the_o treasure_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o ought_v daily_o according_a to_o our_o ability_n to_o examine_v ourselves_o to_o the_o end_n to_o purify_v our_o heart_n from_o all_o affection_n that_o tend_v not_o to_o this_o supernatural_a life_n it_o reside_v in_o the_o superior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o wonder_v if_o the_o inferior_a part_n have_v degust_n and_o aversion_n from_o it_o we_o must_v expect_v that_o nature_n sense_n friend_n the_o world_n and_o ordinary_a christian_n will_v keep_v a_o noise_n and_o trouble_v our_o ear_n with_o many_o argument_n against_o it_o but_o to_o all_o this_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o answer_v in_o few_o word_n with_o st._n blandina_fw-la christiana_n sum_n christiana_n sum_n i_o be_o a_o christian_n let_v we_o say_v to_o such_o who_o endeavour_n to_o divert_v we_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o lead_v this_o supernatural_a life_n i_o will_v never_o abandon_v it_o maugre_o all_o the_o contradiction_n of_o worldly_a maxim_n and_o the_o repugnance_n of_o sensual_a nature_n i_o know_v to_o become_v a_o perfect_a christian_a i_o must_v be_v turn_v up-side_n down_o destroy_v annihilate_v according_a to_o my_o natural_a inclination_n hate_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o that_o the_o world_n natural_o love_v riches_n honour_n pleasure_n yea_o though_o innocent_a and_o love_v what_o the_o world_n natural_o hate_v poverty_n contempt_n and_o suffering_n this_o be_v a_o great_a attempt_n but_o we_o have_v powerful_a help_n for_o we_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v we_o chap._n iii_o that_o we_o ought_v with_o st._n paul_n to_o convert_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o god_n i_o be_o now_o resolve_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o convert_v myself_o whole_o to_o god_n to_o be_v take_v sole_o with_o his_o divine_a beauty_n and_o infinite_a goodness_n forsake_v all_o creature_n which_o heretofore_o have_v too_o much_o take_v up_o my_o time_n and_o affection_n o_o my_o god_n deal_v with_o i_o as_o you_o do_v with_o your_o apostle_n strike_v i_o down_o to_o the_o ground_n humble_v i_o make_v i_o blind_a to_o all_o thing_n but_o to_o you_o who_o be_v in_o the_o interior_a of_o my_o heart_n beam_a forth_o light_n which_o discover_v sufficient_o your_o divine_a presence_n this_o make_v i_o ask_v you_o o_o my_o god_n what_o you_o will_v have_v i_o to_o do_v and_o methinks_v you_o answer_v that_o this_o manifestation_n of_o your_o presence_n in_o i_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a impression_n on_o i_o as_o to_o change_v my_o life_n and_o conform_v myself_o whole_o to_o your_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n behold_v it_o seem_v to_o i_o this_o be_v what_o you_o will_v have_v i_o to_o do_v first_o not_o to_o persecute_v the_o sentiment_n and_o inclination_n i_o have_v to_o a_o christian_a life_n by_o take_v part_n with_o the_o struggle_n of_o old_a adam_n in_o i_o st._n paul_n persecute_v jesus_n christ_n in_o persecute_v the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o i_o also_o persecute_v the_o same_o jesus_n when_o i_o stifle_v the_o motion_n of_o grace_n in_o i_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v my_o soul_n to_o live_v his_o life_n which_o he_o do_v lead_v here_o for_o i_o to_o follow_v pardon_v i_o good_a jesus_n i_o will_v no_o long_o persecute_v you_o by_o stifle_v your_o holy_a inspiration_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a and_o your_o disciple_n i_o will_v profess_v christianity_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o only_o be_v ashamed_a to_o live_v after_o the_o law_n of_o old_a adam_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n this_o be_v my_o glory_n this_o be_v my_o life_n this_o be_v my_o delight_n poverty_n contempt_n pain_n humiliation_n i_o will_v no_o more_o be_v afraid_a of_o you_o but_o make_v much_o of_o you_o see_v jesus_n have_v love_v you_o even_o to_o death_n to_o live_v this_o life_n we_o must_v become_v blind_a and_o have_v no_o other_o light_n than_o what_o the_o ray_n of_o faith_n afford_v we_o for_o nature_n can_v teach_v we_o the_o grandeur_n excellence_n and_o eminency_n of_o christianity_n st_o paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n suffer_v a_o thousand_o hardship_n he_o be_v whip_v banish_v despise_a mock_v imprison_a torment_a use_v as_o if_o he_o be_v the_o filth_n and_o offscouring_a of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v st._n paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n be_v a_o christian_a to_o death_n nothing_o can_v deter_v he_o from_o live_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n let_v we_o then_o o_o my_o soul_n be_v true_a christian_n that_o be_v let_v we_o be_v content_a to_o live_v in_o suffering_n persecution_n mortification_n and_o the_o ignominy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n christ_n let_v we_o embrace_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o word_n incarnate_a and_o become_v as_o fool_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n who_o persecute_v true_a christian_n that_o be_v those_o who_o die_v to_o themselves_o and_o all_o thing_n else_o to_o live_v to_o jesus_n poor_a christian_a life_n little_o be_v thou_o know_v how_o ill_o be_v thou_o treat_v in_o the_o world_n thou_o dwelle_v in_o the_o lip_n of_o many_o but_o few_o afford_v thou_o a_o place_n in_o their_o heart_n i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o a_o soul_n true_o convert_v love_v god_n entire_o that_o this_o entire_a love_n of_o god_n be_v a_o perfect_a union_n with_o his_o goodness_n that_o such_o a_o union_n imply_v a_o universal_a detachment_n from_o the_o creature_n that_o such_o a_o detachment_n can_v be_v get_v without_o the_o profession_n of_o virtue_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n poverty_n and_o self-denial_n by_o which_o we_o be_v interior_o disengage_v from_o earthly_a thing_n and_o exterior_o when_o god_n please_v content_o suffer_v misery_n sickness_n loss_n of_o good_n and_o whatever_o the_o world_n natural_o abhor_v as_o evil_n but_o by_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v for_o our_o great_a good_a because_o they_o advance_v our_o union_n with_o god_n when_o we_o abound_v with_o riches_n and_o honour_n we_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a fear_n of_o have_v too_o great_a a_o affection_n for_o they_o but_o in_o suffering_n a_o soul_n possess_v a_o strong_a assurance_n of_o divine_a love_n nothing_o but_o grace_n can_v teach_v we_o these_o verity_n and_o a_o great_a grace_n can_v only_o make_v we_o relish_v and_o practise_v they_o the_o weight_n of_o our_o natural_a inclination_n still_o hinder_v we_o from_o rise_v to_o so_o great_a perfection_n when_o we_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o god_n with_o resolution_n daily_o to_o advance_v in_o virtue_n we_o can_v more_o easy_o conceive_v what_o this_o perfection_n be_v than_o practice_n it_o however_o let_v we_o take_v courage_n nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v doubtless_o this_o jewel_n by_o a_o perfect_a abnegation_n that_o be_v possess_v nothing_o not_o the_o very_a mean_n of_o serve_v god_n but_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o resignation_n to_o follow_v jesus_n naked_a on_o the_o cross_n we_o must_v divest_v ourselves_o of_o all_o creature_n that_o we_o may_v be_v sole_o unite_v to_o he_o yea_o dear_a jesus_n my_o desire_n be_v only_o to_o be_v for_o you_o my_o resolution_n be_v to_o serve_v you_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n you_o please_v be_v it_o by_o action_n or_o by_o suffer_v or_o contemplation_n i_o will_v be_v attach_v to_o nothing_o but_o you_o my_o desire_n be_v to_o be_v disengaged_a from_o all_o creature_n to_o find_v you_o and_o possess_v you_o as_o my_o only_a happiness_n chap._n xv._o of_o the_o alliance_n we_o must_v make_v with_o the_o holy_a folly_n of_o the_o cross_n after_o many_o illustration_n of_o grace_n which_o have_v clear_v up_o to_o i_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o sacred_a folly_n of_o the_o cross_n after_o many_o proposal_n and_o review_v i_o have_v at_o last_o espouse_v it_o say_v with_o fervour_n the_o same_o word_n which_o christ_n use_v to_o his_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n sponsabo_fw-la te_fw-la in_o aeternum_fw-la my_o friend_n my_o spouse_n my_o sister_n i_o have_v espouse_v thou_o for_o ever_o methinks_v i_o say_v these_o word_n for_o ever_o but_o yet_o faint_o my_o infinite_a frailty_n make_v i_o fearful_a i_o may_v become_v a_o inconstant_a lover_n notwithstanding_o i_o say_v for_o ever_o with_o a_o real_a heart_n in_o hope_n that_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o immense_a love_n whereby_o the_o divinity_n have_v for_o ever_o espouse_v our_o human_a nature_n and_o this_o same_o humanity_n have_v espouse_v the_o cross_n suffering_n and_o abjection_n our_o bless_a saviour_n will_v vouchsafe_v i_o some_o part_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o this_o divine_a alliance_n to_o enable_v i_o to_o walk_v his_o way_n and_o live_v his_o life_n in_o annihilation_n humiliation_n and_o self-denial_n let_v we_o then_o o_o my_o soul_n live_v this_o life_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n any_o other_o life_n be_v but_o a_o real_a death_n jesus_n
divinity_n repose_v with_o infinite_a joy_n in_o the_o humanity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o suffer_a state_n and_o a_o soul_n never_o love_v more_o nor_o render_v a_o great_a homage_n to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n than_o by_o the_o cross_n and_o suffering_n sacrifice_v herself_o to_o god_n interest_n and_o glory_n this_o then_o be_v the_o motto_n of_o a_o love_a soul_n aut_fw-la pati_fw-la aut_fw-la mori_fw-la jesus_n let_v i_o suffer_v or_o let_v i_o die_v chap._n ii_o that_o we_o must_v have_v a_o love_n for_o cross_n a_o life_n without_o a_o cross_n be_v a_o life_n without_o love_n this_o say_v too_o common_a among_o we_o that_o we_o must_v live_v a_o easy_a life_n do_v not_o become_v the_o lip_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v we_o must_v live_v a_o natural_a sordid_a life_n next_o to_o the_o divinity_n nothing_o be_v more_o amiable_a than_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v either_o enjoy_v with_o the_o divinity_n or_o suffer_v with_o the_o humanity_n and_o the_o more_o we_o suffer_v with_o the_o one_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v with_o the_o other_o a_o soul_n conduct_v by_o enjoyment_n must_v also_o participate_v of_o great_a suffering_n for_o these_o make_v those_o more_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o least_o contentment_n take_v in_o creature_n do_v diminish_v divine_a enjoyment_n and_o therefore_o the_o saint_n have_v be_v severe_a to_o themselves_o so_o as_o to_o allow_v nature_n only_o what_o be_v pure_o necessary_a by_o a_o resolute_a denial_n even_o of_o lawful_a pleasure_n we_o too_o often_o enlarge_v the_o law_n of_o necessity_n and_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o our_o refection_n and_o recreation_n and_o accommodation_n nature_n be_v content_a with_o little_a but_o the_o clamour_n of_o other_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o prejudice_v our_o health_n do_v we_o no_o small_a hurt_n in_o our_o way_n towards_o perfection_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n we_o march_v courageous_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o cross_n when_o we_o find_v in_o our_o soul_n such_o a_o peace_n and_o serenity_n that_o do_v not_o indeed_o hinder_v nature_n to_o feel_v the_o bitterness_n of_o suffering_n but_o inspire_v with_o a_o generous_a resolution_n to_o embrace_v and_o cherish_v they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o special_a favour_n from_o heaven_n notwithstanding_o the_o regret_v of_o nature_n to_o prove_v our_o fidelity_n and_o advance_v our_o glory_n it_o come_v into_o my_o mind_n that_o to_o take_v away_o the_o bitter_a taste_n of_o cross_n we_o must_v sweeten_v they_o with_o several_a sauce_n that_o be_v with_o different_a consideration_n sometime_o by_o accept_v from_o god_n hand_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o penance_n other_o time_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o then_o again_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o pure_a love_n sometime_o to_o be_v conformable_a to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o suffer_a state_n and_o beside_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o submit_v ourselves_o with_o all_o humility_n to_o the_o order_n of_o his_o divine_a and_o sacred_a providence_n thus_o the_o soul_n may_v make_v use_n of_o several_a consideration_n to_o sweeten_v the_o bitterness_n of_o suffering_n and_o so_o preserve_v a_o love_n of_o the_o cross_n among_o all_o the_o repugnance_n of_o humane_a nature_n when_o god_n design_n to_o advance_v divine_a love_n in_o a_o soul_n he_o afford_v her_o great_a occasion_n of_o suffer_v by_o the_o order_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o she_o content_o embrace_v they_o though_o very_o bitter_a to_o sensual_a nature_n such_o favour_n be_v precious_a and_o we_o ought_v to_o manage_v they_o with_o prudence_n and_o council_n it_o be_v very_o true_a what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v in_o the_o gospel_n multi_fw-la sunt_fw-la vocati_fw-la pauci_fw-la verò_fw-la electi_fw-la many_o have_v call_v to_o perfection_n by_o inspiration_n light_n and_o motion_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o they_o arrive_v not_o to_o it_o for_o want_v of_o fidelity_n and_o overmuch_o spare_v themselves_o by_o too_o tender_a a_o love_n of_o their_o body_n good_n friend_n and_o relation_n give_v a_o ear_n more_o to_o humane_a reason_n than_o the_o voice_n of_o grace_n sometime_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o devotion_n be_v a_o life_n full_a of_o peace_n without_o cross_n but_o we_o deceive_v ourselves_o nor_o ought_v we_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o service_n of_o god_n without_o a_o disposition_n of_o indifferency_n to_o all_o state_n to_o be_v mortify_v there_o not_o as_o we_o will_v have_v it_o but_o after_o what_o manner_n best_o please_v god_n cross_n from_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n do_v much_o conduce_v to_o sanctify_v we_o but_o what_o arise_v from_o our_o vanity_n or_o too_o much_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n unprofitable_a and_o rather_o a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o her_o way_n to_o perfection_n suffer_v we_o must_v more_o or_o less_o and_o what_o please_v god_n we_o must_v accept_v of_o with_o contentation_n o_o how_o rare_a be_v it_o to_o find_v soul_n true_o amorous_a of_o cross_n i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o the_o little_a love_n we_o have_v for_o suffering_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n we_o so_o little_o advance_v in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o if_o we_o well_o examine_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v it_o the_o love_n of_o suffering_n be_v quite_o repugnant_a to_o our_o natural_a inclination_n but_o god_n can_v make_v that_o easy_a by_o grace_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o nature_n and_o if_o we_o ask_v this_o great_a grace_n as_o we_o ought_v we_o shall_v receive_v it_o as_o god_n have_v promise_v neither_o do_v the_o love_n of_o the_o cross_n so_o much_o consist_v in_o great_a corporal_a austerity_n as_o embrace_v with_o a_o amorous_a generosity_n all_o those_o little_a contradiction_n mortification_n and_o humiliation_n we_o daily_o meet_v withal_o either_o from_o other_o or_o ourselves_o or_o by_o the_o secret_a order_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o they_o for_o our_o spiritual_a advantage_n be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n but_o of_o grace_n the_o more_o perfect_a our_o virtue_n be_v the_o more_o we_o have_v a_o love_n for_o the_o cross_n that_o we_o may_v be_v more_o conformable_a to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n know_v we_o not_o that_o they_o who_o will_v live_v pious_o in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n they_o shall_v suffer_v indeed_o on_o all_o side_n from_o the_o flesh_n from_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o world_n and_o god_n himself_o will_v try_v they_o with_o affliction_n this_o on_o earth_n be_v the_o high_a way_n to_o heaven_n wherein_o love_n must_v walk_v to_o come_v to_o perfection_n which_o can_v never_o be_v gain_v without_o a_o laborious_a and_o courageous_a resolution_n chap._n iii_o that_o we_o must_v have_v a_o great_a love_n for_o cross_n we_o must_v have_v a_o great_a intellectual_a thirst_n to_o suffer_v all_o sort_n of_o cross_n this_o be_v the_o character_n of_o true_a christian_n this_o be_v the_o mark_n to_o know_v that_o jesus_n crucify_a be_v establish_v in_o we_o and_o this_o thirst_n ought_v to_o continue_v in_o we_o whatever_o our_o condition_n be_v because_o it_o much_o augment_v our_o enjoyment_n and_o consolation_n the_o more_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v the_o more_o she_o become_v thirsty_a not_o only_o of_o a_o more_o savorous_a union_n but_o also_o of_o a_o more_o heavy_a cross_n jesus_n christ_n do_v thirst_n after_o his_o passion_n for_o we_o and_o die_v on_o the_o cross_n his_o thirst_n increase_v be_v not_o quench_v with_o all_o his_o suffering_n we_o say_v we_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o image_n of_o jesus_n christ_n crucify_a imprint_v on_o our_o soul_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o have_v a_o thirst_n for_o suffering_n as_o he_o have_v o_o how_o the_o cup_n of_o affliction_n be_v pleasant_a to_o a_o soul_n athirst_a for_o suffering_n when_o some_o great_a cross_n happen_v to_o such_o a_o soul_n she_o find_v comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n therein_o as_o one_o inflame_v with_o heat_n be_v refresh_v with_o drink_v god_n have_v a_o strange_a thirst_n for_o our_o suffering_n he_o be_v a_o thirst_n in_o we_o by_o the_o fire_n of_o his_o divine_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v himself_o and_o his_o divine_a perfection_n why_o do_v we_o not_o refresh_v he_o with_o our_o suffering_n but_o alas_o this_o divine_a thirst_n be_v little_o know_v to_o man_n o_o how_o be_v it_o hide_v from_o sensual_a eye_n o_o jesus_n how_o little_a be_v you_o know_v how_o little_o be_v you_o love_v these_o proceed_v of_o jesus_n be_v not_o understand_v by_o those_o who_o only_o follow_v the_o light_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n emitte_v lucem_fw-la tuam_fw-la whence_o once_o the_o spiritual_a man_n discover_v this_o nothing_o be_v more_o desirable_a to_o he_o then_o suffer_v the_o great_a desire_n of_o the_o
for_o everblessed_n eternity_n o_o my_o soul_n let_v we_o not_o follow_v our_o own_o fancy_n but_o serve_v god_n in_o what_o manner_n he_o will_v have_v we_o by_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n the_o eternal_a song_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o my_o four_o prayer_n i_o consider_v with_o great_a delight_n that_o all_o the_o angel_n and_o glorious_a saint_n shall_v eternal_o glorify_v the_o adorable_a trinity_n with_o this_o sacred_a trisagion_n holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n of_o sabbath_n methinks_v the_o first_o of_o the_o seraphin_n begin_v this_o anthem_n with_o a_o admirable_a air_n and_o all_o the_o choirs_fw-fr of_o angel_n join_v their_o voice_n all_o sing_v with_o a_o tone_n more_o or_o less_o elevate_v proportion_v to_o the_o degree_n they_o possess_v in_o glory_n and_o this_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o angelical_a voice_n make_v a_o most_o melodious_a and_o admirable_a harmony_n wherewith_o the_o divine_a person_n be_v much_o delight_v it_o come_v into_o my_o thought_n that_o the_o sacred_a humanity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o noble_a of_o all_o create_a entity_n the_o sacred_a virgin_n mother_n of_o god_n and_o queen_n of_o angel_n with_o all_o the_o multitude_n of_o holy_a patriarch_n prophet_n apostle_n martyr_n confessor_n and_o virgin_n do_v bear_v a_o part_n in_o this_o sacred_a harmony_n with_o great_a contentment_n and_o my_o soul_n be_v much_o delight_v therewith_o desire_v to_o glorify_v god_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a i_o see_v that_o the_o church_n militant_a in_o a_o holy_a emulation_n of_o the_o church_n triumphant_a do_v use_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o most_o sacred_a trinity_n a_o like_a canticle_n repeat_v in_o her_o divine_a office_n on_o all_o occasion_n gloria_fw-la patri_fw-la &_o filio_fw-la &_o spiritui_fw-la sancto_fw-la glory_n be_v to_o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o son_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o heaven_n and_o earth_n do_v echo_n forth_o incessant_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o adorable_a trinity_n i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o all_o creature_n have_v voice_n to_o praise_n god_n continual_o and_o with_o much_o affection_n i_o often_o repeat_v glory_n be_v to_o the_o father_n and_o to_o the_o son_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n tribus_fw-la honour_n unus_fw-la amen_n ten_o day_n this_o day_n begin_v my_o prayer_n i_o feel_v my_o soul_n prevent_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a sweetness_n i_o represent_v my_o god_n in_o the_o fund_z of_o my_o heart_n as_o my_o belove_a and_o i_o return_v he_o thanks_o for_o his_o manifold_a visit_n my_o disposition_n be_v then_o as_o a_o spiritual_a springtime_n i_o scent_v the_o odour_n of_o the_o flower_n of_o virtue_n perfume_a my_o interiour_n and_o i_o make_v thereof_o a_o crown_n for_o the_o bridegroom_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o set_v it_o on_o his_o head_n and_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v much_o please_v with_o it_o and_o my_o soul_n take_v great_a complacency_n therein_o i_o observe_v that_o when_o the_o spiritual_a bridegroom_n come_v to_o visit_v his_o spouse_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a communion_n or_o by_o any_o visit_n extraordinary_a it_o be_v with_o different_a effect_n sometime_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v inebriate_v with_o divine_a love_n at_o other_o time_n she_o have_v a_o feel_n of_o great_a variety_n of_o virtue_n wherewith_o the_o interiour_n be_v beautify_v as_o a_o garden_n with_o flower_n the_o soul_n be_v be_v not_o then_o take_v up_o sole_o with_o the_o sweet_n of_o love_n but_o be_v adorn_v with_o variety_n of_o virtue_n sometime_o she_o present_v this_o sometime_o that_o sometime_o altogether_o to_o her_o belove_a my_o second_o prayer_n be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o same_o thought_n and_o i_o perceive_v that_o every_o step_v the_o divine_a bridegroom_n of_o our_o soul_n make_v in_o the_o garden_n of_o his_o spouse_n give_v a_o new_a birth_n to_o different_a flower_n this_o be_v no_o small_a contentment_n to_o the_o soul_n but_o what_o ought_v most_v to_o affect_v she_o herein_o be_v that_o her_o beloved_n be_v please_v to_o take_v with_o she_o his_o recreation_n who_o delight_v to_o be_v sometime_o with_o the_o child_n of_o man_n then_o it_o be_v he_o refresh_v we_o with_o the_o perfume_n and_o odour_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o glorify_v and_o we_o must_v give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o his_o divine_a will._n other_o time_n he_o visit_v a_o soul_n in_o this_o crucify_a state_n bring_v with_o he_o nothing_o but_o thorn_n and_o nail_n and_o bitterness_n and_o suffering_n but_o a_o soul_n must_v not_o think_v that_o her_o beloved_n be_v not_o then_o well_o please_v with_o she_o because_o of_o this_o rough_a usage_n for_o this_o be_v his_o will_n and_o it_o be_v best_a for_o she_o i_o be_v much_o astonish_v to_o see_v the_o excess_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o i_o who_o deserve_v to_o have_v be_v treat_v as_o a_o enemy_n but_o he_o be_v please_v to_o unite_v i_o to_o himself_o with_o such_o ravish_a transport_n as_o transcend_v expression_n o_o that_o i_o have_v a_o heart_n so_o full_a of_o love_n as_o may_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v unto_o i_o o_o jesus_n the_o love_n of_o my_o heart_n if_o you_o continue_v thus_o i_o shall_v die_v of_o love_n for_o you_o o_o amorous_a flame_n consume_v my_o heart_n to_o ash_n that_o nothing_o may_v be_v find_v there_o but_o love_n and_o humility_n o_o my_o friend_n come_v and_o see_v what_o great_a thing_n god_n have_v do_v for_o my_o soul_n my_o three_o prayer_n be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o amiable_a communication_n that_o the_o most_o sacred_a trinity_n be_v please_v to_o have_v with_o our_o soul_n the_o divine_a nature_n unite_v the_o three_o adorable_a person_n in_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n unite_v two_o nature_n in_o jesus_n and_o grace_n unite_v jesus_n to_o purify_a soul_n and_o this_o union_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n be_v perfect_v by_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n and_o wonderful_a communication_n in_o contemplation_n this_o union_n sometime_o be_v so_o high_a and_o elevate_v that_o jesus_n and_o the_o soul_n seem_v to_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n one_o spirit_n one_o knowledge_n one_o love_n and_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o soul_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o in_o this_o state_n she_o glorify_v god_n in_o a_o transcendent_a way_n be_v wonderful_o unite_v to_o that_o love_n and_o glory_n jesus_n render_v to_o the_o divinity_n and_o the_o divinity_n to_o itself_o the_o design_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o communicate_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n be_v to_o augment_v this_o gracious_a union_n that_o as_o he_o pray_v to_o his_o father_n we_o may_v be_v one_o as_o they_o be_v one_o by_o which_o wonderful_a union_n he_o give_v unto_o we_o a_o fullness_n of_o grace_n and_o divine_a love_n imprint_v on_o we_o unless_o we_o be_v refractory_a the_o like_a inclination_n he_o receive_v from_o his_o father_n to_o keep_v we_o continual_o unite_v to_o he_o by_o love_n and_o honour_v he_o with_o the_o grateful_a sacrifice_n of_o our_o humiliation_n my_o last_o prayer_n be_v a_o amorous_a repose_n of_o myself_o in_o jesus_n find_v myself_o in_o this_o disposition_n i_o dwell_v upon_o it_o know_v well_o that_o a_o soul_n unite_v to_o jesus_n be_v transform_v into_o he_o by_o amorous_a affection_n and_o so_o glorify_v god_n do_v love_n and_o honour_n and_o adore_v the_o divinity_n by_o the_o love_n and_o adoration_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o soul_n in_o this_o amorous_a repose_n find_v all_o her_o want_n supply_v as_o courage_n in_o adversity_n humility_n in_o success_n perseverance_n in_o good_a action_n and_o grace_n to_o practise_v all_o those_o virtue_n which_o god_n command_v on_o all_o occasion_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o amorous_o unite_v to_o jesus_n in_o prayer_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v she_o participate_v of_o his_o spirit_n and_o disposition_n and_o consequent_o be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o the_o cross_n and_o suffering_n to_o have_v union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o prayer_n and_o to_o be_v divide_v from_o he_o in_o our_o life_n and_o action_n be_v a_o illusion_n for_o one_o principal_a effect_n of_o pure_a prayer_n be_v to_o imprint_v in_o we_o a_o love_n to_o follow_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n there_o now_o come_v into_o my_o mind_n a_o excellent_a observation_n of_o a_o father_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v visible_o descend_v to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o son_n do_v not_o as_o the_o son_n visible_o return_v to_o heaven_n but_o take_v up_o his_o mansion_n with_o we_o here_o on_o earth_n to_o unite_v our_o heart_n with_o our_o heavenly_a father_n as_o in_o the_o divinity_n he_o be_v the_o union_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n
a_o prayer_n of_o desire_n which_o i_o may_v call_v a_o hunger_a after_n god_n for_o my_o intellectual_a will_n have_v a_o strong_a appetite_n for_o god_n without_o any_o production_n of_o other_o particular_a act_n of_o love_n or_o complacency_n etc._n etc._n as_o when_o we_o have_v a_o longing_n after_o nourishment_n without_o a_o desire_n of_o this_o or_o that_o but_o only_o we_o have_v a_o hungry_a disposition_n in_o this_o state_n the_o soul_n only_o thirst_v after_o god_n as_o know_v by_o faith_n in_o a_o general_a manner_n this_o prayer_n be_v very_o intellectual_a my_o natural_a appetite_n have_v rare_o any_o part_n in_o it_o i_o neither_o send_v up_o sigh_n nor_o ejaculation_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v compatible_a with_o some_o affair_n and_o do_v continue_v though_o the_o soul_n have_v distraction_n in_o the_o imagination_n and_o understanding_n methinks_v this_o prayer_n be_v whole_o spiritual_a for_o i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v into_o my_o soul_n nor_o what_o it_o do_v there_o only_o i_o feel_v a_o hunger_a and_o thirst_v after_o god_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o i_o may_v still_o hunger_n after_o he_o though_o i_o do_v possess_v he_o this_o prayer_n may_v be_v of_o long_a durance_n without_o break_v the_o brain_n but_o we_o must_v be_v dead_a to_o nature_n whilst_o it_o continue_v i_o feel_v also_o in_o myself_o a_o hunger_a after_o the_o state_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o possession_n whereof_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o love_n and_o infallible_o dispose_v we_o to_o it_o whosoever_o desire_v pure_a love_n must_v have_v a_o desire_n of_o they_o also_o the_o one_o not_o subsist_v without_o the_o other_o therefore_o at_o present_a instead_o of_o fear_v poverty_n i_o desire_v it_o instead_o of_o fear_v to_o suffer_v i_o have_v inclination_n to_o it_o and_o my_o delight_n be_v to_o take_v my_o cross_n and_o follow_v jesus_n this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n do_v appease_v interiour_n combat_n and_o struggle_n in_o i_o and_o i_o find_v in_o myself_o some_o assurance_n of_o a_o suffer_a humble_a state_n where_o god_n will_v have_v we_o live_v pure_o of_o he_o and_o for_o he_o what_o be_v more_o pure_o for_o god_n than_o that_o which_o have_v nothing_o of_o self_n in_o it_o grace_n carry_v we_o to_o a_o love_n of_o poverty_n and_o what_o seem_v contrary_a to_o our_o particular_a good_a which_o we_o relinquish_v voluntary_o that_o we_o may_v advance_v the_o sole_a interest_n of_o god_n a_o soul_n that_o live_v this_o life_n live_v in_o purity_n of_o love_n and_o participate_v of_o the_o pure_a virtue_n of_o jesus_n christ_n o_o what_o generous_a resolution_n must_v a_o soul_n have_v to_o love_n god_n pure_o she_o must_v deny_v herself_o to_o please_v god_n only_o there_o be_v no_o live_v a_o life_n of_o grace_n without_o a_o continual_a violence_n to_o our_o natural_a inclination_n by_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n to_o follow_v jesus_n we_o confess_v o_o good_a jesus_n that_o except_o your_o grace_n always_o prevent_v and_o follow_v we_o we_o shall_v never_o relish_v well_o this_o sacred_a hunger_n of_o suffering_n and_o humiliation_n and_o poverty_n which_o be_v some_o small_a participation_n of_o your_o abjection_n it_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o god_n who_o open_v his_o liberal_a hand_n to_o fill_v all_o creature_n with_o his_o blessing_n be_v please_v to_o satisfy_v this_o hunger_n he_o have_v raise_v in_o a_o soul_n by_o communicate_v himself_o to_o she_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o she_o find_v herself_o whole_o content_v and_o full_a of_o god_n this_o fullness_n of_o god_n be_v once_o taste_v the_o soul_n be_v ravish_v with_o joy_n and_o sweetness_n this_o disposition_n sometime_o so_o total_o possess_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n understanding_n will_n memory_n imagination_n that_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o other_o thought_n to_o enter_v be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o god_n prayer_n then_o be_v a_o feel_n of_o god_n fill_v the_o heart_n with_o joy_n and_o contentment_n o_o when_o will_v it_o please_v your_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o infuse_v into_o soul_n some_o little_a participation_n of_o this_o fullness_n that_o they_o may_v pure_o rejoice_v in_o you_o who_o only_o can_v give_v we_o this_o satisfaction_n this_o be_v a_o satisfy_a fullness_n indeed_o that_o leave_v no_o place_n for_o other_o desire_n this_o prayer_n be_v rare_o grant_v unless_o to_o soul_n much_o mortify_v and_o well_o advance_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n for_o a_o soul_n must_v be_v empty_v of_o all_o creature_n before_o god_n can_v fill_v it_o when_o a_o soul_n find_v herself_o thus_o satisfy_v with_o god_n she_o must_v yield_v herself_o passive_a to_o the_o working_n of_o grace_n and_o she_o will_v feel_v in_o she_o interiour_n such_o a_o content_n and_o sweetness_n as_o will_v render_v disgustful_a to_o she_o whatever_o be_v not_o god_n i_o find_v this_o disposition_n different_a from_o that_o which_o ordinary_o we_o receive_v by_o union_n with_o god_n this_o satisfaction_n be_v a_o more_o profound_a and_o intimate_a possession_n of_o god_n make_v all_o comfort_n from_o creature_n even_o most_o please_v to_o we_o become_v distasteful_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o joy_n that_o ravish_v the_o soul_n in_o this_o disposition_n this_o satisfaction_n and_o contentment_n do_v sometime_o exterior_o show_v itself_o the_o sense_n be_v so_o affect_v therewith_o that_o if_o such_o person_n employ_v themselves_o about_o any_o sensible_a object_n they_o do_v it_o as_o if_o they_o be_v a_o sleep_n the_o disposition_n god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v i_o increase_n in_o i_o daily_o a_o new_a desire_n of_o solitude_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n where_o i_o find_v nothing_o but_o impediment_n to_o my_o union_n with_o god_n and_o see_v all_o my_o desire_n tend_v that_o way_n whatever_o divert_v i_o from_o it_o be_v displease_v to_o i_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o i_o be_o now_o no_o more_o fit_a for_o worldly_a affair_n and_o i_o look_v upon_o myself_o as_o a_o old_a piece_n of_o household_n stuff_n that_o be_v good_a for_o little_a or_o nothing_o but_o the_o fire_n for_o methinks_v god_n will_v have_v i_o do_v nothing_o hereafter_o but_o burn_v with_o the_o sacred_a fire_n of_o divine_a love_n or_o like_o a_o poor_a cripple_n who_o can_v work_v for_o his_o live_n i_o must_v die_v of_o hunger_n that_o be_v my_o soul_n have_v a_o continual_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o god_n must_v die_v to_o all_o thing_n but_o god_n himself_o her_o sole_a repose_n and_o satisfaction_n chap._n xv._o of_o infuse_v prayer_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o give_v i_o to_o my_o think_n some_o understanding_n and_o experience_n of_o infuse_v prayer_n in_o my_o morning_n prayer_n i_o find_v myself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o silence_n with_o admiration_n reverence_n and_o peace_n this_o take_v i_o up_o a_o long_a time_n and_o though_o some_o temptation_n arise_v in_o inferior_a nature_n yet_o the_o superior_a part_n of_o my_o soul_n remain_v unite_v to_o god_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o her_o interiour_n quiet_a this_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n be_v great_a than_o ordinary_a more_o solid_a and_o more_o assure_a i_o conceive_v also_o that_o what_o god_n be_v thus_o please_v to_o infuse_v into_o we_o be_v it_o light_n or_o affection_n peace_n or_o love_n it_o be_v hide_v from_o deceit_n of_o nature_n the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o noise_n of_o creature_n for_o god_n immediate_o infuse_v it_o into_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o soul_n without_o the_o ministry_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o so_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o their_o onfet_n and_o vicissitude_n but_o always_o remain_v entire_a as_o long_o as_o it_o please_v god_n to_o continue_v his_o operation_n i_o also_o conceive_v very_o well_o that_o the_o interiour_n of_o soul_n be_v a_o sacred_a mansion_n where_o god_n reside_v and_o do_v his_o work_n independent_a on_o all_o humane_a industry_n and_o endeavour_n there_o he_o sometime_o manifest_v himself_o and_o his_o perfection_n sometime_o christian_a mystery_n after_o what_o manner_n he_o think_v best_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o the_o least_o ray_n from_o his_o presence_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v know_v to_o we_o what_o he_o please_v illuminet_fw-la vultum_fw-la suum_fw-la super_fw-la nos_fw-la this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a favour_n for_o god_n to_o converse_v with_o the_o soul_n alone_o in_o her_o interiour_n i_o be_o now_o no_o more_o astonish_v at_o what_o the_o saint_n affirm_v that_o their_o heart_n be_v a_o tabernacle_n where_o god_n dwell_v with_o he_o and_o they_o enjoy_v he_o in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n nor_o that_o soul_n of_o much_o prayer_n do_v this_o without_o labour_n and_o almost_o continual_o for_o receive_v so_o much_o and_o labour_v so_o little_a i_o do_v not_o wonder_v at_o the_o facility_n
god_n to_o deal_v with_o she_o as_o seem_v best_a please_v to_o he_o for_o aught_o she_o know_v it_o be_v best_o for_o she_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o therefore_o she_o willing_o submit_v to_o god_n chastisement_n rejoice_v thereat_o and_o bless_v he_o for_o they_o yea_o if_o she_o may_v but_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n thereby_o she_o be_v content_a to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n in_o this_o state_n her_o love_n be_v whole_o centre_v in_o god_n and_o she_o give_v herself_o up_o to_o the_o rigour_n of_o justice_n that_o she_o may_v be_v entir_o sacrifice_v to_o god_n glory_n which_o be_v a_o intention_n pure_a from_o all_o self-interest_n a_o indifferency_n to_o any_o state_n do_v possess_v that_o soul_n which_o have_v a_o well_o purify_v intention_n with_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o remain_v content_a with_o her_o present_a condition_n be_v satisfy_v with_o whatsoever_o portion_n of_o grace_n she_o have_v receive_v with_o profound_a humility_n and_o mortification_n be_v thus_o dispose_v she_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o please_v god_n and_o do_v that_o faithful_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n obtain_v wonderful_a peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_z will_v nothing_o but_o what_o god_n will_v require_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o mortification_n and_o be_v dead_a to_o all_o greature_n for_o this_o be_v the_o highway_n to_o the_o purity_n of_o divine_a love_n what_o do_v the_o ancient_a hermit_n search_n for_o in_o the_o desert_n but_o by_o a_o perfect_a denudation_n of_o all_o creature_n to_o arrive_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o divine_a love_n let_v we_o fear_v and_o sigh_v to_o see_v ourselves_o so_o engage_v and_o beset_v with_o several_a temptation_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n but_o some_o or_o other_o may_v cease_v upon_o we_o and_o rob_v we_o of_o that_o perfect_a poverty_n of_o spirit_n which_o put_v we_o in_o full_a possession_n of_o god_n alone_o it_o be_v a_o special_a favour_n of_o god_n to_o have_v a_o vocation_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o abject_a state_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a grace_n when_o god_n conduct_n we_o to_o they_o by_o a_o happy_a necessity_n with_o little_a noise_n or_o stir_v to_o call_v the_o eye_n of_o other_o upon_o we_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o if_o the_o soul_n consent_v pure_o to_o the_o ordination_n and_o event_n of_o divine_a providence_n chap._n viii_o a_o conference_n clear_v many_o difficulty_n touch_v prayer_n qu_n in_o what_o consist_v precise_o good_a mental_a prayer_n i_o find_v many_o sort_n thereof_o in_o book_n the_o saint_n have_v practise_v it_o with_o much_o difference_n and_o yet_o all_o so_o good_a that_o i_o be_o take_v with_o they_o to_o which_o of_o they_o shall_v i_o betake_v myself_o ans_fw-fr the_o way_n of_o soul_n in_o mental_a prayer_n be_v so_o wonderful_a various_a that_o it_o be_v best_a for_o every_o one_o to_o hold_v to_o that_o which_o they_o find_v most_o proper_a for_o they_o or_o else_o they_o will_v loose_v their_o time_n in_o a_o wilderness_n of_o thought_n without_o spiritual_a profit_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o mystical_a author_n we_o seldom_o meet_v with_o what_o be_v proper_a for_o every_o soul_n and_o though_o we_o find_v very_o sublime_a and_o solid_a verity_n concern_v prayer_n in_o the_o write_n of_o st._n teresa_n bless_a john_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr croix_n and_o other_o yet_o they_o have_v but_o describe_v their_o own_o experience_n and_o not_o how_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o other_o soul_n unless_o a_o light_a discovery_n in_o some_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o their_o illumination_n such_o instruction_n be_v good_a to_o read_v but_o not_o exact_o to_o be_v follow_v so_o as_o to_o conform_v ourselves_o entire_o to_o their_o manner_n of_o prayer_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o such_o book_n matter_n very_o profitable_a and_o it_o be_v time_n well_o spend_v in_o spiritual_a lecture_n and_o not_o without_o delight_n to_o virtuous_a soul_n qu._n from_o whence_o proceed_v these_o different_a manner_n of_o prayer_n seeing_z there_o be_v but_o one_o sovereign_a and_o single_a verity_n in_o god_n to_o be_v know_v one_o sovereign_a good_a to_o be_v love_v and_o charity_n be_v of_o the_o selfsame_a nature_n in_o all_o soul_n one_o will_v think_v there_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o great_a conformity_n among_o all_o those_o who_o know_v and_o love_n god_n ans_fw-fr that_o which_o make_v so_o many_o different_a manner_n of_o prayer_n arise_v from_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o know_v god_n some_o converse_v with_o he_o by_o meditation_n and_o humane_a ratiocination_n other_o receive_v from_o god_n heavenly_a irradiation_n above_o the_o power_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o he_o manifest_v himself_o immediate_o to_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o sun_n by_o his_o beam_n other_o contemplate_n god_n by_o the_o obscure_a light_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o ineffable_a manner_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o see_v he_o without_o see_v he_o these_o different_a manner_n of_o treat_v with_o god_n make_v not_o only_o different_a manner_n of_o prayer_n but_o cause_n also_o much_o diversity_n in_o every_o manner_n for_o example_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n which_o seem_v more_o simple_a than_o the_o other_o there_o be_v many_o degree_n which_o represent_v to_o the_o soul_n different_a view_v of_o god_n and_o divine_a matter_n when_o faith_n be_v seat_v in_o a_o understanding_n well_o purify_v from_o image_n and_o alien_a representation_n she_o than_o discover_v god_n more_o sublime_o as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o though_o but_o in_o a_o manner_n negative_a general_a and_o confuse_a yet_o efficacious_a to_o work_v in_o the_o heart_n a_o great_a esteem_n of_o god_n and_o ardent_a charity_n all_o book_n and_o sermon_n and_o conference_n will_v not_o satisfy_v a_o soul_n advance_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o know_v god_n for_o those_o manner_n of_o speak_v and_o conceive_v god_n seem_v to_o she_o too_o full_a of_o imperfection_n i'faith_o whole_o purify_v content_v herself_o with_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n which_o discover_v god_n in_o his_o infinity_o although_o but_o obscure_o and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o faith_n be_v more_o or_o less_o pure_a and_o simple_a these_o discovery_n be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a qu._n be_v all_o sort_n of_o people_n capable_a of_o these_o sublime_a manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o if_o any_o one_o desire_n to_o attain_v they_o by_o what_o mean_n must_v he_o go_v about_o it_o ans_fw-fr the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o proper_a for_o all_o people_n yea_o some_o great_a saint_n have_v never_o have_v it_o as_o some_o good_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v become_v holy_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o active_a life_n which_o will_v not_o afford_v they_o much_o time_n for_o contemplation_n and_o accustom_a themselves_o to_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o meditation_n which_o be_v good_a and_o advantageous_a for_o such_o soul_n who_o god_n call_v not_o to_o a_o more_o sublime_a way_n those_o who_o god_n favour_v with_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prayer_n do_v possess_v a_o inestimable_a treasure_n and_o with_o this_o only_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o source_n of_o many_o more_o they_o be_v rich_a enough_o though_o never_o so_o poor_a in_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o see_v it_o be_v the_o mere_a gift_n of_o god_n i_o account_v it_o folly_n and_o rashness_n to_o think_v we_o can_v bring_v ourselves_o to_o the_o sublime_a state_n of_o contemplation_n unless_o god_n elevate_v we_o by_o his_o immediate_a work_n and_o special_a favour_n all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v therein_o be_v to_o dispose_v ourselves_o by_o correspond_v faithful_o to_o the_o motion_n of_o grace_n by_o die_v daily_o to_o our_o natural_a inclination_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o mortification_n and_o leave_v god_n to_o do_v the_o rest_n except_o god_n build_v the_o house_n they_o labour_v in_o vain_a who_o think_v to_o raise_v the_o edifice_n by_o their_o own_o ability_n qu._n a_o soul_n establish_v in_o a_o sublime_a manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o have_v a_o long_a time_n practise_v it_o can_v she_o easy_o fall_v from_o this_o state_n ans_fw-fr if_o such_o a_o soul_n give_v herself_o over_o to_o her_o sensual_a inclination_n and_o commit_v gross_a imperfection_n become_v faithless_a to_o god_n holy_a inspiration_n she_o may_v fall_v from_o it_o but_o it_o be_v very_o credible_a she_o will_v return_v to_o it_o for_o she_o can_v long_o endure_v the_o loss_n of_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n without_o force_v herself_o by_o her_o humiliation_n and_o penitence_n to_o recover_v her_o former_a state_n and_o as_o much_o as_o she_o die_v to_o all_o creature_n so_o much_o she_o advance_v to_o god_n but_o she_o can_v never_o attain_v it_o without_o practice_n a_o fidelity_n and_o therefore_o it_o high_o concern_v she_o to_o free_v herself_o from_o too_o many_o worldly_a affair_n and_o love_v retirement_n notwithstanding_o those_o which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o as_o belong_v to_o our_o duty_n will_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o arise_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o prayer_n as_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o we_o from_o all_o eternity_n qu._n the_o most_o elevate_a and_o perfect_a prayer_n be_v not_o without_o darkness_n and_o privation_n and_o sometime_o perplex_v with_o interiour_n cross_n and_o desolation_n but_o be_v there_o not_o a_o state_n of_o light_n and_o enjoyment_n to_o be_v attain_v here_o wherein_o the_o soul_n may_v possess_v god_n clear_o and_o peaceable_o without_o any_o disturbance_n ans_fw-fr no_o the_o permanent_a state_n of_o enjoyment_n be_v reserve_v for_o heaven_n in_o this_o life_n indeed_o we_o be_v visit_v without_o divine_a irradiation_n and_o glimmering_n of_o glory_n but_o they_o be_v only_o now_o and_o then_o and_o transient_a the_o term_n of_o this_o life_n be_v work_v time_n and_o not_o of_o rest_n for_o acquisition_n not_o possession_n where_o the_o soul_n may_v daily_o purchase_v new_a grace_n and_o advance_v herself_o in_o prayer_n according_a to_o her_o progress_n in_o virtue_n and_o purity_n by_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o call_v of_o god_n on_o all_o occasion_n god_n usual_a way_n be_v to_o make_v soul_n pass_v through_o darkness_n temptation_n dereliction_n desolation_n exterior_a and_o interiour_n suffering_n to_o come_v to_o a_o good_a stock_n of_o virtue_n and_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o purity_n which_o raise_v they_o to_o a_o more_o sublime_a state_n of_o prayer_n and_o be_v exercise_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o raise_v they_o near_o to_o heaven_n by_o spiritual_a ascension_n they_o at_o length_n leave_v time_n to_o meet_v with_o eternity_n neither_o must_v we_o wonder_v to_o see_v the_o way_n of_o the_o just_a thus_o beset_v with_o thorn_n and_o briar_n for_o this_o be_v expedient_a to_o advance_v they_o in_o perfection_n and_o divine_a love_n qu._n how_o much_o time_n must_v we_o employ_v daily_o in_o prayer_n if_o we_o mean_v to_o profit_v thereby_o so_o as_o to_o attain_v perfection_n ans_fw-fr we_o can_v much_o advance_v in_o prayer_n without_o a_o long_a and_o constant_a usuage_n of_o this_o divine_a exercise_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o do_v good_a work_n but_o we_o must_v spend_v some_o hour_n in_o our_o daily_a devotion_n it_o be_v by_o prayer_n we_o advance_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o not_o otherwise_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o employ_v much_o time_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o if_o god_n call_v we_o to_o it_o and_o not_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o active_a way_n let_v we_o not_o be_v too_o solicitous_a to_o discharge_v our_o other_o obligation_n for_o a_o soul_n in_o the_o state_n of_o continual_a prayer_n perform_v ready_o what_o she_o ought_v on_o all_o occasion_n when_o the_o time_n come_v for_o confession_n she_o be_v present_o all_o dolorous_a love_n &_o contrition_n when_o she_o communicate_v she_o be_v all_o humility_n all_o desire_n and_o flame_a affection_n when_o she_o be_v to_o correct_v she_o be_v all_o sweetness_n and_o charity_n when_o she_o be_v to_o help_v her_o neighbour_n she_o be_v all_o zeal_n and_o love_n when_o she_o must_v act_v for_o god_n she_o have_v a_o intention_n purify_v from_o all_o self-interest_n and_o all_o this_o she_o perform_v in_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v without_o distinct_a act_n but_o habitual_o and_o in_o a_o excellent_a sublime_a manner_n by_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o not_o by_o meditation_n or_o consideration_n which_o be_v mean_n only_o to_o find_v god_n a_o soul_n that_o thus_o once_o have_v lay_v hold_n on_o god_n do_v take_v her_o repose_n and_o rest_n in_o he_o make_v it_o her_o only_a business_n to_o love_n and_o worship_n he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n finis_fw-la
the_o court_n of_o emperor_n armogastus_fw-la live_v among_o beast_n as_o if_o good_a for_o nothing_o he_o deserve_v not_o the_o company_n of_o man_n o_o armogastus_fw-la where_o be_v the_o generous_a spirit_n of_o a_o cavalier_n where_o be_v the_o courage_n of_o a_o gentleman_n why_o do_v you_o not_o quit_v this_o employment_n at_o least_o that_o you_o may_v shine_v bright_a in_o the_o grand_a exercise_n of_o christianity_n free_a yourself_o by_o flight_n and_o in_o some_o other_o country_n preach_v the_o gospel_n do_v marvel_n in_o help_v the_o poor_a and_o miserable_a but_o continue_v thus_o miserable_a in_o yourself_o you_o can_v arrive_v to_o any_o excellency_n in_o christian_a virtue_n let_v i_o alone_o say_v this_o great_a saint_n in_o my_o abject_a condition_n this_o suffice_v i_o and_o i_o be_o content_a to_o be_v thus_o think_v as_o a_o thing_n of_o no_o worth_n o_o how_o well_o be_o i_o please_v to_o be_v thus_o scorn_v and_o forget_v happy_a be_v those_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n happy_a be_v those_o who_o be_v merciful_a to_o other_o i_o have_v as_o great_a a_o esteem_n of_o they_o as_o you_o but_o likewise_o happy_a be_v those_o who_o be_v as_o nothing_o in_o their_o own_o eye_n to_o be_v poor_a despise_a annihilate_v and_o miserable_a shall_v be_v the_o only_a matter_n of_o my_o discourse_n as_o long_o as_o i_o live_v by_o this_o mean_v i_o be_o empty_v of_o myself_o and_o of_o all_o creature_n and_o make_v capable_a to_o be_v fill_v with_o divine_a grace_n o_o that_o these_o thing_n do_v touch_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o sensible_a devotion_n chap._n v._o that_o we_o have_v only_o so_o much_o of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o we_o have_v a_o inclination_n to_o abjection_n if_o the_o purity_n of_o love_n be_v on_o earth_n it_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o love_n abjection_n see_v they_o desire_v nothing_o but_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n his_o glory_n pure_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n whole_o absorb_v in_o self-oblivion_n to_o behold_v god_n advance_v other_o to_o state_n sublime_a and_o glorious_a that_o they_o be_v but_o as_o atom_n in_o comparison_n and_o to_o rest_v content_a in_o their_o abjection_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n because_o herein_o they_o quit_v even_o their_o own_o spiritual_a interest_n be_v satisfy_v with_o whatever_o god_n do_v for_o they_o and_o with_o that_o measure_n of_o glory_n he_o will_v have_v we_o bring_v unto_o he_o though_o never_o so_o little_a it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o sort_n of_o abjection_n be_v not_o in_o jesus_n christ_n because_o be_v god_n the_o fullness_n of_o all_o grandeur_n belong_v unto_o he_o but_o this_o be_v altogether_o proper_a to_o we_o because_o we_o be_v creature_n poor_a and_o abject_a and_o that_o little_a god_n give_v we_o be_v more_o than_o we_o deserve_v see_v we_o of_o ourselves_o can_v merit_v nothing_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o abjection_n he_o love_v for_o our_o sake_n in_o our_o thought_n and_o word_n we_o may_v do_v it_o but_o when_o any_o occasion_n of_o humiliation_n or_o suffering_n happen_v we_o make_v the_o brave_a pretension_n possible_a to_o be_v free_v from_o it_o even_o such_o who_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o devotion_n will_v suffer_v the_o want_n of_o nothing_o nor_o any_o injury_n from_o other_o they_o be_v for_o govern_v affair_n as_o they_o please_v without_o any_o subjection_n or_o dependence_n shun_v abjection_n because_o they_o think_v they_o can_v more_o glorify_v god_n by_o grandeur_n and_o reputation_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o mere_a illusion_n of_o self-love_n and_o a_o vanity_n of_o nature_n which_o in_o every_o thing_n affect_v to_o be_v exalt_v and_o not_o to_o be_v humble_v not_o with_o stand_v let_v we_o think_v and_o say_v what_o we_o please_v what_o measure_n we_o have_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o true_a mortification_n and_o self-denial_n we_o find_v in_o we_o he_o expect_v we_o shall_v honour_v his_o voluntary_a humiliation_n with_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o our_o pride_n now_o in_o a_o sacrifice_n the_o host_n immolate_a be_v destroy_v and_o deprive_v of_o its_o former_a be_v so_o that_o we_o must_v make_v a_o continual_a sacrifice_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o our_o will_n and_o inclination_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o command_n of_o other_o of_o our_o reputation_n by_o a_o love_n to_o abjection_n of_o our_o good_n by_o poverty_n of_o our_o health_n and_o corporal_a satisfaction_n by_o pain_n and_o austerity_n in_o a_o word_n we_o must_v sacrifice_v all_o our_o natural_a inclination_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v as_o well_o content_a with_o adverse_a accident_n as_o prosperous_a success_n because_o the_o good_a use_n of_o humiliation_n be_v better_o for_o we_o than_o prosperity_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a lesson_n we_o learn_v by_o the_o love_n of_o abjection_n but_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o take_v out_o and_o without_o a_o continual_a look_v over_o be_v soon_o forget_v the_o virtue_n which_o consist_v in_o action_n be_v more_o easy_o practise_v less_o troublesome_a to_o we_o and_o more_o satisfactory_a to_o other_o but_o those_o that_o consist_v pure_o in_o suffer_v as_o humiliation_n patience_n abnegation_n be_v very_o difficult_a o_o jesus_n abject_a and_o humble_a infuse_v into_o my_o soul_n the_o science_n of_o saint_n and_o a_o relish_n of_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o i_o shall_v learn_v perfect_o the_o lesson_n of_o true_a humility_n which_o be_v above_o the_o apprehension_n of_o human_a reason_n our_o bless_a saviour_n sometime_o put_v we_o upon_o the_o undertake_n of_o certain_a good_a design_n whereof_o he_o will_v not_o the_o execution_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o virtue_n which_o arise_v in_o their_o pursuance_n and_o fail_v of_o the_o desire_a issue_n nature_n be_v much_o disturb_v at_o ill_a success_n but_o god_n by_o the_o wonderful_a contrivance_n of_o his_o wisdom_n oftentimes_o more_o glorify_v himself_o by_o adverse_a than_o favourable_a event_n for_o the_o disposition_n of_o humiliation_n resignation_n and_o contentedness_n which_o he_o see_v in_o a_o soul_n be_v more_o please_a than_o what_o she_o design_v st_o lewis_n earnest_o desire_v to_o re-establish_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o palestine_n all_o fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o his_o good_a design_n but_o the_o purpose_n which_o god_n have_v to_o advance_v his_o glory_n take_v good_a effect_n for_o this_o great_a king_n be_v humble_v and_o make_v abject_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n his_o army_n be_v destroy_v either_o by_o the_o sword_n or_o pestilence_n o_o how_o these_o grand_a humiliation_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o which_o the_o invincible_a soul_n of_o this_o holy_a king_n rest_v more_o content_a than_o in_o a_o trpumph_n do_v render_v a_o marvellous_a homage_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o selfsame_a place_n where_o he_o suffer_v for_o we_o perhaps_o this_o glory_n be_v great_a in_o his_o sight_n than_o if_o the_o sword_n of_o st._n lewis_n have_v sacrifice_v all_o the_o infidel_n in_o palestine_n our_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n be_v as_o ill_a tree_n because_o they_o can_v of_o themselves_o bring_v thing_n to_o maturity_n however_o they_o do_v not_o fail_v of_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o the_o worst_a success_n by_o abjection_n humiliation_n and_o self-denial_n when_o we_o can_v do_v the_o good_a we_o will_v it_o be_v no_o small_a good_a to_o acknowledge_v our_o insufficiency_n and_o unworthiness_n when_o we_o be_v hinder_v from_o our_o usual_a recollection_n by_o some_o incommodity_n we_o may_v hope_v that_o one_o good_a hour_n of_o suffering_n and_o abjection_n with_o a_o content_a mind_n will_v prove_v better_o to_o we_o than_o a_o hour_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o perhaps_o we_o shall_v take_v more_o self-satisfaction_n when_o we_o think_v the_o soul_n be_v not_o in_o fit_a temper_n to_o converse_v with_o god_n because_o we_o be_v disturb_v with_o many_o importunity_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o this_o may_v proceed_v from_o nature_n but_o the_o repose_n of_o grace_n be_v that_o which_o be_v only_o necessary_a for_o recollection_n now_o the_o repose_n of_o grace_n find_v herself_o better_a in_o cross_n and_o pain_n and_o abjection_n than_o otherwise_o in_o tribulatione_fw-la dilatasti_fw-la mihi_fw-la my_o heart_n be_v enlarge_v towards_o god_n in_o tribulation_n chap._n vi_o that_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o own_o nothing_o inspire_v we_o with_o self-contempt_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o principal_a reason_n of_o our_o little_a or_o no_o amendment_n be_v because_o we_o do_v not_o sufficient_o depend_v upon_o grace_n we_o be_v not_o so_o frequent_a as_o we_o ought_v in_o our_o recourse_n to_o god_n we_o
of_o god_n and_o his_o divine_a perfection_n let_v such_o a_o soul_n be_v in_o light_n or_o darkness_n in_o peace_n or_o war_n elevate_v or_o deject_v she_o be_v still_o the_o same_o because_o god_n will_n be_v she_o and_o she_o desire_v nothing_o but_o what_o please_v he_o her_o chief_a care_n be_v to_o give_v herself_o up_o whole_o to_o god_n will_v in_o so_o great_a variety_n of_o interiour_n state_n and_o why_o shall_v a_o soul_n be_v concern_v at_o this_o variety_n for_o if_o i_o pure_o desire_v to_o please_v god_n it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o to_o i_o whether_o i_o do_v it_o by_o suffering_n or_o enjoy_v chap._n x._o that_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v ourselves_o up_o with_o confidence_n to_o divine_a providence_n dear_o lord_n draw_v the_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o my_o heart_n whole_o after_o you_o o_o that_o i_o can_v go_v out_o of_o myself_o to_o abide_v only_o in_o you_o oh_o that_o i_o have_v no_o love_n but_o for_o you_o no_o fear_n no_o desire_n no_o joy_n but_o in_o you_o and_o that_o my_o affection_n be_v only_o for_o you_o o_o that_o your_o grace_n will_v mortify_v in_o i_o the_o fear_n hope_n sadness_n and_o desire_n of_o nature_n that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o my_o love_n this_o be_v the_o purity_n we_o must_v aim_v at_o or_o else_o we_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o vain_a our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o one_o sparrow_n shall_v not_o be_v forget_v of_o god_n why_o then_o have_v we_o such_o fear_n to_o want_v who_o be_v chief_o call_v upon_o to_o rely_v on_o providence_n if_o god_n permit_v we_o to_o be_v in_o want_n it_o be_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o perfection_n by_o suffering_n god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o daily_o his_o precious_a body_n and_o will_v he_o deny_v we_o bread_n i_o can_v believe_v it_o all_o thought_n to_o to_o the_o contrary_n be_v from_o the_o enemy_n or_o nature_n solicitous_a for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n my_o confidence_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o god_n alone_o though_o it_o happen_v that_o we_o fall_v into_o trouble_n temptation_n or_o sickness_n which_o seem_v to_o deprive_v we_o of_o the_o good_a temper_n of_o soul_n to_o attend_v to_o our_o devotion_n we_o ought_v to_o abandon_v ourselves_o to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o say_v god_n only_o and_o his_o holy_a will._n if_o the_o idea_n of_o some_o state_n of_o perfection_n present_v itself_o to_o the_o understanding_n if_o we_o make_v some_o resolution_n upon_o the_o feeling_n of_o a_o actual_a favour_n we_o ought_v the_o more_o entire_o abandon_v ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o say_v i_o desire_v god_n only_o and_o his_o holy_a will._n this_o abandon_v make_v a_o soul_n peaceable_a and_o content_a and_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n to_o which_o though_o she_o may_v feel_v some_o motion_n of_o affection_n yet_o they_o be_v troublesome_a and_o gain_v no_o consent_n in_o this_o state_n she_o be_v whole_o absorb_v in_o god_n find_v her_o repose_n in_o he_o alone_o and_o out_o of_o he_o be_v no_o contentment_n it_o seem_v to_o she_o that_o whatever_o accident_n may_v happen_v they_o shall_v not_o disturb_v her_o quiet_a she_o be_v ground_v in_o god_n her_o sovereign_a peace_n and_o though_o she_o may_v feel_v some_o emotion_n in_o the_o inferior_a part_n they_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o superior_a faculty_n we_o must_v be_v perfect_a as_o god_n will_v have_v we_o not_o as_o we_o will_v have_v it_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v far_o different_a from_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n the_o world_n believe_v that_o king_n lewis_n must_v be_v saint_v by_o conquer_a the_o holy_a land_n god_n make_v he_o he_o a_o saint_n indeed_o but_o not_o by_o his_o victory_n but_o his_o captivity_n not_o by_o his_o triumph_n but_o his_o suffering_n we_o intend_v to_o sanctity_n ourselves_o by_o action_n and_o god_n will_v do_v it_o by_o affliction_n we_o must_v give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o his_o conduct_n absolute_o abandon_v ourselves_o to_o his_o will_n and_o only_o love_v his_o design_n when_o shall_v i_o be_v so_o mortify_v to_o my_o own_o endeavour_n as_o to_o abandon_v myself_o whole_o to_o divine_a providence_n i_o must_v follow_v pure_o the_o design_n of_o god_n love_v only_o his_o good_a pleasure_n put_v my_o confidence_n in_o he_o and_o he_o will_v have_v a_o care_n of_o i_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o shall_v be_v best_a to_o advance_v his_o glory_n doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o not_o to_o rely_v on_o our_o own_o providence_n but_o to_o depend_v chief_o on_o god_n assistance_n we_o must_v therefore_o elevate_v ourselves_o above_o nature_n which_o rely_v on_o creature_n and_o fear_n want_n and_o abhor_v suffering_n that_o we_o may_v put_v our_o sole_a confidence_n in_o god_n whoever_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o be_v confound_v there_o be_v as_o well_o martyr_n of_o providence_n as_o martyr_n for_o faith_n they_o be_v more_o hide_v and_o sometime_o suffer_v little_a less_o than_o the_o other_o be_v content_a with_o all_o occurrence_n of_o providence_n which_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o good_n or_o honour_n or_o call_v their_o life_n in_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o sometime_o to_o enjoy_v god_n in_o a_o more_o perfect_a way_n they_o despise_v and_o forsake_v the_o accommodation_n of_o this_o life_n that_o they_o may_v sacrifice_v themselves_o to_o god_n with_o the_o flame_n of_o divine_a love_n in_o pious_a exercise_n or_o if_o providence_n have_v so_o order_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v bear_v subject_n to_o disease_n and_o misery_n they_o bear_v they_o with_o perfect_a resignation_n there_o be_v also_o spiritual_a martyr_n who_o providence_n have_v order_v to_o suffer_v much_o by_o interiour_n pain_n o_o how_o advantageous_a be_v it_o for_o such_o soul_n to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o god_n design_n upon_o they_o and_o be_v faithful_a therein_o as_o for_o i_o the_o love_n of_o god_n will_n shall_v hereafter_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o my_o action_n and_o undertake_n i_o will_v abandon_v myself_o and_o all_o creature_n and_o put_v my_o confidence_n in_o god_n alone_o if_o our_o imperfection_n disturb_v our_o inward_a peace_n and_o union_n with_o god_n we_o must_v repair_v it_o without_o too_o much_o disquiet_v ourselves_o for_o our_o pass_a fault_n union_n with_o god_n be_v never_o without_o love_n and_o love_n will_v blot_v out_o our_o offence_n and_o bring_v the_o soul_n to_o repose_v in_o her_o wont_a centre_n chap._n xi_o to_o be_v indifferent_a to_o all_o thing_n but_o god_n good_a pleasure_n one_o excellent_a effect_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o make_v we_o as_o it_o be_v insensible_a of_o all_o thing_n but_o god_n will_n a_o soul_n that_o be_v enrich_v with_o this_o indifferency_n can_v desire_v nothing_o else_o yea_o not_o virtue_n themselves_o except_o in_o order_n to_o god_n pleasure_n we_o must_v strict_o examine_v ourselves_o concern_v this_o general_a disengagement_n from_o creature_n and_o not_o easy_o believe_v we_o have_v it_o except_o on_o several_a occasion_n we_o find_v so_o by_o experience_n our_o bless_a saviour_n vouchsafe_v i_o extraordinary_a attract_v to_o be_v whole_o he_o he_o put_v i_o into_o a_o state_n of_o wonderful_a interiour_n peace_n and_o quiet_a so_o that_o it_o cost_v i_o little_a to_o do_v virtuous_o i_o aspire_v after_o dear_a solitude_n and_o holy_a poverty_n my_o health_n be_v but_o feeble_a and_o in_o probability_n my_o life_n here_o can_v be_v long_o and_o therefore_o i_o endeavour_v to_o live_v so_o disengage_v as_o if_o in_o effect_n i_o be_v already_o dead_a my_o dear_a jesus_n infuse_v into_o my_o soul_n a_o spirit_n of_o denudation_n and_o i_o do_v cherish_v it_o that_o i_o may_v live_v no_o more_o in_o myself_o but_o my_o continuance_n in_o this_o pilgrimage_n may_v be_v beneath_o i_o and_o i_o without_o any_o gust_n or_o affection_n to_o it_o so_o that_o at_o present_a i_o suffer_v not_o a_o little_a to_o see_v myself_o so_o far_o from_o god_n amid_o the_o distraction_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o body_n and_o other_o affair_n incumbent_a on_o i_o for_o when_o god_n manifest_v himself_o to_o a_o soul_n experimental_o taste_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o live_v here_o below_o be_v a_o pain_n unto_o she_o however_o she_o continue_v in_o great_a peace_n because_o in_o her_o interiour_n she_o be_v pure_o resign_v to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n i_o be_o so_o habituate_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o to_o please_v myself_o but_o in_o he_o and_o to_o have_v no_o joy_n but_o for_o he_o that_o i_o can_v rejoice_v to_o see_v myself_o perfect_a nor_o be_v sad_a at_o my_o imperfection_n god_n be_v my_o all_o his_o will_n his_o pleasure_n and_o nothing_o else_o all_o reflection_n on_o myself_o seem_v to_o full_o
thou_o that_o be_v to_o say_v let_v thy_o care_n be_v to_o be_v lose_v in_o i_o and_o i_o will_v take_v order_n for_o thy_o affair_n such_o a_o soul_n do_v not_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n her_o exercise_n be_v a_o pure_a consideration_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o who_o arm_n she_o quiet_o repose_v herself_o fear_v nothing_o but_o infidelity_n chap._n fourteen_o how_o the_o perfect_a abandon_v of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n make_v we_o find_v a_o paradise_n upon_o earth_n so_o much_o as_o a_o soul_n be_v faithful_a to_o this_o abandon_v so_o much_o do_v she_o abound_v with_o consolation_n for_o she_o be_v content_a with_o the_o state_n wherein_o providence_n have_v put_v she_o and_o be_v well-pleased_n with_o all_o god_n ordination_n concern_v herself_o as_o be_v most_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o have_v a_o tender_a love_n for_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n will_n who_o from_o all_o eternity_n have_v determine_v to_o conduct_v she_o in_o this_o way_n which_o she_o will_v not_o change_v for_o one_o more_o elevare_v though_o one_o sigh_n will_v gain_v it_o moreover_o such_o a_o soul_n take_v much_o delight_n in_o know_v that_o many_o soul_n be_v conduct_v by_o more_o excellent_a way_n whereby_o god_n may_v be_v more_o glorify_v for_o see_v she_o desire_v pure_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n she_o be_v well-pleased_n that_o god_n be_v glorify_v by_o other_o and_o rejoice_v at_o it_o say_v with_o great_a resentment_n omnis_fw-la spiritus_fw-la laudet_fw-la dominum_fw-la let_v every_o spirit_n praise_v our_o lord_n every_o way_n every_o state_n this_o resentment_n somewhat_o resemble_v that_o of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n where_o the_o angel_n rejoice_v more_o at_o the_o glory_n which_o the_o seraphin_n render_v to_o god_n than_o at_o their_o own_o service_n and_o that_o great_a difference_n which_o a_o angel_n see_v between_o himself_o and_o a_o seraphin_n do_v not_o raise_v in_o he_o the_o least_o desire_n to_o be_v a_o seraphin_n and_o his_o joy_n be_v great_a in_o that_o the_o divine_a will_n have_v make_v he_o only_o in_o the_o order_n of_o angel_n thus_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o holy_a soul_n on_o earth_n who_o participate_v of_o one_o another_o good_a be_v content_a with_o the_o grace_n god_n bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o see_v no_o good_a disposition_n in_o themselves_o or_o other_o which_o do_v not_o comfort_v they_o o_o what_o profound_a peace_n be_v here_o there_o be_v but_o little_a difference_n to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o blessedness_n or_o in_o a_o perfect_a abandon_v to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v afflict_v such_o a_o soul_n and_o she_o can_v want_v nothing_o that_o content_v the_o heart_n great_a saint_n do_v not_o wait_v for_o paradise_n with_o impatience_n have_v in_o a_o manner_n find_v it_o upon_o earth_n by_o a_o perfect_a abandon_v to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n o_o holy_a virgin_n how_o be_v you_o content_a that_o your_o son_n shall_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n without_o your_o company_n have_v not_o you_o as_o much_o right_a to_o follow_v he_o as_o the_o holy_a father_n detain_v in_o limbo_n they_o be_v his_o servant_n only_o but_o you_o his_o mother_n also_o and_o yet_o you_o remain_v upon_o earth_n to_o partake_v of_o misery_n and_o they_o mount_v to_o heaven_n to_o possess_v joy_n eternal_a and_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n how_o different_a be_v this_o distribution_n your_o own_o dear_a son_n holy_a virgin_n vouchsafe_v to_o go_v to_o limbo_n to_o assist_v the_o holy_a father_n and_o carry_v they_o from_o thence_o with_o he_o and_o you_o who_o be_v so_o near_o he_o who_o have_v serve_v and_o accompany_v he_o during_o his_o mortal_a life_n even_o in_o his_o passion_n and_o ignominy_n now_o he_o be_v full_a of_o glory_n leave_v you_o here_o and_o what_o i_o more_o admire_v you_o amorous_o acquiesce_v in_o this_o abandon_v and_o be_v content_a to_o want_v his_o corporal_a presence_n with_o 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not_o thou_o to_o desire_v sole_o the_o will_n of_o god_n with_o a_o indifferency_n to_o all_o thing_n else_o if_o thou_o may_v choose_v thou_o ought_v rather_o to_o embrace_v desolation_n than_o consolation_n neglect_v and_o contempt_n than_o honour_n and_o endearment_n see_v jesus_n and_o mary_n have_v most_o love_v a_o suffer_a life_n but_o this_o perfect_a abandon_v this_o holy_a indifferency_n to_o any_o state_n this_o union_n with_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o a_o mine_n of_o great_a treasure_n it_o be_v the_o sublimest_n pure_a perfect_a disposition_n that_o can_v be_v in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v of_o more_o worth_n than_o other_o disposition_n and_o they_o without_o it_o be_v of_o no_o value_n yea_o in_o some_o sort_n be_v but_o imperfection_n contemplation_n a_o desire_n to_o be_v charitable_a a_o will_v to_o help_v our_o neighbour_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v good_a and_o holy_a disposition_n however_o god_n do_v not_o always_o require_v these_o of_o we_o 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be_v not_o our_o own_o enemy_n may_v make_v we_o find_v a_o more_o pure_a union_n with_o god_n good_a pleasure_n for_o we_o never_o advance_v more_o in_o virtue_n than_o in_o a_o state_n of_o denudation_n and_o if_o we_o desire_v nothing_o but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v content_a with_o that_o whatever_o it_o be_v we_o can_v want_v no_o disposition_n to_o perfection_n every_o state_n every_o gracious_a disposition_n have_v its_o proper_a worth_n they_o be_v good_a and_o please_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v value_v though_o some_o have_v more_o excellency_n in_o themselves_o than_o other_o but_o we_o must_v be_v content_a with_o those_o god_n be_v please_v to_o vouchsafe_v we_o in_o peace_n submission_n humility_n and_o indifferency_n to_o every_o state_n repose_v ourselves_o in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o in_o our_o centre_n a_o soul_n in_o this_o state_n somewhat_o approach_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n chap._n xv._o how_o the_o beauty_n that_o be_v in_o the_o order_n of_o god_n content_v a_o soul_n i_o never_o yet_o have_v well_o understand_v this_o verity_n so_o often_o repeat_v not_o one_o hair_n of_o your_o head_n shall_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o the_o will_n of_o your_o heavenly_a father_n the_o clear_a and_o full_a understanding_n of_o which_o will_v make_v a_o soul_n happy_a on_o earth_n and_o the_o cross_n which_o before_o do_v afflict_v her_o spirit_n will_v be_v a_o joy_n unto_o she_o and_o cordial_a comfort_n for_o than_o she_o taste_v the_o wonderful_a sweetness_n contain_v in_o the_o order_n of_o god_n to_o bring_v she_o to_o happiness_n so_o that_o paradise_n without_o this_o order_n will_v be_v as_o a_o hell_n unto_o she_o and_o to_o be_v in_o a_o suffer_a condition_n with_o this_o order_n will_v become_v a_o paradise_n the_o order_n
give_v she_o a_o right_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o glory_n for_o truth_n have_v say_v it_o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n o_o how_o a_o soul_n which_o once_o have_v behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o holy_a poverty_n be_v ready_a to_o follow_v jesus_n poor_a and_o abject_a and_o conform_v herself_o to_o his_o example_n she_o find_v herself_o free_v of_o her_o fetter_n which_o keep_v man_n captive_n and_o slave_n to_o the_o world_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o she_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o creature_n be_v the_o great_a treasure_n upon_o earth_n she_o grow_v rich_a by_o her_o loss_n and_o when_o god_n will_v have_v she_o to_o possess_v good_n and_o honour_n it_o be_v yet_o with_o a_o disposition_n to_o quit_v they_o and_o possess_v god_n alone_o she_o therefore_o only_o keep_v they_o by_o a_o pure_a dependence_n on_o the_o divine_a will_n without_o a_o esteem_n or_o love_n for_o they_o but_o love_v in_o they_o sole_o the_o will_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o impression_n my_o first_o prayer_n make_v in_o i_o in_o my_o second_o prayer_n i_o continue_v to_o consider_v the_o poor_a and_o abject_a state_n of_o jesus_n christ_n god_n in_o his_o eternal_a decree_n have_v a_o love_n for_o the_o humane_a way_n of_o the_o word_n incarnate_a those_o soul_n who_o be_v favour_v with_o illustration_n from_o heaven_n be_v strong_o carry_v the_o same_o way_n discern_v clear_o that_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o better_a upon_o earth_n than_o to_o tread_v the_o footstep_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o this_o end_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n elevate_v they_o above_o themselves_o and_o their_o natural_a inclination_n to_o conduct_v they_o sole_o by_o the_o instinct_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o make_v a_o glorious_a conquest_n over_o the_o weakness_n of_o nature_n self-love_n and_o carnal_a prudence_n which_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n to_o christian_a perfection_n and_o hinder_v we_o from_o follow_v jesus_n in_o his_o abjection_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o die_v daily_o to_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o purity_n of_o divine_a love_n that_o be_v possess_v and_o love_n god_n alone_o the_o pride_n of_o adam_n will_v not_o die_v in_o we_o unless_o we_o be_v content_a to_o follow_v jesus_n in_o his_o abjection_n o_o my_o soul_n let_v we_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o this_o state_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v little_o know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o take_v it_o for_o a_o sovereign_a favour_n from_o heaven_n to_o become_v so_o contemptible_a for_o god_n sake_n as_o to_o pass_v for_o one_o hardly_o good_a for_o any_o thing_n o_o jesus_n how_o few_o companion_n have_v you_o of_o your_o extreme_a poverty_n many_o honour_n this_o virtue_n in_o you_o but_o few_o practice_n it_o they_o must_v be_v faithful_a friend_n indeed_o who_o follow_v you_o in_o these_o way_n so_o bitter_a and_o distasteful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n o_o jesus_n be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o and_o grant_v i_o this_o fidelity_n that_o i_o may_v never_o forsake_v you_o in_o life_n nor_o death_n my_o three_o prayer_n be_v take_v up_o with_o a_o general_a view_n of_o the_o humiliation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o which_o i_o feel_v my_o soul_n have_v much_o love_n and_o respect_n these_o divine_a humiliation_n do_v ravish_v i_o beyond_o comparison_n and_o i_o discover_v such_o wonderful_a beauty_n in_o they_o that_o i_o can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o behold_v they_o i_o be_v deep_o possess_v with_o a_o desire_n to_o conform_v myself_o to_o jesus_n in_o his_o humiliation_n and_o to_o spend_v my_o day_n in_o his_o imitation_n and_o i_o be_v much_o trouble_v i_o can_v not_o yet_o quit_v all_o thing_n to_o live_v a_o poor_a abject_a retire_a life_n it_o be_v no_o less_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o relish_v the_o abjection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o to_o be_v take_v with_o his_o grandeur_n his_o grandeur_n be_v incomprehensible_a but_o nothing_o in_o my_o eye_n seem_v more_o great_a and_o rich_a and_o precious_a than_o his_o humiliation_n the_o unspeakable_a love_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v for_o soul_n do_v manifest_v itself_o by_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o his_o humiliation_n be_v content_n o_o my_o soul_n with_o what_o part_n he_o shall_v give_v thou_o for_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o punishment_n to_o abound_v with_o riches_n and_o honour_n whereby_o we_o become_v unlike_a to_o jesus_n and_o march_v on_o in_o way_n contrary_a to_o his_o practice_n and_o example_n when_o i_o reflect_v upon_o my_o sin_n i_o can_v sufficient_o admire_v the_o great_a grace_n god_n be_v please_v to_o vouchsafe_v i_o a_o strong_a argument_n to_o convince_v of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o afford_v much_o matter_n of_o humiliation_n consider_v how_o unworthy_a i_o be_o of_o the_o least_o favour_n but_o for_o i_o a_o poor_a wretch_n to_o have_v a_o call_v to_o solitude_n to_o converse_v only_o with_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n what_o a_o mercy_n be_v this_o it_o come_v into_o my_o mind_n that_o moses_n who_o have_v be_v a_o captain_n of_o thief_n be_v afterward_o a_o holy_a hermit_n and_o i_o have_v a_o special_a devotion_n to_o he_o desire_v he_o to_o help_v i_o by_o his_o prayer_n o_o the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o grace_n that_o a_o robber_n shall_v become_v a_o hermit_n i_o have_v a_o devotion_n to_o saint_n that_o have_v be_v great_a sinner_n methinks_v they_o be_v powerful_a with_o god_n to_o help_v sinner_n to_o be_v convert_v this_o view_n of_o the_o extreme_a humiliation_n of_o jesus_n yet_o continue_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o my_o four_o prayer_n and_o i_o find_v in_o myself_o great_a desire_n to_o begin_v a_o new_a kind_n of_o life_n to_o give_v myself_o absolute_o to_o god_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n by_o die_v to_o all_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o vow_n of_o poverty_n but_o i_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o forsake_v my_o temporal_a affair_n i_o resolve_v to_o make_v such_o a_o vow_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v settle_v and_o i_o take_v care_n that_o my_o affair_n may_v be_v so_o regulate_v as_o to_o put_v i_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o call_n of_o god_n have_v take_v this_o resolution_n i_o find_v my_o heart_n inflame_v with_o desire_n to_o be_v whole_o for_o god_n and_o to_o conform_v myself_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o jesus_n in_o his_o humiliation_n nature_n feel_v some_o afflict_a resentment_n hereat_o and_o furnish_v i_o with_o argument_n to_o divert_v i_o from_o it_o but_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n scatter_v these_o thought_n and_o teach_v i_o to_o neglect_v the_o help_n of_o creature_n by_o cast_v myself_o whole_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o providence_n o_o my_o jesus_n the_o only_o love_n of_o my_o soul_n though_o the_o most_o despise_a of_o man_n your_o divine_a attract_v and_o inspiration_n do_v so_o powerful_o invite_v i_o to_o follow_v you_o in_o your_o way_n of_o poverty_n that_o i_o shall_v never_o soon_o enough_o see_v the_o happy_a moment_n to_o engage_v myself_o thereto_o by_o a_o vow_n never_o to_o be_v recall_v four_o day_n jesus_n the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n and_o piety_n in_o my_o first_o prayer_n god_n give_v i_o to_o see_v the_o infinite_a grandeurs_fw-fr of_o the_o sacred_a humanity_n unite_v to_o the_o divinity_n in_o the_o same_o person_n this_o ineffable_a union_n be_v the_o general_a and_o amorous_a object_n of_o my_o regard_n which_o wrought_v in_o my_o soul_n a_o very_a great_a esteem_n and_o singular_a love_n and_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n this_o state_n of_o jesus_n rejoice_v my_o heart_n and_o i_o dwell_v upon_o it_o my_o soul_n be_v satisfy_v with_o wonderful_a contentment_n i_o have_v interior_a assurance_n and_o very_o great_a certitude_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o jesus_n nothing_o in_o he_o seem_v dark_a unto_o i_o though_o all_o surpass_v the_o strength_n of_o reason_n i_o behold_v he_o as_o the_o principal_a of_o grace_n and_o glory_n this_o manifestation_n be_v in_o i_o by_o a_o divine_a light_n and_o i_o find_v it_o fill_v my_o heart_n with_o most_o please_a impression_n the_o small_a conviction_n we_o have_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o jesus_n make_v we_o such_o cold_a christian_n and_o that_o we_o walk_v so_o slow_o in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n for_o who_o firm_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v god_n will_v have_v a_o singular_a esteem_n of_o his_o doctrine_n of_o his_o counsel_n of_o his_o proceed_n and_o think_v it_o his_o glory_n for_o to_o follow_v he_o the_o perfect_a belief_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o jesus_n carry_v a_o soul_n to_o real_a endeavour_n after_o perfection_n to_o despise_v the_o world_n to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o follow_v jesus_n in_o his_o abjection_n this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o image_n of_o jesus_n christ_n
divinity_n o_o how_o great_a be_v the_o dignity_n of_o pure_a soul_n when_o they_o communicate_v o_o how_o low_a and_o abject_a be_v all_o the_o grandeurs_fw-fr of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o compare_v with_o this_o for_o what_o glory_n be_v comparable_a to_o that_o of_o a_o soul_n intimate_o unite_v with_o the_o supreme_a be_v my_o god_n how_o delightful_a and_o transport_v be_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o wonder_n and_o profound_a secret_n wrap_v up_o in_o your_o mystery_n how_o they_o penetrate_v the_o soul_n you_o disclose_v they_o to_o this_o union_n with_o jesus_n in_o communion_n be_v inessable_a for_o as_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v one_o in_o unity_n of_o essence_n the_o word_n and_o humane_a nature_n one_o in_o unity_n of_o person_n so_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v one_o in_o jesus_n partake_v of_o both_o the_o union_n divine_a and_o humane_a jesus_n be_v in_o she_o according_a to_o both_o his_o nature_n and_o she_o be_v all_o in_o jesus_n and_o while_o she_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o he_o he_o work_v all_o in_o she_o he_o pray_v adore_v love_n suffer_v labour_n insomuch_o that_o this_o perfect_a union_n produce_v a_o certain_a unity_n between_o god_n jesus_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o between_o all_o their_o operation_n it_o settle_v a_o kind_n of_o partnership_n and_o community_n of_o good_n and_o possession_n between_o they_o in_o a_o word_n it_o import_v more_o than_o can_v be_v express_v now_o this_o condition_n must_v needs_o be_v most_o holy_a and_o divine_a where_o god_n work_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n in_o god_n in_o i_o manet_fw-la &_o ego_fw-la in_o eo_fw-la and_o the_o alliance_n between_o they_o grow_v continual_o straight_a and_o close_o proportionable_o to_o her_o increasing_n in_o virtue_n in_o this_o life_n and_o receive_v its_o ultimate_a perfection_n only_o in_o heaven_n o_o amiable_a jesus_n with_o what_o a_o profusion_n of_o goodness_n and_o love_n you_o entertain_v our_o soul_n in_o this_o sacrament_n you_o conceal_v your_o presence_n under_o the_o external_n species_n to_o give_v we_o occasion_n and_o advantage_n to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n which_o behold_v you_o so_o much_o more_o clear_o as_o you_o be_v more_o secret_o and_o obscure_o present_a again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n you_o manifest_a and_o show_v yourself_o by_o innumerable_a effect_n of_o your_o grace_n and_o divine_a sentiment_n which_o you_o breath_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o excite_v and_o exercise_v our_o love_n what_o can_v a_o soul_n do_v when_o she_o see_v herself_o so_o prevent_v so_o convince_v so_o press_v by_o evident_a instance_n and_o experimental_a proof_n of_o your_o endless_a and_o unwearied_a bounty_n what_o can_v she_o do_v but_o love_n love_n without_o stint_n render_v love_n for_o love_n how_o many_o excellent_a thing_n may_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_a but_o how_o can_v those_o sentiment_n be_v express_v that_o can_v hardly_o be_v conceive_v chap._n xi_o the_o four_o effect_n of_o communion_n be_v to_o confer_v the_o high_a love_n oftentimes_o before_o and_o after_o communion_n i_o be_v take_v up_o with_o contemplate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o be_v different_a in_o our_o manner_n of_o conception_n and_o the_o verity_n of_o their_o effect_n now_o when_o any_o one_o of_o they_o discover_v itself_o it_o appear_v in_o full_a beauty_n and_o majesty_n and_o all_o the_o other_o seem_v to_o sink_v in_o to_o it_o and_o lend_v all_o their_o ornament_n and_o excellence_n to_o increase_v its_o lustre_n a_o instance_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n where_o the_o divine_a love_n display_v all_o its_o magnificence_n and_o the_o other_o attribute_n contribute_v to_o that_o design_n the_o bright_a of_o their_o charm_n and_o perfection_n eternity_n immensity_n wisdom_n omnipotence_n justice_n mercy_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v most_o eminent_a and_o adorable_a in_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v present_a there_o and_o attend_v upon_o the_o triumph_n of_o love_n each_o of_o these_o perfection_n espouse_v the_o interest_n and_o put_v on_o the_o inclination_n of_o love_n which_o be_v liberality_n and_o magnificence_n and_o according_o operate_v in_o a_o soul_n when_o love_n make_v his_o triumphant_a entry_n at_o the_o time_n of_o communion_n for_o love_n as_o its_o proper_a effect_n produce_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o reciprocal_a love_n eternity_n imprint_n continuance_n and_o perseverance_n immensity_n spread_v the_o affection_n and_o give_v it_o a_o unbounded_a extent_n wisdom_n shed_v round_o about_o a_o supernatural_a light_n to_o guide_v its_o good_a purpose_n and_o illustrate_v the_o way_n of_o virtue_n omnipotence_n inspire_v a_o invincible_a strength_n to_o surmount_v all_o difficulty_n and_o obstacle_n thus_o in_o communion_n a_o soul_n do_v not_o only_o receive_v the_o impression_n of_o love_n but_o of_o love_n attend_v with_o the_o lustre_n and_o excellency_n of_o all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o jesus_n christ_n together_o with_o his_o eternal_a father_n send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n to_o replenish_v they_o with_o love_n in_o the_o same_o place_n where_o he_o have_v give_v they_o himself_o in_o the_o sacrament_n so_o that_o this_o divine_a sanctuary_n be_v choose_v two_o several_a time_n to_o be_v the_o theatre_n where_o the_o two_o great_a action_n of_o love_n be_v represent_v that_o ever_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n exhibit_v out_o of_o himself_o the_o first_o in_o give_v we_o his_o son_n to_o reside_v in_o our_o heart_n who_o from_o all_o eternity_n rest_v in_o his_o own_o bosom_n and_o thereby_o enable_v we_o to_o live_v divine_o by_o he_o as_o he_o live_v by_o his_o father_n the_o second_o in_o send_v on_o we_o the_o adorable_a spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n to_o be_v the_o knot_n of_o the_o eternal_a espousal_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o her_o god_n to_o beautify_v she_o with_o he_o in_o create_v light_n to_o warm_v she_o with_o his_o sacred_a flame_n to_o animate_v she_o with_o his_o heavenly_a force_n and_o virtue_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o render_v she_o entire_o spiritual_a and_o both_o these_o action_n be_v perpetuate_v in_o the_o holy_a church_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o be_v feast_v with_o the_o precious_a body_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o inebriate_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o love_n o_o who_o can_v conceive_v the_o admirable_a commerce_n and_o caress_n that_o be_v interchange_v between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o pure_a soul_n in_o this_o divine_a sacrament_n the_o world_n which_o discern_v nothing_o but_o by_o meditation_n of_o the_o sense_n be_v too_o gross_a and_o stupid_a to_o comprehend_v they_o it_o think_v that_o soul_n which_o be_v escape_v from_o its_o snare_n and_o dis-engaged_n from_o its_o business_n lead_v a_o idle_a and_o unprofitable_a life_n it_o fancy_v they_o do_v nothing_o because_o their_o action_n be_v not_o see_v that_o their_o fire_n be_v extinguish_v because_o it_o do_v not_o blaze_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o men._n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o resemble_v those_o mountain_n full_a of_o sulphur_n which_o carry_v vast_a globe_n of_o fire_n in_o their_o bosom_n though_o they_o break_v out_o but_o at_o certain_a time_n and_o then_o they_o be_v not_o only_o see_v but_o whole_a province_n feel_v the_o conflagration_n town_n and_o village_n be_v burn_v and_o field_n cover_v with_o ash_n in_o like_a manner_n those_o retire_a soul_n which_o burn_v inward_o with_o divine_a love_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n shine_v only_o to_o god_n and_o themselves_o yet_o when_o the_o command_n and_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n excite_v they_o to_o external_n duty_n they_o produce_v such_o extraordinary_a effect_n that_o number_n of_o soul_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n with_o their_o virtue_n example_n and_o instruction_n in_o this_o kind_n we_o have_v have_v many_o great_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v conceive_v a_o thousand_o good_a desire_n in_o their_o retirement_n and_o inflame_v with_o heavenly_a fire_n by_o the_o frequent_a use_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a communion_n issue_n from_o their_o retreat_n and_o this_o sacred_a table_n like_o lion_n breathe_v nothing_o but_o flame_n and_o set_v all_o on_o fire_n about_o they_o such_o have_v make_v the_o great_a conversion_n of_o sinner_n change_v the_o face_n of_o whole_a province_n and_o kingdom_n and_o all_o this_o perform_v only_o by_o one_o or_o a_o small_a number_n of_o such_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o appear_v so_o powerful_a in_o work_n and_o word_n that_o all_o their_o action_n seem_v to_o be_v so_o many_o miracle_n here_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o this_o interiour_n fire_n in_o a_o person_n not_o sufficient_o retire_v within_o himself_o or_o that_o from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v not_o careful_a to_o lay_v on_o more_o fuel_n to_o nourish_v it_o i_o mean_v to_o
martyrdom_n end_v both_o together_o chap._n viii_o the_o interiour_n cross_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o obscurity_n the_o soul_n in_o the_o state_n of_o obscurity_n hardly_o know_v herself_o she_o be_v so_o change_v from_o what_o she_o be_v for_o in_o the_o state_n of_o enjoyment_n the_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o all_o her_o repugnance_n to_o suffering_n be_v quite_o lose_v in_o her_o present_a delight_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n feel_v no_o pain_n at_o all_o nothing_o hinder_v her_o repose_n she_o taste_v nothing_o but_o sweetness_n and_o have_v no_o sentiment_n unless_o of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o state_n of_o interiour_n suffer_v the_o supreme_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v absorp_v in_o the_o repugnance_n and_o disgust_n of_o nature_n her_o light_n be_v so_o surround_v with_o darkness_n that_o she_o be_v leave_v in_o obscurity_n and_o all_o her_o joy_n be_v take_v from_o she_o although_o she_o may_v be_v very_o well_o resign_v she_o imagine_v she_o be_v not_o for_o her_o intellectual_a conformity_n be_v cloud_v from_o she_o but_o she_o have_v always_o before_o her_o eye_n the_o revolt_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o contradiction_n she_o find_v to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n believe_v she_o have_v no_o intellectual_a resignation_n she_o become_v doubtful_a of_o her_o condition_n whereby_o she_o be_v much_o terrify_v and_o plunge_v in_o a_o sea_n of_o bitterness_n a_o soul_n in_o this_o state_n of_o misery_n be_v well_o please_v to_o god_n but_o she_o not_o know_v it_o remain_v full_a of_o doubt_n and_o sadness_n yet_o if_o you_o ask_v this_o soul_n if_o she_o be_v resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n she_o will_v ready_o reply_v yes_o and_o that_o she_o have_v rather_o die_v than_o not_o will_n what_o please_v god_n however_o this_o act_n of_o resignation_n do_v not_o free_v she_o from_o her_o fear_n because_o she_o will_v this_o in_o a_o manner_n without_o know_v it_o be_v she_o will._n our_o bless_a saviour_n by_o a_o admirable_a design_n of_o providence_n to_o purify_v this_o soul_n the_o more_o by_o her_o suffering_n hinder_v her_o reflection_n on_o this_o act_n of_o conformity_n and_o resignation_n so_o that_o she_o receive_v no_o comfort_n by_o this_o conformity_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o yet_o be_v not_o altogether_o leave_v in_o desolation_n but_o in_o this_o state_n she_o be_v please_v to_o god_n though_o she_o be_v much_o displease_v with_o herself_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o a_o soul_n in_o this_o state_n of_o obscurity_n be_v more_o faithful_a to_o god_n than_o in_o abundance_n of_o illumination_n to_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o thick_a darkness_n and_o believe_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n as_o firm_o as_o if_o they_o be_v clear_v up_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o great_a light_n and_o illustration_n do_v testify_v a_o extraordinary_a fidelity_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o a_o annihilation_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o a_o high_a esteem_n of_o god_n veracity_n what_o wonder_n be_v it_o to_o see_v god_n and_o his_o grandeur_n in_o abundance_n of_o light_n but_o to_o do_v this_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o darkness_n this_o be_v admirable_a happy_a be_v those_o soul_n who_o god_n conduct_n in_o this_o way_n let_v they_o not_o complain_v of_o their_o privation_n see_v this_o be_v to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v more_o glorify_v god_n and_o best_a testify_v their_o fidelity_n o_o my_o soul_n let_v we_o be_v in_o a_o indifferency_n for_o any_o condition_n for_o a_o state_n of_o light_n or_o darkness_n benedicite_fw-la lux_fw-la &_o tenebrae_fw-la domino_fw-la and_o if_o divine_a providence_n try_v we_o with_o obscurity_n let_v we_o be_v comfort_v and_o believe_v that_o god_n deal_v well_o with_o we_o esteem_v this_o privation_n as_o a_o favour_n from_o heaven_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n to_o be_v as_o well_o satisfy_v in_o darkness_n as_o in_o the_o splendour_n of_o paradise_n but_o if_o we_o make_v serious_a reflection_n that_o the_o perfection_n of_o christianity_n consist_v in_o a_o life_n of_o privation_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n it_o will_v be_v no_o matter_n of_o admiration_n behold_v s._n john_n live_v he_o not_o in_o a_o desert_n deprive_v of_o all_o thing_n his_o delight_n be_v austerity_n hunger_n poverty_n to_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o lose_v his_o life_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o hangman_n and_o which_o be_v more_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o conversation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n one_o of_o the_o great_a interior_a cross_n be_v to_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o our_o eye_n nevertheless_o there_o be_v something_o in_o this_o cross_n that_o make_v it_o lovely_a in_o that_o it_o put_v we_o in_o a_o more_o absolute_a dependence_n on_o god_n i_o have_v a_o devotion_n to_o be_v in_o the_o spiritual_a life_n what_o a_o blind_a man_n be_v in_o the_o corporal_n he_o go_v and_o come_v he_o talk_v to_o his_o friend_n he_o do_v his_o little_a affair_n he_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o all_o this_o without_o see_v his_o way_n or_o his_o friend_n or_o the_o room_n or_o heaven_n or_o earth_n only_o he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o conductor_n it_o be_v true_a to_o do_v all_o these_o action_n of_o our_o civil_a life_n in_o this_o sort_n be_v not_o so_o please_v but_o they_o be_v as_o real_o do_v as_o in_o the_o light_n so_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v without_o light_n do_v the_o action_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n not_o so_o pleasant_o indeed_o but_o yet_o true_o and_o perfect_o see_v she_o perform_v they_o in_o the_o annihilation_n of_o her_o light_n and_o proper_a satisfaction_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o a_o soul_n ought_v not_o to_o complain_v so_o much_o of_o the_o linger_n of_o this_o our_o pilgrimage_n where_o we_o live_v in_o the_o obscurity_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o so_o earnest_o desire_v the_o dissolution_n of_o this_o mortal_a body_n under_o pretence_n to_o see_v clear_o and_o be_v unite_v perfect_o to_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n for_o real_o i_o fear_v these_o complaint_n be_v not_o so_o innocent_a as_o we_o image_v see_v they_o may_v proceed_v from_o a_o disgust_n of_o suffering_n in_o a_o state_n of_o privation_n and_o so_o we_o be_v more_o concern_v for_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n than_o content_a with_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o heaviness_n of_o interior_a cross_n god_n sometime_o treat_v a_o soul_n in_o a_o manner_n as_o a_o reprobate_n banish_v she_o from_o his_o presence_n and_o deprive_v she_o of_o all_o enjoyment_n for_o more_o or_o less_o time_n as_o he_o think_v good_a during_o this_o state_n to_o preserve_v a_o perfect_a resignation_n to_o god_n will_v be_v to_o practice_v pure_a virtue_n and_o those_o soul_n must_v be_v very_o faithful_a that_o be_v capable_a thereof_o the_o soul_n in_o enjoyment_n be_v as_o if_o she_o be_v glorify_v she_o feel_v no_o trouble_n her_o passion_n neither_o disturb_v her_o peace_n nor_o darken_v her_o light_n she_o be_v full_a of_o contentment_n delight_v in_o god_n the_o creature_n do_v not_o divert_v she_o from_o the_o creator_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o seem_v to_o stop_v her_o course_n she_o present_o double_v her_o pace_n to_o hasten_v after_o her_o well-beloved_a be_v a_o tracted_a with_o the_o odour_n of_o his_o perfume_n but_o in_o the_o state_n of_o interiour_n suffer_v the_o soul_n become_v a_o captive_n load_v with_o iron_n buffet_v with_o temptation_n disturb_v with_o rebellious_a passion_n lose_v in_o extravagant_a thought_n so_o that_o she_o can_v draw_v near_o to_o god_n but_o like_o a_o poor_a criminal_a lie_v in_o a_o dark_a dungeon_n be_v leave_v to_o herself_o without_o any_o sensible_a relief_n this_o be_v her_o sad_a conditition_n in_o this_o miserable_a captivity_n without_o either_o divine_a or_o humane_a consolation_n the_o influence_n of_o heavenbeing_n withhold_v from_o she_o and_o the_o refreshment_n of_o earth_n deny_v she_o crucify_v between_o they_o both_o without_o help_n from_o either_o in_o this_o state_n the_o soul_n be_v in_o continual_a fear_n of_o offend_a god_n and_o fall_v from_o her_o spiritual_a exercise_n that_o she_o seek_v comfort_n from_o creature_n and_o be_v so_o injurious_a to_o her_o divine_a centre_n from_o who_o only_o she_o ought_v to_o receive_v repose_n and_o contentment_n however_o she_o may_v much_o honour_n god_n by_o these_o interior_a suffering_n if_o she_o thereby_o do_v homage_n to_o the_o dereliction_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o his_o torment_n on_o the_o cross_n the_o eminency_n of_o a_o supernatural_a life_n find_v matter_n of_o practice_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o suffering_n interior_a or_o exterior_a but_o methinks_v the_o soul_n can_v never_o be_v
vi_o of_o the_o mean_n that_o facilitate_v the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n whosoever_o be_v resolve_v to_o undertake_v the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n must_v expect_v to_o suffer_v all_o sort_n of_o temptation_n from_o satan_n who_o above_o all_o other_o hate_v the_o pray_v nation_n and_o no_o less_o from_o nature_n which_o have_v strange_a repugnance_n to_o so_o crucify_a a_o life_n and_o such_o exercise_n as_o elevate_v she_o above_o all_o her_o natural_a inclination_n and_o also_o from_o the_o world_n which_o do_v not_o relish_v at_o all_o so_o much_o solitude_n and_o mortification_n but_o we_o can_v be_v true_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n crucify_a without_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n to_o follow_v he_o a_o poor_a abject_a despise_a suffer_v life_n content_v with_o pure_a necessity_n for_o food_n and_o clothing_n be_v a_o good_a disposition_n to_o prayer_n it_o will_v very_o much_o dispose_v we_o to_o this_o holy_a exercise_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o suffer_a life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o pure_a virtue_n on_o all_o occasion_n to_o esteem_v the_o sacred_a folly_n of_o the_o cross_a the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o correspond_v to_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n against_o all_o opposition_n whatsoever_o that_o thwart_a the_o design_n of_o god_n and_o hinder_v the_o operation_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o we_o it_o be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o prayer_n to_o make_v it_o our_o sole_a and_o only_a business_n and_o doubtless_o of_o high_a concern_v see_v it_o be_v to_o do_v that_o on_o earth_n which_o the_o saint_n do_v in_o heaven_n to_o contemplate_v and_o love_v the_o beauty_n of_o god_n however_o if_o we_o have_v other_o affair_n at_o least_o we_o must_v make_v this_o the_o principal_a to_o which_o the_o rest_n ought_v to_o give_v place_n and_o not_o as_o alas_o too_o many_o do_v regulate_v our_o devotion_n by_o our_o secular_a affair_n why_o shall_v we_o overcharge_v ourselves_o with_o employment_n by_o offer_v our_o service_n to_o other_o on_o the_o pretence_n of_o charity_n martha_n who_o be_v very_o busy_a about_o the_o corporal_a service_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v reprove_v for_o trouble_v herself_o with_o so_o many_o distract_n office_n and_o her_o sister_n commend_v for_o attend_v to_o the_o only_a thing_n necessary_a the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o contemplation_n it_o be_v a_o good_a help_n to_o prayer_n not_o to_o engage_v ourselves_o in_o worldly_a concern_v nor_o in_o give_v or_o receive_v visit_n without_o necessity_n such_o as_o the_o oblation_n of_o charity_n or_o of_o our_o place_n and_o condition_n require_v of_o we_o if_o we_o be_v free_a to_o shun_v all_o entertainment_n that_o be_v dangerous_a or_o unprofitable_a and_o choose_v to_o converse_v with_o such_o who_o common_o discourse_v about_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a which_o consist_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n but_o all_o this_o must_v be_v so_o do_v as_o our_o discretion_n may_v not_o be_v call_v in_o question_n nor_o charity_n wound_v it_o be_v a_o important_a help_n to_o prayer_n to_o stand_v always_o upon_o our_o guard_n in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n or_o indisposition_n of_o health_n so_o as_o not_o whole_o to_o leave_v off_o our_o usual_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n under_o pretence_n to_o cherish_v the_o body_n we_o common_o yield_v too_o much_o to_o nature_n and_o so_o sometime_o in_o a_o short_a sickness_n we_o lose_v long_a habit_n of_o mortification_n which_o cost_v we_o dear_a in_o their_o acquisition_n prayer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v aside_o at_o such_o a_o time_n but_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o keep_v up_o our_o union_n with_o god_n by_o interiour_n act_n of_o virtue_n which_o require_v no_o strength_n of_o body_n nor_o gust_n of_o devotion_n but_o agree_v well_o enough_o with_o a_o state_n of_o trouble_n and_o dereliction_n it_o be_v asleep_o very_o profitable_a help_n to_o prayer_n to_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o do_v nothing_o of_o concern_v without_o a_o motion_n from_o god_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v in_o we_o to_o conduct_v we_o and_o we_o may_v safe_o follow_v such_o a_o leader_n this_o keep_v the_o soul_n in_o great_a purity_n which_o know_v the_o inspiration_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o internal_a peace_n sweetness_n and_o liberty_n that_o always_o more_o or_o less_o attend_v they_o and_o if_o she_o quit_v they_o to_o follow_v nature_n the_o secret_a sting_n of_o conscience_n tell_v she_o she_o have_v be_v unfaithful_a to_o god_n grace_n and_o retard_v her_o progress_n towards_o perfection_n it_o be_v a_o very_a necessary_a help_n to_o prayer_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o get_v a_o habit_n of_o be_v so_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o live_v only_o to_o god_n and_o in_o god_n her_o only_a centre_n and_o true_a repose_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o if_o she_o deviate_v therefrom_o to_o take_v a_o complacency_n in_o herself_o or_o any_o creature_n she_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o design_n of_o god_n i_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o bring_v our_o mind_n off_o from_o think_v on_o vain_a and_o worldly_a matter_n and_o to_o habituate_v the_o soul_n to_o strive_v against_o imperfection_n and_o adorn_v herself_o with_o all_o christian_a virtue_n however_o she_o must_v then_o reflect_v on_o her_o imperfection_n her_o good_a and_o evil_a inclination_n as_o she_o find_v the_o motion_n of_o grace_n to_o dictate_v to_o she_o she_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o capable_a of_o a_o more_o elevate_a degree_n of_o prayer_n and_o so_o her_o thought_n be_v profitable_o employ_v in_o this_o low_a exercise_n but_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o enter_v into_o she_o as_o to_o make_v she_o enter_v into_o he_o by_o a_o more_o intimate_a union_n her_o thought_n then_o must_v be_v all_o upon_o god_n and_o for_o he_o see_v he_o be_v only_o her_o true_a rest_n and_o repose_v many_o spiritual_a person_n fail_v herein_o not_o well_o observe_v the_o method_n and_o way_n of_o god_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o soul_n they_o have_v not_o a_o eye_n severe_a enough_o on_o their_o interiour_n to_o discover_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o examine_v and_o search_v and_o find_v out_o the_o least_o root_n of_o their_o imperfection_n this_o must_v be_v do_v and_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a in_o its_o season_n but_o when_o god_n call_v we_o to_o high_a elevation_n in_o prayer_n we_o must_v follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n or_o we_o shall_v never_o advance_v in_o the_o way_n of_o perfection_n chap._n vii_o that_o we_o must_v not_o presume_v of_o ourselves_o to_o attempt_v any_o manner_n of_o prayer_n but_o what_o be_v ordinary_a in_o our_o spiritual_a exercise_n we_o must_v ordinary_o prepare_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o prayer_n and_o converse_n with_o god_n this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o holy_a person_n and_o to_o do_v otherwise_o be_v to_o fail_v in_o our_o respect_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n if_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o a_o king_n or_o any_o person_n of_o quality_n we_o think_v thereon_o aforehand_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o have_v consideration_n of_o what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n this_o prepare_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n must_v be_v do_v some_o little_a time_n before_o we_o set_v upon_o the_o duty_n then_o we_o must_v lift_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o desire_v he_o to_o put_v into_o our_o mind_n what_o may_v be_v most_o please_v to_o he_o in_o our_o recollection_n and_o what_o ever_o it_o be_v to_o entertain_v it_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o dwell_v upon_o it_o unless_o god_n inspire_v we_o with_o some_o other_o matter_n that_o call_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o attention_n and_o fidelity_n for_o to_o comply_v with_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o quit_v the_o subject_a we_o have_v prepare_v for_o our_o exercise_n let_v we_o not_o soar_v above_o our_o ability_n but_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o matter_n for_o prayer_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o our_o spiritual_a state_n and_o we_o find_v by_o our_o interiour_n to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n let_v we_o never_o begin_v our_o prayer_n without_o ask_v god_n pardon_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n for_o to_o put_v ourselves_o into_o his_o sacred_a presence_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o he_o without_o a_o detestation_n of_o these_o imperfection_n wherewith_o we_o have_v displease_v he_o be_v to_o make_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n it_o be_v of_o very_o great_a importance_n to_o know_v how_o god_n usual_o conduct_n soul_n to_o perfection_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comply_v with_o the_o design_n of_o his_o grace_n all_o be_v not_o call_v
to_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o prayer_n and_o without_o a_o special_a vocation_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o but_o to_o the_o more_o ordinary_a way_n of_o devotion_n whether_o we_o converse_v with_o god_n by_o discursive_a consideration_n to_o raise_v our_o affection_n take_v some_o book_n to_o our_o assistance_n or_o whether_o we_o call_v to_o mind_v some_o subject_n wherein_o we_o former_o have_v find_v some_o gust_n and_o spiritual_a advantage_n let_v this_o be_v do_v with_o humility_n dependence_n and_o fidelity_n for_o a_o soul_n have_v no_o call_n from_o god_n to_o a_o more_o elevate_a prayer_n if_o she_o cease_v she_o own_o operation_n she_o cease_v to_o pray_o and_o fall_v into_o distraction_n or_o be_v guilty_a of_o idleness_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o she_o when_o she_o be_v raise_v from_o meditation_n by_o the_o working_n of_o god_n in_o she_o to_o prayer_n of_o contemplation_n it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o soul_n have_v place_v herself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o think_v on_o the_o subject_a she_o have_v prepare_v aught_o to_o meditate_v thereon_o with_o great_a attention_n of_o spirit_n but_o if_o god_n please_v to_o take_v her_o thought_n up_o with_o something_o else_o she_o ought_v without_o any_o disturbance_n leave_v she_o own_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n for_o when_o god_n be_v thus_o please_v to_o possess_v a_o soul_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o grace_n she_o ought_v to_o put_v no_o obstacle_n thereto_o which_o we_o do_v too_o often_o by_o our_o industry_n which_o seem_v to_o we_o necessary_a and_o without_o which_o we_o believe_v we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o when_o as_o then_o we_o shall_v give_v way_n to_o those_o divine_a operation_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v become_v more_o efficacious_a otherwise_o we_o have_v less_o respect_n for_o god_n than_o we_o will_v have_v for_o some_o earthly_a prince_n to_o who_o we_o speak_v with_o much_o reverence_n as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o audience_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o think_v good_a to_o speak_v we_o present_o be_v silent_a and_o give_v ear_n to_o his_o word_n with_o much_o attention_n and_o respect_n not_o presume_v in_o the_o least_o sort_n to_o interrupt_v he_o our_o principal_a affair_n be_v to_o serve_v god_n the_o vnum_fw-la necessarium_fw-la recommend_v to_o we_o by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o not_o to_o distract_v ourselves_o with_o too_o many_o exterior_a employment_n though_o good_a and_o lawful_a because_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v bind_v with_o a_o chain_n of_o gold_n it_o be_v no_o more_o at_o liberty_n to_o converse_v with_o god_n than_o if_o it_o be_v fetter_v with_o link_n of_o iron_n wherefore_o whatever_o we_o can_v do_v for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n let_v we_o do_v it_o with_o willingness_n of_o heart_n according_a to_o our_o talent_n and_o ability_n but_o above_o all_o we_o must_v have_v a_o esteem_n of_o prayer_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o practice_v it_o be_v firm_o persuade_v there_o be_v nothing_o whereby_o we_o can_v better_o serve_v god_n or_o more_o profit_n ourselves_o in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n for_o my_o part_n i_o in_o some_o sort_n more_o value_n prayer_n though_o imperfect_a than_o the_o best_a action_n that_o carry_v more_o of_o outward_a splendour_n and_o and_o seem_v more_o glorious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n we_o must_v therefore_o never_o be_v disgu_v with_o prayer_n nor_o quit_v the_o frequent_a exercise_n thereof_o because_o we_o to_o our_o think_n make_v little_a advancement_n therein_o but_o persevere_v faithful_o to_o practice_v it_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n we_o can_v and_o expect_v with_o patience_n the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n if_o we_o do_v our_o endeavour_n we_o have_v discharge_v our_o duty_n and_o obligation_n the_o servant_n that_o have_v but_o one_o talon_n be_v blame_v by_o his_o lord_n because_o he_o do_v not_o improve_v it_o by_o his_o industry_n when_o my_o soul_n be_v not_o in_o a_o temper_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n i_o use_v short_a reflection_n to_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o be_v most_o distasteful_a to_o i_o and_o i_o make_v a_o resolution_n to_o do_v it_o or_o set_v upon_o it_o present_o if_o i_o can_v as_o to_o converse_v with_o one_o from_o who_o i_o have_v a_o aversion_n or_o make_v some_o visit_n where_o i_o know_v i_o shall_v be_v much_o mortify_v that_o i_o may_v conquer_v myself_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o raise_v a_o continual_a war_n within_o i_o i_o have_v oftentimes_o by_o this_o facilit_v the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n god_n be_v please_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o dispose_v our_o heart_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o we_o offer_v violence_n to_o ourselves_o to_o surmount_v all_o difficulty_n chap._n viii_o how_o to_o pass_v from_o ordinary_a prayer_n to_o contemplation_n a_o soul_n that_o do_v not_o nourish_v in_o herself_o any_o voluntary_a imperfection_n have_v efficacious_a desire_n to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o jesus_n aught_o to_o be_v passive_a to_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o aspire_v after_o great_a simplicity_n by_o give_v a_o check_n to_o the_o discourse_n of_o her_o understanding_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o act_n in_o her_o will_n and_o affection_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o she_o ought_v to_o exercise_v herself_o in_o meditation_n and_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o prayer_n till_o god_n be_v please_v to_o raise_v she_o to_o contemplation_n but_o withal_o she_o must_v elevate_v herself_o as_o soon_o as_o she_o feel_v interior_a attract_v and_o shun_v a_o false_a humility_n which_o hinder_v we_o to_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n who_o communicate_v his_o grace_n to_o the_o perfect_a to_o augment_v their_o purity_n and_o to_o the_o imperfect_a to_o purify_v their_o soul_n from_o terrene_a desire_n in_o my_o judgement_n it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n to_o receive_v with_o humility_n the_o impression_n of_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o divine_a sun_n who_o ride_v in_o the_o interiour_n of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v he_o that_o can_v enlighten_v we_o without_o the_o succour_n of_o our_o discourse_n who_o inflame_v we_o with_o divine_a love_n without_o trouble_v our_o will_n with_o the_o production_n of_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o act_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n almost_o imperceptible_o make_v all_o virtue_n to_o grow_v ripe_a in_o we_o and_o arrive_v to_o perfection_n if_o a_o soul_n make_v it_o her_o work_n to_o mortify_v all_o her_o imperfection_n and_o desire_n to_o live_v a_o suffer_a life_n for_o prayer_n she_o need_v not_o much_o trouble_v herself_o god_n will_v do_v her_o work_n for_o she_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n above_o her_o hope_n and_o understanding_n god_n do_v not_o work_v this_o but_o in_o such_o a_o soul_n that_o free_o put_v herself_o into_o his_o hand_n with_o all_o submissive_a humility_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o he_o in_o this_o state_n of_o prayer_n the_o subject_n prepare_v for_o our_o exercise_n sometime_o may_v be_v useful_a sometime_o god_n suggest_v some_o other_o matter_n as_o he_o see_v best_o and_o the_o soul_n must_v peaceable_o comply_v with_o his_o communication_n we_o can_v give_v certain_a rule_n to_o such_o who_o be_v in_o this_o state_n of_o prayer_n god_n work_v in_o they_o as_o he_o please_v in_o different_a manner_n all_o the_o counsel_n can_v be_v give_v be_v to_o keep_v themselves_o in_o a_o entire_a indifferency_n to_o illustration_n or_o privation_n to_o sweetness_n or_o rigour_n nevertheless_o i_o believe_v we_o may_v profitable_o descend_v to_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o prayer_n when_o we_o have_v no_o overture_n to_o one_o more_o elevate_v but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v till_o we_o often_o knock_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o mercy_n with_o a_o holy_a importunity_n but_o if_o the_o bridegroom_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o please_v to_o vouchsafe_v we_o a_o kiss_n of_o his_o lip_n by_o contemplation_n let_v we_o keep_v ourselves_o at_o his_o foot_n by_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o meditation_n it_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o elevate_v a_o soul_n to_o a_o more_o perfect_a union_n with_o god_n to_o have_v in_o memory_n many_o universal_a verity_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o sacred_a humanity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 1._o as_o that_o god_n be_v omnipotent_a and_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n 2._o that_o his_o love_n to_o we_o be_v from_o eternity_n and_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o divine_a providence_n be_v watchful_a over_o we_o to_o conduct_v we_o to_o happiness_n 3._o that_o god_n be_v love_n require_v nothing_o of_o we_o but_o love_n and_o affection_n 4._o that_o god_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o can_v find_v no_o true_a repose_n but_o in_o he_o alone_o 5._o that_o grace_n and_o truth_n be_v
this_o interiour_n poverty_n and_o dereliction_n find_v that_o she_o have_v a_o call_n to_o interiour_n suffering_n she_o ought_v not_o to_o seek_v after_o sensible_a thing_n to_o raise_v she_o to_o god_n but_o courageous_o bear_v this_o interiour_n cross_n as_o long_o as_o it_o please_v her_o divine_a bridegroom_n to_o continue_v her_o trial_n this_o state_n be_v bitter_a indeed_o but_o withal_o purify_n and_o make_v a_o soul_n capable_a of_o more_o intimate_a union_n with_o god_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o sacred_a darkness_n of_o prayer_n on_o st._n mary_n magdalen_n day_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o my_o prayer_n change_v and_o become_v more_o simple_a more_o strong_a and_o elevate_v my_o spirit_n go_v on_o know_v god_n not_o by_o light_n or_o gust_n of_o devotion_n but_o by_o a_o certain_a darkness_n wherewith_o god_n be_v surround_v as_o with_o a_o cloud_n this_o darkness_n make_v i_o see_v that_o god_n can_v be_v know_v but_o be_v infinite_o above_o our_o understanding_n which_o can_v better_v know_v he_o then_o by_o acknowledge_v we_o can_v know_v he_o as_o he_o be_v at_o other_o time_n gust_n and_o light_n be_v instrumental_a to_o unite_v i_o to_o god_n but_o now_o this_o darkness_n only_o be_v my_o guide_n and_o my_o soul_n find_v herself_o lose_v in_o a_o profound_a ignorance_n of_o god_n yet_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o know_v he_o better_o than_o ever_o and_o i_o have_v no_o difficulty_n to_o contemplate_v god_n in_o this_o manner_n which_o leave_v in_o i_o deep_a impression_n of_o the_o divinity_n do_v also_o augment_v my_o interiour_n disposition_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o such_o like_a matter_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o at_o this_o time_n my_o prayer_n become_v more_o continual_a and_o i_o be_v much_o encourage_v with_o that_o say_n of_o st._n denis_n that_o this_o ignorance_n be_v the_o best_a and_o high_a knowledge_n we_o have_v here_o of_o god_n i_o therefore_o ready_o make_v my_o address_n to_o god_n in_o the_o aforesaid_a manner_n understand_v well_o that_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o god_n by_o this_o way_n be_v great_a than_o that_o we_o learn_v by_o discourse_n or_o light_n or_o gust_n in_o prayer_n to_o know_v we_o can_v know_v god_n be_v to_o know_v he_o as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v be_v know_v in_o this_o life_n his_o grandeur_n be_v infinite_o above_o our_o understanding_n and_o that_o our_o understanding_n may_v live_v whole_o to_o god_n it_o must_v die_v to_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o god_n who_o we_o see_v by_o naked_a faith_n in_o a_o luminous_a obscurity_n by_o this_o way_n god_n be_v more_o know_v and_o love_v than_o by_o many_o light_n and_o affection_n all_o which_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o obscurity_n of_o this_o sacred_a darkness_n which_o make_v a_o soul_n see_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v incomprehensible_a many_o good_a effect_n arise_v from_o hence_o as_o a_o profound_a joy_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n a_o firmness_n in_o our_o good_a resolution_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n a_o great_a love_n of_o self-denial_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o unspeakable_a humiliation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n one_o of_o the_o sure_a mark_n to_o know_v whether_o this_o prayer_n of_o darkness_n come_v from_o god_n be_v to_o see_v whether_o it_o leave_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o infidelity_n for_o the_o more_o we_o possess_v god_n the_o better_a we_o see_v the_o least_o imperfection_n as_o for_o example_n whether_o our_o intention_n be_v pure_a or_o nature_n have_v some_o interest_n with_o grace_n whether_o we_o too_o easy_o leave_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o other_o thing_n whether_o we_o comply_v with_o god_n inspiration_n or_o commit_v infidelity_n these_o and_o such_o like_o be_v clear_o see_v by_o this_o mean_n do_v much_o humble_v we_o and_o make_v we_o careful_a to_o amend_v they_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o disposition_n know_v nothing_o of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o lose_v herself_o in_o this_o darkness_n that_o surround_v his_o grandeurs_n this_o view_n with_o a_o view_n see_v nothing_o distinct_o of_o god_n in_o particalar_n but_o be_v a_o know_a ignorance_n of_o what_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o for_o though_o the_o excessive_a glory_n of_o this_o divine_a sun_n make_v his_o light_n inaccessible_a to_o our_o weak_a eye_n yet_o this_o darkness_n pierce_v our_o interiour_n and_o we_o know_v god_n in_o a_o transcendent_a manner_n by_o strong_a impression_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o be_v raise_v to_o a_o most_o intimate_a union_n with_o he_o god_n require_v of_o a_o soul_n great_a purity_n in_o this_o state_n this_o then_o be_v a_o excellent_a manner_n to_o take_v up_o our_o thought_n with_o god_n in_o our_o address_n to_o he_o by_o annihilate_v all_o our_o light_n and_o knowledge_n to_o get_v into_o this_o sacred_a darkness_n that_o surround_v his_o glory_n that_o be_v thus_o dead_a to_o our_o own_o ability_n we_o may_v confess_v that_o god_n be_v as_o much_o above_o our_o understanding_n as_o he_o be_v amiable_a above_o our_o affection_n thus_o to_o know_v god_n and_o confess_v he_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n and_o to_o love_n god_n and_o acknowledge_v we_o can_v love_v he_o according_a to_o his_o perfection_n be_v to_o live_v dead_a to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o ability_n and_o such_o god_n love_v best_a and_o know_v with_o approbation_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o light_n of_o prayer_n god_n sometime_o in_o prayer_n discover_v himself_o to_o a_o soul_n as_o the_o sun_n fill_v she_o with_o light_n by_o which_o and_o in_o which_o he_o be_v know_v and_o all_o other_o thing_n she_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o or_o which_o the_o omniscient_a be_v please_v to_o manifest_v to_o she_o we_o see_v well_o enough_o this_o light_n by_o which_o we_o know_v god_n but_o god_n himself_o be_v inaccessible_a as_o we_o behold_v the_o light_n of_o the_o natural_a sun_n and_o not_o the_o body_n thereof_o which_o blind_v our_o eye_n and_o by_o the_o benefit_n of_o its_o beam_n the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v make_v visible_a to_o we_o one_o bear_v blind_a imagine_v that_o if_o he_o can_v see_v the_o light_n he_o may_v see_v the_o sun_n but_o he_o will_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o this_o light_n will_v only_o serve_v to_o make_v he_o clear_o see_v that_o he_o can_v behold_v the_o sun_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o excessive_a brightness_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n when_o we_o be_v in_o interiour_n darkness_n we_o think_v we_o can_v know_v god_n better_o in_o the_o light_n and_o when_o this_o light_n come_v it_o only_o serve_v to_o let_v we_o see_v that_o god_n can_v be_v know_v by_o we_o in_o mortal_a body_n when_o in_o prayer_n i_o have_v a_o view_n of_o god_n or_o some_o of_o his_o perfection_n of_o jesus_n or_o some_o of_o his_o disposition_n or_o maxim_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o all_o these_o object_n have_v a_o particular_a light_n in_o they_o which_o serve_v much_o to_o discover_v their_o excellency_n to_o the_o soul_n but_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o these_o verity_n namely_o we_o must_v slay_v from_o evil_a and_o do_v good_a hate_v sin_n and_o embrace_v virtue_n and_o such_o like_a as_o consider_v bare_o in_o themselves_o have_v no_o particular_a light_n in_o they_o to_o manifest_v their_o goodness_n but_o their_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n be_v discover_v to_o we_o by_o help_n of_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n as_o those_o body_n which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o sun_n see_v not_o themselves_o but_o by_o the_o light_n thereof_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o believe_v it_o be_v best_a for_o a_o soul_n to_o take_v up_o her_o thought_n with_o god_n and_o those_o verity_n that_o regard_v he_o or_o with_o jesus_n and_o christian_a truth_n as_o resident_a in_o this_o sacred_a breast_n by_o this_o mean_v the_o heart_n and_o affection_n will_v be_v much_o inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o adore_v and_o serve_v he_o and_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o sort_n of_o prayer_n be_v simple_a and_o do_v not_o put_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o labour_n of_o much_o discourse_n for_o any_o divine_a perfection_n and_o the_o exterior_a effect_n thereof_o be_v see_v by_o she_o at_o once_o by_o a_o singular_a act_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o she_o may_v consider_v the_o omnipotency_n by_o its_o self_n or_o together_o with_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n she_o may_v behold_v and_o adore_v the_o divine_a providence_n by_o itself_o together_o with_o its_o admirable_a effect_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o universe_n the_o soul_n herein_o need_v not_o multiply_v discourse_n but_o may_v behold_v all_o this_o at_o one_o prospect_n when_o we_o meditate_v on_o any_o christian_a verity_n as_o for_o example_n the_o excellency_n of_o poverty_n without_o the_o relation_n it_o