v great_a thing_n in_o we_o but_o alas_o the_o way_n whereby_o we_o make_v use_v of_o devotion_n in_o this_o age_n be_v more_o capable_a to_o drive_v god_n away_o then_o to_o invite_v he_o into_o our_o heart_n i_o shall_v describe_v they_o unto_o you_o the_o soul_n blind_v with_o natural_a love_n to_o her_o self_n desire_v to_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n she_o will_v enjoy_v he_o and_o will_v love_v what_o seem_v good_a and_o profitable_a to_o she_o she_o fill_v herself_o with_o divers_a desire_n she_o tie_v herself_o thereto_o and_o will_v continual_o act_v and_o attain_v she_o put_v herself_o into_o all_o employment_n and_o motion_n she_o seek_v they_o she_o please_v herself_o with_o a_o satisfaction_n that_o her_o own_o love_n take_v in_o thing_n most_o holy_a and_o in_o the_o very_a operation_n of_o god_n she_o seek_v herself_o therein_o she_o elevate_v herself_o thereto_o in_o this_o manner_n she_o oppose_v herself_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o annihilate_v the_o work_n of_o god_n who_o will_v only_o live_v in_o she_o only_o occupate_v her_o spirit_n only_o possess_v she_o desire_v by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o love_n to_o annihate_v in_o she_o all_o that_o be_v of_o she_o jesus_n christ_n will_v take_v away_o and_o this_o soul_n will_v add_v to_o god_n will_v dispossess_v and_o spoil_v and_o she_o will_v acquire_v and_o possess_v thus_o she_o hinder_v and_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n drive_v god_n out_o of_o she_o and_o out_o of_o her_o spirit_n to_o cause_v she_o own_o love_n to_o reign_v there_o her_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o will_n a_o vanity_n ordinary_a to_o such_o soul_n as_o be_v whole_o consume_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o adam_n they_o therefore_o who_o tend_v to_o perfection_n must_v go_v with_o all_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n they_o must_v seek_v nothing_o but_o god_n and_o to_o please_v god_n but_o above_o all_o they_o must_v be_v very_o circumspect_a and_o attentive_a to_o his_o inward_a operation_n have_v a_o great_a care_n and_o fidelity_n to_o leave_v the_o spirit_n to_o act_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o as_o all_o this_o be_v very_o secret_a and_o interior_a and_o often_o be_v in_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o must_v we_o take_v heed_n thereto_o and_o beside_o the_o vigilance_n necessary_a it_o be_v good_a from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o practice_v these_o ensue_a act_n first_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o live_v in_o he_o and_o to_o bear_v the_o spirit_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o self-denial_n after_o the_o manner_n that_o please_v he_o second_o to_o renounce_v ourselves_o our_o secret_a vanity_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o we_o opposite_a to_o grace_n and_o to_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n three_o to_o be_v attentive_a to_o the_o motion_n and_o operation_n of_o god_n in_o we_o especial_o when_o he_o act_n by_o self-denial_n and_o privation_n as_o well_o interior_a as_o exterior_a to_o cooperate_v therewith_o either_o by_o action_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a or_o by_o consent_n of_o the_o soul_n give_v herself_o to_o god_n to_o receive_v what_o god_n shall_v operate_v in_o she_o when_o the_o soul_n shall_v feel_v divers_a motion_n or_o meet_v several_a occasion_n to_o practice_v virtue_n she_o shall_v always_o choose_v those_o where_o there_o shall_v be_v privation_n and_o self-denial_n as_o the_o most_o assure_a way_n and_o the_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n most_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o most_o conformable_a to_o his_o humane_a life_n four_o she_o shall_v pray_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o vouchsafe_v to_o operate_v and_o put_v into_o she_o all_o that_o he_o will_v and_o to_o annihilate_v in_o she_o all_o that_o he_o require_v to_o prevent_v in_o she_o by_o his_o light_n and_o love_n the_o time_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n whereto_o he_o must_v annihilate_v the_o thought_n and_o judgement_n of_o man_n the_o abridgement_n of_o the_o three_o part._n chap._n fourteen_o treat_v of_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o god_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v that_o among_o christian_n even_o those_o who_o think_v they_o have_v virtue_n enough_o to_o fave_v they_o many_o deceive_v and_o altogether_o lose_v themselves_o take_v the_o shadow_n of_o virtue_n for_o the_o substance_n appearance_n for_o truth_n like_o the_o dog_n in_o the_o fable_n who_o let_v go_v the_o good_a morsel_n he_o have_v hold_v of_o to_o catch_v a_o shadow_n these_o neglect_n the_o solid_a virtue_n and_o principal_a foundation_n of_o piety_n to_o insist_v on_o certain_a exterior_a action_n which_o have_v no_o substance_n but_o in_o the_o air_n of_o imagination_n they_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o moral_a virtue_n and_o despise_v the_o christian_a they_o compose_v the_o exterior_a and_o form_v their_o demeanour_n and_o neglect_v the_o interior_a they_o fear_v to_o displease_v man_n and_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v their_o kindred_n and_o friend_n but_o care_v no_o more_o to_o please_v god_n than_o they_o fear_v to_o displease_v he_o they_o will_v seem_v good_a but_o care_v not_o to_o be_v so_o in_o a_o word_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o choose_v the_o most_o beautiful_a and_o best_a and_o will_v have_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v good_a but_o for_o their_o soul_n that_o which_o be_v least_o best_a content_v they_o they_o seek_v but_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a what_o give_v they_o great_a liberty_n and_o satisfaction_n they_o embrace_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n god_n who_o be_v truth_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o these_o feign_n and_o will_n that_o we_o serve_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n he_o detest_v a_o lie_n and_o curse_n those_o that_o serve_v he_o with_o the_o mouth_n only_o if_o he_o love_v 29.13_o he_o will_v be_v belove_v and_o as_o his_o love_n be_v most_o pure_a and_o perfect_a he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v such_o also_o whence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o comprehend_v that_o to_o be_v a_o perfect_a christian_n and_o friend_n to_o god_n require_v great_a quality_n he_o must_v have_v a_o golden_a key_n that_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o king_n chamber_n he_o that_o will_v come_v to_o a_o royal_a feast_n must_v be_v clothe_v with_o a_o wedding_n garment_n 13._o lest_o he_o be_v bind_v hand_n and_o foot_n and_o cast_v into_o prison_n and_o utter_a darkness_n to_o be_v a_o perfect_a christian_a be_v not_o so_o slight_a a_o business_n as_o some_o think_v it_o it_o belong_v to_o god_n only_o to_o make_v a_o man_n just_a it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o great_a than_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n at_o least_o in_o this_o god_n show_v himself_o more_o powerful_a in_o his_o love_n and_o more_o admirable_a in_o his_o mercy_n therefore_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o good_a and_o perfect_a christian_a we_o speak_v of_o god_n handiwork_n of_o a_o man_n worthy_a to_o be_v a_o saint_n for_o to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o be_v saint_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n now_o what_o ought_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o saint_n to_o be_v who_o must_v one_o day_n see_v god_n live_v with_o god_n say_v st._n bernard_n in_o his_o meditation_n and_o be_v eternal_o in_o unity_n with_o god_n what_o must_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o soul_n be_v that_o shall_v become_v worthy_a so_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a a_o happiness_n whereto_o all_o aspire_v that_o will_v be_v save_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o their_o thought_n who_o know_v how_o to_o esteem_v of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o make_v account_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o paradise_n and_o shall_v only_o tell_v those_o languish_a and_o easy_a spirit_n with_o saint_n paul_n 8_o be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v for_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_v that_o shall_v he_o reap_v also_o for_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a whereupon_o we_o must_v reflect_v that_o christian_n who_o be_v to_o reap_v the_o incorruption_n of_o the_o life_n everlasting_a if_o they_o will_v arrive_v to_o their_o
as_o prince_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o as_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n do_v maintain_v themselves_o in_o their_o estate_n and_o that_o greatness_n which_o their_o birth_n allow_v they_o so_o do_v you_o courageous_o maintain_v yourselves_o in_o all_o right_n due_a to_o you_o by_o this_o new_a divine_a birth_n o_o how_o great_a and_o sublime_a be_v it_o if_o you_o behold_v it_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n the_o rank_n you_o be_v to_o hold_v with_o the_o creature_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v the_o same_o with_o jesus_n christ_n who_o accompany_v you_o to_o his_o estate_n and_o greatness_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o you_o receive_v as_o a_o christian_a give_v you_o right_a to_o his_o heritage_n 8.17_o if_o child_n say_v saint_n paul_n than_o heir_n of_o god_n and_o joynt-heir_n with_o christ._n now_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n be_v the_o only_a heritage_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v his_o eternal_a dwell_n there_o his_o repose_n there_o the_o seat_n of_o his_o delight_n the_o throne_n of_o his_o greatness_n even_o this_o be_v the_o rank_n you_o ought_v to_o keep_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v your_o repose_n your_o delight_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o this_o only_a happiness_n remember_v that_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n be_v the_o place_n destine_v for_o your_o eternal_a dwell_n a_o place_n of_o glory_n and_o permanent_a felicity_n god_n only_o be_v your_o heritage_n undervalue_v not_o he_o for_o transitory_a vanity_n of_o this_o world_n forsake_v he_o not_o for_o the_o whole_a world_n unless_o you_o will_v be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a admit_v this_o truth_n far_o into_o your_o heart_n believe_v it_o not_o a_o imagination_n of_o a_o new_a piety_n it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n which_o consider_v intentive_o you_o will_v wonder_v to_o see_v christian_n confess_v these_o truth_n and_o hope_v for_o so_o great_a a_o good_a yet_o become_v so_o blind_a as_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v delude_v by_o deceitful_a vanity_n and_o vain_a illusion_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o sell_v their_o birthright_n for_o a_o mess_n of_o pottage_n and_o while_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n glory_v in_o so_o divine_a a_o be_v to_o live_v like_o the_o child_n of_o man_n think_v of_o nothing_o but_o the_o earth_n the_o second_o benefit_n be_v a_o great_a desire_n of_o paradise_n sigh_v daily_o thousand_o of_o time_n after_o our_o heritage_n heaven_n bewail_v the_o want_n of_o and_o demand_v the_o liberty_n promise_v and_o due_a to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o this_o thought_n of_o our_o celestial_a zion_n our_o sweet_a country_n we_o grieve_v to_o see_v ourselves_o so_o long_o in_o a_o strange_a land_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o attend_v with_o so_o great_a impatience_n a_o happy_a day_n a_o good_a hour_n a_o honour_n which_o we_o be_v make_v to_o hope_v for_o yet_o we_o be_v without_o sense_n in_o attain_v it_o the_o true_a and_o ineffable_a joy_n of_o paradise_n great_a god_n can_v it_o be_v that_o the_o manna_n of_o heaven_n shall_v not_o cause_v we_o to_o loathe_v the_o onion_n of_o egypt_n how_o long_o child_n of_o man_n how_o long_o shall_v we_o have_v heart_n of_o adamant_n insensible_a towards_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n yet_o open_a for_o the_o transitory_a good_n of_o this_o curse_a earth_n to_o love_v lie_v to_o follow_v vanity_n to_o despise_v eternal_a truth_n there_o can_v be_v a_o folly_n more_o condemnable_a let_v we_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o grieve_v to_o see_v ourselves_o so_o fasten_v to_o the_o creature_n so_o confident_a in_o vanity_n so_o little_o relish_v and_o esteem_v heavenly_a thing_n let_v we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o see_v the_o child_n of_o heaven_n eat_v the_o food_n of_o swine_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n not_o remember_v the_o abundance_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o their_o father_n house_n three_o we_o learn_v that_o we_o must_v live_v noble_o like_o the_o child_n of_o god_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n we_o dishonour_v not_o our_o extraction_n and_o degenerate_a from_o the_o place_n whence_o we_o come_v let_v we_o keep_v the_o rank_n we_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o emperor_n be_v deride_v for_o it_o who_o past_o his_o time_n and_o life_n away_o in_o catch_v fly_n let_v not_o we_o do_v so_o amuse_v ourselves_o about_o the_o creature_n and_o only_o labour_v here_o for_o earth_n since_o we_o know_v all_o in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o less_o value_n than_o a_o fly_n and_o that_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o universe_n be_v less_o than_o the_o least_o atom_n let_v we_o rather_o imitate_v that_o other_o prince_n who_o invite_v by_o honour_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o birth_n will_v never_o run_v nor_o play_v but_o among_o king_n his_o equal_n apply_v this_o to_o our_o subject_n let_v we_o say_v that_o a_o christian_a be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o prince_n of_o heaven_n aught_o to_o expect_v no_o heritage_n but_o paradise_n to_o seek_v no_o other_o company_n but_o saint_n and_o angel_n to_o take_v no_o content_n but_o in_o jesus_n christ_n endeavour_v to_o follow_v he_o in_o all_o to_o imitate_v he_o in_o all_o since_o he_o hope_v to_o reign_v with_o he_o these_o truth_n deserve_v to_o be_v deliberate_o consider_v saint_n cyprian_n in_o a_o discourse_n upon_o the_o ascension_n raise_v they_o high_o say_v that_o christian_n as_o child_n of_o god_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v like_o god_n the_o same_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n paul_n 5.1_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o precept_n be_v evident_a for_o if_o as_o child_n of_o god_n we_o will_v enjoy_v his_o glory_n to_o eternity_n the_o possession_n and_o the_o heritage_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o become_v one_o with_o he_o must_v we_o not_o necessary_o be_v like_o he_o in_o purity_n in_o perfection_n in_o sanctity_n if_o we_o will_v possess_v god_n in_o god_n and_o live_v eternal_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n must_v not_o our_o life_n be_v wonderful_a our_o action_n holy_a if_o we_o will_v merit_v a_o estate_n so_o perfect_a and_o holy_a nothing_o be_v more_o just_a herein_o appear_v the_o christian_a estate_n so_o great_a divine_a and_o perfect_a in_o that_o make_v we_o child_n of_o god_n it_o give_v we_o right_o to_o the_o heritage_n of_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o lead_v a_o life_n worthy_a such_o a_o heritage_n by_o this_o principle_n we_o see_v how_o much_o they_o be_v deceive_v who_o think_v and_o speak_v mean_o of_o christianity_n or_o live_v a_o life_n common_a to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o world_n promise_v themselves_o the_o heritage_n of_o the_o child_n of_o heaven_n let_v we_o teach_v they_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o live_v and_o show_v what_o the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n ought_v to_o be_v who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n chap._n v._o what_o the_o action_n of_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v see_v the_o state_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o eminent_a that_o it_o advance_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o filial_a be_v so_o divine_a it_o follow_v that_o the_o action_n of_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v eminent_o devout_a and_o perfect_a this_o truth_n be_v prove_v not_o only_o by_o the_o common_a principle_n that_o the_o life_n and_o operation_n of_o every_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o their_o be_v but_o likewise_o by_o another_o maxim_n of_o christianity_n that_o a_o christian_a receive_v all_o by_o christ_n and_o in_o christ_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 11.36_o of_o he_o and_o though_o he_o and_o to_o he_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o principle_n all_o the_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n and_o in_o respect_n to_o god_n which_o make_v they_o high_a perfect_a and_o holy_a high_a as_o proceed_v from_o christ_n its_o principle_n holy_a as_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o perfect_a and_o pure_a as_o be_v wrought_v for_o he_o such_o action_n we_o true_o call_v christian._n to_o explicate_v this_o more_o particular_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o a_o true_a christian_a action_n must_v be_v do_v in_o grace_n in_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o disposition_n wherewith_o jesus_n christ_n perform_v his_o action_n during_o his_o wayfaring_a life_n yet_o in_o a_o different_a way_n for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o god_n and_o man_n do_v act_n after_o a_o divine_a manner_n proportion_v to_o the_o eminence_n of_o his_o estate_n to_o work_v after_o this_o manner_n be_v proper_a only_o to_o he_o to_o this_o we_o can_v arrive_v neither_o must_v we_o aspire_v unto_o it_o but_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o act_v after_o a_o manner_n very_o near_o this_o and_o the_o high_a that_o can_v be_v except_v this_o for_o the_o
be_v supernatural_a because_o in_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o singular_a for_o the_o grace_n give_v to_o angel_n and_o to_o man_n before_o his_o fall_n be_v also_o supernatural_a we_o must_v say_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n be_v a_o grace_n make_v for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o worthy_a of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sanctity_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o incarnate_a word_n this_o make_v it_o the_o raiser_n of_o a_o order_n and_o give_v it_o a_o be_v much_o different_a from_o the_o first_o and_o from_o the_o order_n mere_o supernatural_a this_o give_v it_o a_o be_v and_o order_n as_o different_a from_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o angel_n as_o they_o be_v from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o son_n from_o the_o servant_n now_o apply_v what_o we_o have_v say_v that_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o their_o principle_n we_o conclude_v that_o the_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v sanctify_v and_o enliven_v by_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n ought_v also_o to_o be_v whole_o conformable_a to_o jesus_n christ_n their_o principle_n be_v more_o than_o humane_a more_o than_o angelical_a conformable_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o sanctity_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n worthy_a the_o labour_n of_o his_o cross_n and_o death_n to_o this_o end_n st._n paul_n advise_v that_o you_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o you_o be_v call_v 4.1_o word_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v since_o that_o god_n will_v demand_v a_o account_n of_o we_o of_o his_o favour_n and_o benefit_n and_o will_v judge_v our_o action_n and_o life_n according_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o vocation_n according_a to_o the_o perfection_n and_o sanctity_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o brief_a according_a to_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o alone_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christian_n furthermore_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n over_o our_o soul_n wherein_o we_o may_v admire_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o divine_a bounty_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n use_v to_o give_v we_o grace_n necessary_a to_o accomplish_v our_o action_n in_o that_o perfection_n and_o sanctity_n that_o he_o require_v i_o intend_v not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o secret_a and_o unknown_a mean_n of_o the_o grace_n inspiration_n motion_n and_o speedy_a succour_n wherewith_o god_n be_v please_v to_o illuminate_v our_o spirit_n to_o inflame_v our_o will_n and_o to_o direct_v all_o the_o motion_n and_o action_n of_o our_o life_n but_o i_o desire_v only_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v leave_v in_o his_o church_n as_o channel_n by_o which_o he_o continual_o power_n out_o this_o grace_n into_o we_o baptism_n consecrate_v we_o to_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n make_v we_o the_o child_n of_o god_n member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o holy_a vessel_n which_o bear_v jesus_n christ_n who_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o the_o eucharist_n which_o be_v among_o the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o sun_n among_o the_o star_n give_v god_n to_o we_o and_o with_o he_o all_o the_o greatness_n of_o heaven_n elevate_v we_o and_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n change_n and_o make_v we_o little_a god_n what_o will_v you_o more_o why_o be_v god_n think_v you_o so_o profuse_a of_o his_o gift_n of_o his_o grace_n of_o himself_o but_o to_o operate_v in_o you_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v to_o give_v you_o a_o life_n and_o action_n conformable_a to_o the_o be_v whereto_o he_o have_v elect_v you_o let_v we_o weigh_v these_o truth_n at_o our_o leisure_n and_o study_v to_o attain_v to_o the_o perfection_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o let_v we_o take_v care_n that_o all_o our_o action_n be_v holy_a and_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o let_v we_o not_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o humour_n or_o rather_o by_o the_o infidelity_n of_o such_o as_o ignorant_o despise_v these_o important_a truth_n and_o necessary_a exercise_n the_o three_o prerogative_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o happy_a commerce_n and_o society_n that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v have_v with_o christian_n by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n the_o holy_a trinity_n have_v consecrate_v the_o christian_a by_o baptism_n adopt_v and_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o son_n enter_v into_o a_o particular_a society_n with_o he_o and_o by_o divers_a mystery_n which_o the_o eternal_a word_n have_v operate_v upon_o earth_n god_n enter_v into_o a_o communication_n with_o man_n life_n and_o converse_v with_o they_o so_o saint_n paul_n speak_v to_o new_a christian_n you_o be_v no_o more_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n but_o fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n let_v we_o stay_v here_o to_o contemplate_v this_o benefit_n adam_n be_v fall_v from_o the_o happy_a estate_n of_o grace_n by_o his_o rebellion_n against_o god_n no_o soon_o taste_v the_o apple_n of_o disobedience_n but_o he_o feel_v the_o punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n drive_v out_o of_o paradise_n and_o banish_v the_o happy_a commerce_n and_o holy_a familiarity_n which_o he_o have_v with_o god_n this_o exile_n be_v the_o great_a rigour_n wherewith_o the_o divine_a justice_n can_v take_v vengeance_n on_o his_o sin_n this_o separation_n make_v his_o estate_n miserable_a and_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o child_n most_o unhappy_a we_o shall_v in_o this_o malediction_n and_o just_a divorce_n for_o ever_o have_v continue_v if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v not_o come_v to_o re-establish_a all_o thing_n to_o return_v we_o to_o god_n and_o to_o restore_v we_o with_o much_o advantage_n all_o other_o happiness_n that_o we_o lose_v by_o sin_n so_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 5.20_o where_o sin_n abound_v grace_n do_v much_o more_o abound_v for_o we_o enter_v into_o a_o familiarity_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n far_o more_o holy_a and_o divine_a then_o that_o of_o adam_n by_o jesus_n christ_n we_o converse_v with_o god_n go_v to_o he_o be_v with_o he_o worthy_a the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o christianity_n few_o value_n this_o truth_n man_n who_o only_o follow_v their_o own_o way_n nourish_v with_o earth_n only_o to_o who_o the_o delicate_n of_o heaven_n be_v unsavoury_a can_v never_o relish_v this_o grace_n nor_o be_v sensible_a how_o much_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a therein_o appear_v the_o corrupt_a estate_n of_o this_o age_n all_o creature_n resent_v the_o presence_n of_o their_o creator_n nature_n itself_o have_v engrave_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o essence_n a_o desire_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n force_v only_o by_o this_o instinct_n in_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o false_a religion_n seek_v esteem_v and_o desire_v some_o visible_a mark_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o those_o they_o call_v their_o god_n none_o but_o those_o of_o this_o age_n have_v a_o indifference_n to_o these_o truth_n forget_v god_n mind_n only_o their_o own_o action_n in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o despise_v it_o to_o awaken_v and_o draw_v we_o forth_o of_o this_o darkness_n consider_v that_o faith_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o saint_n consist_v in_o see_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o company_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a recompense_n god_n promise_v to_o our_o travel_n be_v to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o raise_v we_o to_o his_o greatness_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o eternal_a communion_n with_o we_o 17.24_o i_o will_v say_v christ_n to_o his_o father_n that_o they_o also_o who_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o be_v with_o i_o where_o i_o be_o imply_v the_o society_n and_o communion_n of_o god_n with_o we_o and_o promise_v that_o eternity_n shall_v never_o separate_v he_o from_o he_o that_o serve_v he_o now_o if_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o their_o estate_n of_o glory_n consist_v in_o the_o presence_n and_o familiarity_n of_o god_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o just_a upon_o earth_n consist_v in_o know_v how_o to_o preserve_v themselves_o in_o this_o desirable_a familiarity_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n the_o intent_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n at_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o become_v a_o inhabitant_n thereof_o be_v to_o sanctify_v it_o by_o his_o presence_n and_o establish_v his_o power_n therein_o and_o dwell_v with_o we_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 28.30_o as_o he_o promise_v at_o his_o death_n this_o be_v it_o that_o he_o wrought_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n make_v himself_o man_n to_o live_v among_o man_n for_o this_o cause_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n he_o become_v the_o food_n of_o man_n communicate_v to_o his_o abundant_a grace_n inrich_v
christian_a life_n do_v consist_v what_o difficulty_n do_v we_o find_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n all_o the_o obstacle_n if_o we_o near_o consider_v it_o proceed_v from_o not_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o interior_a life_n of_o the_o soul_n many_o believe_v it_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o abstract_n life_n and_o of_o the_o other_o world_n a_o life_n full_a of_o care_n a_o life_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o humane_a society_n other_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o life_n of_o insupportable_a solitude_n and_o inaccessible_a contemplation_n every_o one_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o he_o please_v some_o condemn_v it_o other_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a most_o believe_v it_o difficult_a let_v we_o not_o insist_v upon_o word_n they_o be_v explicate_v to_o all_o sense_n let_v we_o only_o say_v that_o the_o life_n we_o call_v interior_a be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v god_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o life_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o mother_n of_o all_o virtue_n thus_o than_o the_o interior_a life_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o virtuous_a christian_a life_n to_o which_o life_n all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a man_n must_v fear_v god_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o soul_n must_v high_o esteem_v of_o all_o that_o be_v in_o christianity_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n must_v be_v vigilant_a to_o do_v nothing_o to_o displease_v god_n careful_a to_o preserve_v his_o soul_n and_o conscience_n in_o the_o purity_n of_o grace_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n 13.18_o to_o have_v a_o esteem_n of_o god_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o of_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o to_o carry_v a_o mean_a esteem_n of_o himself_o and_o all_o creature_n to_o live_v in_o this_o manner_n be_v that_o which_o i_o call_v a_o inward_a life_n the_o rest_n without_o this_o be_v nothing_o and_o to_o teach_v soul_n any_o other_o life_n be_v to_o betray_v they_o now_o who_o see_v not_o that_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n if_o they_o will_v be_v save_v who_o find_v not_o now_o how_o much_o this_o life_n be_v easy_a than_o it_o be_v represent_v and_o all_o together_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v expect_v let_v we_o then_o take_v a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o embrace_v it_o and_o to_o give_v ourselves_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n to_o he_o who_o have_v give_v himself_o to_o we_o he_o have_v right_a and_o power_n to_o live_v in_o we_o to_o do_v in_o we_o and_o of_o we_o all_o that_o he_o please_v let_v we_o only_o take_v care_n that_o we_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o to_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v assist_v by_o his_o grace_n let_v we_o cheerful_o endeavour_v the_o acquisition_n of_o christian_a virtue_n let_v we_o so_o order_n that_o grace_n may_v reign_v in_o we_o according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o god_n that_o god_n may_v dwell_v in_o we_o as_o in_o a_o live_a tabernacle_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v consecrate_v by_o his_o blood_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o experience_n that_o with_o the_o apostle_n 4.13_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o jesus_n christ_n who_o strengthen_v we_o chap._n ii_o that_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n whereto_o we_o can_v arrive_v but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ._n before_o i_o proceed_v i_o must_v suppose_v that_o i_o speak_v to_o soul_n desirous_a to_o live_v virtuous_o and_o perfect_o in_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n according_a to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o law_n and_o rule_n my_o address_n be_v to_o such_o who_o be_v faithful_a dispensator_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v make_v use_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n endeavour_v to_o profit_v a_o hundred_o fold_n the_o first_o thing_n that_o i_o ask_v of_o they_o be_v what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o as_o in_o thing_n natural_a &_o artificial_a the_o first_o thought_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o workman_n be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o work_n so_o in_o piety_n we_o must_v consider_v and_o know_v the_o end_n and_o the_o life_n of_o christian_a action_n that_o know_v they_o we_o may_v resolve_v courageous_o to_o undertake_v they_o and_o promise_v ourselves_o great_a fidelity_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v propose_v to_o we_o or_o be_v necessary_a for_o to_o arrive_v at_o so_o happy_a a_o estate_n we_o know_v the_o end_n of_o a_o christian_a soul_n be_v nothing_o but_o god_n 1.23_o who_o be_v he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o say_v the_o apostle_n who_o it_o seek_v to_o and_o possess_v as_o its_o sole_a happiness_n and_o to_o enjoy_v he_o for_o ever_o none_o reject_v this_o truth_n though_o it_o appear_v high_a and_o extraordinary_a for_o they_o that_o discourse_n ordinary_o of_o christian_a perfection_n say_v all_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o in_o perfect_a charity_n which_o be_v true_a but_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o this_o love_n mean_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n have_v privilege_n and_o power_n to_o give_v god_n who_o be_v essential_a love_n thus_o consider_v this_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o perfection_n consist_v in_o love_n which_o love_n give_v we_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o soul_n must_v be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n he_o that_o will_v comprehend_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o must_v know_v the_o greatness_n and_o dignity_n of_o god_n from_o which_o knowledge_n he_o shall_v learn_v what_o the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n must_v be_v what_o our_o entertainment_n and_o how_o holy_a our_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v for_o if_o the_o mean_n be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o end_n it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o end_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v supernatural_a and_o nothing_o less_o than_o god_n himself_o the_o mean_n also_o that_o we_o must_v use_v to_o arrive_v to_o this_o end_n must_v be_v supernatural_a and_o divine_a they_o therefore_o who_o seek_v perfection_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o end_n must_v have_v a_o particular_a care_n not_o only_o to_o embrace_v all_o action_n and_o use_n which_o may_v conduct_v they_o but_o shun_v and_o contemn_v all_o vain_a and_o superfluous_a thing_n which_o serve_v not_o to_o attain_v to_o this_o end_n and_o must_v detest_v they_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o we_o can_v arrive_v at_o this_o end_n nor_o to_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a his_o fullness_n and_o the_o consummation_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o by_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n himself_o by_o grace_n alone_o and_o mercy_n and_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n none_o can_v arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o by_o his_o divine_a light_n and_o by_o a_o special_a revelation_n 11.27_o no_o man_n know_v the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n neither_o know_v any_o man_n the_o father_n save_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o who_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o and_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o this_o knowledge_n he_o can_v make_v no_o good_a use_n of_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v aid_v with_o a_o new_a favour_n he_o can_v go_v to_o god_n nor_o enjoy_v his_o grace_n or_o spirit_n unless_o he_o be_v aid_v and_o guide_v by_o he_o who_o say_v 14.6_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o and_o that_o which_o show_v our_o great_a impotency_n or_o need_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o grace_n be_v that_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o worthy_a and_o capable_a to_o approach_v unto_o god_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o possess_v he_o 15.5_o without_o i_o say_v he_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o on_o the_o one_o side_n the_o soul_n see_v and_o confess_v that_o god_n be_v her_o perfection_n her_o happiness_n and_o heritage_n that_o in_o he_o she_o have_v all_o that_o he_o alone_o be_v her_o sufficiency_n her_o life_n and_o consummation_n on_o the_o other_o side_n she_o find_v that_o she_o can_v go_v to_o he_o nor_o enjoy_v he_o nor_o think_v of_o he_o but_o by_o he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o his_o grace_n by_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n she_o feel_v that_o she_o bear_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o she_o be_v not_o only_a incapacity_n impotency_n and_o feeblness_n but_o of_o opposition_n to_o grace_n to_o the_o gift_n and_o work_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n she_o carry_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n love_n she_o
gospel_n with_o such_o high_a and_o divine_a word_n word_n not_o of_o counsel_n as_o many_o think_v but_o of_o command_n in_o clear_a and_o express_v term_n testify_v his_o will_n word_n address_v not_o only_o to_o the_o religious_a but_o to_o all_o christian_n 5.48_o be_v you_o perfect_a say_v he_o even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o or_o speak_v in_o more_o express_a term_n how_o will_v we_o have_v more_o clear_o express_v what_o this_o perfection_n ought_v to_o be_v then_o to_o say_v you_o must_v be_v perfect_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a this_o perfection_n consist_v in_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n and_o this_o union_n be_v make_v and_o accomplish_v by_o pure_a and_o perfect_a love_n the_o love_n of_o god_n come_v from_o god_n above_o which_o alone_o have_v power_n to_o give_v god_n to_o we_o and_o to_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n all_o christian_n in_o general_a be_v call_v to_o the_o union_n which_o be_v make_v on_o earth_n by_o grace_n and_o in_o heaven_n by_o glory_n whence_o i_o first_o infer_v that_o as_o all_o christian_n be_v call_v to_o this_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n so_o be_v all_o oblige_v to_o that_o love_n which_o make_v this_o union_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o a_o love_n pure_a holy_a and_o worthy_a of_o god_n a_o love_n express_v and_o lively_a represent_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n in_o these_o word_n 22.37_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n his_o word_n so_o express_v it_o that_o they_o speak_v all_o the_o perfection_n of_o love_n so_o general_a that_o they_o oblige_v all_o to_o this_o love_n i_o infer_v second_o that_o the_o perfection_n whereunto_o the_o religious_a be_v call_v be_v not_o different_a from_o that_o whereto_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v wherein_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o the_o reason_n be_v clear_a and_o the_o deduction_n of_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o if_o perfection_n consist_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n a_o union_n wrought_v by_o true_a love_n and_o all_o christian_n as_o well_v as_o the_o religious_a be_v call_v to_o this_o union_n make_v by_o grace_n upon_o earth_n and_o in_o heaven_n by_o his_o glory_n final_o if_o it_o be_v command_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o all_o man_n as_o well_o as_o the_o religious_a to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n that_o be_v perfect_o and_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v in_o this_o mortal_a life_n by_o the_o aid_n of_o grace_n it_o follow_v evident_o that_o these_o two_o estate_n which_o appear_v so_o unlike_a be_v alike_o in_o the_o same_o obligation_n of_o seek_v perfection_n though_o by_o different_a way_n in_o fine_a who_o can_v doubt_v so_o manifest_a a_o truth_n no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o commandment_n of_o love_n be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n of_o what_o estate_n soever_o they_o be_v no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n so_o st._n paul_n call_v it_o 3.14_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n then_o but_o in_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o we_o be_v to_o take_v to_o arrive_v to_o this_o perfection_n there_o be_v divers_a and_o we_o must_v esteem_v all_o and_o regard_v they_o with_o respect_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o question_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o way_n to_o arrive_v to_o this_o love_n and_o if_o we_o must_v have_v law_n and_o maxim_n to_o conduct_v we_o thereunto_o and_o to_o conserve_v we_o therein_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v find_v they_o more_o pure_a more_o divine_a and_o more_o assure_v then_o in_o the_o gospel_n where_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o as_o author_n of_o christianity_n show_v we_o the_o way_n give_v we_o the_o rule_n and_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o maxim_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o keep_v to_o guide_v we_o to_o this_o love_n which_o he_o command_v to_o live_v in_o this_o union_n and_o to_o arrive_v to_o this_o perfection_n whereto_o we_o be_v call_v and_o therefore_o christian_n live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v infallible_o arrive_v to_o this_o high_a perfection_n and_o enjoy_v this_o most_o desirable_a union_n so_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o christianity_n in_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o incircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o as_o many_o as_o follow_v this_o rule_n grace_n be_v unto_o they_o and_o mercy_n under_o the_o name_n of_o circumcision_n he_o teach_v we_o that_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n no_o estate_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v esteem_v but_o that_o of_o a_o new_a creature_n christianity_n only_o give_v we_o the_o grace_n and_o power_n thereof_o wherefore_o that_o be_v the_o rule_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v whence_o we_o learn_v the_o eminency_n of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n above_o all_o other_o we_o see_v then_o how_o true_a it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v all_o without_o exception_n oblige_v and_o call_v of_o god_n to_o love_n and_o to_o perfection_n this_o and_o more_o which_o may_v be_v say_v on_o this_o subject_n be_v true_a and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o christian_n perfection_n be_v as_o the_o sun_n propose_v to_o all_o christian_n in_o general_a the_o precept_n of_o love_n be_v equal_o give_v to_o all_o man_n and_o consequent_o all_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o same_o perfection_n which_o be_v all_o the_o argument_n wherewith_o i_o will_v undeceive_v such_o christian_n as_o will_v exempt_v themselves_o from_o both_o this_o grant_v it_o rest_v only_o to_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o love_n it_o must_v be_v pure_a perfect_a and_o indissoluble_a the_o three_o property_n of_o love_n in_o christianity_n pure_a for_o it_o regard_v nothing_o but_o god_n if_o it_o regard_v any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v not_o for_o god_n nor_o according_a to_o god_n whence_o it_o come_v that_o that_o which_o regard_v pure_a love_n do_v separate_v we_o from_o our_o self_n from_o all_o our_o interest_n and_o alienates_v we_o from_o all_o creature_n as_o far_o as_o they_o obstruct_v our_o love_n to_o god_n this_o love_n make_v we_o regard_v nothing_o but_o in_o the_o belief_n that_o god_n be_v there_o present_a by_o his_o immensity_n we_o neither_o taste_v nor_o feel_v they_o further_o than_o as_o they_o bear_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n the_o soul_n that_o love_v he_o incline_v to_o he_o seek_v he_o and_o find_v he_o every_o where_o this_o love_n must_v also_o be_v perfect_a god_n say_v so_o express_o we_o must_v love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o explicate_v these_o word_n they_o be_v too_o clear_a and_o evident_o show_v we_o that_o god_n will_v have_v we_o love_v he_o with_o all_o that_o which_o we_o be_v that_o be_v perfect_o this_o love_n must_v last_o be_v indissoluble_a no_o force_n must_v separate_v we_o from_o god_n no_o violence_n must_v tear_v this_o love_n from_o our_o heart_n no_o creature_n in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n no_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o of_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o we_o enjoy_v no_o good_a either_o present_a or_o future_a must_v separate_v we_o from_o this_o love_n which_o must_v be_v in_o we_o more_o powerful_a than_o death_n more_o indissoluble_a than_o unity_n now_o make_v use_n of_o all_o that_o we_o have_v say_v and_o reduce_v to_o practice_v all_o the_o propose_a truth_n we_o shall_v find_v what_o we_o seek_v in_o this_o tract_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n we_o be_v all_o oblige_a to_o divorce_v and_o separate_v ourselves_o true_o and_o strong_o from_o all_o that_o hinder_v we_o from_o love_a god_n perfect_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a this_o perfection_n be_v not_o without_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n this_o love_n can_v be_v in_o we_o but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v separate_v from_o our_o self_n the_o world_n and_o all_o creature_n whence_o we_o learn_v that_o a_o christian_n oblige_v to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o to_o perfection_n can_v arrive_v to_o this_o estate_n which_o he_o seek_v and_o be_v command_v he_o if_o on_o the_o one_o side_n he_o be_v not_o whole_o subject_v to_o god_n and_o on_o the_o other_o altogether_o separate_v in_o spirit_n conduct_n and_o love_n from_o all_o the_o creature_n therefore_o he_o must_v apply_v himself_o earnest_o to_o this_o exercise_n of_o subject_v himself_o to_o god_n and_o divest_v himself_o of_o himself_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o soul_n can_v never_o acquire_v this_o divine_a spirit_n nor_o arrive_v to_o evangelicall_n perfection_n if_o she_o stay_v in_o herself_o obey_v she_o own_o will_n and_o follow_v
she_o own_o motion_n to_o dwell_v in_o ourselves_o be_v to_o think_v of_o ourselves_o to_o take_v care_n of_o ourselves_o to_o have_v a_o continual_a regard_n to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o self-interest_n to_o use_v the_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o not_o pure_o to_o please_v god_n to_o love_v thus_o be_v to_o wear_v the_o mask_n and_o false_a appearance_n of_o virtue_n but_o not_o to_o have_v the_o reality_n by_o these_o principle_n of_o piety_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v how_o dangerous_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o speak_v of_o religious_a soul_n who_o be_v in_o a_o most_o pure_a and_o perfect_a estate_n and_o according_a to_o the_o eminency_n of_o their_o vocation_n say_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v night_n christian_n as_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n and_o persuade_v other_o that_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o inward_a virtue_n and_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o they_o to_o become_v punctual_a and_o to_o live_v with_o order_n and_o fidelity_n in_o their_o exterior_a conduct_n make_v they_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o more_o that_o this_o self-desertion_n be_v above_o their_o strength_n nay_o that_o it_o be_v folly_n so_o to_o leave_v themselves_o to_o live_v in_o such_o a_o general_a manner_n of_o abandon_v themselves_o this_o be_v a_o manifest_a error_n for_o not_o only_o the_o religious_a estate_n but_o even_o that_o of_o christianity_n oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o virtue_n see_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v perfect_a according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o do_v easy_o appear_v by_o all_o the_o motive_n handle_v in_o this_o second_o part._n now_o if_o all_o they_o who_o aim_v at_o perfection_n in_o any_o profession_n whatsoever_o must_v enter_v into_o this_o conduct_n of_o grace_n and_o subjection_n if_o they_o must_v live_v divest_v themselves_o to_o obey_v god_n more_o perfect_o and_o to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o a_o true_a christian_n the_o true_a life_n of_o grace_n what_o ought_v those_o soul_n to_o do_v who_o by_o particular_a grace_n and_o allurement_n of_o special_a favour_n be_v call_v by_o god_n cherish_v and_o enrich_v with_o his_o gift_n o_o how_o great_a will_v these_o obligation_n appear_v to_o those_o that_o consider_v they_o o_o how_o ought_v such_o soul_n to_o take_v care_n and_o be_v vigilant_a to_o cooperate_v with_o the_o design_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o and_o to_o become_v faithful_a according_a to_o the_o estate_n and_o fullness_n of_o grace_n communicate_v to_o they_o this_o will_v require_v a_o long_a deduction_n for_o nothing_o be_v of_o more_o importance_n or_o needs_o a_o more_o ample_a discourse_n to_o content_v our_o spirit_n and_o satisfy_v our_o piety_n but_o it_o shall_v suffice_v that_o we_o show_v the_o fundation_n and_o principle_n thereof_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v now_o speak_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o second_o part._n the_o care_n and_o vigilancy_n which_o a_o soul_n must_v have_v which_o seek_v perfection_n and_o will_v live_v in_o true_a subjection_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o conduct_v of_o jesus_n christ._n we_o have_v clear_o enough_o deduce_v and_o demonstrate_v by_o divers_a motive_n the_o obligation_n all_o christians_n have_v to_o seek_v perfection_n and_o whole_o to_o subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o spirit_n and_o conduct_v of_o god_n yet_o must_v we_o not_o understand_v this_o doctrine_n so_o general_o but_o that_o there_o be_v something_o more_o to_o be_v do_v and_o that_o we_o fail_v not_o in_o our_o care_n and_o vigilancy_n to_o cooporate_v with_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o we_o and_o to_o become_v faithful_a to_o his_o conduct_n and_o here_o we_o will_v show_v what_o this_o care_n and_o vigilancy_n ought_v to_o be_v let_v we_o first_o enter_v into_o consideration_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o know_v it_o we_o may_v be_v ravish_v with_o its_o beauty_n elevate_v and_o excite_v to_o conserve_v it_o careful_o in_o perfection_n according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o easy_a for_o the_o soul_n be_v such_o a_o lively_a image_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o god_n have_v invest_v she_o with_o so_o many_o light_n that_o our_o spirit_n be_v too_o feeble_a to_o sustain_v the_o beam_n thereof_o and_o to_o penetrate_v the_o splendour_n of_o this_o beauty_n if_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o she_o we_o must_v say_v that_o she_o so_o perfect_o represent_v her_o prototype_n god_n that_o as_o we_o can_v better_o comprehend_v god_n then_o in_o aver_v he_o be_v incomprehensible_a so_o we_o can_v enter_v better_a into_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o perfect_a beauty_n of_o our_o soul_n then_o in_o say_v she_o can_v be_v know_v for_o all_o that_o we_o can_v say_v of_o she_o be_v below_o she_o so_o near_o do_v she_o approach_v to_o the_o infinite_a greatness_n and_o ineffable_a perfection_n of_o her_o creator_n the_o high_a that_o we_o can_v say_v of_o she_o that_o seem_v to_o imply_v the_o last_o draught_n of_o her_o perfection_n be_v that_o she_o be_v a_o capacity_n of_o god_n a_o image_n wherein_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divinity_n be_v engrave_v so_o as_o we_o may_v compare_v it_o to_o a_o seal_n wherein_o the_o image_n of_o a_o prince_n be_v perfect_o and_o artificial_o cut_v as_o the_o seal_n be_v capable_a of_o receive_v the_o soft_a wax_n apply_v to_o it_o and_o imprint_n thereon_o a_o second_o image_n so_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v capable_a of_o receive_v god_n and_o receive_v he_o once_o she_o bear_v a_o continual_a image_n of_o he_o his_o true_a resemblance_n the_o soul_n therefore_o in_o as_o much_o as_o she_o be_v the_o image_n be_v also_o a_o capacity_n of_o god_n since_o as_o the_o image_n she_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v god_n and_o this_o capacity_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o she_o be_v and_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o her_o perfection_n and_o beauty_n comprehend_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o she_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o penetrate_v this_o truth_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o faith_n teach_v we_o that_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o soul_n her_o fullness_n that_o he_o have_v create_v she_o to_o enjoy_v his_o greatness_n to_o associate_v she_o into_o his_o glory_n to_o communicate_v to_o she_o his_o divine_a perfection_n in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o design_n it_o be_v that_o he_o give_v she_o so_o great_a a_o amplitude_n and_o capacity_n that_o she_o can_v be_v fill_v but_o with_o god_n which_o cause_v saint_n bernard_n to_o say_v that_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v occupate_v by_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o she_o can_v be_v fill_v with_o any_o but_o god_n who_o create_v she_o for_o himself_o alone_o to_o fill_v to_o live_v in_o she_o and_o to_o advance_v she_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n not_o of_o gift_n not_o of_o grace_n only_o but_o of_o glory_n and_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o divinity_n all_o this_o begin_v upon_o earth_n and_o be_v consummate_v and_o perfect_v in_o heaven_n indeed_o it_o can_v be_v in_o heaven_n if_o it_o begin_v not_o upon_o earth_n since_o the_o soul_n after_o death_n enjoy_v but_o what_o she_o have_v merit_v in_o her_o life_n for_o we_o see_v that_o here_o below_o the_o soul_n receive_v her_o god_n by_o grace_n she_o receive_v he_o in_o his_o love_a communication_n and_o she_o be_v fill_v of_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n which_o dwell_v in_o she_o and_o in_o heaven_n she_o possess_v he_o full_o by_o glory_n by_o this_o possession_n all_o her_o capacity_n be_v fill_v according_a to_o all_o god_n design_n upon_o she_o thus_o saint_n john_n we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v 3.2_o we_o shall_v be_v like_a to_o he_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v now_o we_o can_v see_v god_n and_o be_v like_a to_o he_o in_o glory_n which_o be_v a_o pemanent_fw-la estate_n without_o possess_v he_o and_o we_o can_v possess_v he_o but_o in_o this_o capacity_n which_o be_v give_v we_o by_o god_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o be_v and_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o soul_n so_o great_a a_o perfection_n that_o we_o conceive_v it_o far_o than_o we_o know_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n for_o as_o god_n be_v great_a this_o capacity_n be_v great_a ample_a and_o admirable_a this_o deserve_v profound_a consideration_n and_o may_v serve_v to_o all_o man_n as_o a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o sever_v themselves_o from_o all_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o seek_v god_n only_o for_o who_o alone_o we_o be_v create_v who_o alone_o be_v our_o fullness_n this_o truth_n discover_v the_o favour_n we_o receive_v from_o this_o infinite_a
when_o we_o speak_v or_o think_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n we_o must_v believe_v they_o be_v ineffahle_fw-mi far_o above_o all_o that_o we_o can_v think_v or_o speak_v we_o must_v not_o make_v small_a account_n of_o what_o concern_v god_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v have_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o soul_n a_o great_a esteem_n and_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o god_n have_v do_v of_o all_o he_o have_v say_v and_o of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n in_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o little_a god_n be_v as_o adorable_a and_o estimable_a in_o the_o least_o as_o in_o the_o great_a final_o it_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o give_v itself_o to_o this_o exercise_n to_o draw_v from_o all_o thing_n and_o upon_o every_o subject_a a_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o to_o form_n in_o heart_n solid_a and_o serious_a thought_n thereof_o to_o assist_v we_o in_o this_o practice_n and_o to_o advance_v we_o in_o this_o virtue_n we_o ordinary_o make_v use_v of_o read_v prayer_n and_o meditation_n but_o it_o be_v good_a to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o be_v guide_v in_o this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n how_o we_o make_v use_v of_o the_o thought_n the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n we_o receive_v herein_o many_o seek_v only_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o do_v nothing_o but_o busy_a their_o own_o spirit_n they_o seek_v and_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o relish_v and_o resentment_n they_o leap_v from_o one_o subject_n to_o another_o they_o run_v from_o the_o first_o point_n to_o the_o second_o and_o apply_v themselves_o sometime_o to_o one_o affection_n sometime_o to_o another_o spend_v the_o whole_a time_n in_o a_o multiplicity_n and_o disturbance_n of_o thought_n to_o profit_v herein_o we_o must_v proceed_v otherwise_o for_o in_o these_o exercise_n and_o all_o other_o we_o must_v only_o seek_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o esteem_v it_o and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o worthy_a the_o grace_n necessary_a to_o accomplish_v his_o will_n and_o to_o please_v his_o divine_a majesty_n and_o have_v put_v ourselves_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v lay_v hold_v upon_o truth_n we_o must_v rest_v therein_o naked_o and_o simple_o we_o must_v adhere_v thereunto_o and_o keep_v ourselves_o firm_a in_o this_o first_o view_n with_o care_n quiet_o to_o leave_v our_o spirit_n to_o be_v replenish_v of_o god_n and_o bathe_v ourselves_o as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o thought_n we_o must_v unite_v ourselves_o to_o this_o knowledge_n imprint_v by_o degree_n in_o our_o heart_n the_o light_n strength_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o propose_a truth_n whether_o the_o knowledge_n be_v great_a or_o little_a we_o must_v always_o keep_v our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n open_a and_o free_a to_o receive_v the_o thought_n thereof_o these_o will_v put_v we_o into_o a_o esteem_n of_o god_n by_o this_o esteem_n we_o shall_v easy_o be_v carry_v to_o a_o humble_a respect_n and_o desire_v to_o serve_v and_o love_v so_o high_a a_o majesty_n and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o that_o many_o thing_n will_v be_v do_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o christ_n if_o she_o dispose_v herself_o thereto_o as_o she_o ought_v if_o she_o leave_v herself_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o abandon_v herself_o to_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o grace_n attend_v they_o with_o a_o humble_a patience_n but_o oh_o the_o misfortune_n of_o our_o self-love_n the_o soul_n seek_v herself_o and_o her_o own_o satisfaction_n withdraw_v and_o separate_v herself_o from_o god_n to_o follow_v she_o own_o inclination_n to_o content_v her_o sense_n and_o to_o employ_v herself_o in_o what_o she_o please_v make_v herself_o hereby_o unworthy_a to_o feel_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o bear_v the_o effect_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o deduce_v all_o into_o particular_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a but_o not_o to_o trouble_v myself_o with_o all_o the_o fail_n that_o happen_v in_o this_o exercise_n it_o suffice_v that_o i_o say_v that_o the_o first_o study_n of_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v to_o know_v god_n according_a to_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o faith_n to_o adhere_v strong_o to_o this_o knowledge_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o esteem_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o then_o to_o honour_v and_o adore_v he_o with_o a_o honour_n worthy_a of_o god_n these_o word_n express_v much_o and_o include_v the_o first_o duty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o show_v wherein_o she_o must_v employ_v herself_o with_o care_n before_o all_o thing_n hence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o their_o practice_n be_v not_o good_a who_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o enter_v into_o some_o knowledge_n and_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v some_o light_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o feel_v themselves_o move_v and_o as_o it_o be_v draw_v by_o a_o humble_a respect_n and_o inward_a reverence_n before_o god_n instead_o of_o stay_v and_o receive_v at_o leisure_n this_o little_a touch_n this_o sweet_a beam_n of_o heaven_n follow_v this_o little_a interior_a light_n and_o annihilate_v themselves_o before_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n of_o god_n they_o retire_v from_o it_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o false_a humility_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o other_o thought_n and_o fear_v evil_a on_o purpose_n to_o lose_v time_n and_o be_v deceive_v or_o to_o lose_v themselves_o in_o their_o estate_n they_o shut_v the_o ear_n to_o god_n and_o their_o eye_n to_o the_o light_n to_o entertain_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o conception_n and_o imagination_n and_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o themselves_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o this_o way_n be_v ill_a we_o may_v easy_o observe_v that_o such_o soul_n never_o advance_v or_o if_o there_o appear_v some_o advancement_n it_o be_v but_o in_o appearance_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v always_o in_o fear_n and_o in_o a_o spirit_n of_o self-love_n never_o in_o solid_a virtue_n the_o reason_n be_v manifest_a if_o prayer_n be_v a_o elevation_n and_o union_n of_o our_o heart_n a_o speak_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o we_o may_v advise_v to_o quit_v this_o application_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n to_o torment_v her_o imagination_n and_o cast_v she_o into_o the_o consideration_n of_o exterior_a thing_n into_o the_o examination_n of_o divers_a circumstance_n into_o a_o continual_a regard_n of_o what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o wherefore_o all_o this_o see_v it_o pertain_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n let_v we_o leave_v it_o to_o they_o who_o treat_v thereof_o and_o content_v ourselves_o to_o conclude_v with_o that_o which_o we_o will_v persuade_v that_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o he_o must_v practice_v who_o will_v live_v a_o perfect_a christian_n be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o this_o light_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o esteem_n of_o god_n which_o be_v support_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o of_o what_o he_o be_v what_o course_n we_o must_v take_v to_o obtain_v this_o knowledge_n we_o will_v proceed_v to_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o subject_n of_o humility_n the_o second_o disposition_n chap._n viii_o of_o humility_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n the_o picture_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a describe_v one_o after_o another_o not_o all_o the_o virtue_n but_o those_o only_o which_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o the_o base_n and_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n the_o mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o the_o rest_n faith_n lead_v the_o way_n humility_n follow_v for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v and_o esteem_v of_o god_n so_o far_o be_v we_o humble_a faith_n make_v we_o know_v god_n humility_n lead_v we_o to_o god_n faith_n dispose_v we_o and_o show_v we_o true_a virtue_n humility_n acquire_v they_o and_o be_v acquire_v conserves_n they_o this_o be_v she_o that_o open_v and_o make_v plain_a the_o way_n to_o charity_n and_o who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o mistress_n of_o god_n house_n she_o alone_o lay_v up_o and_o keep_v safe_a the_o divine_a gift_n st._n paul_n by_o way_n of_o excellency_n call_v she_o the_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o virtue_n appertain_v to_o he_o more_o than_o to_o any_o and_o that_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v ever_o accomplish_v in_o humility_n it_o be_v moreover_o his_o virtue_n in_o that_o he_o publish_v it_o and_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o will_n that_o his_o humility_n be_v the_o object_n and_o example_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n 11.29_o learn_v of_o i_o say_v he_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a
of_o heart_n it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v thunder_v and_o pronounce_v this_o sentence_n 23.12_o whosoever_o shall_v exalt_v himself_o shall_v be_v abase_v and_o he_o that_o shall_v humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v natural_a and_o powerful_a word_n pronounce_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o truth_n why_o shall_v we_o seek_v further_a evidence_n how_o acceptable_a this_o be_v to_o god_n and_o how_o he_o reward_v this_o truth_n and_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v a_o perfect_a christian_a let_v we_o no_o further_o demur_v upon_o this_o subject_n but_o examine_v wherein_o it_o consist_v let_v we_o learn_v what_o humility_n be_v that_o be_v it_o we_o be_v most_o ignorant_a of_o humility_n be_v truth_n to_o be_v humble_a be_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n i_o say_v humility_n be_v truth_n because_o true_a humility_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o god_n by_o his_o infinite_a bounty_n by_o his_o operation_n of_o love_n and_o grace_n infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n a_o light_n which_o make_v it_o see_v the_o truth_n in_o all_o thing_n more_a or_o less_o as_o it_o please_v god_n this_o light_n which_o bring_v with_o it_o knowledge_n abase_v &_o annihilate_v the_o soul_n in_o herself_o and_o cause_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n she_o annihilate_v herself_o because_o this_o truth_n teach_v she_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o the_o creature_n be_v so_o that_o this_o grace_n which_o i_o call_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n give_v not_o only_a knowledge_n but_o also_o actual_o annihilate_v the_o soul_n and_o detain_v she_o in_o her_o lowness_n in_o she_o nothing_o and_o be_v in_o she_o nothing_o she_o be_v true_o where_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o hereby_o she_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o act_v in_o this_o state_n she_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o act_v with_o humility_n many_o will_v wonder_v hereat_o who_o think_v they_o have_v humility_n have_v it_o not_o who_o think_v to_o attain_v it_o by_o certain_a exercise_n of_o humiliation_n do_v but_o deceive_v themselves_o not_o but_o that_o their_o exercise_n be_v good_a and_o conduce_v to_o humility_n but_o if_o we_o pass_v no_o further_o if_o we_o possess_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n act_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o simplicity_n we_o may_v make_v many_o act_n of_o humility_n but_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v humility_n for_o humility_n in_o its_o formality_n and_o essence_n consist_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n be_v god_n to_o be_v humble_a then_o we_o must_v act_v in_o this_o spirit_n i_o will_v explicate_v and_o make_v this_o more_o intelligible_a humility_n be_v a_o supernatural_a light_n which_o i_o call_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n because_o it_o make_v we_o know_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v on_o one_o side_n it_o draw_v and_o advance_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o other_o his_o divine_a perfection_n and_o by_o this_o knowledge_n form_n in_o we_o a_o esteem_n of_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o same_o light_a cause_n we_o to_o see_v what_o we_o be_v our_o own_o meanness_n unworthiness_n impotency_n indigence_n the_o truth_n of_o our_o nothing_o and_o by_o consequence_n before_o god_n she_o make_v we_o see_v the_o truth_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o this_o truth_n so_o conceive_v possess_v our_o spirit_n and_o and_o act_n in_o our_o soul_n annihilate_v and_o debase_v we_o in_o all_o thing_n in_o all_o our_o action_n with_o so_o much_o facility_n that_o the_o soul_n can_v do_v no_o otherwise_o for_o she_o can_v but_o act_v according_a to_o her_o knowledge_n so_o that_o act_v whole_o according_a to_o this_o light_n and_o take_v all_o thing_n as_o she_o conceive_v they_o she_o walk_v in_o humility_n and_o as_o we_o say_v humble_v herself_o and_o in_o effect_n she_o do_v humble_a herself_o not_o know_v it_o for_o she_o have_v no_o eye_n but_o to_o see_v the_o truth_n no_o power_n but_o to_o act_v according_a to_o truth_n i_o call_v here_o humility_n a_o light_n and_o a_o light_n of_o truth_n for_o so_o in_o effect_n she_o be_v whence_o it_o follow_v that_o by_o humility_n we_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n as_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n we_o see_v the_o sun_n so_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n wherein_o consist_v humility_n we_o see_v truth_n thus_o we_o understand_v it_o when_o we_o say_v that_o god_n reveal_v his_o divine_a secret_n and_o greatness_n and_o teach_v the_o truth_n to_o humble_a soul_n 11.25_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n that_o be_v to_o the_o humble_a say_v jesus_n christ_n to_o his_o father_n whence_o we_o infer_v that_o to_o understand_v the_o catholic_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n and_o to_o possess_v they_o we_o must_v go_v to_o they_o with_o humility_n not_o sufficiency_n nor_o capacity_n much_o less_o curiosity_n god_n be_v please_v with_o little_a one_o so_o much_o read_v so_o much_o curiosity_n so_o many_o question_n so_o many_o reason_n wherein_o man_n take_v pain_n be_v unprofitable_a labour_n and_o rather_o separate_v we_o from_o christian_a truth_n then_o bring_v we_o near_o to_o it_o 57.15_o for_o god_n dwell_v with_o the_o humble_a spirit_n say_v the_o oracle_n of_o heaven_n so_o that_o retire_v ourselves_o from_o the_o truth_n be_v to_o make_v we_o uncapable_a of_o humility_n and_o without_o humility_n we_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n whence_o we_o may_v imagine_v what_o danger_n the_o spirit_n of_o this_o age_n run_v into_o further_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o they_o who_o will_v acquire_v christian_a humility_n must_v not_o stop_v at_o exterior_a action_n of_o meanness_n and_o humiliation_n nor_o at_o word_n of_o confusion_n and_o abasement_n nor_o at_o some_o submission_n and_o accommodation_n although_o they_o be_v frequent_a and_o profitable_a but_o we_o must_v pass_v further_o and_o penetrate_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o to_o establish_v the_o throne_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o make_v our_o heart_n the_o treasury_n of_o the_o light_n of_o god_n to_o be_v humble_a we_o must_v endavour_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n we_o must_v possess_v it_o we_o must_v act_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v do_v it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o come_v to_o the_o exterior_a and_o to_o produce_v infinite_a act_n of_o humility_n and_o annihilation_n for_o we_o can_v have_v humility_n without_o do_v all_o these_o action_n but_o a_o man_n may_v do_v all_o these_o action_n without_o have_v humility_n but_o we_o must_v now_o know_v how_o we_o may_v acquire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n consist_v in_o know_v god_n and_o ourselves_o a_o man_n may_v arrive_v at_o this_o knowledge_n two_o way_n by_o infusion_n by_o acquisition_n the_o first_o come_v from_o god_n alone_o who_o communicate_v and_o infuse_v into_o our_o soul_n a_o light_n spring_v from_o truth_n which_o we_o call_v the_o spirit_n and_o light_n of_o faith_n this_o light_n bring_v and_o give_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o and_o this_o knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o the_o light_n be_v a_o operation_n of_o god_n who_o by_o this_o divine_a light_n which_o he_o spread_v in_o we_o annihilate_v our_o soul_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n detain_v it_o whole_o in_o this_o annihilation_n wherein_o consist_v humility_n thus_o be_v humility_n a_o grace_n infuse_v and_o a_o pure_a operation_n of_o god_n alone_o this_o operation_n be_v great_a or_o lesser_a according_a as_o god_n please_v who_o by_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o divine_a light_n consummate_v and_o annihilate_v the_o soul_n more_o or_o less_o as_o he_o please_v for_o his_o glory_n this_o first_o manner_n be_v for_o few_o person_n because_o few_o be_v advance_v to_o this_o way_n few_o render_v themselves_o worthy_a of_o such_o grace_n the_o second_o and_o more_o ordinary_a be_v acquire_v we_o propose_v divers_a mean_n to_o acquire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o the_o most_o common_a and_o easy_a whereof_o be_v consideration_n and_o application_n assist_v by_o grace_n without_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v we_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n not_o by_o sublime_a penetration_n of_o the_o attribute_n of_o divinity_n that_o be_v not_o necessary_a and_o few_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o but_o by_o faith_n when_o the_o soul_n consider_v god_n as_o he_o be_v simple_a propose_v in_o the_o creed_n to_o we_o according_a to_o the_o bare_a and_o simple_a signification_n of_o
be_v accomplish_v in_o every_o point_n now_o our_o question_n be_v not_o only_o of_o a_o action_n good_a and_o just_a but_o which_o be_v more_o of_o a_o christian_a action_n suitable_a to_o the_o eminence_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n of_o a_o action_n worthy_a heaven_n and_o god_n if_o it_o be_v real_a it_o must_v have_v circumstance_n only_o pure_a and_o perfect_a and_o chief_o it_o be_v requisite_a they_o have_v a_o proportionate_a object_n for_o as_o action_n be_v specify_v by_o their_o object_n so_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o the_o do_v and_o denomination_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a action_n be_v to_o consider_v what_o be_v its_o object_n which_o must_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o dignity_n sanctity_n and_o purity_n of_o a_o action_n worthy_a god_n which_o be_v suppose_v this_o object_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v say_v that_o as_o all_o the_o action_n of_o christian_n must_v be_v conformable_a to_o their_o state_n all_o worthy_a of_o god_n so_o must_v they_o have_v god_n only_o for_o their_o object_n and_o consequent_o a_o christian_n to_o live_v christianly_o must_v have_v respect_n only_o to_o god_n in_o all_o his_o action_n and_o to_o do_v nothing_o but_o with_o intention_n to_o please_v he_o this_o be_v the_o wish_n of_o saint_n paul_n when_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o new_a christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v that_o you_o may_v walk_v say_v he_o 1.10_o worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n as_o unto_o all_o please_a this_o counsel_n ought_v to_o be_v engrave_v in_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n for_o either_o they_o think_v not_o of_o it_o or_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o yet_o be_v it_o altogether_o necessary_a let_v we_o then_o suppose_v this_o to_o our_o perfect_a christian_a that_o to_o do_v act_n true_o christian_n and_o worthy_a of_o god_n we_o must_v regard_v nothing_o but_o god_n and_o have_v no_o other_o intent_n then_o to_o please_v he_o the_o reason_n be_v from_o the_o commandment_n of_o love_n for_o by_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o love_n god_n in_o all_o and_o above_o all_o we_o be_v oblige_v also_o to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o and_o to_o seek_v only_o his_o honour_n glory_n and_o pleasure_n he_o that_o know_v how_o to_o love_v will_v easy_o comprehend_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o counsel_n for_o love_v if_o it_o be_v true_a make_v we_o quit_v our_o own_o interest_n and_o respect_n to_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o interest_n and_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n belove_v again_o to_o love_v according_a to_o the_o angelical_a doctor_n be_v to_o wish_v well_o now_o what_o good_a what_o interest_n can_v god_n have_v in_o our_o action_n but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n god_n have_v no_o need_n of_o we_o for_o he_o be_v all-sufficient_a of_o himself_o as_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o can_v diminish_v his_o glory_n or_o pleasure_n so_o neither_o can_v we_o augment_v they_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o our_o action_n and_o that_o he_o make_v they_o meritorious_a &_o worthy_a the_o possession_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o receive_v they_o as_o acceptable_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o bounty_n not_o the_o power_n of_o necessity_n it_o be_v by_o dignify_n not_o by_o duty_n or_o obligation_n by_o love_n not_o by_o interest_n it_o be_v because_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o regard_v they_o and_o to_o be_v please_v with_o they_o it_o be_v only_o because_o we_o do_v in_o they_o what_o his_o will_n be_v we_o employ_v ourselves_o in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o accomplish_v his_o design_n this_o deduction_n and_o principle_n be_v consider_v we_o must_v say_v that_o see_v god_n receive_v nothing_o of_o we_o or_o of_o our_o action_n but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o divine_a will_n it_o follow_v that_o a_o christian_n who_o will_v love_v his_o god_n can_v express_v this_o love_n but_o in_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o employ_v himself_o in_o the_o duty_n that_o god_n propose_v to_o he_o 14.21_o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o will_v manifest_v myself_o to_o he_o which_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a consist_v in_o do_v the_o work_n which_o god_n propose_v and_o put_v into_o his_o hand_n according_a to_o his_o condition_n and_o estate_n to_o do_v it_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o with_o a_o intent_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o the_o christian_n show_v his_o love_n to_o god_n this_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o his_o action_n become_v worthy_a to_o possess_v god_n to_o comprehend_v this_o truth_n we_o must_v observe_v that_o all_o the_o creature_n be_v nothing_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v as_o but_o a_o drop_n of_o water_n draw_v up_o by_o the_o 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god_n yet_o be_v refer_v and_o dedicate_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o will_n they_o be_v raise_v up_o and_o become_v please_v to_o god_n whence_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o be_v nothing_o not_o our_o action_n if_o they_o regard_v not_o god_n in_o this_o purity_n and_o though_o they_o regard_v god_n yet_o they_o confer_v nothing_o to_o god_n they_o be_v only_o please_v to_o he_o because_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o regard_v they_o and_o to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o he_o advance_v and_o sanctify_v they_o by_o this_o relation_n such_o be_v his_o good_a pleasure_n herein_o appear_v the_o abuse_n of_o those_o who_o fill_v their_o heart_n and_o perplex_v their_o thought_n with_o several_a intention_n by_o this_o principle_n we_o see_v how_o much_o they_o separate_v themselves_o from_o their_o duty_n who_o in_o their_o action_n and_o devotion_n seek_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o to_o please_v god_n for_o all_o our_o action_n be_v only_o worthy_a of_o god_n 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pleasure_n and_o glory_n he_o that_o will_v examine_v the_o precept_n of_o love_n will_v ingenious_o confess_v that_o which_o we_o say_v for_o we_o can_v love_v god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o withal_o our_o strength_n but_o in_o seek_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n even_o the_o least_o much_o more_o in_o those_o which_o we_o call_v indifferent_a though_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v not_o so_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o second_o the_o christian_a must_v avoid_v in_o his_o action_n the_o multiplicity_n and_o confusion_n which_o occur_v ordinary_o in_o affair_n even_o in_o those_o which_o be_v good_a and_o appear_v charitable_a and_o above_o all_o he_o must_v exempt_v himself_o from_o that_o which_o concern_v he_o not_o and_o be_v not_o of_o his_o office_n nor_o suitable_a to_o his_o profession_n and_o vocation_n and_o especial_o those_o which_o be_v above_o his_o capacity_n and_o power_n this_o advice_n be_v to_o be_v weigh_v and_o clear_v 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for_o so_o much_o as_o she_o have_v of_o love_n and_o grace_n so_o far_o be_v she_o separate_v and_o estrange_v from_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o more_o she_o be_v to_o god_n the_o more_o she_o fly_v and_o detest_v all_o thing_n else_o the_o more_o grace_n reign_v in_o she_o the_o more_o it_o separate_v she_o from_o her_o self_n and_o the_o world_n self-love_n draw_v we_o to_o the_o creature_n and_o involve_v we_o in_o a_o multiplicity_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o love_n of_o god_n separate_v we_o from_o the_o creature_n and_o put_v we_o into_o unity_n this_o most_o true_a principle_n may_v serve_v we_o as_o a_o plummet_n to_o sound_v the_o depth_n and_o interior_a of_o the_o soul_n he_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o grace_n and_o have_v but_o any_o pure_a love_n need_v not_o to_o be_v persuade_v to_o this_o because_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o grace_n make_v he_o hate_v fly_v and_o detest_v both_o the_o world_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o and_o assure_o he_o will_v show_v it_o by_o the_o effect_n for_o he_o can_v do_v otherwise_o whence_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o approve_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o will_v be_v true_o devout_a and_o persuade_v themselves_o they_o have_v true_a christian_a piety_n yet_o charge_v themselves_o with_o care_n with_o affair_n and_o trouble_n perplex_v themselves_o in_o thought_n desire_n and_o bring_v about_o divers_a design_n to_o convince_v and_o enlighten_v they_o if_o they_o be_v capable_a we_o must_v resume_v our_o principle_n and_o only_o say_v to_o they_o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n speak_v unity_n and_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o multiplicity_n three_o there_o be_v many_o action_n necessary_a in_o many_o affair_n wherewith_o we_o can_v dispense_v for_o that_o they_o be_v necessary_a and_o wherein_o our_o nature_n and_o spirit_n may_v be_v satisfy_v and_o content_a but_o we_o must_v renounce_v this_o pleasure_n and_o content_n for_o god_n must_v have_v all_o our_o action_n and_o to_o do_v christianly_o and_o pure_o we_o must_v do_v it_o only_o for_o his_o good_a pleasure_n so_o that_o if_o we_o mingle_v with_o it_o other_o pretence_n or_o contentment_n it_o be_v not_o pure_o for_o god_n but_o we_o share_v with_o god_n and_o we_o rob_v he_o of_o all_o that_o part_n that_o we_o take_v therein_o but_o if_o the_o action_n we_o do_v be_v natural_a as_o to_o eat_v sleep_n and_o the_o like_a we_o must_v not_o fulfil_v they_o by_o the_o instinct_n and_o appetite_n of_o nature_n which_o force_v we_o to_o satisfy_v both_o her_o necessity_n and_o pleasure_n but_o we_o must_v perform_v they_o out_o of_o a_o pure_a desire_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o this_o necessity_n this_o desire_n must_v be_v exclusive_a as_o to_o any_o other_o instinct_n and_o will_n for_o in_o action_n natural_a and_o necessary_a there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o the_o rule_n and_o end_n of_o the_o action_n the_o rule_n be_v humane_a and_o natural_a the_o end_n must_v always_o 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give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o in_o all_o lawful_a action_n therefore_o we_o must_v regard_v the_o rule_n and_o the_o end_n of_o necessity_n which_o must_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o good_a pleasure_n and_o pure_a will_n of_o god_n but_o if_o in_o these_o action_n there_o shall_v happen_v some_o displeasure_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o our_o honour_n or_o if_o they_o be_v full_a of_o bitterness_n than_o we_o must_v courageous_o embrace_v they_o and_o with_o a_o affection_n and_o love_v ready_a for_o the_o displeasure_n which_o may_v happen_v offer_v ourselves_o to_o god_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o bitterness_n as_o often_o and_o as_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v please_v his_o divine_a majesty_n so_o in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n wherein_o he_o may_v take_v pleasure_n or_o displeasure_n in_o what_o manner_n soever_o they_o be_v we_o may_v frame_v three_o act_n the_o first_o be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n make_v such_o a_o action_n very_o natural_a and_o necessary_a by_o submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o pure_a will_n of_o god_n who_o have_v ordain_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o best_a manner_n that_o best_o please_v he_o the_o second_o be_v of_o abnegation_n renounce_v the_o pleasure_n or_o accept_v the_o displeasure_n which_o may_v be_v therein_o the_o three_o of_o resignation_n give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a suffering_n of_o displeasure_n if_o it_o shall_v so_o happen_v and_o that_o for_o as_o long_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o shall_v please_v god_n for_o the_o soul_n must_v have_v no_o will_n but_o to_o accept_v the_o will_n of_o god_n four_o we_o may_v fail_v yet_o in_o the_o use_n and_o research_v of_o thing_n not_o only_o lawful_a but_o also_o virtuous_a by_o adherence_n and_o