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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
true_a piety_n be_v oblige_v to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ._n 481_o chap._n xiii_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o have_v be_v propose_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 489_o chap._n fourteen_o of_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n happen_v in_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n 498_o chap._n xv._n in_o what_o disposition_n the_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v that_o he_o yield_v not_o to_o such_o temptation_n as_o occur_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n 507_o chap._n xvi_o of_o temptation_n and_o the_o advantage_n a_o christian_n ought_v to_o make_v of_o they_o 512_o chap._n xvii_o of_o resignation_n in_o temptation_n 519_o chap._n xviii_o divers_a uses_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o temptation_n 525_o the_o end_n spiritual_a treasure_n the_o first_o part._n of_o the_o divine_a prerogative_n whereunto_o man_n be_v raise_v by_o the_o state_n and_o grace_n of_o christianity_n the_o first_o prerogative_n chap._n i._n how_o by_o baptism_n man_n be_v appropriate_v to_o god_n and_o consecrate_v by_o the_o bless_a trinity_n be_v you_o perfect_a 5.48_o even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a these_o be_v holy_a word_n word_n of_o truth_n pronunce_v by_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n word_n that_o import_v the_o beginning_n and_o eminency_n of_o the_o estate_n which_o we_o be_v to_o attain_v word_n worthy_a to_o be_v engrave_v not_o upon_o the_o front_n of_o our_o house_n as_o a_o celebrious_a sentence_n of_o the_o ancient_n nor_o print_v in_o our_o forehead_n in_o great_a character_n like_o the_o law_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o in_o the_o centre_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o bottom_n of_o our_o spirit_n for_o in_o these_o divine_a word_n we_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o table_n bring_v from_o heaven_n what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v we_o see_v that_o we_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n by_o creation_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v his_o resemblance_n by_o sanctification_n our_o soul_n bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v capable_a of_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v a_o essence_n so_o noble_a and_o divine_a that_o nothing_o can_v satisfy_v nothing_o can_v fill_v she_o but_o a_o infinite_a essence_n beside_o we_o learn_v that_o our_o soul_n be_v call_v to_o the_o resemblance_n of_o god_n nothing_o can_v ennoble_v she_o nothing_o can_v perfect_v she_o but_o the_o greatness_n and_o very_a perfection_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o to_o this_o it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n invite_v we_o when_o he_o say_v be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a this_o only_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o little_a work_n i_o will_v to_o god_n that_o they_o who_o be_v transport_v with_o the_o wonder_n in_o nature_n who_o can_v admire_v her_o greatness_n rare_a variety_n and_o perfection_n who_o willing_o confine_v themselves_o to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o earth_n of_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o the_o admirable_a secret_a property_n of_o every_o thing_n will_v turn_v back_o their_o sight_n into_o themselves_o to_o take_v notice_n what_o they_o be_v and_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o contemplate_v the_o singular_a perfection_n enclose_v within_o their_o own_o soul_n the_o greatness_n whereto_o god_n will_v raise_v they_o and_o eminency_n of_o that_o state_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v if_o other_o creature_n be_v object_n able_a to_o ravish_v our_o spirit_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o contemplation_n and_o admiration_n with_o how_o much_o more_o reason_n ought_v we_o to_o employ_v ourselves_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v if_o virtue_n say_v plato_n be_v so_o beautiful_a as_o that_o her_o lustre_n be_v able_a to_o transform_v our_o heart_n and_o force_v we_o to_o love_v she_o what_o then_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o which_o virtue_n be_v but_o the_o ornament_n o_o soul_n say_v one_o of_o the_o father_n thou_o love_v the_o world_n yet_o thou_o thyself_o art_n of_o more_o value_n than_o all_o the_o world_n thou_o admire_v the_o sun_n and_o yet_o art_n more_o beautiful_a than_o all_o the_o star_n thou_o do_v contemplate_v heaven_n yet_o be_v exalt_v above_o the_o firmament_n thy_o god_n only_o be_v above_o thou_o all_o creature_n be_v under_o thy_o foot_n let_v we_o begin_v to_o prepare_v our_o heart_n to_o these_o thought_n let_v we_o call_v back_o our_o distract_a spirit_n from_o so_o many_o object_n let_v we_o withdraw_v our_o wander_a eye_n from_o so_o many_o curiosity_n and_o undeceive_v our_o heart_n charm_v by_o so_o many_o vanity_n that_o we_o may_v apply_v or_o self_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o this_o knowledge_n for_o in_o be_v ignorant_a of_o these_o truth_n man_n be_v estrange_v from_o god_n and_o himself_o serve_v the_o creature_n who_o be_v make_v to_o serve_v he_o make_v his_o vanity_n a_o ornament_n and_o advance_v above_o himself_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v under_o his_o foot_n and_o far_o lose_v himself_o in_o the_o curious_a pursuit_n of_o creature_n or_o pernicious_a affection_n to_o the_o world_n he_o no_o more_o think_v of_o himself_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o seem_v no_o long_a to_o know_v his_o god_n hence_o spring_v all_o evil_n which_o overflow_v the_o earth_n all_o vice_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n nor_o be_v it_o strange_a for_o how_o can_v a_o christian_n serve_v his_o god_n if_o he_o esteem_v not_o his_o greatness_n and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o divine_a adorable_a perfection_n and_o how_o shall_v he_o know_v they_o if_o he_o seldom_o or_o never_o consider_v they_o beside_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o render_v unto_o god_n what_o he_o ought_v and_o to_o live_v as_o god_n require_v if_o he_o take_v no_o time_n to_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o if_o he_o know_v not_o what_o he_o be_v whence_o he_o come_v whither_o he_o go_v how_o he_o live_v in_o this_o it_o be_v he_o ought_v to_o employ_v his_o thought_n and_o time_n the_o high_a employment_n of_o man_n say_v heraclitus_n be_v to_o seek_v himself_o and_o we_o say_v the_o most_o necessary_a yet_o we_o be_v not_o with_o democritus_n to_o put_v out_o our_o eye_n and_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o creature_n thereby_o with_o more_o ease_n and_o attention_n to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o this_o high_a philosophy_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o we_o need_v not_o go_v to_o such_o a_o extremity_n on_o the_o contrary_a let_v we_o preserve_v our_o eye_n and_o attention_n to_o contemplate_v at_o leisure_n the_o image_n which_o i_o be_o go_v to_o describe_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v the_o pourtracture_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a in_o which_o shall_v be_v draw_v in_o lively_a colour_n the_o christian_a virtue_n and_o represent_v the_o disposition_n action_n and_o piety_n wherein_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o live_v to_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n be_v proportionable_a to_o this_o subject_n he_o that_o will_v make_v a_o man_n to_o see_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v must_v draw_v his_o picture_n that_o he_o may_v see_v and_o contemplate_v himself_o therein_o the_o soul_n like_o the_o eye_n see_v all_o thing_n yet_o not_o itself_o unless_o by_o reflection_n to_o make_v she_o know_v herself_o a_o glass_n must_v be_v set_v before_o she_o wherein_o be_v represent_v the_o true_a beauty_n of_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n her_o obligation_n to_o perfection_n her_o capacity_n to_o possess_v god_n that_o consider_v all_o these_o she_o may_v see_v what_o she_o be_v and_o what_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o she_o god_n thus_o see_v herself_o she_o know_v herself_o know_v her_o helf_n she_o esteem_v according_o of_o she_o own_o be_v life_n and_o condition_n and_o by_o these_o degree_n arrive_v to_o this_o esteem_n she_o faithful_o endeavour_v to_o render_v god_n the_o honour_n love_n and_o service_n due_a to_o he_o careful_a to_o lead_v a_o life_n suitable_a to_o the_o condition_n and_o dignity_n whereto_o god_n have_v call_v she_o to_o represent_v to_o the_o life_n so_o great_a perfection_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v what_o the_o soul_n be_v before_o god_n to_o who_o she_o be_v call_v and_o may_v arrive_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o a_o supernatural_a power_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o essence_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o mystery_n wrought_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o what_o he_o have_v accomplish_v in_o heaven_n because_o they_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o source_n of_o all_o grace_n wherewith_o we_o be_v enrich_v they_o make_v we_o know_v what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o what_o he_o will_v operate_v in_o we_o and_o by_o we_o these_o than_o we_o must_v propose_v behold_v three_o which_o we_o
we_o with_o his_o gift_n that_o by_o all_o these_o endearment_n and_o singular_a favour_n he_o may_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o creature_n and_o reduce_v we_o to_o a_o divine_a society_n and_o communication_n with_o he_o let_v we_o consider_v these_o two_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o love_n mystery_n which_o give_v god_n to_o we_o and_o cause_v we_o to_o dwell_v with_o god_n the_o last_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n a_o mystery_n of_o love_n a_o eternal_a mystery_n for_o god_n shall_v be_v man_n and_o man_n god_n for_o ever_o a_o mystery_n cause_v god_n to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o man_n the_o life_n of_o god_n which_o between_o god_n and_o man_n effect_n a_o union_n and_o society_n so_o divine_a and_o intimate_v that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n more_o holy_a nor_o desire_v any_o more_o intimate_v since_o it_o be_v substantial_a and_o personal_a and_o shall_v subsist_v eternal_o enter_v further_o into_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o 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great_a what_o great_a society_n then_o that_o of_o the_o word_n by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n to_o know_v it_o more_o particular_o consider_v these_o circumstance_n first_o in_o this_o mystery_n god_n live_v the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o man_n the_o life_n of_o god_n a_o life_n of_o society_n a_o life_n humane_o divine_a and_o divine_o humane_a for_o jesus_n be_v god_n and_o man_n in_o jesus_n we_o adore_v and_o acknowledge_v two_o life_n one_o of_o god_n in_o man_n another_o of_o man_n in_o god_n second_o by_o this_o ineffable_a union_n god_n communicate_v himself_o to_o man_n and_o by_o this_o communication_n appropriate_v to_o himself_o all_o that_o be_v of_o man_n with_o such_o wonderful_a wisdom_n that_o not_o dishonour_v his_o divine_a greatness_n he_o take_v upon_o he_o all_o the_o lowness_n of_o man_n and_o subject_n himself_o so_o real_o to_o our_o infirmity_n that_o we_o say_v god_n be_v dead_a god_n be_v bear_v etc._n etc._n and_o man_n by_o a_o happy_a exchange_n be_v lift_v up_o to_o all_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n enthrone_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n where_o he_o eternal_o enjoy_v the_o proper_a glory_n of_o god_n let_v every_o tongue_n confess_v that_o in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o that_o hypostatical_a union_n accomplish_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n man_n enjoy_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n his_o greatness_n light_n and_o life_n three_o as_o for_o the_o life_n and_o divine_a mystery_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o see_v he_o present_v it_o to_o we_o the_o space_n of_o thirty_o three_o year_n converse_v with_o we_o as_o one_o of_o we_o be_v a_o infant_n in_o his_o first_o appear_v labour_v in_o his_o youth_n do_v live_v and_o eat_v with_o sinner_n in_o his_o wayfaring_a life_n he_o disdain_v not_o to_o succour_v the_o infirm_a in_o his_o miraculous_a life_n in_o a_o word_n he_o resign_v himself_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o sinner_n a_o sacrifice_n and_o be_v offer_v a_o holy_a offering_n on_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n o_o wonderful_a he_o die_v between_o two_o thief_n in_o the_o company_n of_o man_n so_o much_o please_v with_o the_o society_n and_o commerce_n of_o man_n what_o religion_n ever_o have_v the_o presence_n of_o its_o god_n so_o visible_a what_o be_v be_v ever_o advance_v to_o so_o great_a a_o honour_n to_o none_o but_o the_o christian_a be_v this_o great_a favour_n grant_v a_o commerce_n so_o sacred_a that_o it_o make_v man_n god_n and_o god_n man_n by_o the_o ineffable_a mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n god_n unite_v the_o earth_n to_o heaven_n and_o heaven_n to_o earth_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n john_n 1.14_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o all_o nature_n rejoice_v at_o this_o happiness_n st._n john_n transport_v with_o love_n and_o joy_n represent_v to_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o benefit_n say_v 1.1_o it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n that_o we_o have_v hear_v that_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v on_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v so_o true_a be_v it_o that_o god_n by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n be_v with_o we_o and_o converse_v among_o we_o after_o a_o society_n whole_o divine_a and_o only_o proper_a to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian._n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o use_n christian_n ought_v to_o make_v of_o grace_n proceed_v from_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n in_o pursuit_n of_o these_o propose_a truth_n what_o may_v we_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o god_n but_o that_o his_o will_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v enter_v into_o a_o holy_a and_o divine_a society_n with_o he_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v separate_v ourselves_o from_o all_o that_o may_v hinder_v or_o profane_v this_o holy_a conversation_n with_o he_o since_o that_o jesus_n christ_n think_v of_o we_o converse_v with_o we_o by_o his_o divine_a mystery_n unite_v himself_o unto_o we_o and_o abase_v himself_o to_o be_v as_o one_o of_o we_o to_o be_v among_o we_o we_o ought_v likewise_o to_o think_v of_o none_o but_o he_o to_o love_v none_o but_o he_o to_o converse_v with_o none_o but_o he_o and_o like_o the_o apostle_n dwell_v upon_o earth_n to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n 3.20_o justin_n martyr_n show_v what_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v sai_z christian_n be_v in_o the_o body_n but_o they_o live_v not_o according_a to_o the_o body_n they_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n but_o their_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n this_o god_n require_v of_o we_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v the_o use_n we_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n flow_v from_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n but_o alas_o it_o be_v pity_n that_o jesus_n be_v now_o reveal_v unto_o we_o live_v with_o we_o and_o among_o we_o we_o apply_v thereto_o so_o little_a of_o ourselves_o of_o our_o thought_n and_o of_o our_o love_n and_o busy_v ourselves_o in_o thing_n so_o small_a profane_a and_o mean_a even_o such_o as_o be_v unworthy_a of_o man_n let_v we_o do_v like_o he_o love_n make_v he_o forget_v himself_o to_o converse_v with_o we_o let_v we_o come_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o forget_v all_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v raise_v ourselves_o to_o he_o that_o all_o our_o content_n may_v be_v in_o he_o moreover_o the_o state_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o this_o mystery_n oblige_v we_o to_o be_v holy_a see_v jesus_n christ_n with_o who_o we_o converse_v be_v holy_a the_o apostle_n say_v 1.15_o as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v you_o be_v holy_a be_v you_o also_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n speak_v walk_a work_a and_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v he_o that_o live_v after_o any_o other_o manner_n say_v st._n cyprian_n then_o holy_o dishonour_v the_o title_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o jesus_n christ._n let_v such_o as_o believe_v not_o sanctity_n necessary_a for_o all_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o live_v include_v in_o cloister_n consider_v these_o word_n we_o see_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n enter_v into_o commerce_n and_o society_n with_o we_o dwell_v with_o we_o be_v clothe_v with_o our_o humanity_n god_n be_v make_v man_n that_o man_n may_v be_v make_v god_n 6._o not_o by_o simple_a denomination_n as_o god_n say_v to_o moses_n i_o have_v make_v thou_o a_o god_n to_o pharaoh_n and_o king_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v style_v god_n but_o real_o and_o by_o a_o be_v which_o deify_v they_o for_o as_o they_o be_v true_a child_n of_o god_n by_o grace_n and_o as_o true_o child_n by_o grace_n as_o christ_n be_v
be_v nothing_o for_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o good_a will_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v never_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n without_o grace_n and_o after_o all_o this_o perseverance_n in_o good_a be_v necessary_a for_o he_o only_o shall_v be_v crown_v who_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n 2.10_o yet_o we_o can_v have_v nor_o merit_v it_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n only_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n a_o pure_a effect_n of_o his_o bounty_n herein_o appear_v the_o extreme_a need_n that_o we_o have_v of_o god_n how_o necessary_a this_o grace_n be_v to_o we_o not_o only_o to_o do_v well_o but_o also_o to_o persevere_v from_o these_o truth_n we_o learn_v that_o a_o christian_n that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v not_o only_o have_v a_o good_a will_n or_o entertain_v a_o good_a intention_n but_o further_o he_o must_v serious_o seek_v god_n adhere_v to_o he_o and_o possess_v he_o since_o in_o he_o alone_o consist_v the_o grace_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o do_v well_o and_o to_o end_v well_o in_o a_o holy_a perseverance_n salvation_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n so_o easy_a as_o we_o conceive_v for_o we_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o our_o self_n as_o our_o self_n that_o can_v help_v to_o save_v we_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o grace_n and_o by_o sin_n conspire_v our_o ruin_n he_o that_o will_v save_v himself_o must_v seek_v from_o without_o himself_o the_o way_n of_o his_o salvation_n the_o power_n to_o do_v work_n worthy_a of_o paradise_n the_o power_n to_o serve_v god_n which_o he_o can_v find_v but_o in_o jesus_n christ_n there_o he_o must_v seek_v it_o of_o he_o alone_o he_o must_v have_v the_o power_n to_o serve_v god_n the_o merit_n of_o his_o good_a work_n the_o grace_n of_o perseverance_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o life_n consequent_o he_o must_v possess_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o if_o he_o will_v attain_v his_o happiness_n nothing_o else_o be_v of_o advantage_n 15.5_o see_v jesus_n christ_n say_v himself_o without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o rule_n and_o constitution_n may_v be_v give_v we_o use_v and_o document_n may_v be_v prescribe_v to_o practice_v virtue_n and_o to_o attain_v to_o christian_a perfection_n but_o all_o will_v be_v without_o profit_n and_o stability_n if_o we_o go_v not_o out_o of_o ourselves_o to_o possess_v jesus_n his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n to_o receive_v in_o he_o and_o of_o he_o true_a virtue_n stability_n and_o perseverance_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n be_v whole_o to_o have_v true_a virtue_n and_o christianity_n and_o perfect_o to_o accomplish_v the_o action_n and_o practice_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o if_o we_o examine_v these_o principle_n of_o truth_n we_o shall_v immediate_o find_v from_o whence_o arrive_v a_o evil_a common_o observable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o many_o soul_n live_v in_o a_o good_a observance_n labour_n much_o and_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o virtue_n yet_o make_v little_a or_o no_o progress_n towards_o the_o perfection_n that_o they_o desire_v and_o never_o arrive_v at_o the_o end_n which_o they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o if_o a_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v for_o a_o misfortune_n so_o general_a it_o appear_v that_o this_o can_v proceed_v from_o any_o thing_n but_o that_o such_o soul_n seek_v not_o god_n pure_o nor_o resign_v themselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n to_o follow_v with_o simplicity_n and_o fidelity_n the_o order_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v on_o they_o but_o with_o a_o respect_n to_o themselves_o desirous_a to_o rise_v and_o arrive_v to_o a_o estate_n whereunto_o god_n do_v not_o call_v they_o or_o they_o refuse_v to_o labour_v with_o fidelity_n to_o attain_v that_o whereunto_o god_n call_v they_o they_o regard_v not_o god_n they_o work_v not_o by_o grace_n nor_o seek_v it_o where_o it_o be_v but_o trust_v in_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o work_v not_o with_o submission_n to_o grace_v itself_o they_o seek_v not_o in_o jesus_n christ_n strength_n and_o power_n to_o work_v for_o they_o think_v not_o of_o it_o be_v so_o blind_a that_o they_o rely_v upon_o themselves_o and_o by_o secret_a esteem_n of_o their_o own_o action_n and_o labour_n easy_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o there_o be_v virtue_n where_o none_o be_v and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o some_o estate_n of_o perfection_n when_o they_o be_v very_o far_o from_o it_o confide_v in_o their_o own_o good_a will_n or_o in_o a_o simple_a intention_n which_o they_o think_v good_a believe_v this_o enough_o for_o they_o they_o neglect_v or_o despise_v all_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n now_o to_o remedy_v this_o evil_a which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v you_o must_v practice_v what_o i_o shall_v tell_v you_o 1._o we_o must_v be_v in_o will_n and_o perpetual_a desire_n of_o god_n in_o a_o resolution_n not_o to_o love_v or_o act_n but_o by_o grace_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n this_o desire_n be_v a_o disposition_n little_o know_v yet_o more_o important_a than_o it_o seem_v for_o god_n will_v be_v desire_v and_o take_v pleasure_n to_o see_v a_o soul_n thirst_n and_o run_v after_o he_o we_o see_v that_o he_o defer_v his_o great_a mercy_n and_o give_v not_o his_o son_n to_o the_o world_n till_o 4000_o year_n after_o man_n have_v desire_v he_o 2._o we_o must_v demand_v his_o spirit_n with_o earnestness_n cry_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n after_o jesus_n the_o only_o free_a of_o our_o soul_n the_o true_a principle_n of_o grace_n 3._o all_o our_o recourse_n must_v be_v to_o jesus_n not_o rely_v or_o confide_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o his_o power_n virtue_n and_o grace_n to_o love_v and_o act_n by_o his_o disposition_n this_o be_v proper_o that_o we_o call_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o submission_n to_o grace_n let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o truth_n to_o give_v ourselves_o light_a and_o to_o let_v those_o that_o will_v be_v save_v know_v the_o need_n they_o have_v of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n they_o ought_v to_o observe_v in_o their_o action_n to_o render_v themselves_o worthy_a of_o god_n faith_n teach_v we_o that_o every_o good_a gift_n 1.17_o and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n that_o the_o eternal_a father_n give_v we_o all_o by_o his_o son_n and_o in_o his_o son_n and_o consequent_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v make_v all_o thing_n to_o we_o in_o he_o we_o have_v all_o out_o of_o he_o we_o have_v nothing_o whence_o he_o be_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n 4.10_o and_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o the_o eternal_a father_n who_o give_v we_o his_o son_n say_v that_o he_o be_v make_v all_o thing_n unto_o we_o by_o he_o we_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n 1.30_o who_o become_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o redemption_n these_o word_n represent_v unto_o we_o two_o truth_n first_o that_o we_o be_v in_o jesus_n which_o show_v we_o the_o adherence_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v to_o jesus_n christ._n the_o other_o that_o we_o have_v all_o in_o he_o as_o have_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o who_o be_v true_a love_n true_a wisdom_n and_o assure_a salvation_n by_o those_o truth_n we_o learn_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a gift_n of_o god_n we_o have_v nothing_o if_o we_o possess_v not_o he_o we_o must_v therefore_o labour_v to_o become_v fit_a to_o possess_v he_o with_o the_o effect_n that_o he_o will_v operate_v in_o we_o herein_o consist_v the_o practice_n of_o christian_a life_n to_o receive_v jesus_n as_o a_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o possess_v he_o as_o a_o great_a treasure_n to_o offer_v he_o to_o god_n to_o refer_v he_o to_o his_o father_n and_o with_o he_o our_o be_v our_o life_n and_o action_n our_o soul_n must_v be_v continual_o employ_v in_o this_o double_a practice_n in_o these_o two_o continual_a motion_n towards_o god_n one_o to_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o grace_n the_o other_o to_o offer_v he_o to_o his_o father_n he_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o gift_n and_o with_o he_o to_o refer_v ourselves_o entire_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o holy_a will_n the_o three_o motive_n chap._n vii_o that_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o such_o he_o must_v be_v rule_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o live_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o most_o noble_a quality_n man_n can_v have_v on_o earth_n the_o most_o happy_a condition_n whereto_o he_o may_v be_v advance_v be_v that_o of_o a_o christian._n by_o this_o state_n god_n always_o good_a and_o full_a of_o mercy_n relieve_v he_o in_o his_o fault_n repair_v his_o
as_o in_o the_o church_n he_o be_v feed_v with_o the_o body_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n among_o the_o true_a vertus_fw-fr which_o we_o must_v possess_v that_o which_o be_v as_o the_o gold_n and_o enamel_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v purity_n a_o virtue_n altogether_o necessary_a yet_o either_o despise_v or_o little_o know_v if_o we_o will_v see_v the_o necessity_n thereof_o let_v we_o only_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o wherein_o consist_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n the_o perfect_a christian_a must_v live_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o must_v carry_v god_n he_o must_v possess_v god_n 14.23_o if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o say_v christ_n he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v into_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o which_o we_o must_v not_o only_o understand_v of_o justify_v and_o 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holy_a of_o holies_n what_o ought_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n to_o be_v where_o god_n have_v make_v himself_o a_o seat_n which_o he_o have_v choose_v and_o consecrate_v to_o be_v the_o throne_n of_o his_o love_n we_o must_v believe_v god_n will_v require_v in_o we_o a_o purity_n worthy_a of_o god_n see_v he_o who_o be_v purity_n itself_o will_v dwell_v eternal_o in_o we_o this_o purity_n that_o god_n demand_n and_o whereof_o he_o be_v worthy_a be_v so_o divine_a that_o our_o strength_n can_v arrive_v unto_o it_o he_o must_v give_v it_o he_o must_v assist_v our_o importance_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o fire_n of_o his_o love_n the_o lightning_n of_o his_o light_n the_o force_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o can_v purge_v expiate_v and_o consume_v all_o in_o we_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o purity_n in_o brief_a it_o belong_v to_o god_n alone_o to_o place_v we_o in_o the_o purity_n that_o he_o require_v of_o we_o this_o show_v how_o much_o those_o soul_n be_v deceive_v who_o think_v to_o possess_v god_n and_o be_v well_o with_o he_o yet_o be_v more_o remote_a from_o he_o then_o heaven_n be_v from_o earth_n we_o need_v not_o but_o to_o behold_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o effect_n what_o its_o cause_n be_v now_o as_o this_o purity_n be_v altogether_o necessary_a to_o possess_v god_n so_o it_o be_v our_o part_n to_o desire_v and_o to_o demand_v it_o of_o he_o and_o our_o principal_a care_n must_v be_v to_o purify_v our_o heart_n to_o make_v it_o to_o bear_v god_n we_o must_v offer_v it_o to_o he_o that_o we_o may_v bring_v to_o ourselves_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o say_n of_o god_n to_o his_o spouse_n and_o to_o all_o other_o my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n we_o must_v give_v and_o resign_v it_o to_o he_o alone_o 23.26_o it_o be_v his_o desire_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o our_o happiness_n if_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o accept_v it_o it_o will_v be_v his_o when_o he_o please_v to_o make_v it_o such_o as_o he_o require_v it_o this_o be_v not_o all_o we_o must_v cooperate_v herein_o and_o labour_n with_o care_n and_o vigilancy_n that_o we_o may_v employ_v ourselves_o herein_o with_o courage_n and_o labour_n with_o profit_n let_v we_o therefore_o see_v wherein_o this_o purity_n consist_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v understand_v two_o way_n one_o that_o we_o must_v purify_v our_o heart_n from_o all_o sort_n of_o sin_n and_o voluntary_a imperfection_n god_n enter_v not_o into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n nor_o inhabit_v in_o a_o body_n enslave_v to_o sin_n we_o mean_v not_o only_o gross_a sin_n but_o ordinary_a fail_n even_o all_o fault_n be_v they_o never_o so_o little_a for_o god_n be_v purity_n itself_o can_v inhabit_v in_o a_o heart_n if_o he_o find_v not_o or_o put_v not_o therein_o this_o purity_n and_o be_v infinite_o good_a he_o infinite_o hate_v evil_a whatsoever_o it_o be_v and_o though_o the_o least_o fault_n drive_v not_o god_n out_o of_o our_o soul_n yet_o they_o make_v a_o division_n and_o unsettle_v the_o soul_n from_o god_n they_o make_v great_a spoil_n in_o the_o heart_n they_o undermine_v it_o they_o brand_v it_o they_o indispose_v it_o and_o be_v so_o it_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o god_n and_o become_v the_o object_n of_o his_o justice._n the_o soul_n that_o know_v how_o to_o esteem_v of_o god_n and_o bear_v any_o impression_n of_o his_o purity_n will_v think_v more_o than_o i_o say_v and_o never_o consent_v to_o the_o least_o imperfection_n all_o be_v insupportable_a to_o she_o that_o she_o know_v to_o be_v disacceptable_a to_o god_n she_o have_v no_o consideration_n of_o estate_n honour_n her_o own_o good_a or_o of_o man_n where_o she_o see_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n capable_a to_o offend_v the_o eye_n and_o heart_n of_o her_o god_n all_o her_o care_n be_v to_o detest_v and_o extirpate_v not_o only_o the_o least_o fault_n but_o to_o quit_v renounce_v and_o separate_v herself_o from_o whatsoever_o she_o know_v to_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n it_o be_v the_o chief_a advice_n of_o st._n augustine_n before_o any_o work_n say_v he_o be_v sure_a to_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o take_v from_o it_o all_o that_o you_o observe_v displease_v to_o god_n when_o he_o will_v have_v we_o take_v from_o our_o heart_n all_o that_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n he_o discover_v a_o great_a secret_a he_o will_v have_v we_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o take_v out_o of_o we_o all_o that_o be_v of_o adam_n he_o will_v have_v we_o annihilate_v our_o inclination_n because_o whatsoever_o be_v of_o adam_n be_v impure_a and_o opposite_a to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o ever_o contrary_a to_o he_o whence_o we_o conclude_v that_o he_o who_o will_v possess_v jesus_n must_v do_v all_o he_o can_v possible_a to_o dispossess_v himself_o of_o and_o to_o drive_v away_o adam_n this_o spirit_n of_o adam_n and_o his_o inclination_n can_v no_o more_o subsist_v in_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o the_o idol_n dagon_n can_v stand_v before_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n all_o that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o be_v not_o of_o god_n be_v impure_a and_o unworthy_a of_o god_n and_o all_o that_o be_v out_o of_o god_n can_v produce_v no_o good_a nor_o any_o thing_n worthy_a of_o god_n these_o be_v great_a truth_n such_o as_o may_v transport_v our_o spirit_n yet_o let_v we_o not_o be_v astonish_v at_o this_o proposition_n as_o too_o high_a and_o impossible_a and_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o therein_o be_v nothing_o too_o much_o but_o rather_o far_o less_o than_o so_o worthy_a a_o subject_a merit_n if_o we_o consider_v how_o pure_a that_o soul_n must_v be_v that_o will_v please_v god_n be_v in_o god_n and_o possess_v god_n and_o what_o purity_n it_o must_v have_v to_o be_v one_o with_o god_n for_o thereon_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a happy_o terminate_v o_o great_a god_n how_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o o_o god_n of_o adorable_a purity_n how_o few_o be_v fit_a to_o possess_v thou_o by_o the_o light_n of_o these_o truth_n we_o may_v discover_v the_o abuse_n and_o deceit_n in_o christian_n devotion_n some_o think_v that_o they_o hold_v god_n by_o the_o hand_n already_o and_o believe_v themselves_o well_o advance_v in_o perfection_n in_o that_o they_o communicate_v in_o that_o they_o fast_o and_o pray_v every_o day_n and_o a_o thousand_o such_o like_a thing_n wherein_o they_o exercise_v themselves_o they_o have_v the_o taste_n and_o sense_n of_o devotion_n they_o speak_v well_o of_o god_n and_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v they_o they_o say_v they_o be_v ravish_v in_o god_n but_o consider_v they_o well_o you_o shall_v find_v they_o live_v whole_o according_a to_o their_o own_o inclination_n they_o mind_v only_o their_o own_o
must_v make_v choice_n of_o including_z all_o the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n whatsoever_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o these_o the_o first_o estate_n wherein_o we_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n be_v that_o which_o we_o receive_v in_o baptism_n where_o we_o be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n the_o excellency_n of_o this_o estate_n consist_v herein_o that_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n by_o this_o sacrament_n of_o reconciliation_n give_v we_o at_o once_o a_o new_a be_v and_o a_o new_a birth_n it_o sanctify_v and_o consecrate_v we_o by_o a_o unction_n altogether_o extraordinary_a and_o divine_a and_o by_o this_o extraordinary_a consecration_n draw_v we_o from_o ourselves_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o common_a tempest_n of_o the_o world_n to_o dedicate_v and_o refer_v we_o whole_o to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n to_o call_v we_o to_o a_o holy_a conversation_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v with_o divine_a person_n as_o the_o belove_a apostle_n say_v that_o our_o fellowship_n may_v be_v with_o the_o father_n 1.3_o and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n that_o by_o this_o society_n we_o may_v become_v worthy_a and_o capable_a of_o the_o effect_n of_o grace_n and_o divine_a communication_n to_o be_v with_o god_n and_o possess_v of_o god_n that_o which_o make_v this_o favour_n most_o admirable_a be_v that_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n do_v vouchsafe_v to_o apply_v itself_o to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o work_n in_o a_o very_a particular_a manner_n it_o sanctify_v and_o consecrate_v we_o not_o after_o that_o ordinary_a way_n wherewith_o it_o act_n and_o perform_v all_o other_o work_v common_a to_o the_o three_o person_n but_o in_o this_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o sacrament_n of_o life_n it_o consecrate_v we_o in_o a_o manner_n whole_o singular_a and_o full_a of_o mystery_n altogether_o great_a and_o full_a of_o love_n the_o father_n sanctify_v we_o give_v we_o his_o son_n the_o son_n become_v incarnate_a suffer_v and_o rise_v again_o for_o we_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v in_o we_o justification_n infuse_v into_o we_o the_o abundance_n of_o those_o grace_n the_o son_n merit_v for_o we_o thus_o the_o three_o person_n by_o distinct_a operation_n proper_a to_o every_o person_n effect_n in_o we_o this_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n in_o this_o manner_n thus_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n apply_v itself_o whole_o to_o we_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o proper_a to_o this_o sacrament_n to_o consecrate_v we_o to_o their_o glory_n and_o honour_n a_o consecration_n so_o high_a and_o mysterious_a that_o it_o contain_v all_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n whence_o the_o father_n call_v baptism_n the_o sacrament_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o first_o dignity_n whereto_o the_o christian_a soul_n be_v advance_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o let_v we_o go_v on_o and_o penetrate_v further_o into_o this_o mystery_n of_o love_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o this_o consecration_n o_o miracle_n of_o the_o infinite_a bounty_n of_o god_n place_v we_o in_o god_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n be_v in_o we_o not_o after_o the_o manner_n that_o he_o be_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n nor_o by_o any_o gift_n or_o create_v grace_n but_o after_o a_o whole_o extraordinary_a way_n which_o give_v he_o to_o we_o and_o cause_v he_o to_o dwell_v in_o we_o here_o god_n do_v disclose_v his_o heart_n to_o we_o the_o father_n show_v and_o give_v we_o his_o son_n the_o son_n give_v and_o apply_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o mystery_n and_o both_o together_o make_v one_o profusion_n and_o communication_n of_o their_o love_n send_v and_o give_v we_o the_o holy_a spirit_n thus_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n dwell_v in_o we_o consecrate_v we_o and_o fill_v we_o with_o their_o presence_n and_o abundance_n of_o grace_n that_o which_o be_v admirable_a in_o the_o excess_n of_o this_o divine_a love_n make_v this_o grace_n and_o estate_n singular_o eminent_a be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o creature_n not_o the_o angel_n themselves_o be_v advance_v to_o this_o dignity_n it_o be_v reserve_v only_o for_o christian_n who_o be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n after_o so_o holy_a and_o mystical_a a_o manner_n it_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o comprehend_v such_o rare_a advantage_n but_o let_v we_o content_v ourselves_o to_o consider_v first_o that_o all_o creature_n be_v refer_v to_o god_n but_o a_o christian_n not_o only_o refer_v but_o consecrate_v as_o if_o you_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o belong_v more_o to_o god_n and_o be_v more_o holy_a than_o all_o other_o creature_n o_o how_o beautiful_a be_v this_o truth_n worthy_a to_o make_v we_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n second_o we_o know_v that_o both_o angel_n and_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n be_v replenish_v with_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o god_n but_o the_o christian_a in_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o only_o fill_v with_o divine_a gift_n and_o benefit_n but_o with_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n itself_o which_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o consecrate_v he_o after_o the_o manner_n we_o have_v declare_v three_o all_o creature_n even_o angel_n themselves_o behold_v god_n in_o some_o of_o his_o divine_a quality_n as_o the_o seraphin_n in_o his_o love_n the_o cherubim_n in_o his_o knowledge_n the_o throne_n in_o his_o stability_n and_o so_o the_o rest_n but_o the_o christian_a by_o a_o happy_a advantage_n behold_v and_o relate_v to_o he_o in_o the_o extent_n of_o all_o his_o greatness_n not_o only_o as_o creator_n but_o as_o father_n saviour_n and_o sanctifier_n not_o only_o as_o god_n consider_v in_o his_o nature_n and_o divine_a essence_n common_a to_o the_o three_o person_n but_o by_o a_o happy_a reflection_n he_o distinct_o behold_v the_o three_o divine_a person_n and_o refer_v himself_o to_o god_n as_o the_o father_n as_o the_o son_n and_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o by_o one_o special_a and_o singular_a grace_n communicate_v to_o he_o in_o baptism_n he_o be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n and_o make_v the_o temple_n throne_n and_o residence_n of_o the_o ineffable_a immense_a and_o adorable_a trinity_n what_o can_v be_v more_o say_v chap._n ii_o how_o holy_a the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v consecrate_v to_o god_n by_o baptism_n we_o can_v say_v too_o much_o upon_o this_o subject_a which_o contain_v so_o many_o excellency_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o such_o extraordinary_a favour_n of_o god_n and_o when_o we_o have_v say_v all_o we_o can_v we_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o be_v far_o short_a of_o the_o subject_a we_o know_v that_o god_n work_v great_a matter_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o elect_n that_o his_o love_n mercy_n and_o divine_a liberality_n be_v as_o incomprehensible_a as_o ineffable_a which_o be_v so_o what_o can_v be_v add_v to_o the_o love_n that_o god_n express_v to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n what_o more_o can_v be_v hope_v if_o according_a to_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o believe_v god_n give_v his_o son_n to_o the_o world_n make_v he_o like_o unto_o we_o to_o make_v himself_o more_o capable_a of_o be_v merciful_a unto_o we_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o same_o god_n of_o love_n will_v show_v himself_o bountiful_a in_o all_o thing_n else_o since_o he_o have_v make_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a communication_n of_o his_o love_n and_o of_o himself_o in_o thus_o give_v we_o his_o son_n it_o can_v seem_v strange_a if_o now_o after_o so_o divine_a a_o gift_n he_o bestow_v on_o we_o his_o grace_n to_o exalt_v we_o to_o so_o holy_a a_o be_v a_o estate_n which_o consecrate_v we_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o possess_v god_n nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o he_o that_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n we_o ought_v only_o to_o consider_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o a_o disposition_n to_o receive_v all_o that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o christian_n do_v follow_v the_o light_n of_o faith_n as_o they_o be_v oblige_v that_o be_v guide_v and_o illuminate_v by_o this_o heavenly_a pharos_n they_o may_v know_v the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o these_o mystery_n that_o know_v they_o they_o may_v adhere_v to_o they_o that_o adhere_v to_o they_o they_o may_v become_v capable_a of_o that_o grace_n which_o they_o include_v and_o god_n will_v communicate_v to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v thereby_o profit_v as_o christ_n will_v who_o offer_v his_o gift_n desire_v we_o shall_v receive_v and_o use_v they_o according_a to_o his_o intention_n this_o counsel_n we_o ought_v to_o follow_v in_o all_o these_o mystery_n let_v we_o begin_v by_o
he_o and_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n demand_v of_o we_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o regeneration_n &_o baptism_n be_v consecrate_v to_o god_n by_o baptism_n after_o so_o divine_a a_o manner_n we_o be_v no_o more_o now_o our_o own_o but_o belong_v whole_o to_o he_o nor_o ought_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o ourselves_o but_o for_o he_o if_o any_o profane_a thing_n be_v offer_v to_o god_n consecrate_v by_o ceremony_n or_o dedicate_v to_o celebration_n of_o the_o divine_a office_n be_v by_o this_o mean_v abstract_v from_o common_a use_n and_o its_o particular_a end_n to_o be_v whole_o employ_v in_o sacred_a thing_n much_o more_o a_o christian_n consecrate_v to_o the_o holy_a trinity_n by_o baptism_n solemn_o dedicate_v to_o god_n service_n and_o refer_v to_o his_o glory_n aught_o to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o himself_o and_o such_o profane_a custom_n as_o of_o himself_o he_o may_v commit_v in_o his_o life_n and_o action_n to_o be_v refer_v in_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v to_o the_o service_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n from_o these_o propose_a truth_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n communicate_v by_o baptism_n whereto_o we_o have_v right_a by_o this_o sacrament_n do_v advance_v man_n above_o all_o creature_n and_o withdraw_v he_o from_o this_o world_n to_o associate_v with_o god_n and_o to_o become_v his_o temple_n and_o throne_n of_o rest_n that_o be_v separate_v from_o care_n and_o love_n of_o the_o creature_n he_o may_v cleave_v to_o god_n only_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o the_o woman_n in_o the_o apocalypse_n 12._o clothe_v with_o the_o sun_n and_o have_v the_o moon_n under_o her_o foot_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o soul_n be_v replenish_v with_o the_o true_a sun_n of_o righteousness_n aught_o to_o raise_v themselves_o above_o all_o creature_n and_o possess_v god_n contemn_v all_o that_o be_v not_o god_n of_o god_n or_o for_o god_n the_o learned_a origen_n say_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v as_o beyond_o and_o above_o the_o world_n all_o that_o be_v consecrate_v to_o god_n mean_v only_o those_o who_o by_o the_o ceremony_n and_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n resign_v themselves_o to_o god_n service_n if_o this_o be_v true_a in_o bare_a ceremony_n how_o much_o more_o be_v he_o who_o god_n himself_o consecrate_v in_o this_o sacrament_n beyond_o the_o world_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n of_o jesus_n christ_n when_o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o he_o have_v infuse_v into_o his_o apostle_n he_o say_v recommend_v they_o and_o with_o they_o all_o the_o elect_a unto_o his_o father_n 7.16_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n i_o likewise_o be_o not_o of_o the_o world_n where_o we_o see_v evident_o that_o according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o jesus_n christ_n a_o christian_a must_v be_v no_o long_o of_o this_o world_n nor_o pretend_v further_o to_o the_o creature_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v when_o he_o become_v man_n and_o live_v upon_o earth_n we_o learn_v further_o that_o by_o this_o consecration_n and_o the_o state_n whereunto_o we_o be_v advance_v by_o baptism_n god_n assume_v a_o second_o interest_n in_o we_o beside_o that_o of_o creation_n and_o in_o compliance_n with_o this_o new_a right_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o his_o and_o live_v only_o for_o he_o for_o he_o have_v right_a to_o make_v in_o we_o and_o of_o we_o all_o that_o he_o please_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o divine_a will_n i_o need_v give_v no_o other_o reason_n hereof_o then_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 20._o which_o be_v in_o you_o which_o you_o have_v of_o god_n and_o you_o be_v not_o your_o own_o for_o you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n therefore_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o body_n and_o in_o your_o spirit_n which_o be_v go_n consider_v deliberate_o this_o christian_a truth_n weigh_v all_o these_o word_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v how_o much_o you_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o aught_o to_o live_v for_o god_n reject_v not_o this_o as_o a_o matter_n new_a or_o too_o high_a it_o much_o import_v to_o your_o good_a if_o you_o can_v comprehend_v it_o at_o least_o admire_v it_o and_o since_o they_o be_v truth_n you_o ought_v to_o believe_v they_o by_o faith_n you_o shall_v enter_v into_o a_o estimate_n of_o your_o estate_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v so_o divine_a and_o eminent_a that_o you_o can_v comprehend_v it_o but_o can_v only_o say_v that_o he_o that_o be_v all_o power_n will_v effect_v great_a thing_n in_o you_o now_o if_o you_o will_v endeavour_v to_o profit_n by_o these_o propose_a verity_n first_o take_v heed_n you_o commit_v no_o sacrilege_n in_o serve_v any_o other_o but_o god_n since_o you_o be_v consecrate_v for_o his_o glory_n be_v careful_a to_o refer_v yourself_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o offer_v to_o he_o all_o your_o action_n be_v they_o never_o so_o little_a for_o they_o all_o belong_v unto_o he_o and_o he_o know_v how_o from_o the_o low_a mean_a thing_n to_o bring_v honour_n to_o himself_o second_o see_v god_n have_v separate_v you_o from_o the_o world_n consecrate_v you_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o that_o by_o baptism_n solemn_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n you_o have_v renounce_v all_o its_o greatness_n and_o variety_n take_v heed_n you_o deceive_v not_o god_n or_o rather_o yourselves_o adhere_v to_o the_o creature_n search_v after_o and_o follow_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o time_n but_o see_v that_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o promise_n you_o have_v make_v to_o god_n you_o do_v disentangle_v yourself_o all_o the_o day_n of_o your_o life_n as_o much_o as_o you_o can_v possible_a from_o these_o creature_n three_o take_v your_o affection_n off_o from_o they_o and_o if_o you_o will_v do_v well_o despise_v they_o all_o for_o god_n that_o your_o heart_n consecrate_v by_o a_o unction_n so_o holy_a may_v be_v only_o for_o god_n and_o love_v none_o but_o god_n the_o best_a foundation_n of_o piety_n be_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o great_a esteem_n of_o god_n and_o what_o you_o be_v unto_o he_o so_o to_o contemn_v the_o world_n and_o all_o therein_o four_o see_v you_o have_v no_o right_n to_o yourself_o be_v mark_v with_o the_o character_n of_o god_n substance_n so_o saint_n cyprian_n call_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o be_v whole_o he_o let_v he_o make_v use_n of_o what_o be_v he_o go_v out_o of_o yourself_o go_v out_o of_o your_o own_o interest_n to_o god_n aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o therein_o place_v your_o principal_a care_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o important_a in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a nothing_o more_o profitable_a or_o necessary_a then_o to_o leave_v whole_o himself_o to_o god_n and_o to_o search_v diligent_o after_o god_n only_o this_o it_o be_v that_o god_n require_v of_o you_o for_o this_o benefit_n whereunto_o you_o be_v oblige_v in_o the_o susception_n of_o baptism_n and_o by_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n the_o second_o prerogative_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o filial_a adoption_n of_o god_n whereto_o all_o christian_n be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n a_o work_n of_o love_n and_o the_o masterpiece_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o this_o they_o have_v their_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n from_o this_o they_o flow_v as_o from_o their_o source_n and_o principle_n this_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o and_o adore_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o happiness_n for_o in_o and_o by_o it_o we_o have_v all_o that_o we_o can-desire_n all_o the_o greatness_n all_o the_o privilege_n and_o abundance_n of_o grace_n communicate_v to_o we_o in_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n flow_v from_o this_o ineffable_a mystery_n as_o its_o spring_n it_o require_v a_o eternity_n to_o consider_v so_o worthy_a a_o object_n to_o look_v into_o the_o excellency_n and_o to_o contemplate_v the_o effect_n thereof_o let_v we_o here_o make_v a_o pause_n to_o consider_v this_o grace_n the_o most_o advantageous_a of_o all_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o this_o mystery_n which_o give_v we_o right_a and_o admission_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o grace_n of_o filiation_n which_o make_v we_o child_n of_o god_n by_o adoption_n a_o grace_n give_v to_o man_n when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n become_v man_n make_v man_n the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o this_o benefit_n we_o be_v no_o long_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n but_o of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v god_n call_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o everlasting_a father_n by_o this_o grace_n
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
of_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o the_o favour_n wherewith_o the_o powerful_a hand_n of_o the_o divinity_n have_v so_o liberal_o enrich_v he_o and_o degrade_v he_o of_o all_o honour_n and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o condition_n of_o meanness_n impotence_n and_o error_n this_o goodly_a spirit_n of_o man_n or_o rather_o this_o man_n all_o spirit_n be_v now_o nothing_o but_o flesh_n this_o beautiful_a soul_n which_o breathe_v for_o nothing_o but_o heaven_n entertain_v itself_o so_o delicious_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o infallible_a truth_n and_o be_v enrich_v with_o contemplation_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n as_o with_o divine_a dew_n and_o heavenly_a manna_n after_o so_o deplorable_a a_o fall_n obstinate_o link_n himself_o to_o the_o perishable_a good_n of_o this_o world_n believe_v in_o lie_n seek_v after_o vanity_n and_o can_v no_o more_o elevate_v himself_o to_o god_n so_o miserable_a and_o impotent_a have_v sin_n make_v he_o o_o unhappiness_n which_o can_v sufficient_o be_v bewail_v man_n who_o by_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o creation_n have_v eye_n to_o contemplate_v only_o his_o creator_n and_o convert_v himself_o whole_o to_o he_o have_v no_o heart_n but_o to_o love_v he_o no_o spirit_n but_o to_o adhere_v to_o he_o after_o so_o fatal_a a_o cast_n whole_o turn_v away_o from_o god_n regard_v nothing_o but_o himself_o be_v whole_o convert_v to_o the_o creature_n live_v as_o a_o beast_n only_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o like_o a_o beast_n without_o judgement_n the_o apostle_n go_v further_a for_o describe_v the_o estate_n whereto_o the_o sinner_n be_v reduce_v he_o declare_v he_o uncapable_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n say_v he_o receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v hence_o i_o doubt_v lest_o the_o way_n i_o intend_v to_o propose_v which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n appear_v too_o high_a or_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o our_o spirit_n i_o confess_v they_o be_v so_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n impotency_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o contrary_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o relieve_v man_n after_o his_o fall_n to_o restore_v he_o those_o gift_n with_o advantage_n which_o he_o lose_v to_o render_v he_o capable_a of_o god_n in_o brief_a he_o be_v make_v man_n to_o teach_v man_n the_o true_a way_n to_o love_n and_o serve_v god_n he_o give_v the_o power_n have_v settle_v in_o his_o church_n a_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o grace_n whence_o all_o soul_n may_v draw_v strength_n in_o their_o weakness_n succour_n in_o their_o necessity_n and_o ability_n in_o the_o very_a impotency_n of_o their_o nature_n here_o of_o jesus_n man_n and_o god_n we_o be_v to_o learn_v the_o way_n to_o love_v and_o adore_v and_o to_o serve_v god_n from_o he_o we_o must_v have_v the_o grace_n to_o do_v it_o we_o must_v in_o and_o by_o jesus_n operate_v above_o our_o strength_n above_o our_o be_v and_o natural_a power_n and_o nothing_o aught_o to_o seem_v difficult_a to_o we_o or_o impossible_a for_o he_o see_v he_o give_v we_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n in_o abundance_n to_o accomplish_v it_o to_o believe_v this_o we_o must_v look_v back_o upon_o the_o design_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o profusion_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o leisurely_o examine_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n what_o he_o will_v operate_v in_o we_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o divine_a communication_n at_o the_o first_o view_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o grace_n draw_v from_o we_o our_o impotency_n advance_v we_o above_o our_o nature_n give_v we_o a_o new_a be_v a_o new_a life_n a_o life_n entire_a and_o whole_o hide_v in_o god_n a_o life_n proper_a to_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n according_a to_o which_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o live_v the_o son_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o the_o samaritan_n and_o in_o she_o to_o all_o the_o faithful_a make_v a_o discourse_n hereof_o worthy_a to_o be_v consider_v express_v a_o intention_n to_o establish_v his_o church_n 4.23_o the_o hour_n shall_v come_v say_v he_o and_o now_o be_v wherein_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o the_o reason_n he_o add_v god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o 24._o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n what_o more_o powerful_a and_o clear_a testimony_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o try_v and_o elect_v soul_n that_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n if_o he_o himself_o do_v choose_v they_o and_o call_v they_o to_o this_o new_a life_n be_v it_o not_o necessary_a that_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o election_n he_o give_v they_o grace_v necessary_a to_o arrive_v at_o such_o a_o estate_n let_v we_o consider_v this_o passage_n and_o ponder_v all_o the_o word_n of_o it_o 1._o jesus_n christ_n show_v we_o that_o our_o life_n must_v be_v holy_a and_o sever_v from_o the_o creature_n see_v that_o we_o must_v serve_v god_n in_o truth_n without_o amuse_v ourselves_o with_o the_o vanity_n and_o thing_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o lie_v in_o truth_n that_o be_v to_o say_v conformable_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n and_o to_o that_o principle_n whence_o the_o soul_n take_v power_n to_o serve_v god_n the_o grace_n spirit_n and_o disposition_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n we_o learn_v further_o that_o if_o perfection_n of_o this_o life_n be_v inward_a pure_a holy_a and_o absolute_o divine_a see_v it_o be_v and_o subsist_v in_o the_o adoration_n of_o god_n who_o as_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n pure_a and_o holy_a will_v be_v serve_v and_o adore_v in_o spirit_n 2._o jesus_n christ_n teach_v that_o we_o must_v wait_v upon_o he_o for_o this_o grace_n necessary_a to_o accomplish_v his_o command_n who_o require_v of_o we_o a_o life_n so_o pure_a and_o perfect_a oblige_v himself_o to_o give_v we_o necessary_a grace_n to_o arrive_v unto_o it_o since_o that_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o that_o which_o he_o teach_v in_o brief_a we_o see_v how_o much_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o require_v this_o grace_n to_o search_v after_o it_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o unto_o it_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o become_v worthy_a of_o it_o we_o must_v not_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o important_a as_o this_o of_o our_o salvation_n demur_v in_o consideration_n of_o our_o impotency_n or_o experience_n of_o our_o own_o incapacity_n but_o raise_v ourselves_o above_o ourselves_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v hope_v in_o he_o who_o command_v nothing_o impossible_a who_o give_v grace_n abundant_o to_o accomplish_v what_o he_o demand_v these_o be_v the_o first_o disposition_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o which_o those_o soul_n that_o have_v any_o desire_n to_o live_v christianly_o ought_v first_o of_o all_o to_o learn_v but_o it_o happen_v quite_o contrary_a the_o understanding_n of_o man_n be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o they_o desire_v not_o these_o internal_a solid_a virtue_n nor_o require_v they_o of_o god_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o many_o think_v it_o unnecessary_a to_o possess_v they_o and_o that_o such_o a_o life_n as_o we_o call_v interior_a be_v for_o few_o person_n as_o if_o jesus_n christ_n speak_v to_o the_o samaritan_n have_v speak_v only_o to_o she_o and_o not_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n other_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o attain_v they_o as_o not_o believe_v the_o apostle_n who_o say_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n which_o strengthen_v i_o 4.13_o a_o manifest_a error_n wherein_o many_o lose_v themselves_o in_o not_o sufficient_o consider_v what_o they_o daily_o see_v by_o common_a experience_n set_v before_o their_o eye_n if_o weak_a woman_n virgin_n and_o child_n have_v have_v strength_n sufficient_a notwithstanding_o their_o young_a and_o tender_a body_n to_o embrace_v torture_n almost_o insupportable_a and_o have_v by_o grace_n be_v strengthen_v to_o overcome_v those_o difficulty_n why_o shall_v not_o we_o believe_v also_o that_o abandon_v ourselves_o to_o the_o power_n and_o conduct_v of_o grace_n and_o become_v faithful_a to_o the_o design_n of_o god_n we_o may_v have_v sufficient_a grace_n and_o capacity_n to_o acquire_v these_o virtue_n if_o by_o the_o help_n of_o grace_n they_o can_v attain_v strength_n of_o body_n to_o support_v the_o rigour_n of_o a_o penitent_a life_n wherefore_o by_o favour_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n may_v not_o we_o arrive_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o true_a virtue_n wherein_o a_o
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
loss_n call_v and_o associate_n he_o to_o his_o divine_a greatness_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o capable_a of_o the_o life_n of_o his_o own_o son_n and_o by_o consequence_n he_o will_v fill_v he_o with_o the_o spirit_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o eternal_a father_n 14.1_o sai_z that_o he_o have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o our_o heart_n assure_v we_o that_o by_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v son_n of_o god_n and_o he_o frequent_o call_v christian_n the_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 5.30_o this_o quality_n and_o motive_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o state_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n that_o show_v what_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v and_o how_o eminent_a and_o accomplish_v the_o perfection_n be_v whereto_o he_o must_v arrive_v saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o 1.18_o we_o be_v member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n the_o mystical_a body_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n whereof_o jesus_n be_v the_o head_n 6.15_o and_o christian_n the_o member_n you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o member_n of_o his_o member_n say_v the_o apostle_n know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n this_o text_n be_v clear_a which_o if_o we_o consider_v intentive_o it_o will_v furnish_v we_o with_o rich_a thought_n and_o lift_v we_o up_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian._n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o piety_n of_o the_o reader_n to_o insist_v upon_o this_o subject_n if_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o be_v member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o we_o whole_o belong_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v to_o he_o in_o truth_n and_o by_o grace_n that_o which_o by_o nature_n the_o member_n be_v to_o their_o head_n by_o the_o head_n the_o member_n be_v enliven_v the_o head_n have_v the_o care_n and_o guidance_n of_o they_o all_o so_o in_o jesus_n and_o by_o jesus_n we_o be_v enliven_v guide_v and_o advance_v of_o his_o fullness_n have_v we_o all_o receive_v 1.16_o say_v saint_n john_n he_o be_v our_o life_n the_o soul_n of_o our_o soul_n say_v saint_n austin_n and_o much_o more_o than_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o life_n of_o our_o body_n now_o if_o the_o head_n and_o soul_n enliven_v guide_n animate_v and_o make_v the_o body_n to_o subsist_v if_o the_o body_n have_v a_o continual_a dependence_n on_o the_o conduct_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v it_o not_o also_o agreeable_a that_o a_o christian_a be_v animate_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o he_o possess_v and_o whereof_o he_o be_v whole_o possess_v that_o he_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o care_n and_o conduct_v and_o motion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o who_o he_o be_v a_o member_n these_o be_v the_o two_o estate_n wherein_o a_o perfect_a christian_a must_v be_v he_o must_v possess_v god_n and_o be_v resign_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o have_v already_o show_v how_o much_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v god_n and_o to_o possess_v he_o if_o he_o will_v arrive_v to_o the_o perfection_n to_o which_o he_o be_v call_v it_o remain_v that_o we_o know_v how_o he_o must_v resign_v himself_o whole_o to_o god_n as_o member_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o be_v necessary_o and_o essential_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v leave_v to_o the_o love_n care_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o heavenly_a father_n which_o love_n be_v the_o same_o love_n which_o he_o have_v for_o his_o son_n the_o same_o conduct_n that_o he_o have_v over_o he_o for_o we_o be_v part_n of_o his_o son_n be_v his_o member_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v his_o fullness_n the_o church_n say_v he_o be_v the_o body_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o wherein_o we_o see_v the_o happy_a estate_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o pursuit_n of_o his_o state_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o same_o care_n the_o same_o conduct_n the_o same_o love_n that_o the_o eternal_a father_n have_v for_o his_o son_n be_v then_o arrive_v to_o this_o happiness_n what_o remain_v but_o to_o live_v with_o great_a vigilancy_n to_o put_v ourselves_o to_o leave_v our_o self_n and_o to_o maintain_v ourselves_o in_o this_o love_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n to_o abandon_v ourselves_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o divine_a conduct_n to_o remain_v in_o this_o union_n and_o unity_n with_o his_o son_n for_o he_o look_v on_o we_o in_o his_o son_n as_o member_n and_o part_n of_o his_o son_n and_o also_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o to_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o the_o member_n be_v to_o the_o head_n it_o be_v the_o request_n of_o jesus_n to_o his_o father_n the_o last_o day_n of_o his_o life_n the_o eve_n before_o his_o death_n for_o this_o he_o make_v that_o prayer_n full_a of_o love_n repeat_v at_o large_a by_o saint_n john_n wherein_o he_o beg_v of_o his_o father_n that_o he_o will_v have_v the_o same_o love_n for_o we_o that_o he_o have_v for_o he_o from_o eternity_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v by_o grace_n to_o we_o what_o he_o be_v to_o he_o by_o nature_n that_o the_o same_o unity_n of_o love_n that_o bind_v they_o together_o may_v be_v in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v not_o live_v but_o in_o this_o love_n in_o this_o vion_n and_o unity_n that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o love_n as_o he_o live_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o love_n of_o his_o father_n word_n of_o love_n and_o of_o truth_n word_n of_o efficacy_n word_n which_o clear_o show_v the_o design_n jesus_n have_v over_o we_o what_o he_o have_v merit_v for_o we_o and_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o in_o who_o consist_v the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n if_o we_o proceed_v a_o little_a further_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o new_a light_n which_o discover_v this_o truth_n the_o oeconomy_n and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o the_o church_n all_o the_o regency_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o government_n of_o all_o soul_n in_o general_a and_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a be_v leave_v to_o jesus_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n he_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n our_o fullness_n he_o be_v our_o all_o and_o that_o which_o raise_v the_o conduct_n of_o christ_n and_o render_v it_o admirable_a be_v that_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o wisdom_n power_n and_o infinite_a love_n for_o he_o employ_v his_o power_n whole_o to_o furnish_v we_o to_o assist_v we_o in_o all_o thing_n his_o wisdom_n lead_v we_o to_o god_n and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o state_n and_o perfection_n god_n require_v of_o we_o and_o he_o employ_v his_o love_n to_o enrich_v we_o with_o his_o treasure_n to_o enlighten_v we_o with_o his_o spirit_n to_o guide_v by_o his_o light_n and_o to_o communicate_v to_o we_o by_o the_o excess_n of_o his_o bounty_n his_o be_v his_o life_n and_o his_o greatness_n thus_o the_o quality_n whereto_o we_o be_v advance_v by_o christianity_n be_v make_v member_n of_o jesus_n render_v we_o worthy_a of_o the_o care_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o eternal_a father_n and_o bind_v we_o to_o jesus_n make_v we_o by_o grace_n one_o with_o he_o partaker_n of_o his_o greatness_n this_o express_v the_o perfection_n whereto_o god_n have_v call_v we_o these_o truth_n consider_v will_v cause_v we_o high_o to_o esteem_v the_o grace_n and_o state_n of_o christianity_n these_o motive_n be_v so_o powerful_a that_o they_o seem_v not_o only_o to_o invite_v but_o to_o constrain_v we_o by_o amorous_a allurement_n to_o resign_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o god_n let_v we_o add_v a_o common_a doctrine_n of_o saint_n bernard_n as_o the_o last_o draught_n of_o this_o admirable_a conduct_n the_o conduct_n say_v he_o of_o jesus_n in_o we_o be_v admirable_a in_o that_o he_o have_v as_o much_o care_n of_o one_o single_a soul_n as_o well_o as_o of_o all_o his_o wisdom_n be_v employ_v for_o one_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o for_o all_o and_o he_o love_v one_o soul_n with_o the_o same_o infinite_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v all_o yea_o he_o love_v his_o elect_a and_o christian_n with_o the_o same_o love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v himself_o here_o let_v we_o stop_v for_o more_o can_v be_v say_v let_v we_o adore_v
mean_n to_o possess_v all_o christian_a virtue_n that_o virtue_n which_o we_o call_v christian_n be_v a_o hide_a treasure_n hide_v in_o god_n the_o very_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n 13.46_o be_v such_o it_o be_v the_o pearl_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o who_o will_v obtain_v heaven_n must_v seek_v and_o buy_v he_o must_v seek_v it_o in_o god_n with_o all_o diligence_n and_o buy_v it_o at_o the_o price_n of_o all_o the_o world_n nothing_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o true_a virtue_n which_o alone_o render_v we_o like_a to_o god_n and_o worthy_a of_o paradise_n all_o thing_n else_o be_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n amuzement_n of_o spirit_n and_o unprofitable_a travel_n of_o know_v and_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o the_o possession_n of_o so_o rich_a a_o treasure_n there_o be_v one_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o which_o though_o little_o consider_v and_o perhaps_o little_o know_v be_v most_o important_a without_o which_o all_o other_o be_v ineffectual_a this_o be_v the_o adherence_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o jesus_n christ_n this_o put_v we_o into_o possession_n of_o virtue_n he_o who_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n be_v one_o spirit_n with_o he_o possess_v he_o and_o in_o he_o all_o virtue_n to_o comprehend_v this_o truth_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o we_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v our_o all_o whence_o it_o follow_v he_o be_v our_o humility_n our_o love_n our_o patience_n our_o virtue_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v possess_v he_o shall_v possess_v all_o in_o he_o he_o be_v the_o foundation_n the_o treasure_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o soul_n 1.30_o he_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o say_v saint_n paul_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o redemption_n who_o then_o will_v have_v wisdom_n righteousness_n and_o other_o virtue_n let_v he_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n he_o that_o will_v acquire_v and_o possess_v perfection_n 3._o let_v he_o possess_v jesus_n for_o in_o he_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n the_o apostle_n explain_v this_o further_a 8.32_o say_v the_o eternal_a father_n give_v we_o his_o son_n and_o with_o he_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n by_o which_o word_n he_o not_o only_o imply_v that_o by_o his_o merit_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o for_o his_o love_n we_o have_v all_o but_o moreover_o that_o with_o jesus_n christ_n note_n the_o energy_n of_o this_o word_n with_o jesus_n we_o have_v all_o possess_v he_o we_o possess_v all_o we_o must_v add_v that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o possess_v nor_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n we_o can_v have_v true_a christian_n virtue_n this_o truth_n be_v not_o hard_a to_o conceive_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o essence_n of_o christian_n virtue_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n or_o jesus_n himself_o live_v in_o we_o and_o work_v in_o we_o that_o which_o be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n 13.21_o say_v the_o apostle_n our_o ordinary_a manner_n of_o speak_v teach_v we_o as_o much_o for_o we_o say_v virtue_n and_o christian_n perfection_n have_v their_o beginning_n in_o grace_n from_o whence_o they_o spring_v and_o what_o go_v out_o of_o a_o just_a soul_n that_o we_o call_v grace_n now_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v in_o grace_n nor_o just_a but_o by_o the_o habitation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n live_v and_o act_v in_o she_o so_o the_o apostle_n the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 5.5_o which_o be_v give_v to_o we_o whence_o we_o infer_v that_o if_o to_o live_v in_o christian_n virtue_n we_o must_v be_v in_o grace_n and_o if_o grace_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o holy_a spirit_n live_v in_o we_o and_o there_o act_v see_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n it_o follow_v evident_o that_o to_o live_v christian_o we_o must_v possess_v true_a virtue_n and_o to_o possess_v they_o we_o must_v possess_v jesus_n and_o adhere_v to_o he_o for_o grace_n and_o righteousness_n consist_v in_o this_o possession_n let_v we_o rise_v high_o and_o come_v to_o the_o source_n hereof_o faith_n teach_v we_o that_o in_o adam_n we_o be_v devest_v of_o innocence_n fall_v from_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o perfection_n whereto_o we_o be_v destine_v by_o creation_n and_o by_o the_o first_o design_n of_o god_n by_o this_o fall_n we_o have_v lose_v for_o ever_o the_o virtue_n grace_n and_o supernatural_a gift_n wherewith_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n have_v enrich_v and_o clothe_v the_o first_o man_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o misfortune_n god_n be_v move_v only_o by_o his_o own_o goodness_n to_o be_v merciful_a to_o we_o will_v raise_v we_o from_o this_o fall_n and_o enrich_v we_o more_o than_o ever_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o heavenly_a favour_n where_o sin_n abound_v say_v the_o apostle_n 5.20_o grace_n do_v much_o more_o abound_v to_o raise_v we_o to_o this_o happiness_n he_o will_v give_v we_o a_o new_a beginning_n of_o life_n and_o grace_n his_o only_a son_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v make_v man_n by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n be_v establish_v father_n and_o principle_n of_o that_o be_v and_o life_n of_o grace_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o man_n as_o we_o participate_v in_o sin_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o adam_n and_o be_v with_o he_o despoil_a of_o all_o virtue_n and_o grace_n adhere_v to_o he_o as_o to_o our_o natural_a principle_n and_o have_v with_o he_o his_o be_v and_o his_o nature_n so_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o to_o our_o head_n our_o new_a principle_n we_o participate_v of_o his_o be_v of_o his_o spirit_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o of_o his_o virtue_n this_o witness_v the_o forerunner_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o say_v of_o his_o fullness_n we_o have_v all_o receive_v 1.16_o and_o grace_n for_o grace_n from_o this_o being_n deliberate_o consider_v we_o may_v derive_v worthy_a document_n to_o our_o subject_n first_o we_o see_v how_o much_o we_o ought_v to_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n if_o we_o will_v live_v his_o life_n and_o participate_v his_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o only_a christian_a virtue_n for_o in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o adhere_v to_o adam_n we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o thing_n but_o to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o sinner_n we_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n to_o practice_v or_o possess_v any_o chrstian_a virtue_n if_o we_o will_v live_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o obtain_v power_n to_o practice_v and_o possess_v virtue_n we_o must_v lay_v hold_v of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o receive_v it_o of_o he_o we_o must_v adhere_v to_o he_o for_o we_o can_v possess_v he_o but_o in_o adhere_v to_o he_o wherein_o appear_v also_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o adherence_n from_o this_o truth_n we_o draw_v a_o second_o document_n how_o much_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o speak_v mean_o and_o indifferent_o of_o true_a christians_n or_o of_o a_o thing_n proportion_v to_o our_o reason_n and_o be_v for_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o word_n of_o saint_n paul_n as_o christian_n we_o must_v put_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 13.14_o that_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n in_o such_o manner_n that_o we_o may_v be_v like_a unto_o he_o in_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o perfection_n that_o we_o may_v bear_v in_o we_o a_o expression_n and_o a_o lively_a image_n of_o the_o life_n and_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n christian_n virtue_n be_v not_o animitation_n of_o the_o life_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o perfect_a man_n not_o of_o adam_n consider_v in_o his_o innocency_n and_o original_a justice_n to_o have_v virtue_n after_o this_o manner_n be_v not_o much_o it_o be_v a_o lively_a image_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n man-god_n or_o to_o say_v better_o it_o be_v the_o life_n and_o virtue_n itself_o of_o jesus_n in_o man_n as_o man_n be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o habit_n so_o be_v true_a christian_n from_o other_o by_o these_o virtue_n and_o these_o virtue_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o if_o there_o be_v any_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n here_o then_o appear_v the_o divinity_n and_o perfection_n of_o christian_a virtue_n they_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n himself_o according_a to_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o be_v new_a creature_n as_o creature_n of_o jesus_n 5.17_o we_o must_v bear_v his_o image_n which_o be_v divine_a and_o celestial_a not_o that_o of_o adam_n which_o be_v humane_a and_o terrestrial_a that_o be_v our_o life_n and_o virtue_n must_v not_o be_v of_o a_o man_n but_o of_o god_n life_n and_o virtue_n as_o different_a according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o heaven_n be_v distant_a from_o the_o earth_n as_o unlike_a as_o jesus_n be_v
unprofitable_a thing_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o practice_n and_o ordinary_a exercise_n of_o christian_n for_o want_v of_o take_v hold_v of_o thing_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o not_o enter_v into_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n for_o want_v whereof_o do_v we_o not_o see_v many_o soul_n who_o keep_v most_o holy_a constitution_n and_o very_o good_a rule_n other_o that_o do_v frequent_a action_n of_o virtue_n many_o who_o follow_v and_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o practice_n yet_o nevertheless_o advance_v not_o towards_o perfection_n nor_o have_v any_o solid_a virtue_n they_o always_o labour_v but_o never_o gain_v any_o they_o continual_o travail_v but_o never_o arrive_v at_o their_o journey_n end_n though_o all_o that_o they_o do_v seem_v to_o be_v do_v in_o grace_n and_o that_o as_o be_v believe_v they_o have_v not_o their_o conscience_n charge_v with_o any_o sin_n yet_o they_o profit_v not_o in_o any_o manner_n all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o such_o person_n be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_n whence_o come_v it_o that_o they_o profit_v nothing_o amid_o so_o much_o care_n and_o travel_v the_o evil_n come_v from_o this_o that_o such_o soul_n have_v not_o sufficient_a recourse_n nor_o submission_n to_o grace_n they_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o jesus_n christ_n they_o scarce_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o jesus_n christ_n they_o have_v no_o distrust_n of_o themselves_o they_o seek_v not_o god_n but_o their_o self-satisfaction_n and_o their_o particular_a interest_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o by_o a_o secret_a and_o dangerous_a consequence_n they_o rely_v upon_o their_o own_o courage_n upon_o their_o travel_n and_o exercise_n and_o promise_v to_o themselves_o too_o much_o of_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o tie_v themselves_o to_o divers_a practice_n whereof_o they_o make_v use_v they_o tie_v also_o their_o happiness_n thereto_o if_o you_o demand_v whence_o it_o come_v that_o they_o have_v not_o solid_a virtue_n it_o be_v easy_o perceive_v it_o be_v because_o they_o amuse_v themselves_o much_o in_o unprofitable_a thing_n trifle_n and_o exterior_a thing_n they_o enter_v not_o into_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a and_o solid_a virtue_n they_o esteem_v they_o not_o and_o hardly_o know_v they_o if_o they_o do_v practice_v they_o it_o be_v but_o superficial_o they_o have_v but_o the_o appearance_n of_o virtue_n all_o that_o they_o possess_v thereof_o be_v like_o the_o grass_n upon_o the_o house_n top_n which_o wither_v away_o of_o itself_o of_o which_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n and_o careful_o remedy_v it_o least_o pass_v our_o life_n so_o we_o travel_v in_o vain_a and_o run_v without_o arrive_v to_o our_o end_n and_o that_o under_o those_o fair_a appearance_n in_o the_o most_o part_n of_o our_o action_n 25.12_o we_o be_v not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n of_o they_o to_o who_o god_n say_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n i_o know_v you_o not_o for_o god_n tell_v we_o 7.21_o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o christian_n who_o will_v find_v themselves_o deceive_v when_o god_n shall_v make_v manifest_a the_o secret_n of_o heart_n 4.5_o and_o judge_v the_o justice_n of_o man_n because_o that_o believe_v themselves_o rich_a in_o good_a work_n and_o charge_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o christian_n penitence_n they_o shall_v find_v in_o their_o hand_n nothing_o but_o wind_n and_o shall_v see_v in_o their_o life_n nothing_o but_o appearance_n of_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o affair_n so_o important_a we_o must_v be_v vigilant_a to_o act_v christian_o and_o to_o do_v work_n worthy_a of_o god_n which_o shall_v gain_v we_o the_o eternal_a possession_n of_o god_n this_o subject_n be_v of_o high_a enterprise_n i_o will_v propose_v the_o disposition_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o necessary_a the_o first_o disposition_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a disposition_n which_o the_o soul_n that_o will_v live_v christianly_o must_v have_v be_v faith_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 11.6_o must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o this_o disposition_n be_v not_o only_o the_o first_o but_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o what_o the_o root_n be_v to_o the_o tree_n the_o foundation_n to_o the_o building_n the_o mother_n to_o the_o infant_n the_o same_o be_v faith_n to_o all_o virtue_n and_o to_o a_o christian_a life_n whence_o on_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n depend_v all_o the_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a soul_n or_o on_o the_o other_o side_n from_o littleness_n of_o faith_n spring_v all_o the_o evil_a all_o the_o abomination_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n the_o soul_n that_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o light_n of_o faith_n know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o love_v and_o what_o to_o detest_v for_o faith_n be_v nothing_o but_o truth_n the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n be_v proper_o the_o spirit_n of_o eternal_a truth_n wherein_o be_v see_v the_o strength_n of_o faith_n he_o therefore_o that_o have_v faith_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o by_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n if_o he_o possess_v it_o and_o suffer_v it_o to_o guide_v he_o he_o easy_o discern_v good_a from_o bad_a true_a from_o false_a the_o flesh_n from_o the_o spirit_n this_o faith_n this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n show_v the_o soul_n what_o the_o god_n be_v that_o she_o adore_v from_o thence_o she_o be_v carry_v on_o to_o love_v he_o to_o fear_v he_o and_o to_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a respect_n of_o his_o divine_a presence_n i'faith_o say_v god_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o be_v the_o end_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o out_o of_o he_o all_o be_v but_o a_o dream_n that_o all_o creature_n be_v vain_a that_o god_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n 17.28_o that_o he_o give_v life_n and_o be_v to_o all_o that_o all_o thing_n depend_v on_o he_o this_o make_v the_o soul_n know_v that_o she_o ought_v to_o esteem_n god_n alone_o and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o god_n that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n and_o lie_n this_o light_n and_o spirit_n of_o faith_n teach_v that_o god_n be_v eternal_a truth_n his_o work_n be_v truth_n his_o word_n and_o promise_n true_a and_o infallible_a this_o cause_v the_o soul_n which_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n constant_o to_o adhere_v and_o strong_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o truth_n and_o maxim_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o work_n and_o the_o word_n of_o jesus_n god_n and_o man_n she_o believe_v firm_o that_o what_o he_o have_v say_v will_v come_v to_o pass_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v be_v certain_a the_o truth_n that_o the_o eternal_a father_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n be_v infallible_a and_o eternal_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n uncreated_a be_v a_o god_n which_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o lie_v hereupon_o the_o soul_n by_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n remain_v indissoluble_o tie_v to_o all_o that_o god_n have_v say_v and_o reveal_v by_o his_o son_n so_o as_o she_o can_v taste_v nor_o understand_v any_o humane_a reason_n or_o object_n she_o will_v not_o hearken_v nor_o adhere_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n she_o will_v only_o follow_v the_o maxim_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v leave_v we_o in_o his_o gospel_n and_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o his_o life_n &_o divine_a virtue_n the_o rest_n she_o despise_v as_o unworthy_a a_o christian_a soul_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o nor_o live_v but_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o certain_o so_o the_o christian_a must_v live_v all_o the_o world_n confess_v that_o god_n alone_o be_v truth_n that_o the_o only_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a spirit_n of_o truth_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o all_o that_o be_v not_o god_n and_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v but_o vanity_n and_o lie_n this_o grant_v how_o can_v they_o live_v who_o have_v any_o other_o object_n than_o god_n here_o let_v we_o make_v reflection_n on_o the_o point_n we_o shall_v show_v how_o much_o they_o be_v deceive_v who_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n separate_v themselves_o from_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o seek_v humane_a reason_n way_n of_o prudence_n maxim_n of_o wise_a man_n who_o measure_n perfection_n and_o christian_a virtue_n according_a to_o their_o proper_a sense_n according_a to_o their_o own_o spirit_n such_o soul_n can_v but_o fall_v into_o a_o abyss_n of_o error_n and_o doubt_n or_o at_o least_o such_o person_n
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
be_v deceive_v by_o this_o way_n our_o spirit_n be_v too_o feeble_a this_o way_n too_o eminent_a and_o that_o it_o occasion_n a_o perpetual_a combat_n in_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v troublesome_a to_o a_o man_n to_o walk_v in_o darkness_n so_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o the_o soul_n to_o go_v this_o way_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v obscure_a and_o hide_a but_o if_o we_o will_v learn_v it_o well_o we_o must_v say_v the_o contrary_a all_o other_o way_n be_v uncertain_a and_o deceitful_a virtue_n alone_o be_v infallible_a we_o shall_v never_o be_v deceive_v if_o we_o stick_v to_o it_o it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o mean_a esteem_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o faith_n god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o conduct_v we_o be_v capable_a of_o lose_v we_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n to_o guide_v our_o reason_n and_o that_o our_o reason_n must_v submit_v thereunto_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o faith_n be_v annihilate_v as_o saint_n paul_n say_v we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n meaning_n that_o to_o live_v christianly_o 5.7_o we_o must_v let_v our_o reason_n be_v guide_v by_o faith_n not_o faith_n by_o reason_n wherein_o we_o see_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o necessity_n of_o our_o walk_n by_o the_o light_n of_o this_o torch_n or_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a manner_n of_o speech_n see_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o he_o that_o will_v live_v a_o perfect_a christian_a to_o follow_v only_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o learn_v to_o make_v use_n of_o evangelicall_n truth_n if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o soul_n who_o take_v this_o way_n be_v deceive_v it_o be_v in_o that_o they_o go_v out_o of_o it_o and_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o devil_n or_o self-love_n or_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o humane_a spirit_n which_o esteem_v itself_o in_o every_o thing_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o conduct_n of_o faith_n to_o follow_v that_o of_o humane_a prudence_n choose_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o worldly_a vanity_n rather_o than_o by_o the_o maxim_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o heavenly_a truth_n thus_o indeed_o they_o find_v themselves_o deceive_v and_o fall_v into_o misfortune_n not_o for_o have_v take_v this_o way_n of_o faith_n but_o for_o have_v quit_v it_o and_o adhere_v to_o humane_a prudence_n and_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n which_o like_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la will_v lead_v we_o out_o of_o the_o way_n unless_o we_o be_v aid_v by_o a_o supernatural_a force_n and_o guide_v by_o a_o more_o sure_a light_n such_o as_o be_v this_o of_o faith_n but_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v faithful_a apply_v herself_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n and_o maxim_n of_o christianity_n that_o seek_v god_n with_o simplicity_n and_o humility_n there_o must_v necessary_o arrive_v great_a profit_n and_o advantage_n in_o christian_n perfection_n we_o must_v not_o therefore_o condemn_v this_o way_n and_o reject_v it_o as_o too_o high_a too_o difficult_a and_o too_o painful_a for_o it_o be_v the_o way_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n and_o command_v all_o his_o child_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v teach_v it_o every_o one_o accommodate_v ourselves_o to_o their_o several_a capacity_n and_o give_v they_o all_o the_o mean_n to_o pursue_v it_o without_o go_v out_o of_o it_o lest_o they_o be_v deceive_v if_o we_o find_v here_o any_o difficulty_n it_o be_v in_o ourselves_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o man_n which_o hinder_v his_o progress_n this_o way_n one_o be_v esteem_v of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o own_o spirit_n the_o other_o be_v the_o love_n that_o he_o bear_v himself_o and_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n to_o the_o creature_n to_o pursue_v this_o way_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o faith_n he_o must_v go_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o renounce_v his_o own_o spirit_n and_o raise_v himself_o above_o all_o creature_n to_o adhere_v to_o truth_n to_o believe_v and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o what_o he_o do_v believe_v he_o must_v renounce_v his_o judgement_n his_o reason_n and_o his_o sense_n and_o annihilate_v they_o if_o our_o reason_n sense_n and_o judgement_n repugn_v the_o truth_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n we_o must_v quit_v our_o reason_n and_o our_o sense_n to_o unite_v ourselves_o to_o the_o truth_n if_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v propose_v that_o the_o uncreated_a eternal_a word_n become_v man_n that_o god_n die_v reason_n and_o sense_n oppose_v this_o truth_n reason_n can_v comprehend_v that_o the_o eternal_a god_n shall_v make_v himself_o subject_a to_o time_n the_o immortal_a submit_v himself_o to_o death_n yet_o to_o believe_v this_o our_o will_n move_v by_o grace_n notwithstanding_o the_o opposition_n of_o reason_n and_o sense_n must_v say_v i_o will_v believe_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n propose_v the_o will_n adhere_v hereto_o command_v reason_n and_o judgement_n which_o obey_v she_o believe_v what_o she_o propose_v the_o understanding_n which_o use_v to_o command_v and_o be_v free_a render_v itself_o captive_a and_o obedient_a annihilate_v its_o own_o thought_n and_o reason_n that_o so_o it_o may_v adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n propose_v and_o form_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n thus_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o of_o saint_n paul_n 10.5_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n by_o faith_n the_o understanding_n which_o use_v to_o command_v be_v make_v captive_a and_o obedient_a to_o the_o will_n therefore_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n go_v out_o of_o herself_o and_o no_o more_o obey_v her_o judgement_n or_o sense_n she_o no_o more_o regard_v herself_o but_o the_o truth_n only_o which_o she_o embrace_v as_o her_o object_n adhere_v and_o unite_n herself_o thereto_o thus_o by_o faith_n the_o soul_n be_v elevate_v above_o herself_o to_o be_v tie_v and_o unite_v to_o the_o eternal_a and_o infallible_a truth_n reveal_v and_o propose_v to_o she_o this_o well_o consider_v will_v show_v we_o the_o excellency_n and_o dignity_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o knowledge_n we_o shall_v learn_v how_o much_o we_o be_v to_o esteem_v the_o state_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_a and_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_n in_o particular_a see_v that_o according_a to_o god_n design_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o christian_n as_o christian_n must_v live_v and_o be_v guide_v only_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o light_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a draw_v we_o out_o of_o ourselves_o to_o unite_v and_o tie_v we_o to_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n we_o shall_v moreover_o see_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o what_o we_o think_v it_o consist_v not_o in_o great_a learning_n in_o many_o reason_n and_o several_a argument_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v for_o the_o simple_a and_o for_o those_o who_o can_v go_v out_o of_o themselves_o who_o can_v annihilate_v themselves_o in_o their_o reason_n and_o quit_v the_o regard_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o creature_n adhere_v and_o follow_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v common_o that_o the_o learned_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v most_o prudence_n most_o reason_n the_o most_o solid_a judgement_n and_o capacity_n of_o spirit_n have_v likewise_o most_o opposition_n to_o faith_n for_o they_o be_v less_o able_a to_o go_v out_o of_o themselves_o to_o annihilate_v their_o own_o spirit_n and_o judgement_n thus_o jesus_n christ_n after_o he_o have_v sum_v up_o the_o truth_n of_o heaven_n and_o describe_v the_o contentment_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o just_a 11.25_o conclude_v with_o a_o enthusiasm_n of_o truth_n i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n say_v he_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n these_o truth_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o meek_a which_o show_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o god_n give_v it_o to_o the_o humble_a and_o little_a one_o that_o to_o adhere_v to_o it_o we_o must_v humble_v and_o abase_v ourselves_o in_o a_o word_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o faith_n conceive_v we_o must_v go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o out_o of_o esteem_n of_o ourselves_o let_v we_o practice_v this_o for_o it_o be_v our_o principal_a design_n to_o make_v use_n of_o faith_n and_o truth_n conceive_v we_o must_v first_o consider_v what_o faith_n propose_v but_o we_o must_v consider_v it_o bare_o and_o simple_o without_o any_o discourse_n upon_o it_o we_o
when_o we_o speak_v or_o think_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n we_o must_v believe_v they_o be_v ineffahle_fw-mi far_o above_o all_o that_o we_o can_v think_v or_o speak_v we_o must_v not_o make_v small_a account_n of_o what_o concern_v god_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v have_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o soul_n a_o great_a esteem_n and_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o god_n have_v do_v of_o all_o he_o have_v say_v and_o of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n in_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o little_a god_n be_v as_o adorable_a and_o estimable_a in_o the_o least_o as_o in_o the_o great_a final_o it_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o give_v itself_o to_o this_o exercise_n to_o draw_v from_o all_o thing_n and_o upon_o every_o subject_a a_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o to_o form_n in_o heart_n solid_a and_o serious_a thought_n thereof_o to_o assist_v we_o in_o this_o practice_n and_o to_o advance_v we_o in_o this_o virtue_n we_o ordinary_o make_v use_v of_o read_v prayer_n and_o meditation_n but_o it_o be_v good_a to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o be_v guide_v in_o this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n how_o we_o make_v use_v of_o the_o thought_n the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n we_o receive_v herein_o many_o seek_v only_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o do_v nothing_o but_o busy_a their_o own_o spirit_n they_o seek_v and_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o relish_v and_o resentment_n they_o leap_v from_o one_o subject_n to_o another_o they_o run_v from_o the_o first_o point_n to_o the_o second_o and_o apply_v themselves_o sometime_o to_o one_o affection_n sometime_o to_o another_o spend_v the_o whole_a time_n in_o a_o multiplicity_n and_o disturbance_n of_o thought_n to_o profit_v herein_o we_o must_v proceed_v otherwise_o for_o in_o these_o exercise_n and_o all_o other_o we_o must_v only_o seek_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o esteem_v it_o and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o worthy_a the_o grace_n necessary_a to_o accomplish_v his_o will_n and_o to_o please_v his_o divine_a majesty_n and_o have_v put_v ourselves_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v lay_v hold_v upon_o truth_n we_o must_v rest_v therein_o naked_o and_o simple_o we_o must_v adhere_v thereunto_o and_o keep_v ourselves_o firm_a in_o this_o first_o view_n with_o care_n quiet_o to_o leave_v our_o spirit_n to_o be_v replenish_v of_o god_n and_o bathe_v ourselves_o as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o thought_n we_o must_v unite_v ourselves_o to_o this_o knowledge_n imprint_v by_o degree_n in_o our_o heart_n the_o light_n strength_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o propose_a truth_n whether_o the_o knowledge_n be_v great_a or_o little_a we_o must_v always_o keep_v our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n open_a and_o free_a to_o receive_v the_o thought_n thereof_o these_o will_v put_v we_o into_o a_o esteem_n of_o god_n by_o this_o esteem_n we_o shall_v easy_o be_v carry_v to_o a_o humble_a respect_n and_o desire_v to_o serve_v and_o love_v so_o high_a a_o majesty_n and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_n but_o that_o many_o thing_n will_v be_v do_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o christ_n if_o she_o dispose_v herself_o thereto_o as_o she_o ought_v if_o she_o leave_v herself_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o abandon_v herself_o to_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o grace_n attend_v they_o with_o a_o humble_a patience_n but_o oh_o the_o misfortune_n of_o our_o self-love_n the_o soul_n seek_v herself_o and_o her_o own_o satisfaction_n withdraw_v and_o separate_v herself_o from_o god_n to_o follow_v she_o own_o inclination_n to_o content_v her_o sense_n and_o to_o employ_v herself_o in_o what_o she_o please_v make_v herself_o hereby_o unworthy_a to_o feel_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o bear_v the_o effect_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o deduce_v all_o into_o particular_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a but_o not_o to_o trouble_v myself_o with_o all_o the_o fail_n that_o happen_v in_o this_o exercise_n it_o suffice_v that_o i_o say_v that_o the_o first_o study_n of_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v to_o know_v god_n according_a to_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o faith_n to_o adhere_v strong_o to_o this_o knowledge_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o esteem_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o then_o to_o honour_v and_o adore_v he_o with_o a_o honour_n worthy_a of_o god_n these_o word_n express_v much_o and_o include_v the_o first_o duty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o show_v wherein_o she_o must_v employ_v herself_o with_o care_n before_o all_o thing_n hence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o their_o practice_n be_v not_o good_a who_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o enter_v into_o some_o knowledge_n and_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v some_o light_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o feel_v themselves_o move_v and_o as_o it_o be_v draw_v by_o a_o humble_a respect_n and_o inward_a reverence_n before_o god_n instead_o of_o stay_v and_o receive_v at_o leisure_n this_o little_a touch_n this_o sweet_a beam_n of_o heaven_n follow_v this_o little_a interior_a light_n and_o annihilate_v themselves_o before_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n of_o god_n they_o retire_v from_o it_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o false_a humility_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o other_o thought_n and_o fear_v evil_a on_o purpose_n to_o lose_v time_n and_o be_v deceive_v or_o to_o lose_v themselves_o in_o their_o estate_n they_o shut_v the_o ear_n to_o god_n and_o their_o eye_n to_o the_o light_n to_o entertain_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o conception_n and_o imagination_n and_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o themselves_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o this_o way_n be_v ill_a we_o may_v easy_o observe_v that_o such_o soul_n never_o advance_v or_o if_o there_o appear_v some_o advancement_n it_o be_v but_o in_o appearance_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v always_o in_o fear_n and_o in_o a_o spirit_n of_o self-love_n never_o in_o solid_a virtue_n the_o reason_n be_v manifest_a if_o prayer_n be_v a_o elevation_n and_o union_n of_o our_o heart_n a_o speak_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o we_o may_v advise_v to_o quit_v this_o application_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n to_o torment_v her_o imagination_n and_o cast_v she_o into_o the_o consideration_n of_o exterior_a thing_n into_o the_o examination_n of_o divers_a circumstance_n into_o a_o continual_a regard_n of_o what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o wherefore_o all_o this_o see_v it_o pertain_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n let_v we_o leave_v it_o to_o they_o who_o treat_v thereof_o and_o content_v ourselves_o to_o conclude_v with_o that_o which_o we_o will_v persuade_v that_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o he_o must_v practice_v who_o will_v live_v a_o perfect_a christian_n be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o this_o light_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o esteem_n of_o god_n which_o be_v support_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o of_o what_o he_o be_v what_o course_n we_o must_v take_v to_o obtain_v this_o knowledge_n we_o will_v proceed_v to_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o subject_n of_o humility_n the_o second_o disposition_n chap._n viii_o of_o humility_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n the_o picture_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a describe_v one_o after_o another_o not_o all_o the_o virtue_n but_o those_o only_o which_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o the_o base_n and_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n the_o mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o the_o rest_n faith_n lead_v the_o way_n humility_n follow_v for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v and_o esteem_v of_o god_n so_o far_o be_v we_o humble_a faith_n make_v we_o know_v god_n humility_n lead_v we_o to_o god_n faith_n dispose_v we_o and_o show_v we_o true_a virtue_n humility_n acquire_v they_o and_o be_v acquire_v conserves_n they_o this_o be_v she_o that_o open_v and_o make_v plain_a the_o way_n to_o charity_n and_o who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o mistress_n of_o god_n house_n she_o alone_o lay_v up_o and_o keep_v safe_a the_o divine_a gift_n st._n paul_n by_o way_n of_o excellency_n call_v she_o the_o virtue_n of_o jesus_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o virtue_n appertain_v to_o he_o more_o than_o to_o any_o and_o that_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v ever_o accomplish_v in_o humility_n it_o be_v moreover_o his_o virtue_n in_o that_o he_o publish_v it_o and_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o will_n that_o his_o humility_n be_v the_o object_n and_o example_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n 11.29_o learn_v of_o i_o say_v he_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a
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
the_o word_n as_o all_o good_a all_o wise_a all_o mighty_a this_o manner_n be_v sufficient_a therefore_o we_o must_v accustom_v ourselves_o to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o which_o faith_n propose_v and_o after_o excite_v in_o ourselves_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o entertain_v ourselves_o therein_o not_o by_o speculation_n but_o by_o obedience_n and_o affection_n which_o be_v that_o we_o call_v a_o affective_a thought_n of_o god_n as_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v in_o our_o heart_n yea_o my_o god_n thou_o be_v whole_o wise_a and_o whole_o good_a i_o will_v leave_v myself_o to_o thy_o conduct_n i_o will_v submit_v myself_o to_o thy_o divine_a will_n by_o these_o frequent_a thought_n of_o god_n the_o soul_n unite_v itself_o to_o god_n adhere_v to_o his_o truth_n and_o by_o little_a and_o little_a ascend_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n this_o manner_n be_v not_o hard_o neither_o require_v it_o any_o rule_n we_o must_v only_o be_v vigilant_a often_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o thereto_o when_o any_o thing_n give_v occasion_n thereof_o to_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o it_o suffice_v not_o to_o consider_v our_o own_o impotency_n our_o feebleness_n and_o our_o imperfection_n we_o see_v they_o and_o know_v they_o but_o too_o much_o we_o make_v a_o custom_n of_o it_o and_o this_o truth_n will_v never_o lead_v we_o to_o humility_n but_o we_o must_v elevate_v our_o thought_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o soul_n must_v present_v itself_o before_o god_n and_o have_v conceive_v as_o well_o as_o she_o can_v the_o infinite_a be_v and_o sovereign_a majesty_n of_o the_o divinity_n before_o which_o she_o be_v she_o regard_v he_o she_o adore_v he_o then_o she_o begin_v to_o compare_v she_o be_v with_o that_o of_o god_n she_o entertain_v herself_o in_o this_o thought_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n and_o present_o acknowledge_v the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n above_o her_o own_o she_o account_v herself_o as_o if_o she_o be_v not_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infinite_a distance_n she_o see_v betwixt_o god_n and_o she_o and_o in_o this_o view_n she_o regard_v herself_o rather_o in_o a_o not_o be_v and_o a_o nothing_o then_o in_o a_o be_v the_o soul_n fill_v herself_o with_o this_o thought_n and_o possess_v with_o this_o truth_n humble_v herself_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o she_o nothing_o and_o abase_v herself_o as_o much_o as_o she_o can_v for_o have_v conceive_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n throughout_o she_o see_v that_o she_o be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o this_o truth_n annihilate_v all_o creature_n yea_o the_o most_o perfect_a upon_o earth_n and_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n force_v by_o this_o principle_n humble_v themselves_o and_o make_v themselves_o as_o nothing_o before_o the_o supreme_a and_o incomprehensible_a majesty_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o who_o all_o creature_n together_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o grain_n of_o sand._n the_o soul_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o truth_n must_v say_v in_o herself_o if_o all_o creature_n be_v nothing_o before_o god_n 15._o what_o be_o i_o who_o be_o the_o least_o and_o if_o i_o be_o nothing_o before_o god_n can_v i_o make_v myself_o any_o thing_n if_o before_o the_o creator_n i_o find_v not_o myself_o by_o reason_n i_o be_o so_o much_o plunge_v into_o nothing_o will_v i_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o truth_n appear_v to_o be_v something_o before_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o truth_n the_o spirit_n be_v vanquish_v the_o soul_n know_v what_o she_o be_v and_o be_v constrain_v to_o humble_v herself_o we_o must_v pass_v far_o and_o enter_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o total_a and_o absolute_a dependence_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o god_n a_o dependence_n so_o great_a that_o she_o hold_v only_o of_o god_n she_o subsist_v not_o nor_o move_v but_o in_o god_n with_o so_o much_o necessity_n that_o the_o beam_n subsist_v not_o by_o nor_o depend_v more_o on_o the_o sun_n than_o the_o soul_n do_v on_o her_o god_n o_o happy_a dependence_n which_o give_v we_o god_n and_o bind_v we_o to_o god_n in_o consider_v this_o truth_n the_o soul_n find_v that_o she_o be_v nothing_o and_o that_o she_o have_v nothing_o either_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o essence_n create_v or_o in_o the_o order_n of_o grace_n for_o all_o be_v in_o god_n and_o depend_v on_o god_n in_o such_o manner_n that_o if_o god_n shall_v whole_o withdraw_v himself_o she_o shall_v leave_v to_o be_v that_o which_o she_o be_v and_o shall_v find_v herself_o in_o she_o nothing_o so_o that_o if_o she_o have_v any_o thing_n she_o see_v that_o it_o be_v in_o god_n not_o in_o herself_o in_o he_o say_v st._n paul_n we_o live_v and_o move_v 17.28_o and_o have_v our_o be_v reflect_v hereupon_o she_o say_v in_o her_o heart_n if_o all_o that_o i_o have_v belong_v not_o to_o i_o nor_o be_v of_o i_o but_o of_o god_n and_o belong_v to_o god_n then_o be_o i_o nothing_o nor_o have_v any_o thing_n wherefore_o do_v i_o flatter_v myself_o and_o believe_v myself_o to_o be_v something_o when_o in_o truth_n i_o be_o nothing_o why_o do_v i_o glorify_v myself_o and_o please_v myself_o in_o that_o which_o belong_v not_o to_o i_o wherefore_o shall_v i_o attribute_v to_o myself_o the_o honour_n contentment_n and_o glory_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o my_o lord_n no_o no_o i_o will_v keep_v in_o my_o meanness_n i_o will_v hide_v myself_o in_o the_o abyss_n of_o my_o nothing_o and_o if_o god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o and_o out_o of_o his_o bounty_n give_v i_o something_o i_o will_v hold_v it_o of_o he_o i_o will_v only_o keep_v it_o for_o he_o and_o i_o resolve_v from_o this_o time_n and_o to_o all_o eternity_n i_o will_v live_v in_o the_o dependence_n that_o i_o owe_v to_o the_o regard_n of_o my_o lord_n and_o god_n let_v we_o not_o stay_v here_o but_o advance_v forward_o to_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o let_v we_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o need_n we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v what_o we_o be_v and_o that_o we_o be_v nothing_o nor_o have_v nothing_o as_o have_v receive_v all_o of_o god_n and_o we_o possess_v nothing_o either_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a in_o nature_n or_o in_o grace_n but_o only_o that_o which_o god_n reserve_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o withdraw_v his_o gift_n or_o cease_v to_o preserve_v they_o we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o like_o adam_n naked_a and_o poor_a and_o shall_v return_v to_o our_o nothing_o let_v we_o behold_v ourselves_o then_o so_o naked_a and_o devest_v and_o let_v we_o pause_v upon_o this_o thought_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v whether_o we_o will_v or_o not_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o but_o with_o a_o humility_n full_a of_o love_n and_o confidence_n which_o shall_v make_v we_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n to_o heaven_n to_o behold_v he_o on_o who_o we_o so_o absolute_o depend_v from_o who_o hand_n we_o have_v receive_v all_o and_o must_v yet_o every_o moment_n receive_v influence_n conduct_n grace_n and_o stability_n and_o that_o so_o necessary_o that_o if_o we_o happen_v to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o he_o and_o if_o he_o but_o stop_v his_o assistance_n and_o his_o concourse_n leave_v we_o to_o ourselves_o we_o assure_o shall_v fall_v and_o in_o a_o instant_n lose_v all_o in_o what_o state_n soever_o we_o be_v of_o sanctity_n and_o grace_n o_o most_o powerful_a truth_n to_o humble_v we_o if_o consider_v a_o truth_n that_o humble_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o just_a upon_o earth_n and_o which_o annihilate_v the_o angel_n and_o seraphim_n in_o heaven_n a_o truth_n which_o make_v the_o glorious_a spirit_n angel_n and_o saint_n who_o enjoy_v god_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o but_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o stability_n but_o in_o god_n a_o acknowledgement_n so_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o pluck_v they_o and_o unite_v they_o to_o he_o indissoluble_o if_o otherwise_o they_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o he_o by_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n this_o be_v the_o very_a state_n of_o a_o soul_n of_o jesus_n who_o know_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n and_o see_v himself_o his_o creature_n penetrate_v those_o truth_n by_o a_o light_n spring_v from_o the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o word_n a_o light_a worthy_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n humble_v itself_o but_o with_o a_o humility_n that_o shall_v be_v eternal_a a_o humility_n more_o profound_a than_o that_o of_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n a_o humility_n which_o alone_o be_v worthy_a to_o honour_n and_o adore_v the_o infinite_a essence_n and_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n of_o god_n so_o that_o
in_o they_o all_o that_o god_n intend_v it_o require_v a_o very_a quick_a sight_n to_o perceive_v these_o snare_n and_o a_o great_a vigilancy_n to_o correspond_v with_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o to_o act_v with_o the_o purity_n of_o god_n for_o to_o this_o point_n it_o must_v arrive_v to_o this_o end_n will_v contribute_v much_o the_o second_o mean_v we_o have_v propose_v which_o make_v we_o renounce_v our_o self_n and_o annihilate_v in_o we_o all_o regard_n to_o the_o creature_n that_o god_n alone_o may_v be_v the_o object_n the_o hope_n the_o confidence_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o soul._n the_o brightness_n and_o beauty_n of_o this_o virtue_n will_v hurt_v their_o eye_n who_o too_o much_o love_v themselves_o for_o they_o must_v quit_v all_o to_o possess_v it_o they_o must_v have_v neither_o heart_n nor_o eye_n for_o themselves_o or_o the_o creature_n and_o this_o they_o can_v digest_v who_o esteem_v themselves_o perfect_a enough_o and_o think_v they_o hold_v god_n enchain_v by_o the_o chain_n of_o their_o devotion_n which_o they_o love_v even_o to_o idolatry_n despise_v and_o neglect_v this_o virtue_n which_o give_v we_o god_n out_o of_o a_o opinion_n that_o they_o already_o possess_v he_o the_o slothful_a will_v not_o regard_v it_o because_o it_o exact_v two_o much_o care_n and_o vigilance_n it_o be_v for_o they_o who_o love_n god_n or_o who_o serious_o desire_v to_o love_v he_o to_o esteem_v this_o virtue_n and_o to_o seek_v it_o fervent_o for_o where_o love_n be_v there_o the_o eye_n be_v and_o we_o desire_v not_o to_o please_v but_o where_o we_o love_v let_v we_o love_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o difficult_a be_v it_o not_o a_o intolerable_a blindness_n to_o see_v so_o many_o refusal_n as_o we_o make_v to_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n and_o to_o make_v difficulty_n when_o god_n will_v love_v our_o soul_n when_o he_o will_v replenish_v they_o with_o himself_o he_o will_v provide_v for_o they_o he_o will_v conduct_v they_o therefore_o he_o will_v separate_v they_o from_o themselves_o and_o the_o creature_n that_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v pure_a and_o fit_a to_o receive_v he_o who_o be_v purity_n itself_o o_o soul_n say_v saint_n cyprian_n if_o thou_o suffice_v god_n let_v god_n suffice_v thou_o if_o god_n love_v thou_o love_v thou_o he_o if_o he_o regard_v thou_o do_v thou_o regard_v he_o the_o five_o disposition_n chap._n xii_o of_o self-deniall_n and_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v perfect_a if_o we_o be_v not_o god_n we_o can_v be_v god_n unless_o he_o possess_v we_o and_o replenish_v we_o with_o his_o spirit_n to_o attain_v this_o happiness_n we_o must_v necessary_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o into_o a_o true_a denial_n of_o ourselves_o for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v empty_v of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o creature_n so_o much_o shall_v we_o be_v fill_v of_o god_n from_o whence_o this_o maxim_n so_o remarkable_a in_o christian_a piety_n abnegation_n and_o annihilation_n lead_v we_o to_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n this_o virtue_n be_v almost_o unknown_a to_o the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v even_o those_o that_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o follow_v piety_n regard_v it_o not_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o virtue_n more_o indispensable_a or_o more_o necessary_a self-deniall_n be_v the_o first_o disposition_n whereto_o the_o creature_n must_v put_v himself_o before_o the_o majesty_n of_o his_o creator_n it_o be_v a_o estate_n which_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v in_o if_o it_o will_v turn_v to_o god_n in_o brief_a it_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o christianity_n for_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o true_a and_o pure_a annihilation_n we_o know_v the_o creature_n before_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n be_v but_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o sand_n the_o universe_n be_v but_o as_o a_o drop_n of_o morning_n dew_n 13.3_o and_o according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o a_o christian_a philosopher_n the_o whole_a earth_n be_v but_o as_o a_o point_n of_o a_o point_n none_o but_o god_n can_v say_v i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o 3.14_o all_o creature_n ought_v to_o annihilate_v themselves_o at_o his_o word_n and_o to_o account_v themselves_o before_o this_o infinite_a be_v as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o the_o first_o use_n hereof_o be_v make_v by_o the_o angel_n when_o in_o the_o revolt_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n saint_z michael_z the_o archangel_n and_o all_o good_a angel_n according_a to_o their_o duty_n re-doubled_n this_o protestation_n of_o annihilation_n who_o be_v like_a unto_o god_n word_n that_o make_v the_o angel_n go_v out_o of_o themselves_o and_o annihilate_v themselves_o before_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n word_n show_v that_o self-deniall_n and_o annihilation_n be_v the_o first_o duty_n the_o angel_n render_v to_o god_n it_o be_v likewise_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o man_n ought_v to_o do_v and_o the_o first_o use_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v to_o annihilate_v herself_o before_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o to_o protest_v he_o will_v go_v out_o of_o his_o be_v and_o renounce_v himself_o to_o be_v what_o god_n will_v have_v he_o the_o reverence_n and_o religion_n which_o man_n have_v profess_v show_v this_o annihilation_n of_o the_o creature_n before_o god_n for_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o instinct_n inspire_v from_o heaven_n altar_n have_v be_v erect_v sacrifice_n and_o holocau_v offer_v wherein_o the_o be_v of_o the_o thing_n sacrifice_v be_v annihilate_v as_o in_o protestation_n make_v by_o the_o creature_n that_o its_o be_v be_v dependent_a on_o god_n and_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o annihilate_v himself_o at_o sight_n of_o the_o incomprehensible_a and_o adorable_a majesty_n of_o his_o creator_n what_o difficulty_n can_v there_o be_v in_o a_o thing_n so_o evident_a can_v there_o be_v any_o creature_n or_o spirit_n so_o ambitious_a as_o to_o advance_v itself_o before_o god_n and_o esteem_v itself_o something_o before_o his_o infinite_a be_v if_o then_o before_o god_n man_n may_v not_o esteem_v himself_o any_o thing_n without_o lose_v himself_o with_o lucifer_n he_o must_v necessary_o annihilate_v himself_o his_o condition_n constrain_v he_o thereunto_o whether_o he_o will_v or_o not_o herein_o appear_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o say_v that_o abnegation_n be_v a_o disposition_n which_o no_o creature_n no_o man_n neither_o can_v or_o must_v eternal_o go_v out_o of_o self-deniall_n be_v the_o first_o estate_n wherein_o the_o soul_n that_o will_v turn_v to_o god_n and_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o justification_n must_v be_v the_o reason_n be_v manifest_a man_n by_o sin_n be_v turn_v and_o separate_v from_o god_n to_o turn_v unite_z and_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o creature_n to_o go_v out_o of_o sin_n and_o turn_v himself_o to_o god_n he_o must_v necessary_o go_v out_o of_o himself_o renounce_v himself_o and_o all_o creature_n and_o must_v separate_v and_o disunite_a himself_o from_o himself_o if_o he_o will_v be_v unite_v to_o god_n and_o be_v perfect_o convert_v this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o self-deniall_n whereby_o the_o soul_n renounce_v the_o creature_n and_o annihilate_v in_o herself_o all_o that_o she_o be_v in_o a_o word_n she_o go_v out_o of_o herself_o to_o return_v unto_o god_n which_o she_o do_v assist_v by_o grace_n which_o draw_v her_o back_n and_o separate_v she_o from_o what_o divert_v she_o from_o god_n let_v we_o consider_v this_o first_o truth_n by_o the_o principle_n and_o light_n of_o faith_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n we_o be_v not_o sanctify_v but_o by_o and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n we_o can_v be_v sanctfy_v as_o child_n of_o adam_n but_o as_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o jesus_n christ._n this_o principle_n of_o faith_n grant_v it_o follow_v that_o if_o we_o will_v take_v part_n with_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o be_v sanctify_v in_o jesus_n christ_n we_o must_v necessary_o renounce_v ourselves_o and_o cease_v to_o be_v to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v be_v to_o jesus_n christ_n which_o can_v be_v but_o by_o self-deniall_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o saint_n paul_n at_o his_o conversion_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o word_n 2.20_o when_o he_o say_v i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o thus_o we_o must_v understand_v these_o word_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n direct_v to_o all_o christian_n 16.24_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o wherein_o appear_v how_o necessary_a this_o virtue_n be_v to_o all_o soul_n that_o will_v follow_v jesus_n christ_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n three_o self-deniall_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o christianity_n let_v we_o consider_v it_o from_o its_o birth_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o son_n of_o god_n found_v his_o church_n accomplish_v our_o redemption_n and_o will_v save_v the_o world_n by_o the_o way_n of_o annihilation_n
our_o heart_n and_o form_n in_o our_o soul_n a_o alienation_n and_o displeasure_n of_o too_o great_a a_o love_n bear_v to_o ourselves_o and_o of_o that_o adherence_n and_o fasten_v which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o creature_n and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a hindrance_n to_o virtue_n be_v to_o think_v tacit_o or_o actual_o that_o we_o have_v virtue_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o we_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n god_n demand_v of_o we_o and_o be_v fill_v with_o our_o self_n the_o affection_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o void_a of_o god_n hence_o we_o proceed_v and_o raise_v in_o ourselves_o a_o continual_a hunger_n after_o god_n a_o desire_n and_o a_o firm_a purpose_n to_o approach_v unto_o he_o to_o love_v he_o to_o please_v he_o and_o to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o our_o self_n and_o from_o all_o creature_n we_o must_v think_v upon_o these_o word_n 17._o thou_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o know_v not_o thou_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a in_o fine_a as_o all_o evangelic_n perfection_n practise_v and_o preach_v by_o jesus_n christ_n consist_v in_o two_o point_n in_o love_n of_o god_n only_o and_o in_o hate_n of_o ourselves_o we_o must_v study_v to_o establish_v and_o advance_v ourselves_o in_o these_o two_o principle_n we_o must_v vigilant_o seek_v god_n in_o all_o occurrence_n in_o all_o thing_n at_o all_o time_n and_o annihilate_v ourselves_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o object_n present_v to_o we_o the_o second_o practice_n must_v be_v actual_a abnegation_n we_o must_v study_v to_o annihilate_v and_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o this_o may_v be_v do_v two_o way_n one_o when_o we_o seek_v occasion_n to_o practice_v self-deniall_n or_o choose_v some_o exercise_n upon_o this_o subject_n this_o be_v for_o those_o who_o have_v courage_n and_o a_o great_a desire_n to_o be_v god_n and_o to_o live_v good_a christian_n but_o many_o believe_v not_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o renounce_v and_o have_v not_o sufficient_a courage_n to_o seek_v occasion_n to_o annihilate_v themselves_o there_o be_v another_o manner_n whereby_o they_o may_v profit_v by_o this_o exercise_n which_o be_v to_o receive_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o self-deniall_n whatever_o happen_v to_o they_o and_o to_o entertain_v it_o as_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n without_o which_o nothing_o can_v happen_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o who_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v subject_a here_o the_o soul_n must_v have_v a_o care_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n when_o any_o occasion_n occur_v to_o practice_v the_o interior_a or_o exterior_a self-deniall_n to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o it_o as_o god_n shall_v give_v he_o power_n and_o according_a to_o the_o object_n god_n shall_v cause_v they_o to_o be_v present_v to_o he_o it_o be_v a_o lesson_n that_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o learn_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v and_o it_o must_v be_v our_o continual_a endeavour_n to_o destroy_v in_o we_o the_o old_a man_n even_o in_o the_o least_o thing_n if_o we_o will_v have_v the_o new_a adam_n jesus_n christ_n to_o live_v in_o we_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v what_o self-deniall_n be_v since_o it_o concern_v we_o so_o much_o to_o practice_v it_o i_o answer_v to_o practice_v self-deniall_n be_v to_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o to_o sever_v ourselves_o from_o the_o creature_n to_o employ_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v ourselves_o fit_a to_o bear_v god_n for_o our_o heart_n be_v god_n and_o he_o create_v it_o by_o his_o power_n he_o consecrate_v it_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o dwell_v there_o and_o be_v there_o as_o a_o father_n in_o his_o family_n the_o sun_n in_o the_o heaven_n a_o king_n in_o his_o kingdom_n sin_n drive_v he_o from_o thence_o the_o love_n of_o our_o self_n and_o the_o creature_n hold_v the_o place_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o boldness_n and_o rashness_n to_o seat_v itself_o in_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n this_o love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o the_o creature_n reign_v tyrannical_o in_o we_o usurp_v the_o right_a of_o divinity_n do_v all_o there_o that_o god_n ought_v to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o establish_v god_n in_o his_o throne_n to_o re-place_n he_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o to_o let_v he_o reign_v in_o his_o soul._n to_o do_v this_o we_o must_v necessary_o drive_v away_o this_o love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o extirpate_v our_o affection_n to_o the_o creature_n this_o be_v the_o office_n of_o self-denial_n which_o annihilate_v we_o and_o make_v we_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o clear_v our_o heart_n to_o replace_v therein_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n to_o practice_v self-denial_n and_o for_o a_o man_n to_o go_v out_o of_o himself_o be_v to_o have_v no_o other_o desire_n then_o pure_o to_o please_v god_n to_o have_v no_o other_o will_v then_o he_o to_o have_v nothing_o but_o god_n before_o his_o eye_n and_o to_o quit_v all_o consideration_n of_o the_o world_n only_o to_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o be_v to_o lose_v the_o care_n of_o ourselves_o either_o of_o the_o soul_n or_o body_n to_o commit_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o abandon_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o the_o order_n he_o have_v establish_v from_o all_o eternity_n over_o our_o life_n it_o be_v to_o think_v no_o more_o of_o that_o which_o concern_v we_o and_o to_o desire_v no_o more_o that_o any_o love_v we_o or_o esteem_v we_o no_o more_o to_o seek_v our_o own_o interest_n or_o satisfaction_n but_o only_o the_o pure_a will_n of_o god_n so_o to_o live_v be_v to_o go_v out_o of_o and_o to_o annihilate_v ourselves_o for_o the_o soul_n by_o these_o practice_n renounce_v and_o annihilate_v in_o herself_o all_o affection_n all_o respect_n all_o care_n of_o the_o creature_n all_o that_o be_v not_o god_n or_o of_o god_n and_o so_o render_v herself_o capable_a to_o possess_v god_n to_o attain_v this_o practice_n of_o this_o virtue_n beside_o the_o mean_n already_o suppose_v a_o three_o may_v be_v add_v which_o be_v when_o god_n himself_o operate_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o annihilation_n he_o will_v have_v there_o and_o there_o be_v two_o ordinary_a way_n that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o herein_o one_o by_o christian_n and_o justify_v grace_n which_o can_v be_v in_o the_o soul_n till_o he_o drive_v thence_o and_o annihilate_v what_o be_v contrary_a to_o he_o and_o as_o far_o as_o it_o reign_v herein_o and_o possess_v the_o heart_n it_o proportionable_o annihilate_v in_o we_o this_o love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o the_o creature_n so_o true_o that_o we_o may_v say_v there_o be_v as_o much_o of_o the_o one_o as_o there_o be_v little_a of_o the_o other_o for_o grace_n and_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o can_v reign_v together_o one_o drive_v away_o the_o other_o beside_o grace_n god_n make_v use_v of_o divers_a favour_n and_o communication_n secret_a and_o interior_a as_o light_n motion_n and_o other_o divine_a and_o love_a operation_n whereby_o he_o infallible_o operate_v self-denial_n and_o annihilation_n in_o we_o it_o be_v a_o true_a principle_n that_o god_n never_o operate_v any_o effect_n which_o bring_v not_o purity_n self-denial_n and_o annihilation_n into_o the_o soul_n where_o these_o effect_n meet_v not_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a mark_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o god_n who_o be_v purity_n can_v operate_v but_o pure_o he_o be_v always_o like_o himself_o if_o there_o be_v a_o operation_n of_o god_n there_o be_v purity_n and_o consequent_o annihilation_n for_o purity_n annihilate_v impurity_n if_o in_o the_o operation_n which_o the_o soul_n bear_v there_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o purity_n and_o annihilation_n it_o be_v not_o a_o operation_n of_o god_n or_o a_o effect_n of_o grace_n but_o a_o effect_n of_o proper_a or_o natural_a love_n or_o else_o of_o the_o devil_n who_o can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n but_o he_o can_v give_v the_o soul_n the_o effect_n of_o light_n which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v thereby_o to_o know_v how_o to_o discern_v natural_a operation_n from_o those_o of_o grace_n this_o truth_n will_v appear_v most_o clear_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o his_o divine_a and_o love_a communication_n we_o know_v that_o god_n do_v not_o communicate_v himself_o nor_o work_v in_o our_o soul_n but_o to_o prepare_v and_o render_v they_o worthy_a and_o capable_a to_o receive_v he_o be_v therein_o receive_v he_o will_v possess_v and_o fill_v they_o with_o his_o fullness_n how_o can_v all_o this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o soul_n if_o god_n at_o first_o by_o his_o operation_n do_v not_o purify_v the_o soul_n and_o separate_v it_o
the_o care_n a_fw-fr christian_n ought_v to_o have_v to_o do_v all_o his_o action_n according_a to_o his_o vocation_n and_o to_o maintain_v himself_o in_o the_o order_n and_o conduct_v of_o god_n next_o interior_a disposition_n necessary_a to_o christian_a perfection_n it_o be_v convenient_a to_o speak_v of_o the_o exterior_a to_o make_v our_o perfect_a christian_a see_v how_o he_o must_v comport_v himself_o to_o be_v perfect_a in_o all_o thing_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v of_o the_o care_n we_o must_v have_v to_o appear_v virtuous_a and_o exemplary_a and_o to_o walk_v upright_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n next_o we_o have_v show_v how_o all_o his_o action_n must_v be_v square_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 2.14_o subject_a to_o his_o conduct_n which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o his_o divine_a inspiration_n last_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o to_o do_v action_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o conformable_a to_o his_o sanctity_n and_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n they_o must_v regard_v god_n and_o have_v no_o intention_n but_o to_o please_v he_o it_o remain_v that_o we_o show_v what_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o perfection_n the_o most_o considerable_a in_o christian_a piety_n that_o be_v how_o all_o our_o action_n shall_v be_v do_v according_a to_o our_o vocation_n the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v a_o circle_n that_o come_v forth_o from_o god_n and_o must_v return_v to_o god_n god_n alone_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o be_v of_o our_o life_n and_o of_o our_o action_n &_o as_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o they_o so_o be_v he_o the_o end_n thereof_o he_o be_v the_o principle_n do_v all_o in_o we_o he_o be_v our_o end_n and_o recall_v we_o unto_o himself_o so_o that_o we_o have_v all_o of_o god_n and_o be_v recall_v back_o to_o god_n for_o the_o creature_n bear_v a_o right_a capacity_n and_o inclination_n which_o can_v never_o be_v annihilate_v which_o cause_v it_o to_o subsist_v call_v it_o back_o to_o it_o be_v god_n there_o to_o adhere_v as_o to_o its_o repose_n and_o ultimate_a perfection_n herein_o we_o find_v two_o thing_n remarkable_a which_o belong_v to_o our_o subject_n one_o that_o god_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o our_o action_n the_o other_o that_o he_o be_v the_o end_n he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o our_o action_n because_o there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o we_o which_o god_n do_v not_o of_o he_o we_o have_v the_o motion_n thought_n and_o will_v to_o do_v well_o he_o give_v we_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o not_o only_o give_v we_o the_o power_n to_o do_v it_o but_o himself_o do_v it_o in_o we_o so_o true_o that_o he_o be_v more_o the_o author_n of_o a_o good_a work_n than_o we_o ourselves_o and_o according_a to_o the_o prophet_n we_o shall_v say_v to_o god_n lord_n thou_o have_v wrought_v all_o our_o work_n in_o we_o it_o be_v god_n say_v saint_n paul_n that_o work_v in_o we_o 26.12_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n imply_v not_o only_o that_o god_n give_v we_o his_o grace_n and_o good_a motion_n 2.13_o which_o join_v with_o our_o consent_n effect_v the_o work_n but_o that_o by_o grace_n god_n be_v in_o we_o after_o a_o new_a and_o special_a manner_n unite_v to_o our_o soul_n which_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o by_o this_o union_n and_o adherence_n god_n fill_v the_o capacity_n which_o the_o soul_n have_v to_o good_a and_o to_o virtue_n and_o operate_v in_o she_o and_o by_o she_o the_o action_n of_o virtue_n but_o so_o that_o it_o be_v he_o who_o operate_v more_o than_o we_o we_o operate_v say_v saint_n augustine_n but_o it_o be_v god_n who_o operate_v in_o we_o this_o operation_n thus_o be_v god_n the_o author_n of_o our_o action_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o they_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o be_v also_o the_o end_n of_o our_o be_v and_o operation_n the_o end_n of_o our_o be_v because_o he_o be_v the_o creator_n thereof_o for_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n that_o which_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v also_o the_o end_n thereof_o and_o by_o the_o order_n that_o god_n hold_v in_o his_o love_a operation_n he_o can_v act_v but_o he_o must_v be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o action_n and_o as_o he_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o be_v action_n and_o perfection_n of_o man_n so_o be_v he_o the_o end_n thereof_o this_o principle_n teach_v we_o that_o as_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o end_n of_o man_n so_o he_o alone_o give_v the_o mean_n and_o prescribe_v the_o order_n that_o he_o must_v keep_v to_o come_v to_o god_n his_o end_n for_o as_o the_o creature_n have_v not_o power_n to_o draw_v itself_o from_o nothing_o so_o have_v it_o not_o the_o right_a to_o propose_v a_o end_n to_o itself_o nor_o to_o prescribe_v to_o itself_o the_o order_n way_n and_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o this_o end_n that_o appertain_v to_o god_n who_o alone_o can_v give_v the_o be_v propose_v the_o end_n and_o prescribe_v the_o mean_n and_o when_o god_n have_v prescribe_v the_o end_n and_o ordain_v the_o mean_n thereto_o yet_o can_v we_o follow_v the_o way_n nor_o keep_v this_o order_n if_o god_n himself_o do_v not_o act_n in_o we_o conduct_v we_o and_o work_v in_o we_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o attain_v our_o end_n for_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o all_o our_o action_n he_o perform_v both_o the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n say_v st._n paul_n speak_v of_o god_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v 2.10_o that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o hereby_o the_o apostle_n show_v that_o god_n have_v regulate_v the_o life_n of_o man_n ordain_v all_o his_o action_n prepare_v all_o the_o good_a work_n wherein_o he_o will_v that_o he_o shall_v employ_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o do_v all_o in_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n so_o all_o our_o safety_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o god_n be_v our_o end_n god_n alone_o have_v ordain_v the_o mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o our_o end_n god_n alone_o must_v conduct_v and_o operate_v in_o we_o work_v necessary_a to_o that_o end_n whereto_o we_o be_v call_v herein_o consist_v all_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o christian_a all_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o soul_n whence_o all_o the_o piety_n all_o the_o care_n we_o must_v have_v consist_v in_o these_o three_o point_n which_o contain_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o tend_v towards_o god_n continual_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o order_n and_o conduct_v of_o god_n and_o to_o entertain_v all_o the_o divine_a operation_n to_o let_v god_n act_v who_o conduct_n we_o in_o that_o order_n he_o have_v establish_v over_o we_o and_o operate_v in_o we_o incessant_o the_o work_n which_o he_o prepare_v from_o all_o eternity_n in_o these_o three_o point_n consist_v all_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o christianity_n therefore_o we_o must_v take_v great_a care_n herein_o though_o they_o be_v unknown_a to_o we_o and_o their_o use_n appear_v difficult_a yet_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o know_v they_o and_o demand_v of_o god_n light_n and_o grace_n we_o must_v follow_v they_o with_o fidelity_n and_o embrace_v they_o with_o vigilancy_n in_o all_o thing_n even_o in_o the_o very_a lest_o for_o in_o what_o concern_v god_n his_o glory_n and_o will_n nothing_o be_v little_a all_o be_v great_a and_o inestimable_a here_o we_o must_v consider_v how_o we_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o a_o subject_n so_o important_a that_o we_o may_v avoid_v the_o snare_n prepare_v for_o we_o on_o all_o side_n all_o the_o evil_a that_o can_v befall_v we_o herein_o come_v either_o from_o the_o devil_n or_o from_o ourselves_o and_o more_o from_o ourselves_o then_o from_o the_o other_o for_o we_o be_v the_o principal_a instrument_n of_o our_o own_o ruin_n the_o devil_n incite_v by_o his_o ordinary_a malice_n be_v crafty_a and_o have_v a_o thousand_o subtle_a way_n to_o annoy_v we_o continual_o consider_v the_o way_n of_o god_n over_o our_o soul_n and_o by_o the_o little_a knowledge_n he_o have_v thereof_o can_v easy_o represent_v something_o of_o god_n ordinance_n over_o we_o of_o his_o design_n and_o way_n to_o save_v we_o have_v consider_v these_o he_o go_v about_o he_o make_v it_o his_o perpetual_a business_n to_o persecute_v we_o and_o precipitate_v we_o the_o first_o effect_n of_o his_o malice_n be_v to_o ruin_v in_o we_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o to_o shut_v our_o heart_n against_o the_o motion_n of_o grace_n he_o particular_o labour_v to_o divert_v we_o from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v we_o go_v out_o of_o the_o order_n and_o conduct_v which_o he_o know_v god_n have_v establish_v over_o we_o he_o employ_v a_o thousand_o surprise_v
the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n you_o shall_v find_v their_o heart_n void_a of_o god_n full_a of_o self-love_n their_o action_n inconstant_a their_o thought_n in_o continual_a change_n in_o fine_a they_o be_v nothing_o but_o disquiet_n complaint_n and_o murmur_n look_v upon_o their_o life_n and_o action_n it_o be_v but_o a_o pastime_n unprofitableness_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o age_n and_o have_v consider_v it_o all_o it_o will_v not_o be_v hard_o for_o you_o to_o know_v whether_o those_o soul_n have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o virtue_n yet_o in_o appearance_n they_o make_v a_o great_a show_n &_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o be_v to_o blame_v those_o who_o be_v conduct_v and_o direct_v or_o the_o director_n but_o how_o ever_o it_o be_v the_o christian_a who_o will_v be_v save_v must_v labour_v herein_o serious_o and_o neither_o fear_n pain_n nor_o mortification_n but_o seek_v to_o be_v conduct_v by_o the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v ordain_v and_o pass_v above_o all_o consideration_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o difficulty_n prove_v constant_a and_o compliant_a with_o the_o order_n that_o god_n have_v establish_v over_o he_o he_o must_v every_o day_n renew_v his_o good_a resolution_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o let_v he_o know_v and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o design_n he_o have_v upon_o he_o and_o give_v he_o grace_v in_o every_o point_n to_o follow_v they_o and_o with_o fidelity_n to_o accomplish_v they_o and_o see_v that_o his_o fidelity_n be_v now_o in_o question_n and_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n it_o be_v but_o necessary_a we_o make_v some_o discourse_n of_o it_o chap._n vii_o of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o its_o necessity_n in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o action_n of_o a_o christian._n to_o speak_v of_o fidelity_n and_o to_o see_v how_o much_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o truth_n already_o propose_v and_o remember_v that_o man_n be_v create_v for_o god_n who_o be_v his_o end_n that_o god_n alone_o can_v conduct_v he_o to_o this_o end_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n who_o only_o operate_v in_o he_o all_o the_o good_a work_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v he_o god_n and_o to_o arrive_v at_o this_o end_n which_o be_v god_n from_o these_o principle_n of_o truth_n we_o enter_v into_o our_o subject_n and_o present_o see_v that_o we_o have_v not_o any_o thing_n more_o important_a in_o this_o world_n then_o to_o go_v to_o god_n to_o cooperate_v with_o the_o work_n which_o god_n do_v in_o we_o to_o save_v we_o and_o to_o accomplish_v with_o fidelity_n that_o which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o and_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o disposition_n that_o he_o desire_v every_o one_o apply_v himself_o faithful_o to_o the_o way_n that_o god_n propose_v and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o vocation_n that_o the_o priest_n live_v according_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o estate_n the_o christian_n as_o christian_n in_o brief_a that_o all_o man_n live_v so_o as_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n they_o may_v say_v with_o jesus_n christ_n my_o father_n i_o have_v glorify_v thou_o upon_o the_o earth_n i_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n thou_o have_v ordain_v i_o to_o do_v this_o fidelity_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a must_v be_v in_o our_o soul_n from_o the_o time_n we_o be_v bear_v though_o there_o be_v neither_o heaven_n nor_o hell_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o our_o creator_n what_o averseness_n soever_o the_o creature_n may_v have_v it_o shall_v be_v always_o subject_a to_o the_o order_n of_o god_n either_o in_o the_o way_n of_o justice_n or_o mercy_n if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v it_o can_v be_v unless_o we_o cooperate_v with_o the_o work_n that_o god_n will_v do_v in_o we_o unless_o we_o become_v faithful_a to_o his_o grace_n and_o follow_v the_o order_n that_o god_n have_v prescribe_v wherein_o he_o will_v conduct_v we_o to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o more_o than_o we_o think_v to_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o design_n that_o god_n have_v over_o we_o and_o to_o the_o vocation_n whereto_o he_o have_v call_v we_o to_o the_o motion_n and_o inspiration_n he_o give_v we_o to_o make_v use_n with_o fidelity_n of_o the_o grace_n he_o offer_v least_o draw_v ourselves_o from_o the_o order_n and_o offer_v of_o his_o mercy_n we_o enter_v into_o that_o of_o his_o justice_n and_o one_o day_n he_o say_v to_o we_o in_o the_o rigour_n of_o his_o determine_a decree_n as_o he_o say_v to_o his_o people_n i_o will_v choose_v their_o delusion_n and_o bring_v their_o fear_n upon_o they_o because_o when_o i_o call_v none_o do_v answer_v when_o i_o speak_v they_o do_v not_o hear_v but_o they_o do_v evil_a in_o my_o sight_n and_o choose_v that_o in_o which_o i_o delight_v not_o isa._n 66.4_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o vocation_n and_o use_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o the_o grace_n and_o benefit_n of_o god_n we_o speak_v of_o paradise_n to_o despise_v they_o be_v to_o neglect_v salvation_n therefore_o the_o christian_a must_v consider_v what_o he_o do_v as_o well_o in_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o vocation_n he_o must_v choose_v as_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n he_o receive_v of_o god_n see_v thereon_o depend_v all_o his_o happiness_n or_o misery_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o choose_v not_o what_o god_n will_v not_o have_v we_o nor_o despise_v what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o embrace_v this_o point_n be_v the_o most_o important_a of_o all_o in_o a_o christian_a life_n yet_o be_v it_o a_o mystery_n the_o most_o secret_a of_o any_o in_o christianity_n the_o vocation_n of_o a_o soul_n be_v as_o much_o hide_v as_o her_o election_n which_o none_o can_v know_v or_o easy_o discern_v by_o her_o conduct_n the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v as_o much_o elevate_v above_o we_o as_o heaven_n above_o earth_n and_o yet_o o_o wonderful_a god_n will_n that_o we_o follow_v his_o way_n and_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o according_a to_o the_o vocation_n whereto_o god_n from_o all_o time_n have_v call_v he_o what_o remedy_n see_v on_o the_o one_o side_n necessity_n constrain_v we_o and_o on_o the_o other_o the_o incertainty_n and_o obscurity_n deter_v we_o o_o just_a god_n god_n of_o all_o bounty_n who_o shall_v enlighten_v we_o in_o this_o darkness_n who_o shall_v resolve_v we_o in_o a_o affair_n so_o doubtful_a who_o shall_v assure_v we_o amid_o so_o many_o doubt_n nothing_o but_o thy_o light_n o_o god_n the_o only_a refuge_n of_o our_o soul_n can_v conduct_v we_o nothing_o but_o thy_o spirit_n can_v teach_v we_o but_o thy_o truth_n can_v assure_v we_o and_o but_o thy_o infinite_a mercy_n can_v protect_v we_o this_o let_v we_o see_v in_o what_o danger_n they_o put_v themselves_o who_o so_o long_o neglect_v the_o motion_n grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o make_v such_o ill_a use_n of_o his_o benefit_n from_o these_o truth_n we_o learn_v the_o esteem_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o our_o vocation_n and_o with_o what_o circumspection_n we_o must_v make_v choice_n thereof_o and_o if_o we_o will_v make_v ourselves_o worthy_a to_o receive_v of_o god_n the_o light_n and_o conduct_v necessary_a in_o a_o affair_n of_o so_o great_a consequence_n for_o our_o salvation_n it_o will_v be_v very_o profitable_a to_o enter_v into_o these_o follow_a disposition_n first_o the_o christian_a must_v have_v a_o pure_a desire_n of_o god_n and_o a_o resolution_n to_o do_v in_o every_o thing_n his_o divine_a will_n be_v from_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o heart_n whole_o resign_v to_o his_o will_n and_o conduct_v second_o he_o must_v have_v a_o great_a sense_n of_o his_o weakness_n he_o must_v be_v in_o a_o estate_n of_o humility_n before_o god_n not_o esteem_v himself_o worthy_a or_o capable_a of_o any_o thing_n for_o the_o humble_a shall_v never_o perish_v and_o as_o isaiah_n say_v god_n look_v to_o he_o that_o be_v poor_a and_o of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o tremble_v at_o his_o word_n 66.2_o three_o he_o must_v renounce_v his_o own_o interest_n and_o all_o his_o particular_a concernment_n he_o must_v not_o regard_v his_o own_o safety_n that_o he_o may_v have_v no_o object_n but_o the_o pure_a will_n of_o god_n yet_o in_o such_o manner_n that_o he_o who_o resolve_v to_o remain_v so_o faithful_o and_o constant_o in_o the_o order_n and_o design_n of_o god_n and_o propose_v to_o make_v hereafter_o use_v of_o god_n gift_n grace_n and_o benefit_n and_o regard_v not_o perfection_n advancement_n virtue_n not_o heaven_n itself_o must_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o a_o thought_n to_o please_v god_n for_o alas_o who_o be_v worthy_a thereof_o but_o cleanse_v and_o purify_n his_o intention_n
thought_n and_o disposition_n he_o must_v only_o regard_v god_n and_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o be_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o he_o without_o have_v other_o interest_n or_o intention_n then_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o this_o disposition_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o christian_n the_o soul_n will_v never_o fail_v to_o feel_v the_o help_n of_o her_o god_n for_o those_o who_o seek_v god_n with_o purity_n of_o heart_n shall_v be_v worthy_a to_o possess_v he_o in_o fine_a we_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n continual_o and_o in_o a_o affair_n so_o important_a as_o be_v fidelity_n to_o grace_n and_o the_o employment_n of_o our_o life_n we_o must_v demand_v of_o god_n and_o that_o instant_o his_o light_n to_o know_v what_o he_o will_v of_o we_o his_o grace_n to_o accomplish_v it_o his_o mercy_n and_o particular_a assistance_n to_o persevere_v in_o it_o for_o he_o alone_o who_o persevere_fw-la to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o we_o know_v that_o without_o the_o favour_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o after_o this_o the_o christian_a who_o will_v proceed_v further_o and_o live_v christianly_o must_v be_v very_o vigilant_a to_o root_v up_o take_v away_o and_o annihilate_v all_o that_o may_v alienate_v he_o from_o god_n and_o draw_v he_o from_o his_o divine_a conduct_n he_o must_v always_o have_v a_o watchful_a regard_n of_o god_n to_o make_v use_n with_o purity_n and_o fidelity_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n he_o receive_v of_o he_o i_o say_v fidelity_n not_o one_o or_o other_o but_o according_a to_o the_o amplitude_n and_o state_n of_o grace_n that_o god_n communicate_v to_o he_o and_o with_o purity_n of_o love_n and_o esteem_v of_o god_n for_o we_o be_v oblige_v not_o only_o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o grace_v but_o also_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n in_o we_o so_o that_o our_o fidelity_n and_o co-operation_n must_v be_v correspondent_a and_o proportionable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o god_n we_o may_v fail_v in_o fidelity_n and_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o we_o three_o way_n in_o absolute_o refuse_v the_o grace_n god_n offer_v as_o when_o he_o say_v i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v 1.24_o or_o be_v unfaithful_a repress_v all_o the_o grace_n we_o have_v of_o god_n like_o he_o in_o the_o parable_n 25.18_o who_o hide_v his_o master_n talon_n under_o ground_n or_o last_o we_o be_v unfaithful_a not_o run_v out_o all_o the_o race_n of_o god_n but_o only_o a_o part_n stray_v from_o he_o to_o apply_v our_o self_n to_o our_o self_n or_o the_o creature_n like_v he_o who_o desire_v he_o may_v take_v leave_n of_o his_o friend_n at_o home_n 21._o and_o see_v they_o before_o he_o follow_v christ._n these_o three_o state_n of_o infidelity_n god_n severe_o punish_v 1.26_o he_o abandon_v the_o first_o and_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o conduct_n and_o counsel_n protest_v that_o he_o will_v mock_v they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o affliction_n that_o be_v of_o their_o death_n from_o the_o second_o he_o take_v away_o the_o talon_n and_o throw_v they_o from_o before_o his_o face_n 25.28_o confine_v they_o to_o that_o place_n of_o darkness_n 30._o whereof_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v mention_v a_o place_n full_a of_o horror_n and_o lamentation_n of_o the_o three_o christ_n say_v no_o man_n have_v put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n and_o look_v back_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 9.62_o whence_o we_o may_v learn_v how_o much_o the_o christian_n must_v suffer_v who_o lead_v a_o life_n which_o we_o call_v common_a who_o endeavour_v only_o to_o recreate_v himself_o to_o deceive_v the_o time_n and_o have_v no_o care_n or_o leisure_n to_o consider_v what_o he_o do_v or_o what_o may_v befall_v he_o for_o the_o small_a esteem_n he_o make_v of_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n he_o be_v assure_v that_o such_o soul_n must_v apprehend_v some_o great_a evil_n 13.12_o for_o whosoever_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundance_n but_o whosoever_o have_v not_o from_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o he_o have_v these_o word_n show_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o christian_n who_o make_v so_o little_a account_n of_o his_o love_n and_o receive_v his_o grace_n so_o indifferent_o who_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o they_o be_v sanctify_v 10.29_o a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o have_v do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n word_n that_o show_v the_o need_n we_o have_v to_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n and_o what_o a_o high_a crime_n it_o be_v to_o injure_v in_o we_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o destroy_v his_o work_n to_o annihilate_v his_o grace_n and_o to_o profane_v his_o gift_n and_o benefit_n chap._n viii_o of_o infidelity_n to_o grace_n and_o how_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o live_v in_o his_o vocation_n the_o consideration_n of_o this_o great_a evil_n which_o draw_v along_o with_o it_o the_o peril_n of_o our_o soul_n oblige_v we_o to_o find_v out_o by_o what_o way_n and_o after_o what_o manner_n we_o come_v to_o ruin_v and_o extinguish_v the_o operation_n of_o god_n in_o we_o and_o what_o the_o principal_a subject_n or_o object_n be_v that_o cause_n we_o to_o refuse_v his_o grace_n and_o despise_v his_o love_n who_o love_v we_o more_o than_o his_o own_o life_n see_v that_o infidelity_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a evil_n of_o our_o soul_n this_o must_v be_v a_o point_n of_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o advise_v hereunto_o we_o must_v apply_v the_o great_a vigilancy_n of_o our_o life_n to_o understand_v so_o necessary_a a_o doctrine_n we_o be_v only_o to_o consider_v grace_n in_o its_o essence_n and_o regard_v what_o god_n intend_v to_o do_v in_o we_o by_o his_o gift_n and_o operation_n we_o have_v speak_v of_o it_o elsewhere_o but_o we_o will_v brief_o repeat_v it_o upon_o the_o present_a subject_n god_n by_o his_o love_n operation_n and_o grace_n give_v himself_o to_o we_o and_o possess_v we_o he_o will_v that_o we_o be_v whole_o he_o as_o he_o be_v we_o he_o be_v in_o we_o and_o life_n in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o he_o and_o by_o a_o excessive_a bounty_n elevate_v we_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o divine_a essence_n and_o associate_n we_o to_o all_o his_o divine_a greatness_n for_o this_o he_o create_v we_o and_o have_v give_v we_o the_o capacity_n to_o love_v he_o and_o in_o love_v he_o to_o possess_v he_o and_o all_o that_o he_o do_v in_o we_o all_o the_o grace_n that_o he_o give_v be_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o accomplish_v all_o this_o in_o we_o this_o therefore_o be_v grant_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o grace_n and_o operation_n of_o god_n must_v produce_v two_o thing_n in_o we_o one_o to_o draw_v we_o from_o ourselves_o and_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o creature_n the_o other_o to_o draw_v we_o to_o god_n to_o give_v we_o to_o god_n and_o to_o make_v we_o one_o with_o he_o behold_v in_o few_o word_n the_o be_v of_o grace_n and_o design_n of_o god_n this_o be_v consider_v it_o will_v be_v easy_a for_o we_o to_o see_v and_o know_v that_o we_o annihilate_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o work_n when_o we_o remain_v to_o ourselves_o and_o adhere_v to_o ourselves_o and_o embrace_v the_o creature_n for_o in_o this_o doctrine_n of_o piety_n we_o must_v say_v that_o as_o grace_n separate_v we_o from_o ourselves_o and_o the_o creature_n and_o unite_v we_o only_o to_o god_n so_o we_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o god_n and_o destroy_v his_o work_n when_o we_o be_v ourselves_o and_o adhere_v to_o the_o creature_n and_o consequent_o we_o be_v less_o god_n the_o more_o we_o be_v our_o own_o so_o that_o to_o ruin_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o annihilate_v his_o grace_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o be_v ourselves_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o creature_n to_o follow_v our_o own_o inclination_n in_o a_o word_n to_o love_v ourselves_o this_o be_v a_o powerful_a truth_n which_o shall_v beget_v in_o our_o heart_n hate_v and_o horror_n of_o ourselves_o and_o detestation_n of_o all_o creature_n see_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o our_o loss_n and_o love_n of_o ourselves_o be_v the_o only_a instrument_n of_o our_o ruin_n this_o truth_n we_o shall_v have_v always_o before_o our_o eye_n to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o danger_n it_o be_v to_o follow_v our_o own_o appetite_n inclination_n and_o will_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o complacency_n esteem_n and_o love_n of_o the_o creature_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o more_o we_o love_v ourselves_o the_o more_o
of_o any_o way_n but_o this_o that_o god_n have_v ordain_v for_o she_o whereto_o she_o be_v call_v by_o this_o practice_n the_o soul_n remain_v in_o her_o unity_n of_o application_n and_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o the_o perfect_a adherence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o live_v faithful_o in_o those_o way_n wherein_o she_o believe_v god_n will_v conduct_v she_o she_o will_v be_v careful_a to_o employ_v all_o her_o power_n to_o destroy_v and_o annihilate_v herself_o into_o god_n in_o those_o way_n wherein_o he_o govern_v she_o without_o think_v of_o any_o other_o resign_v herself_o whole_o to_o god_n that_o he_o by_o his_o divine_a power_n secret_o and_o intimate_o operate_v in_o she_o a_o true_a annihilation_n which_o separate_v she_o from_o herself_o and_o all_o thing_n shall_v perfect_v she_o and_o put_v she_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o god_n that_o be_v shall_v render_v her_o worthy_a and_o capable_a to_o bear_v god_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o he_o who_o from_o thenceforth_o will_v be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o she_o by_o grace_n and_o love_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n yet_o after_o a_o manner_n proportion_v to_o the_o baseness_n of_o earth_n the_o christian_a live_v in_o this_o faithful_a application_n shall_v not_o want_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o motion_n to_o draw_v he_o more_o and_o more_o to_o god_n and_o to_o make_v he_o perfect_a let_v we_o now_o see_v how_o he_o must_v comport_v himself_o in_o the_o exterior_a use_n of_o all_o thing_n chap._n ix_o how_o the_o christian_n ought_v to_o comport_v himself_o in_o the_o exterior_a use_n of_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o great_a consequence_n in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o use_n and_o seek_v after_o of_o exterior_a thing_n for_o beside_o that_o he_o must_v shun_v as_o hell_n whatsoever_o be_v of_o sin_n and_o abstain_v from_o all_o that_o displease_v god_n it_o be_v also_o necessary_a to_o see_v how_o he_o comport_v himself_o in_o exterior_a thing_n though_o lawful_a every_o employment_n out_o of_o god_n divert_v we_o from_o he_o if_o we_o be_v not_o ready_a and_o form_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o conduct_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n 10.23_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a but_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a say_v st._n paul_n signify_v that_o all_o that_o be_v lawful_a be_v not_o always_o good_a to_o do_v and_o that_o for_o divers_a circumstance_n a_o man_n must_v retain_v and_o deprive_v himself_o of_o that_o which_o be_v permit_v in_o the_o use_n and_o acquisition_n of_o exterior_a thing_n even_o of_o those_o that_o appear_v lawful_a we_o may_v fail_v in_o divers_a manner_n for_o the_o employment_n divert_v we_o from_o god_n the_o use_n and_o possession_n bring_v care_n upon_o we_o and_o the_o adhere_n to_o they_o divide_v we_o from_o ourselves_o and_o make_v we_o divide_v they_o with_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o parable_n many_o refuse_n to_o go_v to_o the_o marriage_n 22._o and_o to_o the_o heavenly_a banquet_n whereto_o they_o be_v invite_v that_o be_v they_o refuse_v the_o grace_n and_o heaven_n itself_o because_o they_o turn_v themselves_o to_o the_o creature_n some_o say_v jesus_n christ_n go_v to_o their_o possession_n and_o farm_n 14.18_o other_o employ_v themselves_o in_o their_o affair_n some_o to_o buy_v other_o to_o sell_v and_o busy_v themselves_o in_o these_o occupation_n think_v no_o more_o of_o heaven_n or_o if_o they_o have_v thought_n or_o desire_n of_o it_o they_o be_v stifle_v in_o the_o confusion_n of_o affair_n so_o that_o if_o god_n offer_v they_o grace_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o feel_v good_a motion_n either_o they_o refuse_v they_o or_o think_v not_o serious_o of_o they_o thus_o they_o extinguish_v in_o themselves_o the_o resentment_n of_o their_o salvation_n the_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o by_o little_a and_o little_a make_v themselves_o insensible_a of_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o heaven_n this_o evil_n be_v whereinto_o they_o fall_v in_o employ_v themselves_o too_o much_o in_o thing_n which_o appear_v lawful_a and_o whereof_o they_o have_v not_o any_o fear_n but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n add_v these_o dreadful_a and_o menace_a word_n that_o none_o of_o those_o man_n which_o be_v bid_v 24._o shall_v taste_v of_o my_o supper_n word_n worthy_a to_o be_v weigh_v and_o examine_v by_o christian_n which_o make_v we_o to_o know_v sufficient_o what_o circumspection_n we_o must_v have_v in_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o exterior_a thing_n see_v they_o be_v capable_a to_o make_v we_o lose_v and_o neglect_v his_o grace_n and_o vocation_n there_o be_v no_o example_n more_o clear_a to_o demonstrate_v this_o truth_n than_o the_o fall_n of_o lucifer_n and_o adam_n who_o fall_v from_o the_o height_n of_o perfection_n and_o grace_n to_o turn_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o creature_n and_o because_o they_o have_v a_o will_n to_o contemplate_v and_o employ_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o perfection_n they_o be_v withdraw_v from_o behold_v god_n and_o lose_v themselves_o in_o search_v into_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o creature_n that_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o lay_v hold_n of_o and_o seek_v in_o god_n alone_o and_o to_o this_o day_n sin_n be_v commit_v only_o because_o the_o soul_n be_v divert_v from_o god_n and_o convert_v to_o the_o creature_n and_o seek_v in_o the_o creature_n for_o her_o own_o particular_a interest_n and_o satisfaction_n what_o she_o ought_v to_o seek_v only_o in_o god_n and_o for_o god_n hence_o we_o may_v easy_o conjecture_v the_o hazard_n which_o happen_v and_o the_o fail_n which_o they_o commit_v in_o the_o use_n and_o research_v of_o the_o creature_n and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v the_o snare_n wherein_o all_o soul_n be_v entrap_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o beware_v of_o it_o and_o cause_v all_o man_n to_o see_v it_o see_v then_o in_o particular_n how_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o comport_v himself_o first_o the_o christian_n who_o will_v live_v perfect_o in_o any_o estate_n or_o profession_n must_v have_v a_o care_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o do_v nothing_o that_o may_v displease_v god_n for_o this_o motive_n be_v the_o touchstone_n of_o true_a perfection_n the_o foundation_n and_o principle_n of_o solid_a virtue_n and_o consequent_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o a_o christian._n for_o if_o as_o we_o have_v elsewhere_o say_v he_o must_v do_v all_o for_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n he_o must_v also_o by_o the_o same_o consequence_n take_v need_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o this_o advice_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v very_o important_a to_o christian_a piety_n one_o when_o it_o be_v say_v we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n to_o do_v nothing_o sin_n nor_o any_o thing_n which_o displease_v god_n in_o these_o word_n we_o must_v learn_v that_o this_o care_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a so_o necessary_a that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a care_n wherein_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o live_v for_o the_o soul_n which_o must_v do_v nothing_o to_o displease_v god_n and_o detest_v all_o that_o may_v displease_v he_o shall_v never_o fail_v to_o be_v acceptable_a to_o his_o divine_a eye_n who_o contemplate_v she_o in_o this_o purity_n will_v love_v she_o love_v she_o will_v possess_v she_o possess_v she_o will_v enrich_v she_o with_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n according_a to_o his_o divine_a will_n and_o design_n therefore_o in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o true_a and_o solid_a piety_n we_o must_v not_o study_v so_o much_o to_o do_v as_o to_o take_v away_o nor_o labour_n so_o much_o to_o acquire_v and_o act_v as_o to_o divest_v ourselves_o and_o do_v nothing_o displease_v to_o god_n the_o other_o point_n be_v when_o we_o say_v that_o we_o must_v do_v nothing_o to_o displease_v god_n by_o this_o advice_n we_o show_v what_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v that_o will_v live_v in_o christian_a purity_n which_o consist_v in_o that_o she_o be_v oblige_v to_o regard_n god_n and_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o all_o her_o action_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v ground_v in_o that_o we_o be_v not_o for_o ourselves_o neither_o our_o life_n nor_o action_n but_o we_o be_v for_o god_n by_o consequence_n we_o must_v employ_v our_o life_n action_n and_o self_n for_o god_n for_o this_o reason_n god_n demand_v a_o account_n even_o to_o the_o least_o moment_n of_o our_o time_n unto_o the_o least_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n the_o slight_a word_n of_o our_o tongue_n and_o to_o the_o small_a action_n of_o our_o life_n in_o brief_a he_o will_v demand_v a_o account_n of_o ourselves_o from_o ourselves_o because_o that_o we_o be_v not_o our_o own_o but_o god_n we_o must_v employ_v ourselves_o all_o for_o god_n for_o his_o good_a
word_n which_o show_v the_o pain_n and_o travel_v a_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o undergo_v to_o root_v out_o of_o his_o heart_n and_o tear_v from_o his_o soul_n all_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n word_n which_o condemn_v our_o delicate_n and_o all_o that_o fear_v labour_n and_o suffering_n excuse_v themselves_o by_o their_o weakness_n of_o nature_n to_o comprehend_v the_o importance_n of_o this_o advice_n let_v we_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n there_o we_o shall_v learn_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v gain_v by_o violence_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n be_v ground_v upon_o suffering_n that_o the_o perfection_n be_v in_o love_n in_o love_n crucify_a that_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n consist_v in_o privation_n and_o resignation_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o cross_n whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o who_o fly_v suffering_n and_o humiliation_n seek_v only_o a_o sweet_a pleasant_a life_n fear_v pain_n and_o travel_n do_v by_o this_o fear_n make_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o god_n who_o reign_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v only_o find_v in_o the_o thorn_n of_o the_o fiery_a bush_n they_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n which_o agree_v with_o annihilation_n they_o shut_v their_o heart_n against_o love_n and_o which_o be_v more_o to_o be_v lament_v go_v out_o of_o the_o order_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o conformity_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v with_o jesus_n christ_n crucify_v who_o be_v the_o object_n the_o way_n and_o the_o life_n of_o perfect_a christian_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o can_v conduct_v our_o self_n but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o annihilate_v of_o suffer_v and_o humiliation_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o life_n and_o essence_n here_o may_v these_o delicate_a person_n see_v how_o their_o faint-heartedness_n deceive_v they_o let_v we_o then_o take_v heed_n and_o serious_o consider_v the_o sentence_n that_o jesus_n christ_n pronounce_v against_o they_o he_o that_o take_v not_o up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o 10.38_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o to_o fear_v suffering_n to_o fly_v humiliation_n to_o refuse_v the_o communication_n of_o god_n be_v to_o make_v ourselves_o unworthy_a and_o uncapable_a of_o all_o his_o divine_a operation_n of_o grace_n for_o god_n can_v communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n but_o he_o will_v cause_v therein_o annihilation_n and_o humility_n all_o the_o operation_n of_o grace_n can_v have_v no_o effect_n in_o our_o soul_n but_o those_o of_o humility_n abnegation_n and_o death_n grace_n must_v operate_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o which_o death_n do_v in_o the_o body_n this_o be_v so_o know_v a_o truth_n that_o all_o that_o speak_v of_o grace_n unless_o that_o it_o be_v proper_a and_o principal_a effect_n be_v to_o give_v we_o to_o god_n to_o make_v god_n live_v in_o we_o and_o to_o place_n therein_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o operate_v all_o that_o in_o we_o without_o annihilation_n subversion_n humiliation_n and_o death_n unless_o he_o pluck_v the_o love_n of_o our_o self_n and_o the_o creature_n from_o our_o heart_n he_o can_v plant_v his_o own_o therein_o if_o he_o kill_v not_o in_o we_o the_o old_a adam_n never_o will_v jesus_n christ_n live_v in_o we_o god_n can_v dwell_v in_o we_o if_o he_o do_v not_o annihilate_v and_o consume_v the_o impurity_n and_o malice_n of_o our_o soul_n thus_o christian_a grace_n to_o produce_v its_o effect_n in_o we_o require_v a_o estate_n of_o submission_n and_o death_n they_o therefore_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o think_v they_o be_v in_o grace_n yet_o bear_v no_o mark_n at_o all_o of_o this_o grace_n for_o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o soul_n it_o will_v infallible_o produce_v the_o effect_n proper_a to_o it_o if_o it_o produce_v nothing_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n it_o be_v not_o there_o herein_o also_o appear_v the_o wrong_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o suffering_n cause_v to_o christian_n how_o much_o do_v soul_n separate_v themselves_o from_o god_n who_o seek_v no_o other_o consolation_n satisfaction_n and_o enjoyment_n but_o their_o own_o and_o labour_v only_a to_o put_v themselves_o into_o a_o certain_a repose_n think_v that_o perfection_n consist_v in_o this_o false_a rest_n and_o never_o to_o suffer_v any_o cross_n affliction_n or_o temptation_n no_o no_o earth_n be_v the_o place_n of_o combat_n christian_a life_n be_v the_o death_n of_o man_n perfect_a love_n like_o the_o phoenix_n seek_v death_n and_o find_v life_n in_o the_o same_o flame_n the_o cross_n give_v grace_n grace_v now_o give_v the_o cross_n the_o sacred_a spouse_n say_v she_o be_v fair_a but_o brown_a 1.5_o scorch_v with_o the_o burn_a beauty_n of_o divine_a love_n he_o that_o can_v suffer_v can_v love_v he_o that_o can_v love_v be_v not_o worthy_a of_o god_n or_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian._n it_o be_v love_n that_o triumph_v over_o jesus_n christ_n annihilate_v he_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o mortality_n it_o be_v love_n that_o humble_v he_o even_o to_o our_o lowness_n and_o infirmity_n it_o be_v love_n that_o crucify_v he_o christianity_n have_v no_o other_o love_n or_o grace_n if_o then_o the_o christian_a will_v love_v if_o he_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n he_o must_v defy_v all_o suffering_n and_o courageous_o embrace_v all_o that_o shall_v befall_v he_o for_o love_n overthrow_v all_o and_o triumph_n over_o the_o soul._n if_o she_o flatter_v it_o be_v to_o hurt_v if_o it_o hurt_v it_o be_v to_o kill_v so_o they_o who_o seek_v true_a and_o solid_a piety_n must_v not_o behold_v god_n but_o in_o the_o cross_n nor_o consider_v grace_n but_o in_o humility_n and_o suffering_n my_o well-beloved_a say_v the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n 1.13_o be_v a_o bundle_n of_o myrrh_n she_o confess_v she_o faint_v and_o die_v in_o the_o communication_n of_o love_n she_o receive_v from_o she_o god_n for_o when_o the_o spouse_n have_v give_v she_o his_o love_n and_o ordain_v charity_n in_o she_o she_o instant_o add_v stay_v i_o with_o flagon_n 2.5_o comfort_v i_o with_o apple_n for_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n the_o greatness_n of_o god_n the_o infinity_n of_o his_o be_v his_o divine_a spirit_n be_v so_o powerful_a that_o if_o he_o never_o so_o little_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o purity_n of_o love_n and_o grace_n he_o be_v able_a to_o annihilate_v and_o consume_v she_o for_o if_o he_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o creature_n without_o proportion_v himself_o to_o its_o capacity_n he_o can_v be_v support_v for_o he_o overwhelm_v and_o ruin_v the_o create_v be_v by_o this_o power_n infinite_a and_o infinite_o predominate_v over_o a_o be_v so_o small_a so_o subject_v to_o his_o power_n in_o fine_a it_o will_v swallow_v up_o and_o consume_v it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o proportion_v his_o operation_n to_o our_o weakness_n and_o if_o he_o give_v we_o not_o a_o capacity_n and_o force_n to_o bear_v it_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v if_o he_o communicate_v himself_o he_o always_o annihilate_v if_o he_o give_v grace_n he_o change_v the_o man_n if_o he_o give_v light_a he_o humble_v he_o if_o he_o make_v he_o to_o bear_v his_o love_n he_o wound_v he_o thus_o the_o soul_n that_o will_v love_v god_n must_v love_v suffering_n he_o that_o will_v love_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n must_v lose_v himself_o and_o annihilate_v himself_o to_o receive_v divine_a operation_n he_o that_o will_v bear_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n must_v humble_v himself_o see_v god_n do_v not_o manifest_v himself_o but_o to_o the_o humble_a of_o spirit_n and_o that_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n bear_v his_o cross_n in_o humility_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o esteem_v the_o cross_n and_o suffering_n and_o embrace_v they_o with_o joy_n and_o fervour_n of_o spirit_n but_o we_o must_v further_o observe_v that_o suffering_n subversion_n loss_n and_o humiliation_n and_o other_o misfortune_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v necessary_a to_o a_o christian_a to_o keep_v he_o steadfast_a amid_o the_o deceit_n and_o blandishment_n of_o the_o world_n the_o subtlety_n and_o surprise_v of_o the_o devil_n by_o these_o way_n which_o we_o call_v rigorous_a god_n sever_v we_o from_o the_o world_n and_o take_v we_o from_o kindness_n to_o the_o creature_n he_o make_v use_v of_o these_o loss_n and_o subversion_n as_o of_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n to_o mingle_v with_o the_o sweet_n that_o the_o creature_n present_v to_o we_o he_o use_v humiliation_n and_o affliction_n to_o abate_v our_o pride_n and_o if_o he_o do_v leave_v we_o for_o a_o time_n it_o be_v to_o
this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n or_o else_o if_o by_o humiliation_n and_o interior_a or_o exterior_a eversion_n god_n will_v annihilate_v we_o let_v we_o consent_v to_o this_o annihilation_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o thereto_o cooperate_v with_o the_o work_n of_o god_n with_o all_o the_o extent_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o so_o let_v we_o do_v in_o all_o and_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o object_n this_o advice_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o pure_a regard_n of_o god_n which_o we_o must_v have_v in_o all_o suffering_n for_o in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o in_o all_o that_o he_o permit_v we_o must_v consider_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n do_v it_o and_o the_o cause_n that_o move_v he_o either_o to_o permit_v it_o or_o do_v it_o the_o end_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v his_o honour_n and_o glory_n but_o the_o cause_n that_o move_v he_o in_o his_o operation_n and_o divine_a permission_n be_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o establishment_n and_o communication_n of_o his_o spirit_n his_o grace_n and_o his_o virtue_n we_o must_v here_o do_v as_o before_o we_o must_v suffer_v have_v no_o end_n but_o the_o pure_a regard_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o glory_n but_o because_o god_n require_v fidelity_n and_o will_v establish_v his_o kingdom_n and_o power_n in_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v also_o our_o duty_n to_o cooperate_v with_o his_o intention_n and_o to_o receive_v all_o thing_n not_o only_o because_o such_o be_v his_o good_a pleasure_n but_o also_o in_o the_o manner_n that_o he_o will_v and_o to_o make_v use_n thereof_o according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n the_o perfection_n therefore_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o sufferance_n consist_v not_o in_o receive_v all_o thing_n indifferent_o a_o soul_n be_v not_o perfect_a though_o it_o be_v insensible_a of_o all_o accident_n be_v they_o never_o so_o sad_a and_o miserable_a perfection_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o stoical_a apathy_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n and_o purity_n in_o suffering_n it_o be_v when_o we_o receive_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a &_o divine_a disposition_n of_o jesus_n and_o that_o we_o bear_v they_o after_o that_o manner_n that_o god_n will_v and_o according_a to_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n and_o herein_o consist_v the_o first_o and_o noble_a disposition_n which_o must_v accompany_v our_o suffering_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o chap._n xiii_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o suffer_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n 21._o if_o when_o you_o do_v well_o and_o suffer_v for_o it_o you_o take_v it_o patient_o it_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o hereunto_o be_v you_o call_v because_o christ_n also_o suffer_v for_o we_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v his_o step_n in_o these_o word_n full_a of_o efficacy_n and_o truth_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n propose_v the_o motive_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o suffer_v patient_o all_o adversity_n and_o affliction_n which_o occur_v in_o all_o condition_n of_o this_o life_n he_o say_v that_o we_o be_v call_v thereto_o and_o that_o by_o consequence_n the_o proper_a condition_n and_o quality_n of_o a_o christian_a bind_v we_o to_o the_o crosse._n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o allege_v proof_n of_o this_o see_v we_o have_v say_v enough_o already_o for_o the_o spirit_n grace_n and_o conduct_v of_o god_n whereby_o he_o use_v to_o save_v we_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o annihilation_n and_o humiliation_n and_o affliction_n god_n have_v try_v they_o and_o find_v they_o worthy_a of_o he_o the_o cross_n and_o suffering_n be_v then_o the_o lot_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v their_o portion_n and_o they_o must_v make_v such_o use_n of_o it_o as_o to_o bear_v it_o christianly_o but_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o to_o teach_v we_o patience_n be_v when_o he_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o must_v imitate_v he_o and_o follow_v his_o step_n after_o this_o we_o can_v in_o reason_n find_v any_o thing_n hard_o if_o jesus_n christ_n from_o his_o birth_n to_o his_o death_n have_v espouse_v the_o suffering_n and_o embrace_v the_o cross_n wherefore_o shall_v we_o refuse_v be_v his_o child_n to_o live_v and_o die_v as_o he_o do_v we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n to_o suffer_v the_o humiliation_n and_o pain_n due_a to_o sin_n and_o sinner_n and_o that_o he_o will_v by_o this_o low_a estate_n honour_v his_o father_n but_o withal_o he_o leave_v upon_o the_o earth_n the_o same_o spirit_n to_o honour_n god_n that_o as_o in_o heaven_n god_n be_v honour_v by_o exaltation_n he_o may_v be_v honour_v upon_o earth_n by_o humiliation_n in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o design_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o must_v as_o christian_n honour_n god_n by_o our_o lowness_n and_o annihilation_n on_o the_o other_o side_n see_v the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v for_o we_o we_o must_v die_v for_o he_o if_o he_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o life_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o must_v imitate_v he_o and_o if_o he_o be_v bear_v our_o head_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n we_o must_v as_o his_o member_n bear_v his_o spirit_n and_o follow_v his_o motion_n in_o a_o word_n if_o we_o reign_v with_o jesus_n christ_n we_o must_v suffer_v with_o he_o there_o remain_v then_o no_o more_o then_o to_o know_v the_o spirit_n and_o disposition_n where_o with_o we_o must_v receive_v and_o bear_v suffering_n we_o have_v say_v that_o the_o 2_o d._n disposition_n necessary_a to_o a_o perfect_a christian_a to_o live_v faithful_o in_o the_o adversity_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v to_o bear_v they_o in_o a_o christian_a way_n and_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n now_o we_o suffer_v in_o christian_n way_n when_o we_o suffer_v what_o befall_v we_o as_o a_o order_n of_o god_n and_o as_o a_o estate_n prepare_v for_o christian_n and_o by_o which_o god_n will_v conduct_v we_o to_o the_o heritage_n of_o christian_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o disposition_n we_o make_v no_o reflection_n at_o all_o on_o our_o suffering_n nor_o upon_o the_o estate_n and_o overturning_n wherein_o we_o be_v our_o spirit_n only_o remain_v settle_v and_o fasten_v upon_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o truth_n i_o be_o a_o christian_n and_o as_o such_o i_o belong_v to_o jesus_n christ_n who_o put_v i_o into_o what_o estate_n he_o please_v and_o because_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o do_v his_o good_a pleasure_n i_o will_v have_v no_o other_o thought_n then_o to_o resign_v myself_o to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o do_v with_o i_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n by_o adhere_v to_o this_o truth_n by_o this_o disposition_n and_o interior_a estate_n the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o member_n be_v to_o their_o head_n and_o she_o remain_v subject_a to_o his_o conduct_n without_o further_a care_n or_o thought_n then_o that_o she_o be_v god_n because_o god_n will_v it_o herein_o consist_v the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o perfect_a christian._n this_o disposition_n be_v pure_a and_o simple_a and_o produce_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o perfect_a peace_n calm_a and_o repose_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o that_o the_o suffering_n humiliation_n and_o contempt_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o christian_a soul_n as_o thing_n create_v have_v no_o repose_n but_o in_o their_o centre_n so_o the_o perfect_a christian_n can_v have_v the_o true_a repose_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o in_o suffering_n and_o in_o this_o disposition_n they_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o christianity_n because_o the_o eternal_a word_n be_v please_v to_o place_v his_o estate_n and_o whole_a life_n in_o humiliation_n he_o be_v bear_v in_o poverty_n he_o live_v in_o contempt_n he_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n all_o the_o passage_n of_o his_o way-faring_a life_n be_v in_o continual_a suffering_n and_o lowness_n and_o also_o when_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o divinity_n he_o entertain_v thought_n of_o the_o cross_n he_o consent_v to_o death_n and_o prepare_v himself_o for_o suffering_n when_o that_o from_o all_o eternity_n he_o resolve_v to_o be_v make_v man_n and_o to_o invest_v himself_o with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n so_o true_a be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v in_o suffering_n and_o lowness_n this_o also_o the_o centre_n repose_n and_o life_n of_o a_o perfect_a christian_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o estate_n and_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o estate_n be_v contain_v in_o adversity_n in_o lowness_n and_o in_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o cross_n it_o
be_v only_o expect_v that_o christian_n dispose_v themselves_o to_o participate_v of_o this_o happiness_n and_o be_v call_v thereto_o endeavour_v to_o correspond_v faithful_o therewith_o god_n do_v the_o same_o in_o the_o regency_n of_o his_o church_n the_o son_n of_o god_n make_v use_n of_o his_o power_n have_v establish_v therein_o several_a estate_n order_n and_o society_n separate_v from_o the_o common_a and_o from_o one_o another_o which_o he_o consecrate_v and_o appropriate_v to_o the_o several_a estate_n and_o mystery_n of_o his_o life_n some_o honour_n his_o solitude_n and_o hide_a life_n other_o his_o penance_n other_o his_o poverty_n other_o his_o obedience_n all_o adorn_v and_o beautify_v the_o body_n of_o his_o church_n and_o in_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o function_n and_o estate_n honour_n adore_v and_o imitate_v the_o several_a operation_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o distribute_v his_o spirit_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o mystery_n to_o all_o according_a to_o what_o manner_n he_o please_v he_o do_v the_o same_o in_o the_o particular_a government_n of_o soul_n he_o cause_v and_o call_v they_o to_o elevate_v and_o establish_v they_o in_o such_o estate_n as_o please_v he_o sometime_o by_o suffering_n sometime_o by_o privation_n one_o while_o by_o love_n another_o by_z simplicity_n and_o infancy_n in_o a_o word_n he_o estate_n they_o as_o he_o please_v 12.11_o to_o be_v honour_v by_o they_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n work_v all_o thing_n divide_v to_o every_o one_o several_o as_o it_o please_v he_o the_o same_o apostle_n represent_v this_o truth_n etc._n under_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o humane_a body_n all_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n animate_v enliven_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v all_o their_o several_a office_n and_o function_n particular_a and_o different_a the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o say_v this_o holy_a apostle_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n whereof_o all_o christian_n be_v member_n though_o all_o make_v up_o but_o one_o body_n and_o be_v the_o animate_v only_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n yet_o be_v they_o call_v and_o employ_v to_o particular_a estate_n and_o in_o all_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n but_o it_o be_v but_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o god_n who_o do_v all_o in_o all_o they_o be_v different_a effect_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o principal_a cause_n it_o be_v the_o same_o jesus_n who_o choose_v the_o soul_n to_o communicate_v to_o they_o the_o grace_n and_o divers_a estate_n of_o his_o life_n how_o happy_a be_v that_o christian_n who_o be_v call_v to_o this_o happiness_n herein_o consist_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o in_o thing_n natural_a we_o say_v that_o the_o creature_n be_v most_o perfect_a when_o it_o most_o participate_v of_o the_o be_v life_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n that_o soul_n be_v most_o perfect_a which_o participate_v most_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o divers_a estate_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o grace_n and_o favour_n be_v not_o for_o every_o one_o and_o far_o above_o the_o ordinary_a the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o call_v all_o soul_n to_o a_o participation_n of_o his_o life_n nor_o always_o communicate_v to_o they_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o mystery_n yet_o the_o christian_n who_o will_v live_v in_o a_o solid_a piety_n and_o adherence_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o will_v feel_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o divine_a communication_n must_v desire_v this_o favour_n and_o earnest_o demand_v it_o he_o must_v often_o reverence_v and_o adore_v the_o life_n thought_n design_n mystery_n and_o estate_n of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n he_o must_v offer_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o power_n spirit_n and_o grace_n enclose_v in_o those_o divine_a mystery_n in_o a_o word_n he_o must_v careful_o remove_v from_o his_o soul_n all_o hindrance_n and_o inclination_n opposite_a to_o the_o design_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o above_o all_o he_o must_v continue_v constant_a in_o subject_v his_o soul_n to_o the_o power_n and_o will_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o that_o will_v practice_v all_o this_o must_v make_v these_o use_n follow_v the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n always_o resign_v herself_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o he_o may_v make_v in_o she_o and_o by_o she_o all_o that_o he_o will_v for_o his_o glory_n this_o resignation_n to_o be_v perfect_a must_v be_v ground_v upon_o a_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n a_o freedom_n which_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o consist_v in_o a_o estate_n of_o indifferency_n and_o independency_n as_o to_o all_o thing_n as_o well_o in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n as_o of_o grace_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o god_n only_o by_o this_o freedom_n all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v indifferent_a the_o soul_n remain_v in_o a_o pure_a capacity_n of_o submit_v to_o whatsoever_o the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v operate_v in_o she_o and_o by_o she_o give_v herself_o up_o whole_o to_o his_o divine_a power_n this_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n be_v the_o principal_a estate_n and_o first_o ground_n of_o christianity_n for_o all_o christian_n belong_v to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v leave_v to_o his_o power_n one_o die_v for_o all_o say_v saint_n paul_n that_o they_o who_o live_v shall_v not_o henceforth_o live_v unto_o themselves_o 5.15_o but_o unto_o he_o who_o die_v for_o they_o teach_v we_o that_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n give_v his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o by_o his_o excessive_a charity_n deliver_v himself_o to_o the_o ignominious_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n so_o he_o have_v right_a and_o power_n to_o choose_v and_o consecrate_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n &_o to_o offer_v we_o a_o holocaust_n of_o sweetness_n and_o honour_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n that_o as_o he_o have_v be_v the_o victim_n of_o our_o sin_n we_o may_v be_v the_o victim_n of_o his_o love_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v power_n and_o right_a to_o put_v our_o soul_n into_o what_o estate_n it_o shall_v please_v he_o for_o his_o glory_n be_v it_o a_o estate_n of_o life_n or_o death_n of_o privation_n or_o abundance_n of_o confusion_n or_o honour_n and_o may_v choose_v out_o soul_n and_o advance_v they_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o life_n to_o render_v to_o he_o particular_a homage_n and_o service_n we_o must_v then_o resign_v ourselves_o whole_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o jesus_n christ._n to_o establish_v we_o in_o this_o disposition_n the_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n whereof_o we_o speak_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o when_o it_o have_v separate_v we_o from_o all_o thing_n nay_o even_o from_o our_o self_n it_o put_v we_o into_o a_o amplitude_n and_o capacity_n to_o be_v all_o that_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v and_o to_o bear_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o power_n and_o therefore_o the_o christian_n who_o seek_v to_o establish_v himself_o in_o true_a piety_n and_o live_v with_o fidelity_n must_v endeavour_v to_o conform_v himself_o in_o this_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n for_o it_o be_v difficult_a nay_o impossible_a to_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o depend_v on_o he_o and_o faithful_o to_o receive_v the_o operation_n of_o his_o grace_n if_o we_o be_v not_o in_o this_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v a_o independency_n as_o to_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o spirit_n and_o disposition_n that_o god_n require_v in_o a_o christian_a according_a to_o the_o apostle_n 8.15_o that_o the_o spirit_n we_o have_v receive_v be_v not_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n but_o of_o liberty_n and_o adoption_n this_o first_o disposition_n lead_v we_o far_o and_o advance_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n and_o put_v we_o into_o a_o second_o disposition_n by_o which_o we_o accept_v with_o humility_n and_o submission_n all_o the_o estate_n and_o effect_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v operate_v in_o we_o and_o bear_v with_o patience_n and_o obedience_n whatsoever_o rigour_n and_o difficulty_n we_o meet_v with_o have_v so_o receive_v they_o we_o be_v also_o bind_v by_o this_o disposition_n to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o extent_n of_o grace_n communicate_v to_o we_o and_o to_o live_v conformable_o to_o the_o estate_n whereinto_o the_o son_n of_o god_n put_v we_o we_o must_v remain_v firm_a in_o that_o subjection_n and_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n we_o speak_v of_o in_o this_o use_n consist_v the_o peace_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o
saint_n paul_n explain_v where_o he_o say_v that_o god_n speak_v to_o the_o world_n four_o thousand_o year_n 2_o and_o conduct_v and_o teach_v man_n after_o divers_a manner_n and_o send_v angel_n he_o give_v a_o law_n write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o prescribe_v many_o ceremony_n and_o in_o all_o age_n cause_v prophet_n to_o speak_v but_o in_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n he_o speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o teach_v we_o supernatural_a truth_n till_o then_o unknown_a to_o the_o world_n and_o reserve_v for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n the_o angel_n now_o guide_v we_o no_o more_o but_o attend_v we_o the_o write_a law_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o the_o ceremony_n be_v now_o limit_v and_o the_o prophet_n speak_v no_o long_o it_o be_v jesus_n the_o word_n and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n who_o become_v man_n and_o converse_v among_o man_n speak_v to_o we_o and_o teach_v we_o he_o be_v our_o angel_n to_o enlighten_v we_o our_o law_n to_o direct_v we_o our_o prophet_n to_o speak_v to_o we_o and_o our_o master_n to_o teach_v we_o he_o be_v the_o abridge_v word_n and_o by_o the_o condition_n that_o he_o have_v make_v with_o his_o father_n he_o conduct_n we_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o illuminate_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n he_o direct_v we_o by_o his_o providence_n and_o he_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o father_n so_o he_o teach_v we_o not_o only_o by_o his_o word_n but_o also_o by_o the_o holy_a and_o adorable_a action_n of_o his_o life_n the_o rule_n the_o law_n and_o model_n of_o our_o life_n now_o if_o jesus_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o our_o life_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v he_o if_o we_o will_v live_v christianly_o and_o if_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o solid_a piety_n we_o desire_v to_o attain_v a_o perfection_n suitable_a to_o the_o vocation_n and_o estate_n we_o profess_v we_o must_v choose_v none_o but_o those_o which_o imitate_v the_o son_n of_o god_n hold_v it_o a_o maxim_n in_o all_o kind_n of_o exercise_n that_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o devout_a and_o perfect_a the_o more_o conformable_a his_o life_n and_o action_n be_v to_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o he_o be_v neither_o devout_a nor_o perfect_a but_o as_o far_o as_o he_o imitate_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o true_a piety_n and_o christian_a perfection_n if_o right_o understand_v consist_v only_o in_o this_o point_n this_o principle_n and_o precept_n we_o have_v also_o from_o jesus_n christ_n where_o he_o say_v if_o any_o man_n serve_v i_o 12.26_o let_v he_o follow_v i_o and_o where_o i_o be_o there_o my_o servant_n shall_v be_v also_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n must_v imitate_v jesus_n christ._n to_o serve_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o follow_v to_o follow_v according_a to_o st._n austin_n be_v to_o imitate_v so_o that_o the_o devotion_n whereby_o we_o shall_v serve_v god_n be_v not_o devotion_n but_o illusion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o exercise_n which_o cause_v we_o to_o follow_v and_o imitate_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ._n here_o we_o may_v see_v how_o much_o they_o be_v deceive_v who_o dare_v call_v he_o rash_a and_o accuse_v he_o of_o presumption_n that_o will_v imitate_v jesus_n christ_n who_o say_v it_o be_v to_o soar_v too_o high_a and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a man_n shall_v imitate_v his_o god_n and_o blind_v with_o this_o ignorance_n be_v content_a to_o employ_v themselves_o in_o some_o good_a moral_a exercise_n the_o apostle_n condemn_v this_o error_n say_v jesus_n christ_n suffer_v for_o we_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v his_o step_n 2.21_o st._n paul_n confess_v that_o his_o study_n and_o principal_a care_n be_v to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ_n to_o which_o end_n 11.1_o he_o write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o as_o i_o be_o of_o jesus_n christ._n in_o a_o word_n we_o be_v not_o make_v christian_n nor_o participate_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o to_o be_v put_v into_o a_o capacity_n and_o obligation_n to_o imitate_v he_o this_o be_v his_o intention_n when_o he_o say_v 10.38_o who_o do_v not_o follow_v he_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o to_o say_v the_o contrary_a be_v to_o oppose_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n a_o truth_n more_o manifest_a than_o day_n by_o these_o principle_n we_o discover_v another_o blindness_n great_a than_o the_o other_o a_o deceit_n more_o dangerous_a in_o many_o christian_n who_o only_o study_v to_o perfect_v their_o reason_n and_o think_v they_o do_v much_o to_o follow_v that_o in_o every_o point_n wherein_o they_o be_v much_o deceive_v for_o they_o believe_v it_o sufficient_a to_o live_v reasonable_o and_o christianly_o and_o in_o this_o belief_n forget_v or_o neglect_v the_o rest_n think_v they_o be_v arrive_v to_o a_o estate_n perfect_a enough_o but_o be_v quite_o contrary_a for_o by_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n only_o we_o live_v as_o perfect_a man_n or_o at_o most_o but_o as_o good_a philosopher_n but_o if_o we_o will_v live_v and_o operate_v as_o good_a christian_n and_o child_n of_o god_n we_o must_v advance_v ourselves_o above_o reason_n to_o live_v not_o a_o humane_a but_o a_o divine_a life_n that_o be_v the_o life_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n live_v upon_o earth_n and_o communicate_v to_o true_a christian_n the_o life_n of_o the_o new_a man_n to_o live_v this_o life_n we_o make_v use_v not_o of_o reason_n but_o of_o grace_n which_o be_v far_o above_o reason_n and_o must_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o christian_a action_n for_o only_a grace_n can_v bring_v we_o to_o god_n and_o render_v we_o worthy_a of_o god_n that_o be_v of_o god_n consider_v as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o religion_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o a_o humane_a spirit_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o our_o conduct_n nor_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n as_o christian_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n law_n and_o principle_n thereof_o wherefore_o in_o our_o exercise_n of_o piety_n we_o must_v have_v this_o continual_o before_o our_o eye_n if_o we_o will_v be_v devout_a viz._n we_o must_v follow_v he_o if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v and_o we_o must_v imitate_v he_o if_o we_o will_v follow_v he_o which_o we_o be_v now_o to_o consider_v how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v chap._n xiii_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o have_v be_v propose_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n when_o we_o speak_v of_o imitate_v the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o mean_v not_o do_v of_o miracle_n as_o he_o do_v we_o be_v not_o command_v to_o walk_v upon_o the_o sea_n to_o raise_v up_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n and_o to_o give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a we_o mean_v not_o the_o be_v elevate_v to_o a_o intuitive_a knowledge_n of_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o divinity_n this_o be_v only_o for_o jesus_n these_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n and_o the_o mark_n of_o his_o mission_n we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o come_v into_o competition_n with_o he_o but_z as_o he_o be_v humble_v to_o our_o meanness_n and_o be_v clothe_v with_o our_o nature_n become_v man_n and_o take_v a_o new_a be_v and_o estate_n so_o he_o take_v also_o a_o new_a manner_n of_o life_n conformable_a to_o we_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v after_o which_o we_o be_v to_o form_v the_o interior_a of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o procedure_v of_o our_o action_n he_o annihilate_v himself_o in_o the_o incarnation_n say_v the_o apostle_n he_o humble_v himself_o in_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o life_n 2.8_o he_o make_v himself_o poor_a in_o all_o his_o estate_n he_o be_v obedient_a even_o to_o the_o cross_n he_o suffer_v even_o to_o death_n he_o have_v show_v his_o love_n in_o all_o his_o work_n in_o a_o word_n he_o practise_v all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o progress_n of_o his_o life_n let_v we_o do_v the_o like_a he_o be_v bear_v for_o our_o sake_n and_o all_o that_o he_o do_v be_v only_a that_o he_o may_v imitate_v he_o as_o the_o model_n of_o our_o life_n for_o this_o reason_n he_o choose_v a_o kind_n of_o life_n full_a of_o various_a estate_n and_o practise_v several_a action_n that_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o estate_n shall_v find_v in_o he_o the_o idea_n of_o their_o action_n and_o the_o prototype_n of_o their_o life_n thus_o to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o obligation_n belong_v to_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n when_o we_o receive_v baptism_n we_o be_v incorporate_v into_o he_o as_o member_n this_o incorporation_n do_v not_o only_o bind_v we_o to_o adhere_v to_o he_o as_o member_n to_o their_o head_n but_o to_o be_v like_o
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
goodness_n the_o soul_n be_v a_o capacity_n of_o god_n as_o also_o continual_o regard_v by_o he_o who_o see_v she_o yea_o he_o see_v she_o and_o he_o regard_v she_o to_o raise_v she_o to_o himself_o to_o fill_v she_o and_o full_o and_o perfect_o to_o possess_v she_o in_o a_o manner_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o conformable_a to_o his_o love_n he_o will_v be_v all_o thing_n in_o this_o soul_n he_o will_v be_v her_o life_n her_o love_n her_o good_a her_o confidence_n her_o heart_n her_o spirit_n her_o power_n and_o her_o conduct_n brief_o he_o will_v be_v she_o all_o her_o fullness_n upon_o earth_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o in_o heaven_n by_o his_o glory_n hence_o therefore_o may_v we_o take_v occasion_n to_o admire_v and_o eternal_o adore_v this_o infinite_a and_o inexhaustible_a bounty_n which_o deign_v to_o communicate_v himself_o with_o such_o a_o extreme_a profusion_n of_o himself_o who_o by_o a_o incomprehensible_a counsel_n of_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n have_v create_v man_n upon_o the_o earth_n only_o capable_a of_o his_o divine_a communication_n who_o only_o be_v a_o pure_a capacity_n of_o god_n who_o give_v he_o power_n to_o receive_v the_o abundance_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o to_o bear_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o divinity_n assoon_o as_o we_o reflect_v hereupon_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o soul_n what_o our_o care_n and_o vigilancy_n must_v be_v for_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o capacity_n of_o god_n what_o remain_v for_o she_o to_o do_v but_o to_o render_v herself_o worthy_a to_o possess_v he_o and_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o he_o and_o altogether_o to_o abandon_v herself_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o grace_n she_o be_v oblige_v to_o esteem_v nothing_o but_o he_o to_o live_v only_o for_o he_o be_v create_v only_o for_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o she_o be_v and_o life_n she_o must_v have_v no_o care_n upon_o earth_n but_o to_o suffer_v herself_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o god_n to_o be_v possess_v and_o rule_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o by_o his_o power_n thus_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o two_o thing_n one_o to_o have_v a_o care_n and_o vigilancy_n to_o take_v all_o away_o that_o may_v separate_v we_o from_o god_n and_o make_v we_o unworthy_a of_o his_o divine_a and_o love_a communication_n the_o other_o to_o have_v a_o like_a vigilancy_n over_o our_o self_n over_o our_o motion_n over_o our_o desire_n over_o our_o intention_n and_o over_o our_o action_n that_o they_o depend_v on_o god_n and_o be_v whole_o submit_v to_o his_o love_a conduct_n let_v we_o yet_o say_v this_o more_o clear_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o two_o word_n the_o soul_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o care_n but_o that_o god_n be_v in_o she_o repose_v in_o she_o dwell_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o her_o heart_n fill_v and_o possess_v she_o according_a to_o all_o the_o design_n that_o he_o have_v on_o she_o this_o do_v and_o the_o soul_n live_v in_o this_o care_n with_o fidelity_n god_n repose_v in_o she_o as_o in_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o love_n will_v communicate_v to_o she_o what_o gift_n and_o enrich_v she_o with_o what_o grace_n he_o please_v and_o in_o fine_a conduct_v she_o in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o desire_v the_o soul_n have_v no_o other_o desire_n then_o that_o god_n may_v be_v in_o she_o and_o she_o in_o god_n that_o be_v after_o the_o manner_n that_o god_n aught_o and_o will_v be_v according_a to_o the_o greatness_n and_o excess_n of_o his_o love_n this_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a 10.42_o whereof_o jesus_n speak_v to_o saint_n martha_n the_o source_n of_o all_o happiness_n the_o top_n of_o all_o perfection_n which_o jesus_n call_v in_o magdalen_n the_o better_a part_n let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o place_v we_o in_o this_o happy_a estate_n to_o make_v we_o penetrate_v his_o truth_n let_v we_o give_v ourselves_o to_o he_o to_o enter_v therein_o and_o banish_v all_o care_n all_o thought_n all_o love_n let_v we_o only_a regard_n jesus_n let_v we_o require_v nothing_o but_o jesus_n let_v we_o love_v none_o but_o he_o who_o love_v we_o above_o his_o life_n let_v we_o cast_v ourselves_o at_o his_o foot_n like_o mary_n magdalen_n and_o there_o melt_v our_o heart_n 34_o and_o consume_v the_o poison_n that_o be_v in_o they_o with_o the_o beam_n of_o this_o sun_n of_o love_n that_o he_o may_v replenish_v we_o with_o his_o grace_n with_o his_o love_n and_o with_o his_o spirit_n that_o we_o may_v live_v only_o by_o jesus_n 20.13_o and_o as_o another_o magdalen_n seek_v nothing_o but_o jesus_n let_v we_o now_o propose_v the_o disposition_n necessary_a to_o attain_v so_o happy_a and_o desirable_a a_o be_v the_o three_o part_n propose_v divers_a disposition_n and_o virtue_n necessary_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o arrive_v to_o that_o perfection_n whereto_o he_o be_v oblige_v by_o christianity_n chap._n i._n what_o those_o disposition_n be_v and_o how_o necessary_a they_o be_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n it_o be_v now_o time_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o virtue_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o that_o we_o set_v ourselves_o on_o work_n to_o acquire_v the_o spirit_n to_o live_v the_o life_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o whereto_o we_o be_v call_v from_o the_o first_o time_n that_o we_o become_v christian_n to_o attain_v this_o happy_a estate_n there_o be_v need_n of_o continual_a application_n and_o travail_n for_o we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o arrive_v thereto_o at_o one_o leap_n but_o we_o must_v bring_v disposition_n suitable_a to_o so_o worthy_a a_o subject_n and_o labour_v not_o only_o to_o attain_v hereto_o but_o also_o to_o persevere_v therein_o which_o we_o must_v do_v the_o more_o willing_o and_o courageous_o in_o that_o we_o be_v certain_a this_o way_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o happiness_n the_o true_a way_n to_o christian_a perfection_n and_o make_v we_o live_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n whereto_o we_o be_v call_v the_o first_o thing_n whereto_o we_o must_v bend_v our_o study_n be_v to_o know_v and_o acquire_v the_o inward_a disposition_n necessary_a to_o lead_v we_o to_o christian_a perfection_n and_o to_o make_v we_o live_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o true_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a this_o we_o be_v to_o learn_v in_o this_o three_o part._n and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o this_o doctrine_n be_v proper_a for_o all_o sort_n of_o virtue_n we_o will_v speak_v first_o of_o it_o in_o general_a as_o well_o that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o particular_a as_o because_o many_o seem_v to_o seek_v virtue_n and_o frequent_v the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a piety_n yet_o think_v not_o upon_o a_o thing_n so_o necessary_a nor_o know_v what_o this_o disposition_n be_v or_o wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o virtue_n do_v consist_v which_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o form_n of_o action_n so_o that_o lay_v hold_v only_o on_o the_o outside_n of_o virtue_n and_o consider_v it_o but_o as_o a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n they_o be_v deceive_v in_o their_o imagination_n and_o believe_v they_o do_v much_o they_o promise_v to_o themselves_o great_a profit_n render_v themselves_o punctual_a and_o take_v a_o great_a heed_n to_o some_o exterior_a practice_n of_o virtue_n which_o they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o we_o see_v many_o with_o much_o vigilancy_n every_o day_n or_o week_n take_v some_o virtue_n to_o practice_n they_o watch_v if_o they_o be_v want_v to_o emergent_a occasion_n and_o careful_o mark_v their_o default_n to_o accuse_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o amend_v themselves_o but_o after_o long_a practice_n we_o see_v they_o make_v small_a profit_n because_o they_o forget_v the_o interior_a and_o put_v not_o themselves_o into_o the_o spirit_n of_o virtue_n to_o practice_v it_o with_o necessary_a and_o convenient_a disposition_n to_o prevent_v therefore_o the_o inconvenience_n which_o occur_v in_o this_o subject_n we_o must_v observe_v that_o in_o a_o christian_a life_n all_o estate_n wherein_o the_o christian_a soul_n may_v find_v itself_o and_o all_o the_o virtue_n that_o she_o can_v practice_v have_v ordinary_o the_o disposition_n which_o ought_v to_o accompany_v or_o precede_v she_o and_o virtue_n have_v a_o spirit_n which_o be_v as_o its_o essence_n or_o rather_o as_o its_o soul_n which_o as_o a_o form_n do_v enliven_v and_o perfectionate_a she_o the_o soul_n that_o will_v live_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o will_v acquire_v solid_a and_o christian_a virtue_n must_v careful_o have_v regard_n to_o such_o disposition_n that_o she_o may_v possess_v they_o to_o do_v the_o action_n which_o she_o do_v perfect_o see_v that_o in_o she_o virtue_n be_v exterior_a and_o superficial_a she_o must_v further_o acknowledge_v and_o seek_v out_o what_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o virtue_n or_o as_o some_o say_v what_o be_v her_o essence_n that_o
and_o accomplish_v they_o beside_o we_o can_v doubt_v at_o all_o but_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v his_o great_a design_n and_o intention_n worthy_a himself_o over_o our_o action_n even_o to_o the_o small_v nay_o over_o all_o the_o moment_n of_o our_o life_n which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o how_o we_o can_v say_v that_o our_o action_n be_v indifferent_a on_o the_o contrary_a they_o belong_v all_o to_o jesus_n christ_n they_o must_v proceed_v from_o his_o spirit_n god_n will_v be_v honour_v in_o all_o that_o be_v of_o man_n we_o shall_v render_v a_o account_n as_o well_o of_o the_o least_o as_o the_o great_a thing_n and_o assure_o god_n will_v exercise_v his_o judgement_n as_o well_o for_o a_o moment_n of_o time_n and_o the_o least_o of_o our_o action_n as_o for_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o life_n we_o must_v therefore_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v nothing_o little_a nothing_o to_o be_v neglect_v in_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n but_o all_o therein_o aught_o to_o be_v worthy_a the_o blood_n and_o cross_a of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o must_v make_v use_n of_o all_o thing_n conformable_o to_o the_o design_n and_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n who_o as_o he_o be_v always_o great_a even_o in_o the_o least_o thing_n so_o also_o must_v we_o have_v great_a intention_n even_o in_o the_o mean_a of_o our_o action_n and_o our_o first_o and_o principal_n must_v be_v to_o refer_v those_o to_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o life_n upon_o earth_n do_v so_o live_v among_o we_o as_o one_o of_o we_o he_o make_v use_v of_o all_o thing_n with_o a_o zeal_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o father_n and_o refer_v they_o to_o he_o as_o to_o his_o father_n his_o principal_a be_v and_o life_n let_v we_o do_v the_o like_a and_o by_o a_o zeal_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o jesus_n out_o of_o a_o respect_n and_o homage_n to_o his_o greatness_n let_v we_o offer_v to_o he_o all_o our_o action_n &_o accomplish_v they_o all_o even_o to_o the_o least_o with_o a_o desire_n that_o they_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o he_o as_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o be_v and_o life_n in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n this_o he_o teach_v we_o by_o his_o death_n this_o disposition_n he_o inspire_v we_o with_o by_o grace_n this_o spirit_n he_o infuse_v into_o we_o by_o the_o sacrament_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n as_o himself_o say_v as_o the_o live_a father_n have_v send_v i_o and_o i_o live_v by_o the_o father_n 6.17_o so_o he_o that_o eat_v i_o even_o he_o shall_v live_v by_o i_o which_o include_v in_o two_o word_n all_o that_o we_o will_v persuade_v that_o christian_a to_o who_o seek_v true_a piety_n chap._n xii_o how_o the_o christian_n that_o seek_v true_a piety_n be_v oblige_v to_o imitate_v jesus_n christ._n as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o honour_n jesus_n christ_n by_o our_o life_n and_o all_o our_o action_n so_o with_o much_o more_o reason_n be_v we_o oblige_v to_o imitate_v he_o as_o far_o as_o lie_v in_o our_o power_n the_o great_a honour_n we_o can_v give_v he_o be_v to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o his_o life_n and_o intention_n this_o be_v the_o three_o effect_n which_o produce_v adherence_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o this_o adherence_n be_v the_o first_o estate_n whereinto_o we_o be_v put_v when_o we_o be_v make_v christian_n and_o the_o first_o foundation_n we_o must_v lay_v to_o acquire_v true_a piety_n so_o from_o this_o adherence_n as_o its_o centre_n and_o general_a principle_n must_v be_v derive_v all_o the_o effect_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o bear_v in_o our_o soul_n now_o that_o which_o remain_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o be_v this_o imitation_n for_o our_o life_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o lively_a image_n of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o first_o use_v a_o christian_a be_v to_o make_v be_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o the_o prototype_n and_o exemplar_n of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n not_o only_o to_o imitate_v but_o to_o express_v and_o represent_v he_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o life_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o image_n and_o resemblance_n of_o his_o father_n so_o must_v the_o christian_a be_v of_o the_o son_n hence_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v or_o receive_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a if_o he_o be_v not_o conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o jesus_n christ._n he_o predestine_v they_o 8.29_o say_v he_o to_o be_v make_v conformable_a to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n in_o a_o word_n we_o must_v be_v by_o grace_n what_o jesus_n be_v by_o nature_n it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o christian_a piety_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a life_n and_o true_a model_n of_o our_o life_n it_o be_v the_o example_n show_v we_o in_o the_o mountain_n as_o well_o as_o to_o moses_n according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o operate_v our_o interior_a and_o exterior_a life_n than_o must_v imitate_v and_o regard_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o occupation_n of_o his_o sacred_a life_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o eternal_a father_n give_v we_o his_o son_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n for_o give_v his_o son_n a_o new_a life_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o love_n and_o give_v it_o to_o be_v communicate_v to_o we_o he_o make_v he_o thereby_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n in_o we_o and_o will_n that_o as_o he_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o life_n of_o his_o son_n in_o eternal_a generation_n so_o his_o son_n shall_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o life_n in_o the_o new_a temporal_a generation_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o baptism_n and_o grace_n saint_n paul_n also_o teach_v this_o when_o speak_v of_o the_o reformation_n of_o adam_n he_o say_v as_o we_o have_v bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o earthly_a 15.49_o so_o shall_v we_o also_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o heavenly_a as_o if_o exhort_v we_o to_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o 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may_v be_v make_v perfect_a in_o one_o but_o how_o can_v we_o be_v one_o with_o the_o son_n of_o god_n how_o can_v we_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o be_v incorporate_v with_o he_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v this_o reciprocal_a life_n of_o jesus_n in_o we_o but_o in_o imitate_v he_o and_o not_o only_o imitate_v he_o but_o express_v and_o perfect_o represent_v he_o since_o he_o live_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n for_o the_o eternal_a father_n give_v we_o his_o son_n to_o be_v man_n and_o to_o live_v with_o man_n a_o life_n common_a and_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n he_o give_v we_o in_o he_o a_o law_n rule_n and_o form_n of_o life_n and_o show_v we_o in_o he_o the_o manner_n of_o conversation_n that_o we_o must_v follow_v to_o live_v christianly_o that_o be_v to_o live_v a_o new_a life_n which_o the_o eternal_a father_n give_v we_o in_o his_o son_n and_o by_o his_o son_n a_o life_n singular_o proper_a to_o the_o estate_n and_o perfection_n of_o christianity_n we_o be_v then_o to_o look_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o our_o law_n imitate_v and_o follow_v he_o as_o our_o rule_n which_o be_v to_o speak_v proper_o as_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n foretell_v when_o speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n they_o say_v that_o god_n will_v make_v a_o word_n abbridge_v upon_o the_o earth_n this_o word_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o descend_v to_o the_o vile_a and_o mean_a estate_n of_o humane_a nature_n give_v we_o his_o word_n and_o action_n a_o model_n for_o we_o this_o also_o